Value of LGS over gunshow...

C

checkmyswag

New member
Went to a new to me gun store today.

Austin Gun Liquidators

http://www.austingunliquidators.com/

I didn't buy anything. But spoke with the owner for a good while. Prices seemed decent. Selection was decent.

Most importantly it was like having a conversation with someone about the wares and not a debate over the best gun or who knew more.

Going to try to visit again.

Now I just need to decide if the service and convenience of a LGS is worth it over the lower prices at the gun show that comes to town once a month.
 
If prices and inventory of products that you need are decent, it is worth the price difference to support them. It is nice to have a local LGS in your town when you want to go window shop, get advice or pickup something you need on the spur of the moment. Personally, I shop locally as well as online...trying to be sure to support the local guys as much as I can.JMO
 
Now I just need to decide if the service and convenience of a LGS is worth it over the lower prices at the gun show
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I don't know. Is being able to handle guns without being jostled by a crowd of 300lb mall ninjas and sweaty armchair conspiracy theorists worth it? Is having someone take the time to explain features and operation worth it? Is having someone who'll be there after the sale worth it?
 
I was at a show today and I would say the bargains were few. Around hear many of the LGS's have as good or better prices and they are generally around longer than 3 days. But I still manged to trade three old ones for two new ones that I will use more.
 
I feel I "should" buy from this LGS.

This gun show has a wider selection and variety than any shop. Price at two of the big vendors is 5-10% cheaper than the LGS.

As far as as the climate of the gun shopping environment... I find gun shows far less of a conducive environment to making a thoughtful purchase and yes, service after the sale will be next to non-existent.
 
My LGS is typically within 10-15% or so of what on-line pricing on guns, hand and long guns.

The shop has an in-door air conditioned range and is 10 minutes from my front door.

I typically guy from him for the convenience.
 
The major dealers at the gun shows around here usually have better prices for standard items - new big name guns.

Their ammo prices for standard items are a touch high, but I've found good prices on exotic items.

However, my favorite LGS had good prices on used guns - got a couple of nice revolvers from them. They did have a nice price on a SW 1911 and they have a lifetime warranty - which unfortunately I had to use on that gun twice.

They also don't have commando-itis and decent gunsmithing, that I use a bit.

The best thing is to know what you want to buy and research it. I like the LGS but won't spend an extra 50 on a standard item.
 
I've went to 2 recent gun shows here and didn't find anything priced lower than what I could buy at my LGS. Obviously there were some interesting things at the show that the LGS doesn't have, but they can be ordered from him. I try to buy everything I can from the local guy...one because I like the guy, two because his prices are at or even lower than anywhere else, and three because I try to support the local economy here.
 
It depends somewhat on the LGS themselves. I have one in my area that is strictly MSRP, and no haggling. He says his prices are higher, but he provides excellent customer service. I guess if you look at maintaining your guns, like maintaining a modern automobile, he would be the place. Others range in price from close to gun show prices to considerably higher. But most will talk price to some degree. On the other hand, I've seen prices all over the board at gun shows. Just today I saw a $50 difference in a $230 gun within 15 feet! $229 on one table, $279 just across the aisle. Both NIB. Bottom line, like everything it's buyer beware!!!
 
I fall in to the camp of "Support your local store".

When I need a box of bullets, I do not want to wait for the next gun show, spend money to get in and find out they do not have what I am looking for.

I may spend a little more locally, but I know when I need something, they can get it if it is not readily available.

My wife wanted to surprise me for my birthday. She went to the local store and was having a hard time figuring out what to get. The owner helped her pick out some reloading supplies he said I could use. (He was right!) You do not get that kind of customer service at a gun show.

Sometimes you can only find what you are looking for at the gun shows. I was at one gun show and was looking at a rifle. The two clowns behind the table had the customer service skills of a rabid pit bull. I asked for a business card and neither one could stand up to talk to me, or even turn around. One of them said, over his shoulder; "No, we do not have them, because to many people call and waste our time." I bought the exact same rifle from the table next to them, not because it was a great deal, but because they really torqued my butt with their attitude.

Price matters to me, but customer service matters more.
 
I very seldom buy a gun at a gun show. My reasoning is simple: there is no way at all to determine if the gun is legit or not unless you are dealing with an FFL dealer.

A few months ago, a close friend brought his "new to him" Browning Highpower 9mm clone out to check it out on my home range. We had a good time shooting and shooting the bull.

He went to a LGS to trade it, . . . turned out it was stolen 15 years or so ago about 150 miles away. Cops took his statement, . . . then took his gun.

It cost him well over $500 for all he has gone through. At 66 yrs old, . . . all my gun show savings together would never have been that much, . . . and I can fully attest that all my guns are 100% legal.

THAT is the reason I support my LGS.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
Gun shows in my area have gone downhill and we've got a lot of good LGS's, so the LGS typically wins out by most comparisons. Also I tend to buy used guns and so it's worth a little extra for me to be able to buy from someone who'll be accountable if there's a problem.
 
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