Why are gun stores so overpriced?

[JohnBT]

I haven't been in a Wal-Mart five times in my life, but I drove through a little town Thursday and there it was on the side of the road and I needed a break. I went in to see if they had any 28 ga. shotshells. Not only did they not have any 28 ga. that I could see, but there wasn't anybody in the working in the sporting goods department.

I guess that's how you hold down the overhead.

Me? I like seeing the gun I'm buying. Looking at guns on the net is fine, but being able to handle them is invaluable. It does lead to impulse purchases though.

John

 

[mustanger98]

I like seeing the gun I'm buying. Looking at guns on the net is fine, but being able to handle them is invaluable. It does lead to impulse purchases though.

Sounds like what my brother-in-law's dad said.

(exchange takes place in a gunshop)
him: "let me see that..."
dealer: ***hands him the pistol***
him: "I wish you hadn't done that"
dealer: "what?"
him: "I wish you hadn't handed me this gun"
dealer: "why?"
him: " 'cause you just sold it."

My Daddy told brother-in-law's dad that sounded like me.

 

[Alex45ACP]

I understand they have to stay in business, but come on. When they're charging $650 for a G17, that's a little ridiculous.

 

[Boss Spearman]

I have yet to pay the MSRP listed on the manufacturer's website for any new firearm.
The shops I've gone to have always been lower than the listed MSRP.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

the shop around here is a total rip off. Practically armed robbery. He sold my friend a 91/44 mosin nagant for $160 back when he didnt know what a bad deal was.

this mosin wasnt even much to look it. izhmash arsenal, chipped worn laquer finish, worn bluing...

Since I found an FFL down town that only charges $15 on a transfer, I dont go to the shop anymore.

 

[Monkeyleg]

Alex45ACP, that price is indeed high. A G17 around here is just shy of $500, and the shop is getting 15-17%.

Of course, I don't know of many shops that get MSRP.

 

[Mike128]

I guess it's where you live. Before the internet the local gunstore in MD had a monopoly. I never knew how much they were ripping me off until I moved Iowa.
When I moved to Iowa for grad school. I couldn't believe my eyes. The prices on new guns where lower than used guns at my old store in MD. The people actually talked to me instead of down at me. I learned a lot about rifles and guns just BSing with the clerks, and spent a lot of money. Even the big name Scheel's store was cheaper than in MD.
Now that I'm back in MD I can't even go into the local store. Some guns are above MSRP "because it costs extra to ship onto this side of the Bay". The transfer fee are $65 for long guns. 140gr Accubonds cost $25 a box. A used Kimber Varmit ($1100) cost more than a new one did in Iowa. No haggling allowed. "This is my price, take it or leave it." I ask you, why should I go to this store? I like to keep money local and in small business but there is a limit.
Thankfully, there is a new store that opened. They know my name and take care of me. When I do a transfer they don't even charge me because I buy so much other stuff. It's normally $30. That is the store that gets my money.

 

[Beav]

I was quoted $900+ for a Remington 700P at one of the local shops here. I will never buy a firearm from them. The next shop quoted me $800 for a 700P but could only offer it in .223. I had to explain to them what a 700P was for christ sakes. The last shop needed time to get a price since they thought it was an LEO rifle. They called me back to let me know they were still looking but that was it. When I went there to pick up my new rifle they had a 700P for sale!