Online vs Gunstore buying question?

Even if you decided to buy on-line because of the price, there is one other significant issue to consider about the gun. That is, you get to actually see, hold, and manipulate a specific gun at a gun shop. Those are things you can't do on-line. You may wish a specific make and model, and if the gun doesn't feel right, check out another one just like it until you find what suits you. It is sort of like all guns having their own particular quirks or personalities. Those are things you can't evaluate on-line.

Even if you spend a little less buying on-line, if the gun is not what you expected (but not broken), then most likely it will be up to you to ship it back at your expense or pay to have a gunsmith adjust it in whatever manner is necessary. In the end, some on-line guns may actually cost you more than buying locally.
 
I get along with my dealer well......I usually buy my handguns from him, because I just tell him what I can get off the net and he's fine with it. When it comes to rifles, all pre-bans are transferred in from out of state. The few post-bans I have were bought from the dealer, but my friend and I just bought 2 P.B. Bushmaster M4's on the net (my dealer said he can't get them now, because of the backorder). He doesn't care, will make $70 on 2 transfers.
 
I learned the hard way about on line purchases. The third gun I bid on I followed the proper procedures, sent the cashiers check and signed FFL. I waited, waited, and called again. Busy signal for days. Then disconnect. The officials in Tennessee were of no help. Local police are not interested in a case 1900 miles away. I got appologies from the on line agent but I am out $490.
Most people who get screwed don't like to admit it. It's embarassing but you may learn from my experience.
Bottom line. I shop around locally and find the best price I can. I've had dealers order used guns from their wholesalers to save lots of money.
Another concern. On line sellers usually adds $15-25 for shipping and insuance. Dealers usually add $20-30 and local tax. If you're are not pleased you have return shipping to pay......if they will take it back.
Buyer Beware.
 
I buy locally and online. The closest gun store to me is terrible. High prices and salespeople that range from being apathetic to downright rude. I recently found a local dealer who sells mostly to the local PD. He is a good guy and treats his customers well. He will order a gun for 10% over cost, or transfer an Internet purchase for $20. I have picked up three guns from him this way. I should mention that when the gun cmoes in I also buy about $50 of accessories and ammo from him even though he does not sell it for cheap. In fact, on a gun I just ordered I am having him do some gunsmithing and make a custom holster and mag pouch, so he is not losing out on the deal. Why do I go the Internet route? Because I can control what I buy, especially used guns. Yes, there is an element of risk there, but I have not been disappointed yet.
 
I buy ammo online (or at a gunshow) in bulk, but handguns have all been purchased locally. I figure that xfer fees and shipping/insurance seem to run about $50 over the cost of the gun, and I've always been able to find what I want locally within $50 of internet prices, so why bother?

It pays to shop around and do your homework regardless, as we have some shops here that have pretty good prices (e.g. Galyans and VA Guns) and others that charge full MSRP (and sometimes over). I believe in supporting local merchants as long as itmakes sense.
 
Local dealers

>>> I feel I should keep as much $ locally and support my local dealers. They remember you and treat you as you would like to be treated. <<>>
I just wanted to know how others buy guns and why?

I would be "loyal" to my local dealer if they had any consistency of service. They send out an email newsletter once a week - and answer email about that often. Half of the counter people are knowledgable, but the other half are other more intested in selling what is on the shelf. There's an old saying - "Your customers get better - when you do." Shop owners must realize in the internet age that they have to add value to a transaction, and of they do, they'll be well rewarded.
 
I'm with you there. When I know that I can save at least $100, even after all of the transfer fees, and still put money into the person's pocket, I feel like I'm being ripped off by the local gun stores. They seem especially bad here in Denver. It seems, that because we don't have much of a gun culture here, it's okay to rape and pillage on the prices. For crying out loud, I was in a gun store yesterday (I won't say who) who wanted $13 for a 50-box of fmj winchester white box 9mm ammo! Now come on! I know everyone needs to put food on the table, but I would rather go through a little hassle (and yes, a FFL transfer is a pain in the neck!) and save $100.

YMMV

t-man
 
I made only one purchase online--that was a SAR-3 that I couldn't get locally. Did the FFL transfer thing.

Other than that, I use the local gunshops. They have given me good service and suggestions.

Remember that with the FFL transfer fee and the shipping costs, you're paying about $30-50 more than the listed price on the internet. When you take that into account, I have found local stores to be mostly competitive.
 
The last 2 I've purchased were thru online auctions. The local dealers either never heard of the HS2000 or offered to order it and sell me one for $400. No thanks.

Then my recent purchase, I had planned on purchasing from the store. It was a Ruger stainless P97 for $350, then w/the $40 rebate. I went online to check the prices but saw the same gun for $325, also with the rebate. Shipping was $20 and my transfer fee is $10...and no tax since it's out of state. So I only saved a little bit, and I don't have it in my hands now.

I guess I don't mind because the guy that does my transfers is a real friendly guy and I enjoy picking it up from him. But I do enjoy hanging out at the local shops. People are pretty friendly and I learn things.
 
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