[doctherock]

Originally Posted by Tackleberry1

I'm putting my point of view out there for consideration and feedback. I see much discussion about the great deals to be found on-line, or how much Big Box Store A undercuts the small local gun dealer and I must say, it worries me.

First off, I'm not a dealer, I manage commercial construction projects for a living, but I refuse to buy guns from any Big Box chain stores and gladly pay 5% more for the personal service I get at my local, INDEPENDENT, FFL dealer. In fact I'd be embarrased to ask him to handle the paperwork on an internet purchase unless it was something extremely rare that he could not order for me.

I certainly remember more frugal times and respect everyones right to find thier best deal but I'd ask you all to consider two events that opened my eyes.

Event 1. K Mart used to be the largest retailer of guns and ammo in the country but some hi profile mass shootings and a little nudge from our pal Rosie Odonell back in the 90's got America's largest gun dealer to stop selling guns or ammo! I've not spent a penny in a K Marty since and hope to see them die a corporate death.

Event 2. Oregon & Washington used to have a fantastic sporting goods/automotive chain called GI Joes. No one could beat Joes on Long gun pricing and despite technically being a Box, they had some fairly knowledgeable guys behind the gun counter. The current recession has taken them completely out of business. Stores shuttered, hundreds out of work.

My point here is that we can not count on anyone large enough to have shareholders or even large enough to get overextended financially. Publically traded companies can decide in an instant to stop selling any product based on nothing more than that day's political hot button, IE, K Mart and now Wal Mart in many locations.

Fed's are creating more BS daily for anyong trying to get thier FFL.

So...

Should we be supporting big corporations that can decide our business is no longer worth getting beaten up on "The View". Or should we be supporting the guy who lives in our town and supports his familly by giving us a place to meet, fondle our latest wish list gun, and would only close his doors if we managed to price him out of business?

here in astoria oregon there arent but 2 dealers who arent open when i am available for the most part. Hell i was happy when fred myers started selling guns again. I would love to give an independent dealer my buis. The other option is 40 miles away and the guys prices are a little up there.

[Tackleberry1]

Originally Posted by doctherock

here in astoria oregon there arent but 2 dealers who arent open when i am available for the most part. Hell i was happy when fred myers started selling guns again. I would love to give an independent dealer my buis. The other option is 40 miles away and the guys prices are a little up there.

Know Astoria well, nice town.

[doctherock]

where u at in washington? Just applied for my cwp up there. Way easier than Oregons

[Rick1967]

I buy stocks and parts on line. I buy bullet bolds and rare dies one line. I buy brass, primers, powder, and small accessories at Jerry's Outdoor Sports. I buy guns at Jerry's Outdoor Sports and at "A Pawn Shop". "A Pawn Shop" is the actual name of a dealer in my town. I try to buy from Jerry's because they offer customer service that is second to none. My wife goes to Jerry's for my christmas shopping. They will help her hide purchases from me. They know me pretty well there. I always hear, "Hey Rick" when I walk in the door. When Tina goes there they tell her about what I have had my eye on. They will let her put stuff on layaway and make small payments. This way I don't notice large purchases. I am still surprised on christmas. One year she got me a Rock Chucker press, a really nice scale, a powder measure, a tumbler, a bunch of brass, 2 tubs of powder, and a set of dies. Do you think Sportsman's Warehouse could have pulled that off? No way! In fact they would not have tried.

[Tackleberry1]

Originally Posted by doctherock

where u at in washington? Just applied for my cwp up there. Way easier than Oregons

Vancouver area.
Yeah I've heard WA is easier but I got both OR & WA 12 years ago when I was an OR resident. Was a little worried about converting my OR CCW from Res to Non res because I was working in Mult. Co and had to use that Sherrif but it went through very smooth, just like a renew.

[diggsbakes]

I usually support the local guys. I have two places I look for decent new and used revolvers, one place I order specialty items and pick up older plinkers from (they also own the range I shoot at), and one other local place I get ammo from. I'll also get ammo from a larger retailer in town, but they aren't much of a giant either

Before buying anything I always look in my Bible or price guide to check values. I will also hit them up on going down from the sticker. I've seen what these guys give for guns and I'm not gonna pay more than double that. They usually will work something out, if they don't I'll decide to buy as is or walk away.

[tekarra]

I firmly believe in buying locally whenever possible. Having been in business years ago, I would become very annoyed when people bought out of town, then came canvassing local businesses to support their kids after school programmes. I do not buy from the the big W stores due to its business ethics. In my community, I shop locally and pay more tather than driving 15 or 20 minutes to shop a big box store. The local merchants support my community, but the big boxes support only high profile activities which is merely another way of advertising.

[diggsbakes]

We got this store throughout Colorado. Believe they have about 5-6 locations, mostly Southern Colorado. You can get live chickens, fertilizer, coveralls, propane, dog food, a key made, an AR15 (or what ever else you can think of) and boxes of cheap/quality ammo. I think I'll continue to support them too.

[c3shooter]

I have about 6 local dealers that I frequent- one of them at least once a week. Need a hunting license? Local shop. Bottle of Hoppes? local shop. However, I also shop on line auctions. Just purchased a new handgun Friday from local shop. However, have another model, same make, that I am current high biddder on line- will find out today if I won. It is an unusual make/ model, and no local shop had one. I collect older Mossberg 22s- I am just not going to find a Mossberg 142 at a local shop- That will be an internet buy (Thank God for having an 03 C&R FL!) If the choice is local shop or WalMart- I would like for the local shop to still be in business when I need a screw for a scope mount, or a box of .220 Swift, or a few boxes of primers. They get my business.