Buying guns from large chains vs. mom' and pop stores...???

[Asian Archer]

I was wondering what people think about buying firearms from mom and pop stores vs. the large chan dealsers. One because of quality and price obviously the chain stores have better pricing usually than the smaller places but do they have just as good of quality??? I ask because I just bought a muzzeloader from Walmart because it was considerably cheaper than going through my local dealer however, I'm having doubts about the quality I was told that they buy "seconds" rather than the "real" thing but that was told to me after the fact has anybody heard of this????? Thanks

[theredmission]

Ive never found that much of a difference besides cost and service differences. The big boxes usually have better prices but smaller stores usually have better service. However it really varies store to store. In regards to the gun. It doesnt make a difference if you go into a cabelas/basspro and get a gun, say Remington 870xps, youll get a gun from the same factory that make a Remington 870xps that is sold in a small store. Then again you bought a gun from Wal-mart. Any store like Wal-mart, mejiers, etc. wont usually put out the $ to stock a good gun. Next time stick to the outdoors stores. And always do your research...if you're gonna drop dough on a gun, know what you are buying...especially when you have then net. In regards to your statement "they buy "seconds" rather than the "real" thing but that was told to me after the fact has anybody heard of this?????" I've never heard of anything like that. Then again Im just another consumer that always looking for the best deal and quality too.

[bucks-n-trout]

This topic seems to keep coming up. the manufacturers do NOT send seconds or inferior firearms to the big chain stores. ALL of the guns are built to the same specs regardless of where they are shipped. Any cosmetic flaws that they might have, occur in handling at the chains. I once asked this question while talking to a Remington rep. He thought it was quite funny. He said that at that time, Wal-Mart was their largest mover of some models. " Do you think that we would ship inferior guns to our largest customer ?" The differance is in price alone because of quantity.

You will, however, recieve much better service from a gun shop. These people actually know what they are talking about ( usually).

[bigrackmack]

If I'm looking to buy a gun..I do my research on the net or make some phone calls....I almost always call Guns Galore because I think they have the best prices on guns around where I live...And then hit a gun show and do some shopping thier seeing I know what I want and what they are going for....Mack

[Foreveryoung001]

I was told that they buy "seconds" rather than the "real" thing
You know I heard the same thing... not that the box store guns wearn't "real", but that they do get a lot of factory seconds when they negotiate their pricing with the manufacturers.

I was told this from the Old manager at Jay's in Gaylord. I trust this man. He was a MSP officer, is an elder at my church, and he really knows his guns. Add that all up and I think what he told me is most likely correct.

That being said, he was the first to recomend Wally world for price, because he saw nothing wrong with their guns as far as quality. If a gun was manufactured poorly, then none of the big names would put them on any shelf for liability reasons.

If you work with your mom and pop shop, let them know you are shopping price, they may be very willing to bring it down as close as they can to Walmart prices. I guess it all depends on how much you'd like to support a local business over Sam Walton's enterprise...

Because of their service, Jay's gets all of my firearm business, but I still buy a lot of ammo from walmart...

I wouldn't worry about your new gun though.

[tstu2]

I prefer the Mom and Pop over the Big Box. I bought my last two brownings at smaller stores. I had already completed the research and knew the models and prices in the area. It did cost me about $50-75 more. Both Stores took a minimum of half hour to go over the cleaning, care, and fit the gun to me - after the purchase. One store asked that I come back in after 3 weeks. Store owner was going to "Browning Training" and would know more information and would be able to help me more. I am not sure that the kid behind the counter at Wal Mart would go the extra step.

The only advantage the Mom and Pops have are the service, and there commitment to the community. The have to work hard to get the reputation they need to succeed.

Just look how hard Ninja is working!!!:)

Keep it up.

[Ninja]

I prefer the Mom and Pop over the Big Box. I bought my last two brownings at smaller stores. I had already completed the research and knew the models and prices in the area. It did cost me about $50-75 more. Both Stores took a minimum of half hour to go over the cleaning, care, and fit the gun to me - after the purchase. One store asked that I come back in after 3 weeks. Store owner was going to "Browning Training" and would know more information and would be able to help me more. I am not sure that the kid behind the counter at Wal Mart would go the extra step.

The only advantage the Mom and Pops have are the service, and there commitment to the community. The have to work hard to get the reputation they need to succeed.
:)
Just look how hard Ninja is working!!!

Keep it up.

Thank you for your support.

[Undertow]

support the little guy. A gun is a gun. But the service is ten times better a mom and pop store.
Undertow

[GrouseBuster]

I don't think most us can get exactly the same quality for a lower price. Several of the models IIR at wally world are slightly different with lower grade wood etc. I've always been very happy with the service I get at Jays.

