Another MA resident who has dealt almost exclusively with the LGS. Although I have been involved in a few FTF xfers, and bought one or two guns on line with the assistance of my LGS, the vast majority of my purchases have been straight from my LGS. This has been mostly guns and ammo, but also a few scopes, one of which I bought new from him rather than on line, because he had just ordered a gun for me from the factory and passed it to me for NO profit. Long story, but that was the SECOND time he had done something like that.
I deal with my LGS for two reasons, neither directly related to the incidents above. First, I recognize that if I want there to be a local gun store, somebody has to do business with him so he can make enough money to stay in business. I call this the dive shop syndrome. If you want to be able to buy cheap clean air, you won't be able to if you and everyone else buy all your SCUBA gear on the net.
The second reason I buy from my LGS is that I like used guns. Sometimes I like fixed-sight guns. I'd much rather buy a gun from a place where I can count on the gun's working.
I am quite sure that over the years I have SAVED a lot of money by sticking with my LGS. There are also other benefits from supporting the local store, but they may vary from place to place.
I deal with my LGS for two reasons, neither directly related to the incidents above. First, I recognize that if I want there to be a local gun store, somebody has to do business with him so he can make enough money to stay in business. I call this the dive shop syndrome. If you want to be able to buy cheap clean air, you won't be able to if you and everyone else buy all your SCUBA gear on the net.
The second reason I buy from my LGS is that I like used guns. Sometimes I like fixed-sight guns. I'd much rather buy a gun from a place where I can count on the gun's working.
I am quite sure that over the years I have SAVED a lot of money by sticking with my LGS. There are also other benefits from supporting the local store, but they may vary from place to place.
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