POLL... Small Gun Shops vs. Wal-Mart

[jgalar]

Wal-Mart only carries plain jane vanilla flavored hunting guns. If you want something special you go to a gun store. Wal-Mart doesn't sell handguns if you want one you go to the gun store. As previously mentioned more stringent federal regulations hinder the gun stores. What hurts the local gun shops more than Wally-World is internet sales. I don't buy reloading or shooting supplies locally except for powder and primers. Most everything I buy comes delivered to my door by the big brown truck. About the last 10 guns I have bought were either muzzleloaders or mil-surps and they also were bought on the internet.

[MGMorden]

The Internet sales thing is happening everywhere though (as I think another poster has mentioned).  One of my other hobbies is that I like to build scale models (mostly science fiction and WWII subjects).  On another msg board that I hang out on people are always talking about supporting the local shops vs the online stores (Wal-mart doesn't really carry much in regards to models so they're not a big factor).  Bottom line is though, I find it more convienient to shop from the website than to browse the store, and selection and prices are better.

Same with computers.  I haven't bought a built computer since I was 14 (I put together my own), but I've always bought all my components online because they cost literally half as much (or less) as the stuff does locally; and locally I'm usually going to have to settle for something rather than getting exactly what I'm looking for.

Overall I think that the mode of commerce is changing.  Most common things that you need in a hurry (groceries, notebook paper, etc) and novelties/impulse buys are moving to the larger stores such as Wal-mart, K-Mart, Target, etc.  Specialty items are transitioning to online shops where instead of having lots of stores of mixed quality (available only to local residents), we'll have fewer stores but because they're online and service the whole country their selection and prices will be better.

The smart owners of these stores should look at having an online storefront in addition to their B&M front.  

Now what we need is something similar to a C&R for modern guns.  Not a license to do business, but a license to buy modern guns for personal use.  Doubt that one will get passed anytime soon though .

[Duce]

Folks: I've read this thread with interest, shoot people have trouble with both sides. I understand both points, chainstores hire some kid at minimum wage, teach him to run a register and he a sporting goods expert.  You wonder why some small shop owners have attitudes??
Be behind the counter when some nimrod drags the rifle/shotgun/handgun he bought from a chainstore/gunshow and wants you to cover warranty.  Or you're about to make a sale and joe nimrod informs your customer how wally world has the same gun selling for less than you buy wholesale.  

The point is, you roll the dice, take your chances, as for me I'll frequent small shops and try to give them my business, but I still cave to the convenience of chainstores for things at times. Have A Good'un: <>< Duce:

[Duce]

Folks: I've read this thread with interest, shoot people have trouble with both sides. I understand both points, chainstores hire some kid at minimum wage, teach him to run a register and he a sporting goods expert.  You wonder why some small shop owners have attitudes??
Be behind the counter when some nimrod drags the rifle/shotgun/handgun he bought from a chainstore/gunshow and wants you to cover warranty.  Or you're about to make a sale and joe nimrod informs your customer how wally world has the same gun selling for less than you buy wholesale.  

The point is, you roll the dice, take your chances, as for me I'll frequent small shops and try to give them my business, but I still cave to the convenience of chainstores for things at times. Have A Good'un: <>< Duce: