we need more small gun stores!

[Axis II]

I made a trip to cabelas tonight for some primers and again had to look over a couple monte carlo stocks and classic style stocks before I order my boyds stock to make sure I get the right one. I took their stupid number and noticed I was #70 and the board said #60 but no customers at the counter. I waited for about 10minutes as one guy walked away without asking if I needed anything and 3 more came out of the back room and seen me standing there just wanting a box or 2 of primers and they all 3 headed back into the back room. Getting ticked I told the one guy I needed help. He explained he was new and wasn't supposed to help anyone alone. I took it easy on him and asked for the primers but they weren't priced so I asked him to look it up. His "trainer" blew the poor guy off and he finally got me a price. I then asked to see several scopes in which the guy said he wasn't allowed to have keys he would go get his "trainer" He comes back and says the "trainer" is getting the keys. 10min later he leaves and comes back with keys and shows me a few scopes. I asked about 2 rifles that had monte carlo stocks and he said he was sorry but didn't know what that meant. The trainer came back out the guy asked him a question and he again left this poor guy hanging. The new guy says he doesn't know much about hunting guns as he's more a tactical gun guy.

I spent literally 25-30min between waiting on someone to help me and looking at 3 scopes. I was very happy with the service the new guy gave but the other 3 guys blew everyone off. Another customer was #60 and asked the "trainer" about something and he said hang on a second and went to the back room and never came back out and the customer left. I seen a guy in the gun library so asked him about the rifles and what he thought about monte carlo vs classic for my rifle and he was more than happy to help and took the time to answer my questions and let me know based on my scope, rifle and rings what he would recommend. I later found out the "trainer" and other guys were more worried about helping a customer who just purchased a $400 scope and $700 rifle.

I then was trying to find a special tick repellent cabelas is supposed to carry and couldn't find a soul to help me with everything being scattered all over the place. Gun cleaning stuffs 10 aisle away from guns combined with archery and camping's combined with fishing. 1 register open and I finally made it out of there with 1 pack of primers in 45min.

I really wish more local gun shops stayed open. I drove by one who use to be pretty prominent in my area owning 3 shops and now he's down to 1. The other one was sold and one closed. They cant compete with box stores prices and fancy stuff to draw you in. I found j frame grips at the mom and pop store on clearance and the guys even helped me install them. I get box store people are mostly there cause its a job but they need more experience people.

 

[1911 guy]

This is why i don't buy guns online or at big box stores. I bought a few at the "Marts" (Wal and K) decades ago. But I soon figured out that the extra few bucks was worth it to keep local places going. I can see not patronizing a shop that has lousy service. But if you're lucky enough to have a good one nearby (I have two within 20 minutes) give them your gun money. Don't give them your scraps and then act surprised when they can't stay afloat.

 

[Axis II]

This is why i don't buy guns online or at big box stores. I bought a few at the "Marts" (Wal and K) decades ago. But I soon figured out that the extra few bucks was worth it to keep local places going. I can see not patronizing a shop that has lousy service. But if you're lucky enough to have a good one nearby (I have two within 20 minutes) give them your gun money. Don't give them your scraps and then act surprised when they can't stay afloat.

I try and support them but prices are way too high on most things. 9mm is like $15, everyone else wants $10-11. I don't make a heck of a lot of money so have to penny pinch on some things. All my guns were bought at a larger mom and pop store for the most part. 1 handgun from gander cause it was dirt cheap, one shotgun at gander cause it was used and dirt cheap, and all the others at fin feather fur. He started with a one room shack and now owns about 5 large stores. the other mom and pop stores don't do deals like fin does. my 45-70 was purchased for $225 when Ohio legalized them fin put them on a big sale. my 223's were built by savage for fin and they have great deals on them. he's very fair with prices and great service and its supporting a local business even if he's got 5 stores. I will never buy any guns from Cabela's as they are way too high. It just seems like this day and age is AR-15 and tricked out handguns and that's all anyone knows anything about.

 

[S&W629]

"I really wish more local gun shops stayed open. I drove by one who use to be pretty prominent in my area owning 3 shops and now he's down to 1. The other one was sold and one closed. They cant compete with box stores prices and fancy stuff to draw you in."

this sums it up

 

[Acera]

They dropping like flies around here. In a LGS yesterday and it looks like they haven't sold a gun in weeks. I will be surprised if they make the summer.


