SE WI, what line of stores carry handguns? Only found gandermountain so far
- Thread starter dxkj21
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45Badger
Member
Dam Road Gun Shop, just outside of Delavan.
Very fair prices on new guns, fair to occasionally amazing on used or consignment guns. Very helpful guys.
Very fair prices on new guns, fair to occasionally amazing on used or consignment guns. Very helpful guys.
Monkeyleg
Member.
You don't say where in SE Wisconsin you live, but you can get a start by viewing the map on my site here.
There's also Shooters Sports Center in Caledonia, north of Racine; Deerfield Pistol and Archery Center between Milwaukee and Madison; Jalensky's in Kenosha; Mastermen's (just outside Kenosha); Midwest Shooters Supply (Between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac); and more. There's some really tiny shops, too.
For handguns, The Shooters Shop in Milwaukee beats everybody else. And I'm not just saying that because they're my friends. They've got over 900 guns in stock, and probably more than two-thirds of those are handguns. Everything from S&W's to Kimbers to Les Baers and Ed Browns. I don't think there's another store in the state that has as many handguns as they do.
There's also Shooters Sports Center in Caledonia, north of Racine; Deerfield Pistol and Archery Center between Milwaukee and Madison; Jalensky's in Kenosha; Mastermen's (just outside Kenosha); Midwest Shooters Supply (Between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac); and more. There's some really tiny shops, too.
For handguns, The Shooters Shop in Milwaukee beats everybody else. And I'm not just saying that because they're my friends. They've got over 900 guns in stock, and probably more than two-thirds of those are handguns. Everything from S&W's to Kimbers to Les Baers and Ed Browns. I don't think there's another store in the state that has as many handguns as they do.
Racine WI, I've been to shooters (about 7 miles from racine) and shot some 9's and 22's there
I was planning on going up to the West Allis Shooters that has a large supply of handguns. Their range is a bit expensive, $15 for an hour and then another $10 to rent a handgun (trying to try out a bit of stuff)
Called shooters and got
CZ 75 B at shooters = $469
CZ 85 combat= $569
Online I can find the same ones for at least $100 less, kinda sucks because I would rather order locally heh (even minus FFL and shipping 60+ less)
I was planning on going up to the West Allis Shooters that has a large supply of handguns. Their range is a bit expensive, $15 for an hour and then another $10 to rent a handgun (trying to try out a bit of stuff)
Called shooters and got
CZ 75 B at shooters = $469
CZ 85 combat= $569
Online I can find the same ones for at least $100 less, kinda sucks because I would rather order locally heh (even minus FFL and shipping 60+ less)
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GMark
Member
I bought a pistol from Gander Mountain and was very pleased with the service. Not only is it the closest retailer to my residence that sells firearms, they were also the cheapest -- at least for my Ruger. I found my Ruger for ~ $60 cheaper than the 'franchise range and pro-shop' and 'Mom & Pop's' in the area.
The whole process took < 1/2 hour from pulling it out of the display case to me departing with the pistol.
Gander Mountain gets my nod.
The whole process took < 1/2 hour from pulling it out of the display case to me departing with the pistol.
Gander Mountain gets my nod.
Monkeyleg
Member.
dxkj21, yes, The Shooters Shop is more expensive than other indoor ranges. That's because the owner has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and other amenities.
There is no indoor range in this part of the state that measures up.
As for their prices, well, they're carrying more guns than probably any shop in the state. That means that the inventory is costing the owner money, either in terms of interest from the bank, or lost interest on money that he could invest in a CD, money market fund, or other vehicle.
I have stores on my site that have almost no guns in stock, but their claim to fame is that they can order in almost any gun you want, and for less than their competitors. If you don't mind buying a particular gun without handling or seeing it, that's fine.
If you want to handle, look at, or just sit there and compare one gun to another, it needs to be in stock. And that costs the store owner money.
There is no indoor range in this part of the state that measures up.
As for their prices, well, they're carrying more guns than probably any shop in the state. That means that the inventory is costing the owner money, either in terms of interest from the bank, or lost interest on money that he could invest in a CD, money market fund, or other vehicle.
