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WHERE to buy?
- Thread starter bearbong
- Start date
I've bought a few guns from the big box stores ----but I prefer a good local shop where I can develop a relationship with one of the key employees or the owner preferably --- even if it costs me a few more bucks.
None of the shops you're dealing with is probably an authorized service center anyway ...especially the big box stores. The big box stores add no value in my opinion ( and they usually know little to nothing about the guns they sell except price )....
None of the shops you're dealing with is probably an authorized service center anyway ...especially the big box stores. The big box stores add no value in my opinion ( and they usually know little to nothing about the guns they sell except price )....
In some places I've lived, I'd tent to be in that camp too. It seems to me most people either really like the local gun shops, or really dislike them without a lot of people in the middle.I would be willing to pay more from the box stores after dealing with the local shops in my area.
I think the potential knowledge and insight gun shop owners may have often goes to waste if they initially come across as impatient or unwelcoming toward new, less experienced, or younger customers.
Maybe we've been spoiled by the "customer is always right" mentality of modern chain stores, but I for one would rather do research on my own and then buy from a place that values customer service (even if their gun knowledge isn't as good) than spend my money at local shop where the workers lack basic interpersonal skills and seem more interested in bantering with their "regulars."
Some people lament how big stores are killing off local gun shops. I'd say that the inability or unwillingness of local shops to cater to a wide base of customers is just as much to blame if not more so.
...But to get back to the original posters question, the Dick's sports around here have points cards and for every $300 you spend, you get a $10 gift card in the mail. Not a big deal, but it might be a way of determining a tie-breaker if you need to.
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When I said local shop .....I meant a good one.
Maybe I'm spoiled - but I happen to have a couple of very good local shops / good service / knowledgeable guys working the counter - and they do add extra value because they really understand the difference in various models in their line of products. Sometimes they are cheaper than the big box operations / sometimes they aren't ....it depends. They go the extra steps when I place a special order / keep me informed on the status, etc ....
However, I do agree - doing your own research is very important / and really understanding what you want - and how that weapon is going to fit your needs. I tend to spend my money with shops that I like to visit / like to discuss my options / use their knowledge a little ...
The big box operations in my area - seem to know next to nothing about the guns they sell except price / but maybe that's just in my area...
Maybe I'm spoiled - but I happen to have a couple of very good local shops / good service / knowledgeable guys working the counter - and they do add extra value because they really understand the difference in various models in their line of products. Sometimes they are cheaper than the big box operations / sometimes they aren't ....it depends. They go the extra steps when I place a special order / keep me informed on the status, etc ....
However, I do agree - doing your own research is very important / and really understanding what you want - and how that weapon is going to fit your needs. I tend to spend my money with shops that I like to visit / like to discuss my options / use their knowledge a little ...
The big box operations in my area - seem to know next to nothing about the guns they sell except price / but maybe that's just in my area...
Yeah, I know some small shops are fine. The one I live closest to now seems okay. I just haven't found anything there that I need yet.
But as long as lack of knowledge at box stores was brought up, I was just at a Cabela's-like (but not a chain) place yesterday. I was maybe back by the guns for 5 minutes before I heard a guy ask what difference it would make if he got a 26" or 28" barrel on a Benelli Nova.
The response:
"The longer barrel will be more accurate, shoot farther, and have a tighter pattern."
But as long as lack of knowledge at box stores was brought up, I was just at a Cabela's-like (but not a chain) place yesterday. I was maybe back by the guns for 5 minutes before I heard a guy ask what difference it would make if he got a 26" or 28" barrel on a Benelli Nova.
The response:
"The longer barrel will be more accurate, shoot farther, and have a tighter pattern."