.

 

[1911 guy]

Ohihunter, I understand money being tight. I'm a working stiff myself. Have you asked about discounts for buying a case? I don't buy ammo often. When I do, it's case lots. One of the two shops i go to offers 10% off if you pay cash for a case.

 

[Tcruse]

In this area the LGS that sell at Gun Shows seem to do well. Many of the places where you see people lined up to fill out the 4473 forms are smaller dealers. The smaller stores also many times will "dicker" with you on terms and prices.
I buy from the big stores like Cabelas when they have sales on something that use often. Every time I return from the range I drive past the local Cabelas and stop to see what is cheap today. When you see something cheap, like bullets, primers, or powder get it and stock at home. I have through the years found some real bargains, however, going their to buy right at the time you need it does not usually work out well. For regular priced items, like 9mm/.45ACP ammo is available at my range for a better price.

 

[BSA1]

Just a couple of friendly tips about shopping at Cabelas.

First they run a lot of sales. Their in-store sales are also on their website.

Second you can order merchandise, including stuff on sale, off of their website and have it delivered to the store for you to pick-up without any shipping charges. This has become my preferred way of shopping at Cabelas. I don't have to worry about the items being in stock at the store or running all over the store trying to find something.

 

[browningguy]

We can all wish, but it's highly unlikely to happen. The economics are just too weak. The great majority of people are cheap and just want the absolute cheapest price, so they order it online from a company that doesn't have to pay for a store, and staff, etc., then they only want to pay the local shop $10 for the transfer, because "it's only a couple of minutes work and they should be happy to do it, I might spend an extra $3.95 buying a gizmo from them"...ignore the cost of just being open for business with insurance, rent, utilities, hoping to feed your family.

Don't get me wrong, they still expect excellent service with highly knowledgeable staff waiting on them hand and foot, but they want it for free.

 

[Solomonson]

Retail rent for small shops is $4.00/square foot/month around here. It's tough to make a go of it selling guns at that sorta overhead. Better to get into something with ridiculous margins -- like shoes.

I think a real sharp wheeler-dealer could make a go of it by buying/selling/consigning used guns -- both in their shop and online, maybe add pawn and some gunsmithing services, but the days of making a living by buying from a wholesaler and reselling it retail on a low margin set-up are quickly going away.

 

[kozak6]

I supported two local gun shops. One had fair prices, but no selection. The other had a decent selection, but was somewhat expensive. Both closed up.

At my new house, I'm less than a mile from a small gunshop. They price over MSRP. Not at MSRP, but well over it. I'd like to support them, but they don't make it easy. I may not darken their door again.

 

[Jeff H]

If you're local economy can support it, the larger real gun stores are what you should be pushing for. Not Mom and Pop shops that charge a ridiculous premium.

We have a couple of these in the city and they have a great selection at decent prices and what we've seen is that the other local gun stores have had to step up their game to compete. A couple have done that and are doing quite well. I'm sure others haven't and are struggling.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I have a dealer here that does mostly internet sales. He's about an hour's drive from me. I go to his website and order a gun with my Visa card. I have the option of shipping it to an FFL or shipping it to him. I just ship it to him and pick it up. No transfer fee (I'm in WA) or shipping costs. He doesn't stock much of anything, just has lots of distributors and a website that shows availability. This is the same model Buds Gun Shop uses. They maintain a website but don't stock anything.

Another LGS closer to me stocks guns but several big names are missing like Remington and Howa. It's a good place to buy used but not much selection new.

I've only purchased one gun from Cabela's on a closeout dirt cheap. I'm pretty sure I got it a few bucks over the distributors price. Most of the time there isn't anyone behind the counter to help me so I don't buy anything there that requires assistance. Cabelas has always been a bad experience for me in the gun department. I could relate a few stories but what's the point. It just isn't a good place to buy a firearm or much of anything else for that matter. I don't know why anyone would shop there. I think their days are numbered to be honest.

 

[Officers'Wife]

Penny wise and pound foolish people. When I bought my hubby's rifle as a welcome home present I was told I paid far too much for it by several persons. However, the owner steered me away from a completely inappropriate weapon and not only did some minor prep work but threw in 2 boxes of ammunition. When I took the plunge into reloading the owner was a great source of basic information and even dipped into his personal supply of popular powder for a small bribe of the promise of homemade blackberry muffins.

