My LGS Is Closing

[Golddollar]

I have been fortunate to come across a relatively new gun shop run by a young couple in the town where I went to college. It's amazing how when I'm cruising Interstate 80 on the way to Ohio my car seems to turn off the freeway and head for that shop. They pick up some interesting used firearms that I ended up acquiring and have competitive prices on reloading components. Every time I stop in I come out with at least a can of powder. Turns out that was a good thing I did the way things are going now.

Even though l live 200 miles from the shop, they recognize me as the guy from Gettysburg and welcome me. I just hope we will see more of the younger generations establishing gun shops like the ones we liked to patronize.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I don't buy at the LGS. Prices are WAY too high, even before 'Rona. Used firearms are 20-40% higher than what I can get online. New is sometimes retail+. I'm not paying those prices and it's not on me to to keep them in business. I'll get better deals at a pawn shop or online.

As an example, I was looking for a dog leg mount for a fixed carrying handle AR. I found a used mount, no box, while browsing at a LGS for $125. A couple of weeks later I found the same mount on GB, new in box, for $21 shipped. At $100+ mark up I'd call that price gouging only I didn't get gouged. They still have it 8 months later. The same shop was selling ammo cans for $35!

Either adapt or go extinct.

Yeah, I kinda have to agree with you. Last year they tore down the middle school I attended, and a couple of months ago they demolished the hospital I worked at all through high school and college. It's tough to see change, but the truth is people get old and technology changes commerce. Buildings get out-dated and have to be replaced.

There is very little loyalty left when it comes to who you buy from in this country. Low price wins. That's just reality. The LGS has to learn to adapt to changing market conditions. There is no reason they can't develop an on-line presence and sell their used guns to a national clientele vs. just the locals who wander in on their day off. I've been looking for a 629 or 29 and the only one I can find is an old beater in a pawn shop. The guy is asking $1200. Big chip out of the grip, dented crown, blueing loss, dull bore. I just found one here on this site for $895 that is pristine. So which one should I buy?

It made me sad when I saw them tear down my middle school, but in reality they just ridded the community of an old fire hazard. Times change and people get old...

 

[sigp220.45]

A new small gunshop opened in my little town last year and has been doing well. Leans toward the black plastic a little but that is what sells. I did find a nice Model 64 Winchester there so its not all boring stuff. The owner is a youngish (40s) guy who has a Dad with a gunstore in Florida. He is personable and internet savvy. He does transfers, and will order something for you rather than try to pressure you to buy what is in the case. I’ve sold three guns there on consignment and he pays up right away, which seems to be a novel approach in my experience.

I think the old model of a cluttered shop with a spittoon, a couple of regulars pontificating at the counter, and a grumpy owner talking down to new customers is on the way out. Change to survive.

 

[SweetMK]

A new small gunshop opened in my little town last year and has been doing well. Leans toward the black plastic a little but that is what sells. I did find a nice Model 64 Winchester there so its not all boring stuff. The owner is a youngish (40s) guy who has a Dad with a gunstore in Florida. He is personable and internet savvy. He does transfers, and will order something for you rather than try to pressure you to buy what is in the case. I’ve sold three guns there on consignment and he pays up right away, which seems to be a novel approach in my experience.

I think the old model of a cluttered shop with a spittoon, a couple of regulars pontificating at the counter, and a 4

grumpy owner talking down to new customers

is on the way out. Change to survive.

You described the old LGS' that have closed, and the new ones that have opened in Roanoke.

It is sad to say, but,
I am SO GLAD to see the grumpy old owners dying off, or retiring,,

The new guys are hungry, helpful, and I enjoy spending money with them.

 

[dmn57]

Max, would this happen to be Smiley's?

 

[max]

Yes, it is Smiley's

Max, would this happen to be Smiley's?

 

[dmn57]

Hadn't heard that. Too bad.