Another Old Gun Shop Closes - The Grant Boys in Costa Mesa (John Wayne's Gun Shop)

Dump1567 · #1 10-31-2015, 05:22 PM

I just got an e-mail that the Grant Boys in Costa Mesa, CA is closing after 66 years. I'm sure some of you from CA remember this place. Sad to see these old classic shops go.

Here's the press release:

Quote:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AFTER 66 YEARS IN BUSINESS, THE GRANT BOYS, INC WILL BE RETIRING AND CLOSING THEIR RETAIL STORE.

THE GRANT BOYS LOCATED AT 1750 NEWPORT BLVD. IN DOWNTOWN COSTA MESA HAS BECOME AN ICON IN THE COSTA MESA/NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITY.

THE GRANT BOYS WAS FOUNDED IN 1949 BY EDWARD “BUDDY” GRANT AND HIS MOTHER MINNIE STONE. DURING THEIR 66 YEARS IN BUSINESS THE GRANT BOYS HAS REMAINED A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS, CURRENTLY OWNED BY BUDDY GRANT’S DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW, ALEXA & RANDY GARELL. THE ORIGINAL STORE WAS LOCATED WHERE NEWPORT BLVD. AND HARBOR BLVD. INTERSECT. THE STORE WAS RELOCATED TO ITS CURRENT LOCATION IN THE EARLY 1950’S.

THE GRANT BOYS IS ONE OF THE MOST VISIBLE AND RECOGNIZED BUSINESSES ALONG THE NEWPORT BLVD. CORRIDOR. KNOWN FOR ITS UNUSUAL MERCHANDISE MIX, THE GRANT BOYS 10,000 PLUS SQUARE FOOT STORE INCLUDES OUTDOOR APPAREL, CAMPING AND FISHING GEAR AND IS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS SALE OF FIREARMS.

THE STORE WILL BEGIN CLOSING ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015 WITH A STOREWIDE RETIREMENT/GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE. THE SALE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS ALL INVENTORY, FIXTURES, AND EQUIPMENT HAVE BEEN SOLD.

OWNERS INDICATE THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS REASONS FOR CLOSING THE BUSINESS AT THIS TIME. OWNER, RANDY GARELL INDICATED, “WE’VE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE WE WERE TEENAGERS AND NOW WE ARE IN OUR MID 60’S. WE’VE HAD A GREAT RUN AND HAVE ENJOYED SERVING THE COSTA MESA/NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITY AND ALL OF ORANGE COUNTY. NOW IT’S TIME TO RETIRE AND GO FISHING!”

NO FUTURE PLANS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE BUILDING OR PROPERTY.

And for those that didn't know, John Wayne used to shop there.

Watchdog · #2 10-31-2015, 06:33 PM

Well, even though it's a bit disheartening, after that many years in business, I'd say those boys have earned their retirement.

I know one thing...I'd be at that sale they're gonna have. Not so much for guns as for fixtures and equipment...maybe stuff like old display cases, signage, maybe a few vintage holsters and belts, stuff like that. No telling what all kinds of neat stuff is tucked away in the nooks and crannies of that old shop.

Pre 29 · #3 10-31-2015, 11:00 PM

All I can think to say is WOW!!

chief38 · #4 11-01-2015, 04:09 AM

I wonder if business was so bad that they could not sell it. That's really a shame!

Dump1567 · #5 11-01-2015, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief38

I wonder if business was so bad that they could not sell it. That's really a shame!

My guess is that property is worth several million dollars. They're building everywhere in Orange Co. these days. 2Bd 2Bath Apts are getting $2500 a month. This property is only about 2-3 miles from the beach and off a major street.

rbmac52 · #6 11-01-2015, 10:46 AM

My brother Andy and I perused the guns at Grant's many times over the years in the 70's, and bought several there, as well. It was one of many haunts we frequented, including The Stockade up the road in Westminister. The memories of the place are vivid. Sorry to see it go, but the Cali gun environment has deteriorated to the point I am not at all surprised.

mg357 · #7 11-01-2015, 11:27 AM

That's terrible just terrible.

SW MP15 · #8 11-01-2015, 01:35 PM

It is sad. But with Internet Sales and big box chain gun/sporting goods stores with their buying power, a little gun shop don't stand much of a chance. It's sad to see and hear about the little guys. It used to be these spots were a place to see new guns and accessories and chit chat with people that you had something in common with! But no more!

But now it's all about the money and trying to save the all mighty dollar and people just barely have the time to run in and look at anything from shoes to canoes and buy cheap ammo or poly guns. At the edge of the mall. Complete one stop shopping!

I asked a owner at a little gun shop near me once about a hot new pistol and he told me to check "Cheaper Than Dirt" web site, because he had seen them on there $60 less than he could get em wholesale! It's a shame!

Times are changing! Some times I wonder if it is for the so called BEST??

the ringo kid · #9 11-01-2015, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WATCHDOG

Well, even though it's a bit disheartening, after that many years in business, I'd say those boys have earned their retirement.

I know one thing...I'd be at that sale they're gonna have. Not so much for guns as for fixtures and equipment...maybe stuff like old display cases, signage, maybe a few vintage holsters and belts, stuff like that. No telling what all kinds of neat stuff is tucked away in the nooks and crannies of that old shop.

I'd love having that gun sign. It would give my anti-gun next door neighbor, a conniption fit.