The place(s) where I would have saved 20 - 50 dollars I would have been forgotten the moment I wrote my check and if something were wrong with the weapon would have recommended sending to the factory for the minor problems.

My Gramps had a phrase he repeated often - Quality costs, if you want nice clean oats you will pay a price for them. If you don't mind those that have already come through the horse well that comes a great deal cheaper.

 

[Mn Fats]

I only ever buy guns from my LGS. Not because I'm supporting local business but because the prices have always beat big box stores. Simple as that. There are added perks too though. Phone calls about say a Dan Wesson pistol pac that wandered into the shop. Free targets. Great service.

 

[Jeff H]

This is the same model Buds Gun Shop uses. They maintain a website but don't stock anything.

.

You apparently haven't been to Bud's Gun Shop. They have a huge stock inventory of both new and used guns. Not near as large as their online store, but very sizable.

 

[entropy]

Yes, we do. We don't need ones that:
Will offer insulting prices when buying, then set the selling price higher than MSRP.
Tell you "A <insert pistol brand/type here> is the only one to have."
Won't buy, sell, or display milsurps or AR's, AK's,etc. (Yes, they are out there)
Only sell AR's and AK's.
The counter help is the owners' nephew who learned everything he knows of guns from Call of Duty. Or worse, that's the gunsmith.
Take a gun in for a simple parts replacement and get it done 6 months later, or worse, get it done quick, but forget to call. (Been on both ends of that one.)
When you com in asking for a specific gun, try to sell sell you a <insert gun brand & caliber here> because they have 50 in the back.
When you come in asking for an inappropriate gun for your needs, sell it to you to get rid of it. (I've told that story here before; guy wanted a 7mm Wby. for deer in central MN, because his buddy used one. I sold him a WIn. 94, and the shop owner was pissed because he had a 7mm Wby. Weatherby in back that had sat there forever. New shooter, had used a 94 before, not going out West. )
Spout politics/religion. I might agree with them, but I don't need to hear it there, and there are actually people who disagree with them that buy guns and gun stuff, too.
Gouge .22 prices, Many did, and my LGS still does.
Don't open an action when they hand a gun to you, and look annoyed when you do.
Have signs in the store that say " Keep you hands in plain sight at all times, Employees are armed." MN Fats knows which one I mean.

 

[Captcurt]

I don't try to compete anymore. There are a couple of LGS that have good prices and have better sale reps who take care of them. They make 10% on a new gun and the majority of their income comes from accessories. Now I rely upon consignment online sales. I can make more on someone else's used guns than I can on a new one of my own and don't have the overhead or inventory that the local stores have. We don't have a larger store than Wally World, but there are probably a dozen stores that sell guns here. It is a hard row to hoe.

 

[Moparnut]

I am lucky. My local gun store has competitive prices on almost everything they sell. If it's within $20 of a box store, I will buy from them without haggling. I really believe in supporting local businesses. Alot of smaller stores also offer layaway, most box stores do not. Lastly, I buy used guns mainly. I believe smaller stores thrive on used stuff, it brings in more money than new and mine usually knocks off about another 5-10%. The guy at the counter always says, "let me help you make your decision," then knocks the price down.

 

[Meplat 308]

I always try to shop as far down the "food chain" as possible. BUT, I moved (25 years ago) to where I'm the guy with the funny accent so the LGS attempted to take advantage of me. I'll only ask once for someone to take my hard earned money. Try to screw me or ridicule me and I'll never give you another penny.

The only consolation is at least I'm not giving my $$ to a chain or box store. I'd rather drive 40 minutes to some other LGS where my business is appreciated. Plus I get to have a cuppa joe and enjoy a good cigar on the way.

 

[Legionnaire]

So what's the margin on a new gun, anyway? I've been frequenting a small LGS that seems to be quite content stocking some used guns, a handful of new ones, and charging a reasonable transfer fee. Of course the owner is quite happy to order a new gun for you, but I'm guessing that the majority of guns through the shop were bought elsewhere and transferred. He stocks some ammo, some accessories, etc., but his display area is smaller than my office and adjoining conference room.

