Gun Distributors

[finesse_r]

The LGS in my area carry plastic fantastic pistols, almost no revolvers, and rifles and shotguns that I have no interest in buying. I prefer quality used guns to most anything new, with the exception of a few Ruger single action revolvers. So buying from the LGS is just not an option for me.

 

[the ringo kid]

I've never bought a gun of any kind from a big-box store. Closest I've come is ordering a little ammo online from Cabela's. And I'm lucky enough to have a real hardware store a mile from where I live.

I like to support the little guys.

That's interesting about Cabella's and buying ammo from them through the mail. I called the nearest one to me-which is in Austin--and the kid told me they don't do mail order? This one has me scratching my armpits.

 

[the ringo kid]

I also prefer to shop locally and support the small gun shops. However my problem is that they never have what I'm looking for. In the past decade I've bought a number of used Smith revolvers('70s - '90s generally), which has been my exclusive interest up to this point. There are six local shops within reasonable driving distance, and I stop in them fairly regularly to see what they have. Had I waited for any of them to get in what I wanted, I would still own no guns, a situation which likely would continue, perhaps the rest of my days. I know that they have no control over that; but if I want a certain model, I get it where I can get it.

I do buy accessories from them, but of course that's not going to keep them afloat.

Regards,
Andy

Ditto to the above here. I try to buy locally but--when you go in as often as I do and there is either--less and less to choose from-or nothing im interested in? gets to be more than a bummer. However, I know a few online places that has what I want for a much cheaper price but only IF in stock? and nothing I want has been in stock with any place I go to--for quite a few months. The only rifle I find readily available in stock--I already have one of and dont really need a 2nd of it--which is that STG 44/22 Rifle.

 

[Nframecollector]

My local shop is 60 miles away!

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

There are a half dozen local gun shops that I frequent, along with Cabelas, Bass Pro, and Wal-Mart.

Most of the shops in this area-both the chains and the locally owned places-have their strengths and I shop at all as appropriate. One shop is expensive on common ammo, but carries oddball stuff at prices as low as one will find online. Another has lots of interesting old S&Ws and Colts for reasonable prices. Yet another caters mostly to plastic crowd, but almost always has 9mm for "Walmart prices" and also has almost a full in-stock selection of Alliant powders(the only place in the area that seems to do this).

Our Cabelas has been open right around 6 months. I'm very happy to the shop in the area. Among other things, they carry items that no other local shop carries(even when times are good). I'll continue to shop there as appropriate, and will continue to patronize the other local shops for their strengths. Plus, I'm not going to pay the "plastic shop" $30 for a box of LRN 38 special, when Cabelas has it for $23 and Walmart has it for $20.

 

[millisec]

Decent central FL LGS have pretty much been decimated by big box stores. Probably pretty difficult to survive with the likes of Walmart, Outdoorworld and Gander mountain. Of course there's the FL chain of SS. I try to patronize them occasionally but they are so overpriced on pretty much anything. Best, we don't deal, prices your going to get is full list price if not higher on guns and want your trade-ins to be so cheap they can markup 250%. They have actually gotten so big they pretty much dominate the gun shows. The worst part about all that is the availability of local reloading supplies in the Orlando area has all but vanished. I was at Gander earlier this week and they don't even have a reloading section anymore and guy said probably all going online. Outdoorworld is about only place left and they have not had any stock to mention in a long time. There's a couple small shops not that far away where I might stumble on some powder etc. but that's hit or miss. Even before the shortage gun shows were about the only reliable place to find anything for reloading.

Gun industry aside that's where the US has been heading for years in many industries. People want the cheapest prices and companies want to make the most money. That means eliminating the "middleman" and buying direct. To do so requires huge amounts of money and warehouse space most can't afford. I made considerable money back late 90's with a niche computer parts business (and a different one later on) only to get squashed out and cutoff from suppliers by the likes of Newegg. Funny thing is even in the last incarnation I was usually cheaper than them. I don't really support it but the likely coming internet sales tax will likely put the brakes on big box internet and maybe breathe some life back into local shops and small internet business.