I have stores on my site that have almost no guns in stock, but their claim to fame is that they can order in almost any gun you want, and for less than their competitors. If you don't mind buying a particular gun without handling or seeing it, that's fine.
If you want to handle, look at, or just sit there and compare one gun to another, it needs to be in stock. And that costs the store owner money.
Oh yeah, Im not arguing the need for higher prices.. but I can go to those stores, handle/feel the guns, and then order the same model online instead.... I don't think that's me being a jerk, just me being wise with my money... especially if it costs me $40+ to see/hold the gun and shoot 100 rounds down range in an hour...
I will definitely have to stop by and take a look at their range though , it sounds nice
I will definitely have to stop by and take a look at their range though , it sounds nice
Monkeyleg
Member.
dxkj21, the owner of The Shooters Shop pays his employees very well. Because they know what they're talking about. Each employee is an expert in a particular area.
But you're telling me that you'll go take up the salesperson's time (which is the owner's money) to get the advice you need, and then go buy it online?
OK, so you've now wham-bam-thank-you-mam'ed the local store. And you get your gun from somebody who operates out of his basement, and who sells for bottom dollar by not having the gun in stock, but by ordering it for you. Maybe it takes a week, maybe two, maybe more.
And you get your gun.
And it doesn't work properly.
And Mr. Wham-bam doesn't give a rat's ass. It's your problem now.
Whereas, if you'd spent the extra dollars to buy from a storefront shop, they'd be on the phone with the manufacturer demanding that you get your gun back, functioning properly, in a matter of days.
True story: a customer at The Shooters Shop bought a Kel-Tec with the belt clip. The gun had problems with removing the magazine, and with extraction.
The sales guy didn't miss a beat: he gave the customer a brand-new Kel-Tec. No questions asked.
Try getting that kind of service out of Gander Mountain. You won't. Want to know how I know you won't? Because one of the Shooters Shop's guys used to work for Gander Mountain, and he has horror stories a mile long. And I've heard others as well.
In fact, I hear these horror stories every day from both gun buyers and gun shop owners. (Phone calls and emails are my job, to the extent that I have one).
Same thing with Wally-World guns. Get 'em for less but, if there's a problem, you deal with it.
It's the "pimple" problem: I don't want to deal with a pimple-faced kid who knows less about guns than I do, and doesn't have the clout to tell the manager that he has a ticked-off customer.
It's also a simple fact of life: you get what you pay for, either on the front end (price) or on the back end (service).
But you're telling me that you'll go take up the salesperson's time (which is the owner's money) to get the advice you need, and then go buy it online?
OK, so you've now wham-bam-thank-you-mam'ed the local store. And you get your gun from somebody who operates out of his basement, and who sells for bottom dollar by not having the gun in stock, but by ordering it for you. Maybe it takes a week, maybe two, maybe more.
And you get your gun.
And it doesn't work properly.
And Mr. Wham-bam doesn't give a rat's ass. It's your problem now.
Whereas, if you'd spent the extra dollars to buy from a storefront shop, they'd be on the phone with the manufacturer demanding that you get your gun back, functioning properly, in a matter of days.
True story: a customer at The Shooters Shop bought a Kel-Tec with the belt clip. The gun had problems with removing the magazine, and with extraction.
The sales guy didn't miss a beat: he gave the customer a brand-new Kel-Tec. No questions asked.
Try getting that kind of service out of Gander Mountain. You won't. Want to know how I know you won't? Because one of the Shooters Shop's guys used to work for Gander Mountain, and he has horror stories a mile long. And I've heard others as well.
In fact, I hear these horror stories every day from both gun buyers and gun shop owners. (Phone calls and emails are my job, to the extent that I have one).
Same thing with Wally-World guns. Get 'em for less but, if there's a problem, you deal with it.
It's the "pimple" problem: I don't want to deal with a pimple-faced kid who knows less about guns than I do, and doesn't have the clout to tell the manager that he has a ticked-off customer.