A guy whose been in the auto industry for 30 years tells me that dealers make far more money on dealer add-ons and financing than they do on the sale of the car. Can an LGS make it on transfers, ammo, and accessories?

 

[Twiki357]

After reading these posts, I really feel lucky. I have 5 local gun shops and two FFL pawn shops within a five mile radius of my house and two of the shops would be in walking distance if the street went through. All but one prices their guns at reasonable market prices.

 

[hdwhit]

I made a trip to cabelas tonight for some primers and again had to look over a couple monte carlo stocks and classic style stocks before I order my boyds stock to make sure I get the right one. I took their stupid number and noticed I was #70 and the board said #60 but no customers at the counter. I waited for about 10minutes as one guy walked away without asking if I needed anything and 3 more came out of the back room and seen me standing there just wanting a box or 2 of primers and they all 3 headed back into the back room. Getting ticked I told the one guy I needed help. He explained he was new and wasn't supposed to help anyone alone. I took it easy on him and asked for the primers but they weren't priced so I asked him to look it up. His "trainer" blew the poor guy off and he finally got me a price. I then asked to see several scopes in which the guy said he wasn't allowed to have keys he would go get his "trainer" He comes back and says the "trainer" is getting the keys. 10min later he leaves and comes back with keys and shows me a few scopes. I asked about 2 rifles that had monte carlo stocks and he said he was sorry but didn't know what that meant. The trainer came back out the guy asked him a question and he again left this poor guy hanging. The new guy says he doesn't know much about hunting guns as he's more a tactical gun guy.

I spent literally 25-30min between waiting on someone to help me and looking at 3 scopes. I was very happy with the service the new guy gave but the other 3 guys blew everyone off. Another customer was #60 and asked the "trainer" about something and he said hang on a second and went to the back room and never came back out and the customer left. I seen a guy in the gun library so asked him about the rifles and what he thought about monte carlo vs classic for my rifle and he was more than happy to help and took the time to answer my questions and let me know based on my scope, rifle and rings what he would recommend. I later found out the "trainer" and other guys were more worried about helping a customer who just purchased a $400 scope and $700 rifle.

I then was trying to find a special tick repellent cabelas is supposed to carry and couldn't find a soul to help me with everything being scattered all over the place. Gun cleaning stuffs 10 aisle away from guns combined with archery and camping's combined with fishing. 1 register open and I finally made it out of there with 1 pack of primers in 45min.

I really wish more local gun shops stayed open. I drove by one who use to be pretty prominent in my area owning 3 shops and now he's down to 1. The other one was sold and one closed. They cant compete with box stores prices and fancy stuff to draw you in. I found j frame grips at the mom and pop store on clearance and the guys even helped me install them. I get box store people are mostly there cause its a job but they need more experience people.

 

[hdwhit]

While I can't comment on the specifics of your experience, my experience at the Cabelas in Allen, Texas, previously reported, mirrored yours.

 

[Tirod]

What was the purpose of the visit? "to look over a couple monte carlo stocks and classic style stocks before I order my boyds stock to make sure I get the right one."

Shopping the LGS to compare what would be ordered online.

Would you work there for 8.50 an hour with what you know about firearms, stocks, bedding barrels, adjusting triggers, and the nuances of adjusting OAL to catch the best accuracy with the leade of the individual barrels in your collection? A twenty something young man being employed part time working his way thru college and having to hold down another part time job to pay the rent is not and never will be that knowledgeable about it.

Despite the level of decor and what merchandise is presented, I would no more expect personal service from a Cabela's than I would a Walmart. Big box stores cannot and will not ever offer the personal shopping experience that a smaller retail store with higher markups can.

If it's open shelf stock you find it and pick it up yourself. If it's in a glass case the clerk is there for security reasons and to ring it up rather than let it disappear before it goes out the door. Big box stores hire people at near minimum wages and you cannot and will not find even remotely skilled or educated people working there.

Cabela's made their money offering discounted merchandise mail order and do not have the institutional heritage of personal service selling mass commodity items. Nordstrums is that retailer with high markups and they will even take you from the airport and back if you request it. Cabela's is just a very big discount retailer - like Kohls for the outdoorsman. In the retail world, Kohl's is known to be a middle class Walmart. You don't get waited on.

While unsatisfactory, it's exactly what I would expect and nothing more.