Small Gun Shop vs Chain Sporting Goods Store?

[John_Wayne777]

I will GLADLY pay more for a gun/product sold at a local store run by people who actually have a clue than try and save 50 bucks by going to Wal-Mart. In the end that 50 bucks isn't really saved if a decent store that will get me what I want and treat me properly is run out of business by a big box chain that won't order handguns, won't sell me "assault weapons", etc.

[Mr. Smith]

Robb is right. The big chain stores usually sell Remy, Ruger, etc for what I pay. So your local mom & pop really can't compete, but as was pointed out, their CS will most likely be better.

You can also ask them (politely) ask for a better price.

If the small FFL's aren't supported, they will disappear and then you will really be screwed.


C4

People pay for knowledge if the shop has an edge in that area you have to shop there.


We all know that buy the right gun once and the wrong gun a dozen times.


People like Grant try to help you buy the right gun and so do we.

[CAVDOC]

I like to use my local shop- I agree with most other posters- my local shop is pretty competitive for the most part on big box store and on line pricing. Also if you are in a pinch and need a spare firing pin 2 days before that big match or hunt,the gun shop has it mr big box not a chance! Only area where my usual shop has let me down is they have increased the fee for transfers from out of state -now $65 bucks. I think this is a bit severe, found a small time guy who does transfers for $15.
Also my local shop will do things like mount your scope/boresight and attach simple accessories for free which the big box guys won't do. also a good waranty even on used

[Belmont31R]

I almost always buy online, and have it transferred.



There is one store Ill go buy small parts from, maybe a lower occasionally, cleaning supplies, etc from. Big purchases go online and transferred to their store. Between what they have to charge to stay in business, and sales tax Im simply not going to pay 200+ extra for a 1k dollar gun just to support a local guy. Business has to change with the times, and with the online game now they either change their business model or lose sales.

[C4IGrant]

I almost always buy online, and have it transferred.



There is one store Ill go buy small parts from, maybe a lower occasionally, cleaning supplies, etc from. Big purchases go online and transferred to their store. Between what they have to charge to stay in business, and sales tax Im simply not going to pay 200+ extra for a 1k dollar gun just to support a local guy. Business has to change with the times, and with the online game now they either change their business model or lose sales.

Whom do you transfer your gun too when they aren't there any more???

I do agree that the local mom and pop FFL cannot be overboard on price and if they are, they will most likely go away. If they are making 20% on a gun ($200 on a $1k rifle), then that is a fair margin though.

Remember that the place you got the rifle from for $1k might have been dumping it and actually lost money on the sale. In this case, your local dealer is NOT gouging you, but rather trying to keep the lights on.


C4

[PdxMotoxer]

In this day and age and depending on what brand I tend to shop
where i can get the best for me deal.

Pretty much anywhere you buy it as soon as it's sold any issues you have with that
gun will between you and the manufacture.

If it boils down to only $5 or $6 dollars then my cash will ALWAYS go to the mom and pop owned and ran business. (and local FFL if needed).


That said when i just bought my S&W M&P15 the best deal i could find was by far
Grant @ G&R plus i found a local FFL that didn't charge much.


I'm guessing because of the smokin deal i got neither Grant or My FFL made
a ton of coin but my feeling is every coin in their pocket and not in some major companies is a plus.

Living just outside a big city i do have a few choices when it comes to the actual firearms but it seems there is a "market" and "location" price.
"Hey if down the street is charging _____ then i can get away with charging ____ and my customer will be getting a better deal going with me and i will still be making _______. "

I understand supply and demand but prices went through the roof after gun salemen of the year (of all time) took office prices when up beyond gouging
and some here are still charging ABOVE retail for Colt's, Smith's. (pretty much everything except DPMS) seems DPMS has flooded my local market.

[CarlosDJackal]

My threshold for supporting the local Mom and Pop gun shop is about $50 (depending on what I'm buying). So maybe $100 isn't too bad, especially if you get decent service. YMMV.

[Joeywhat]

In Michigan the larger shops are getting my attention a bit more then the smaller ones. Seems most the small shops are banning open carry (and one banned carry altogether!) while the big box places are not only allowing it but welcoming it. Prices may be a little higher but it depends on what you're looking for. I just spent $42.50 on an M&P mag at a small shop because I HAD to have one that day for a class and didn't have time to go anywhere else. That's highway robbery right there, never seen prices that high except maybe Gander Mountain.

[TriumphRat675]

Living in Waco I gladly paid the mark up at the Hewitt Gun Shop - not for the knowledge but because they were friendly guys who took the time to get to know their customers.

Living in Dallas, to the extent I buy any guns at all anymore I buy at gun shows or (for specialty items) online. Other than the Jacksonville Armory, which is staffed by great guys but mostly sells milsurp and collectible guns I can't afford, I haven't found a nearby shop where the customer service isn't god-awful. If I have to put up with rude retailers then I'm going to get the best deal I can, and gun show prices are usually $50 cheaper than in the stores...

[SeriousStudent]

........ Other than the Jacksonville Armory, which is staffed by great guys but mostly sells milsurp and collectible guns I can't afford, I haven't found a nearby shop where the customer service isn't god-awful. ........

Where is this armory of which you speak? I live near Dallas, and would LOVE a good gunstore.

I absolutely agree with the point about supporting a local store/FFL. Right up the point where they start acting stupid/dangerous.

But I make a point of helping those that help me. I always, always, always try and order from a site sponsor here. Only if they do not have it, do I go someplace else.

And most of the time, I just wait anyway. If Grant, Paul, Robb et al do not have it, probably no one does.