Where do you buy guns?

[NT430]

I've sold, purchased & traded many guns over the years...some with regrets - most with good memories & dealings....

 

[NT430]

I've sold, purchased & traded many guns over the years...some with regrets - most with good memories & dealings....

 

[diamonback68]

I voted "other" 'cause you left out one the best sources of hidden jewels......Pawn Shops!

 

[NT430]

sorry....I'm embarrassed...it's been added!

 

[Ddawg]

I voted on-line dealers since I have accounts with many of these as an FFL.

 

[sjmjax]

If I understand the focus of your question correctly, when I want to buy a very specific model firearm, particularly handguns, my best source has been manufacturer specific discussion boards such as this one. I've made a fair number of purchases here from board members. Quite a few more on similar boards. Nice to report that every deal so far has gone well and received product as good or better than expected.

The largest number of firearms I've purchased have been from pawn/gun shops on impluse. I visit them regularly with interest and intent to buy "something" but without too much specific focus. If I liked it and seemed to be reasonably priced, I'd buy guns that appealed to me at the moment. Rarely regreted any such purchase. Some of my favorite handguns are models and calibers I did not go specifically looking to find.

My area frequently hosts a decent "collectors gun show". This use to be a good source of high quality guns at reasonable prices. Nice guns are still turning up there but those that interest me are no longer "reasonably priced" by my standards.

 

[Deek]

I voted other because if I find a gun I "need" my first stop is my local small town gun shop. We are all on a first name basis and I can not only find the gun I need, but there is a wealth of information to be had there too (much like here on this forum.)

 

[fyimo]

I voted other because I use several of the sources. I use local gun stores, pawn shops, gun shows, online auctions, forum members, and online dealers. If I had to select the most used it would be online auctions followed by forum members.

 

[tyusclan]

Because of the way the question was worded, "your first source", I chose private individuals. Florida requires no paperwork for face to face sales between individuals, and I prefer to buy that way.

If there's something specific I really need, I will buy from a pawn shop or gun dealer. If it's something I just want, I'll usually try to hold out and find it from an individual.

Call me paranoid, but the less paperwork required the better I like it.

 

[Old Corp]

I voted 'other' also, since you left out an important category - Gun Shops.
You did list 'Sporting Goods', but there's a big difference. I work part-time at a Gun Shop. It is NOT a sporting goods store. No fishing rods, no basketballs or hockey gear.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Whoo boy thats a tough one. Without sounding flippant, wherever I find them! I sorta nose all about, but do have to say gun shops get the most mileage.

 

[jimbo-indy]

Voted OTHER because "Local Gun Shop" was not an option. My collection has been mostly obtained through local gun dealers and purchases form local individuals. Depends who has what I want when I have money to spend.

 

[pred]

"Local gun shop" for me too, When I want something it is usually not available in the factory, It's usually older.
There are 5-6 shops in a 100 mile circle.
It's a good way to spend a day when I can afford the time, I usually dont find what I am looking for, But rarely come home without a treasure!
Peter.

 

[tipoc]

I voted "other". My main source for firearms over the years have been the consignment guns in gun stores. Oddly you don't list gunatoriums in your poll. "Sporting Goods Stores", while they may sell some guns and ammo, mainly sell tennis rackets, boxing gloves and athletic supporters so I don't usually shop for guns there.

tipoc

 

[cautioninc]

I usually get them from the range. They have a flat markup, ie: $0-200 +$25, 200-350 +50, etc. I just made up the scale, they have the list

So far they've been able to beat all prices.

This is on new guns. All my used guns have been private purchases or handed down from older family members.

 

[SWID]

I had to vote other too. Most of mine I buy from a guy I meet in a sort of abandoned industrial area. I don't know how he gets there as I've never seen his car. He requires cash only but he has really really good prices and no paperwork.

I have a LOT of guns.

 

[Peter J.]

I had a lot of luck getting some fairly priced used, but still good quality revolvers via on-line auction houses before the super zero was elected. Got both 4" and 6" 66's and a 6" M-19 for about $325 each. Since November comparable guns are now averaging atleast $100 more from what I can see at the same on-line auctions. If I have time to wait and not in a hurry, I'll go the gun show route. But if I really have the itch, I'll try to do an auction.

 

[ridewv]

Wow, I'm the only one that shops the local classifieds first here. The Bulletin Board comes out every Thursday. First thing I check out the motorcycles or guns section, in no particular order.