It's also a simple fact of life: you get what you pay for, either on the front end (price) or on the back end (service).
tater_salad
Member
I couldn't agree more with monkeyleg. I am a newer customer to shooter shop, but my experiences there thus far have far surpassed my expectations. I went in there to buy my first handgun, and honestly was a little intimidated at first but I just went and started asking the first sales guy I saw a bunch of questions. He (Pete) was extremely knowledgeable and listened to my needs and concerns and made a recommendation to me that was not even in my original 'list.' I probably took up a good 45 minutes to an hour of his time that day. I went home and researched the XD-9 and found that a large majority of the owners love the guns and that they are acurate, reliable, comfortable, etc. Anyways, I went back in to talk to Pete again, and he spent even more time with me, he set me up to shoot in their range, and took the time and patients to explain everything to me. I lucked out even further, the day I went in to shoot the XD-9, a Springfield rep happened to be there and he even took a good half-hour out of his day to go down with me to the range and help me shoot (second time I'd ever fired a handgun). To make a long story short, the customer service and respect you will get at shooter shop far outweighs the prices of any of their products (I still payed under MSRP for my gun after taxes and the federal firearm fee, so I'm happy about that too). Customer service like that goes along way, not only did they sell one gun that day, I brought in two of my friends (so far) and they each brought a pistol too, so if that doesn't say something for their reputation, I don't know what will. Sorry for the long rave, but in my eyes, shooter shop and their employees deserve it, and I feel lucky to live 10 minutes away from them 
Shooters Sports in Racine is expensive. I don't buy many guns there but I do buy primers or bullets or something every time I go. Having an indoor range less than 10 minutes from my house is a plus, they also support the local USPSA winter league. I appreciate the closeness and support, so in turn I support them with my purchases. Speaking of winter league the first shoot of the year is tonight, bring a gun, holster, several mags/speedloaders, eyes and ears, and 100-150 rounds. Show up by 6:30 pm, let them know you are new or ask for me (Howard) and we will get you set up and ready to shoot.
Monkey- I don't think it is wrong to go to a shop with the express purpose of learning more about the products they sell, and then, if they can't offer competetive prices, go somewhere else....
But if I do, I will end up, as you said, paying less for a gun, and then having less customer service, it is a trade off...
If Shooters has exactly what I want in stock, more than likely I will buy from them. If I have to wait for them to order it in, it makes more sense to just get one online, and if I run into problems deal with the manufacturer warranty. (maybe?) This is my first handgun, so I'm really new to all of this.
Thanks again for your responses, theyve given me a bit to think about.
[q]I still payed under MSRP for my gun after taxes and the federal firearm fee, so I'm happy about that too). [/q]
I know there are taxes + 8 background check. how much is the federal firearm fee that you had to pay?
But if I do, I will end up, as you said, paying less for a gun, and then having less customer service, it is a trade off...
If Shooters has exactly what I want in stock, more than likely I will buy from them. If I have to wait for them to order it in, it makes more sense to just get one online, and if I run into problems deal with the manufacturer warranty. (maybe?) This is my first handgun, so I'm really new to all of this.
Thanks again for your responses, theyve given me a bit to think about.
[q]I still payed under MSRP for my gun after taxes and the federal firearm fee, so I'm happy about that too). [/q]
I know there are taxes + 8 background check. how much is the federal firearm fee that you had to pay?
Personally I`d rather buy a gun I can see and handle. That means a local store. I do like some of the prices I see on the web, but when you figure in shipping, insurance and FFL transfer fees the discount becomes much smaller in most cases. I don`t know what the shops in your area charge but to transfer a gun in my area it runs from $40 - $60 and one place once quoted me 10% of purchase price.
Once you pay these fees and figure non-tangables like service, handling the gun and possibly test firing, the prices become much more comparable.
Once you pay these fees and figure non-tangables like service, handling the gun and possibly test firing, the prices become much more comparable.
Joe- Yup, that is one of the reasons I would be more likely to buy from a shop... Around here I can get shipping for around $15 from most places, and a FFL transfer of $20, so about$35 different
This isnt simply a case of me being cheap or frugal... if I save $60 on the gun, thats 3 more times and 300 more rounds that I can shoot at the range. Im putting my wife through grad school right now, and Ive been saving up for my first handgun... chances are whatever I get I wont have another gun for a few years, other than the .22LR handgun I will get for my wife so she can shoot with me sometimes... (and that I will shoot when Im poorer
I like to find good deals, but I also like to give people money who deserve it... its just finding the proper balance that is important. IE if the gun was only $30 more locally vs $100 more.... I have to be financially responsible.
This isnt simply a case of me being cheap or frugal... if I save $60 on the gun, thats 3 more times and 300 more rounds that I can shoot at the range. Im putting my wife through grad school right now, and Ive been saving up for my first handgun... chances are whatever I get I wont have another gun for a few years, other than the .22LR handgun I will get for my wife so she can shoot with me sometimes... (and that I will shoot when Im poorer
I like to find good deals, but I also like to give people money who deserve it... its just finding the proper balance that is important. IE if the gun was only $30 more locally vs $100 more.... I have to be financially responsible.
tater_salad
Member
When I said I payed the federal firearm fee, I was talking about the background check fee. It is $13.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Just one more comment about gun prices at the shops here in WI.
Most try to get about 15% over their cost on a gun. Compared with other retail businesses, that's a paltry figure.
Ever see the 1/2 off ads for furniture stores, etc? If they're selling for 1/2 of their usual price, and still making a profit, what's their profit margin on their everyday prices?
Also, I'm not aware of any shop here that charges anything close to MSRP. A pistol with a MSRP of maybe $625 will sell for $480 or so.
Most try to get about 15% over their cost on a gun. Compared with other retail businesses, that's a paltry figure.
Ever see the 1/2 off ads for furniture stores, etc? If they're selling for 1/2 of their usual price, and still making a profit, what's their profit margin on their everyday prices?
Also, I'm not aware of any shop here that charges anything close to MSRP. A pistol with a MSRP of maybe $625 will sell for $480 or so.
Yeah I gotcha, it seems like a tough business to be in.
I found out that the $15 range fee is because of the higher insurance cost now...
I went and visited Shooters in West Allis today, see my other thread for how I fared
Right now Im looking around and making a decision I was "this" close to buying the CZ 75 B Two -tone they have today, have to make sure my wife didnt spend too much shopping today
I found out that the $15 range fee is because of the higher insurance cost now...
I went and visited Shooters in West Allis today, see my other thread for how I fared
Right now Im looking around and making a decision I was "this" close to buying the CZ 75 B Two -tone they have today, have to make sure my wife didnt spend too much shopping today
Jadecristal
Member
Gander Mountain
Hmmm... let's have more fun abusing Gander Mountain's reputation.
My last purchase (with the exception of a rifle for my mom's birthday - have to get the whole family involved) from Gander Mountain was a Steyr M9, closeout, since Steyr is updating the design. Sometime between when I *paid*, and was holding the gun and a magazine for it in my hand, and the time that I picked it up under the state mandated two-day waiting period, the only magazine included with the gun "disappeared." Even CALLing the guy who made the sale to me at home didn't make it show up.
I wanted another one, but the only thing they had was a somewhat gummy-on-the-side magazine from a used M9. I quite reluctantly took it, and a box of ammo "free" for my trouble. I then felt the need to order some new magazines (that were standard capacity too, and one more crippled one - cheaper) online.
Point being, I really no longer trust them, and they've annoyed me quite a lot.
Hmmm... let's have more fun abusing Gander Mountain's reputation.
My last purchase (with the exception of a rifle for my mom's birthday - have to get the whole family involved) from Gander Mountain was a Steyr M9, closeout, since Steyr is updating the design. Sometime between when I *paid*, and was holding the gun and a magazine for it in my hand, and the time that I picked it up under the state mandated two-day waiting period, the only magazine included with the gun "disappeared." Even CALLing the guy who made the sale to me at home didn't make it show up.
I wanted another one, but the only thing they had was a somewhat gummy-on-the-side magazine from a used M9. I quite reluctantly took it, and a box of ammo "free" for my trouble. I then felt the need to order some new magazines (that were standard capacity too, and one more crippled one - cheaper) online.
Point being, I really no longer trust them, and they've annoyed me quite a lot.
GregGry
Member
The shooters shop is my favorite gun store, by far. The range is awesome, the people that work there know a lot about guns, and they are polite. They will be getting lots of money from me in the future
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