How can I support my LGS?

[Mosin-Me-Nagant]

Lafayette has a great selection of gun stores that have a variety of items at decent prices filled with friendly staff....... but online prices are just too good. I like to buy local and totally want to support my LGS's, but I also want to shoot. I buy ammunition in .22LR and 7.62x54R because those are the only two guns I own right now. I just bought 3750 rounds of .22 for 3 cents a round with tax and delivery. The cheapest that I can get 7.62x54R non-corrosive ammo in town is $13.99. I can get it online for like $8. I cannot sensibly pay 25-50% more for ammo just because. I have the money, but then my wife would start getting on my case even harder hehe.

I bought my rifles in town, but how can I buy my ammo too? Is the gun industry going to have to change with the times or will it go the way of Blockbuster?

 

[combat45acp]

buy your silencers from your LGS that should make you feel better!

 

[HARVEYtheDAMNED]

Lafayette has a great selection of gun stores that have a variety of items at decent prices filled with friendly staff....... but online prices are just too good. I like to buy local and totally want to support my LGS's, but I also want to shoot. I buy ammunition in .22LR and 7.62x54R because those are the only two guns I own right now. I just bought 3750 rounds of .22 for 3 cents a round with tax and delivery. The cheapest that I can get 7.62x54R non-corrosive ammo in town is $13.99. I can get it online for like $8. I cannot sensibly pay 25-50% more for ammo just because. I have the money, but then my wife would start getting on my case even harder hehe.

I bought my rifles in town, but how can I buy my ammo too? Is the gun industry going to have to change with the times or will it go the way of Blockbuster?

First and foremost, I only buy firearms themselves from local gunstores. It's always better to hold the gun in your hand before purchase, so they have that going for them.

Secondly, I also purchase ammo online and I will continue to do so. I keep an eye on my local gun store, which is Indy Trading Post. Usually it's cheaper to get ammo online, but 7.62x54r is very reasonably priced at ITP so it's a good place to pick it up. You have to stop in regularly and see what's going on. New arrivals, sales, ect.

 

[littletommy]

I've bought quite a few surplus firearms off the net, and tons of ammo as well, but when it comes to buying a firearm I can't buy with my 03 FFL, I can usually find a better, or as good, deal at a LGS, when considering transfer fees, and shipping.

 

[Mosin-Me-Nagant]

Right, I too enjoy having the gun in my hands and maybe even firing it before purchasing. I'm the same way with my guitars. I could only see buying a gun online if the deal was incredible. I mean, with $30 in shipping and $20 in transfer, it seems hard to get a great deal online. I can't believe the prices I'm getting on ammo even with shipping added. $160 for 880 rounds of surplus Mosin food is HEAVY! $15 shipping seems like a steal.

 

[indiucky]

I've bought quite a few surplus firearms off the net, and tons of ammo as well, but when it comes to buying a firearm I can't buy with my 03 FFL, I can usually find a better, or as good, deal at a LGS, when considering transfer fees, and shipping.

Thanks Brother. You and Getty Lee are the berries.

 

[lucky4034]

I go online and figure out the entire cost + transfer and then give the gun store a chance to match it. Sometimes they can... sometimes they can't. If the price is close enough, I will go with the gun store. If there is still a +$25 discrepancy then the gun store gets my transfer fee.

Either way, I am supporting my gun store IMHO....

 

[littletommy]

Thanks Brother. You and Getty Lee are the berries.

Not a problem Rick, just wish I had more time and money to do more buying. My off day has been moved to Monday until the end of this month, so I'm hoping to see you the first Friday in August.

 

[atvdave]

I go online and figure out the entire cost + transfer and then give the gun store a chance to match it. Sometimes they can... sometimes they can't. If the price is close enough, I will go with the gun store. If there is still a +$25 discrepancy then the gun store gets my transfer fee.

Either way, I am supporting my gun store IMHO....

^^^^^^^

This.... and when I do go online I also try to give the business who support what I like to do... Like sponsor INGO....

 

[Gunaria]

I say you can support your local shops buy going into them on a regular basis, checking what they get in and if the price is right, pop on it. Do transfers at your favorite shop, it's pure profit for them. If you really like the store tell your buddies about it. That's how you help your local stores.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I'm going go way out on a limb and say something completely radical for INGO, maybe you should spend money in your local gun store?

 

[Que]

I don't consider anyone a "trader" for not buying in their LGS when they can save $50 or more, total, buying online; it's a personal choice. However, I also believe in being fair. I wouldn't expect my LGS to "check out" my gun for me if I'm having trouble; take up time with me to show me how to <fill in the blank>; or help me figure out what are the best accessories I can get to upgrade my gun, especially since it's likely that those upgrades will be purchased online. I don't know any LGS in my area that would not help someone out, even if they KNOW the purchase is not likely to happen; we have some great shops in Indiana.

In your case, you do support your LGS, so don't worry about it.

 

[churchmouse]

I buy some of my ammo on line. Specialty items that my favorite LGS's may not stock because of sales. Accessory's like holsters. I always purchase firearms from a live human being at the good ole LGS.
Optics are another item that may be best bought on line. Selection and price.

I will pay the convenience price just to walk out with the item I seek in my hands and not have to wait on the big brown truck.

We need to realize that these shops are a deep reserve of info, opinions and just a place to gossip like old hens.
I support them.

 

[nucone]

My LGS is great and has always treated me fairly. Most of the time he beats nearly every on-line price for firearms as a routine way of doing business and that occurs without asking. He usually has fair deals on the more common calibers such as 9mm, 40, 45, and 223. Other ammo, reloading components, etc. is usually higher than what you can buy it for on-line (sometimes by a lot and sometimes a little). For the stuff he is much higher on, I will usually throw some but, not all of my business his way.

Ask yourself this question: If everyone was like me, would my LGS even be there? Only you can decide if the value of your LGS is worth your business.

 

[WebSnyper]

I frequent and purchase a fair amount of items at a few of my LGS's, but I also purchase a fair amount online. I don't however purchase ammo at any of my LGS. The prices are just too high on ammo compared to other sources.

The LGS's in my area that provide good service, reasonable pricing and something to differentiate themselves get my business.

I also recommend them specifically by name to friends and others looking to buy guns, etc. If I know someone is looking for something in particular, and I've seen it at my LGS for a reasonable price, I will definitely let them know (yep, I'm in some of them enough to know what their inventory is, in some cases).

However, I will not support a store just because it is local, if it does not provide good service/reasonable pricing.

 

[Mosin-Me-Nagant]

My LGS is definitely been a wealth of info. So far it has all been good. They have helped me figure out some oddities with my 10/22 and I bought them lunch for the help. I plan on going through them whenever I can, but I am still going to snap up every deal I can find online. Glad to hear a lot of other people have helpful LGS's.

 

[WC Deer Hunter]

My LGS is definitely been a wealth of info. So far it has all been good. They have helped me figure out some oddities with my 10/22 and I bought them lunch for the help. I plan on going through them whenever I can, but I am still going to snap up every deal I can find online. Glad to hear a lot of other people have helpful LGS's.

Sounds like you support them to me.

 

[Mosin-Me-Nagant]

Sounds like you support them to me.

Well, i truly do have a bit of regret hitting the "submit order" button online when I could be buying things from my LGS. I guess I came to ***** a bit and don't feel so bad knowing others try to support them as much as possible but still shop for deals online. Dunham's is about the only "chain" retail store I like to shop from. Those guys kill Dicks, Cabela's, and Gander for selection and prices.

 

[Takashi]

Don't forget about reloading products too! Primers and powder and those dreaded hazmat sales fees makes buying from an LGS a lot more cost effective.