I have been working hard around the house stripping wall paper, painting, changing light fixtures, etc., so my wife agreed that I was entitled to a new rifle.
I went to a local gun shop where I have done business before for the purpose of ordering a Handi in 30-30 Win. Wal-Mart will special order them for $199 and the Kittery Trading Post stocks them for $219. I was willing to pay more to help ensure that the little guy stays in business (which is in my interest, too, because he sells powder, primers, handguns, etc.).
The clerk at the shop quoted me $292 to order me a 30-30 Handi. That was their "cash price"--no trade in, no credit card. He wouldn't budge.
I left without making a purchase. I would have gladly paid $240 or so--by check up front which have would cleared before the gun even arrived--to keep my money local. My plan had been to buy one 30-30 Handi, and if it worked out to buy a second so that I could keep one scoped and one open sighted. Thus, the local dealer has probably lost a least two sales from me.
I headed to Wal-Mart for the purpose of special ordering a 30-30 Handi. When I got there they had a Mossberg ATR in 30-06 for $244. Totally different rifle; totally different cartridge. But I looked it over and it seemed well made. I also had read good reviews both on this site and in the press.
So I bought the ATR. Along with a Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40 scope and three boxes of ammo.
I think the the first lesson to be learned here is that the "little guy" can either prosper by meeting his customers half way or get crushed by Wal-Mart and others (although this guy hasn't gotten crushed yet as his yellow H3 Hummer is parked in front of the shop and he was telling another customer about the house he just had built).
The second lesson is that H&R could lose a huge amount of sales because Mossberg and Remington have come up with bolt guns that are only marginally more expensive than a Handi (and about equal in price with an Ultra) that are being stocked at places like Wal-Mart, The Sports Authority. It's hard to pass up a rock-bottem-priced bolt gun that's on the shelf when you would need to special order a Handi.