[john warren]

no they don't buy "seconds" can you imagine a firearms manufacture taking that sort of liability now days?I was wondering what people think about buying firearms from mom and pop stores vs. the large chan dealsers. One because of quality and price obviously the chain stores have better pricing usually than the smaller places but do they have just as good of quality??? I ask because I just bought a muzzeloader from Walmart because it was considerably cheaper than going through my local dealer however, I'm having doubts about the quality I was told that they buy "seconds" rather than the "real" thing but that was told to me after the fact has anybody heard of this????? Thanks

[WALLEYEvision]

...I almost always call Guns Galore because I think they have the best prices on guns around...
:yeahthat: I buy all my guns from G.G. too!

I'm sure the LARGE chain stores don't buy "seconds", but it has been my experience that the quality of the wood stocks seem to be much nicer at the Mom-n-Pop stores.

[Rustyaxecamp]

Like others said, I too try to support the little man, however sometimes the deal is too good to turn down. I don't mind paying 20-30 dollars more to help a guy out, but in this day and age, every dollar saved is another I can use for bills.

That being said, at the bigger stores, I find there is usually one or two people working the sporting goods counter that actually try to help and sometimes actually know what is going on. For example I had a guy at the Dicks in Saginaw actually get all the rifles they had in stock (of that particular model) out on the counter for me to choose from when I bought a Rem 700 a few years back.:)

[uptracker]

I was told that they buy "seconds" rather than the "real" thing but that was told to me after the fact has anybody heard of this????? Thanks

They aren't selling "seconds." Even if they did, they have to tell you. That could be a lawsuit if they sold you a lemon. I understand that if it is Walmart, BPS or Cabela's, some of the fools in there aren't going to know the difference anyways, but if they know how to fill out firearms paperwork, order guns, etc, the corporation is definately going to educate them on the different grades of firearms.

I wouldn't worry.

[TIMfromTroy]

I have to agree with the Guns Galore comment. I recently bought an 870 slug gun and the GG price was $40 lower than Bass Pro or Gander Mountain.

[T4HALO]

Do you remember when all the IGAs Woolworths, and gun stores were locally owned. The money stayed in the community. What a concept. All of Wally words items are seconds. Spread the word!

[TNL]

Most guns have a manufacturer's warranty against defects. I have been buying my guns on the internet. I can shop price nationally and can send the gun back if not satisfied. For instance, I just bought a Benelli SBE II Lefty for $1210 delivered to my FFL guy. Jay's wanted $1399 + tax ($84), Gander, Dick's, and Cabelas wanted $1369 + tax and the Mom & Pop's I called were over $1400 + tax. I saved around $300. Same gun, same warranty, and 300 bones buys alot of "customer service".

[john warren]

with all that said. i buy al my guns at a bait shop near my cottage. 90% are used guns. good prices , help a little guy out, great service, can trade and swap and make deals. he knows if i beat him on a deal its ok. he'll make it back next time.
theres a lot to be said for dealing with someone long enough to become his friend. and its pretty nice to see a smile and be called by your nick name when you walk in. lol i even got him eating woodchuck now.

[kbkrause]

I have to agree with the Guns Galore comment. I recently bought an 870 slug gun and the GG price was $40 lower than Bass Pro or Gander Mountain.
Gander Mountain has a price match policy.

[Sib]

So I'm to believe that a store that sells 12 models of the same gun a year with a total purchase of $8000 dollars from a single gun manufacturer is getting the best guns and a chain that sells 4000 of the same model gun a year, with a total purchase of $2,500,000, the chain gets seconds? Bwahahaha Come on. It's business they're all getting the same guns unless there is a grade difference noted on the package, then you'll pay more at both locations for that grade difference.

Personally, I like to purchase my guns from a place with a gunsmith on hand, but lately I get most of my guns from DU events.

[Gunslingergirl]

Just FYI, a lot of the chain stores may get lower prices because they have much more stringent rules about how fast the inventory must be sold.

We investigated selling our product through Wal-Mart and their rules about how fast the initial product order had to be sold were pretty strict. You had to move a certain percentage of the product they took in a specific period of time or they would not take on your product permanently.

For a new product just starting out, those are some big hurdles. One way to move product more quickly, however, is to lower the price.

Just a thought as to why the prices might be lower.

Gunslingergirl

[uptracker]

You must be Union T4HALO.

I've bought all my guns at Guns Galore. They've out beat all other places by as much as $100 on some guns. I too second them. They know what they are talking about too, unlike some of the yahoo's at BPS and Cabela's.

[uptracker]

Gander Mountain has a price match policy.

Not with Mom and Pop shops, I tried that when I bought my Remington 750 this year.

[tdejong302]

bought a new bow last month. Had it fitted, arrows measured, etc..... etc..... bow tuned etc.... you guys know the routine.


WALMART DOESN'T OFFER THIS. You maybe able to have it done at Cabelas or Gander Mountain however ................You don't know who might be tuning or working on your bow.

I just went thru this and realized being cheap isn't always the best. I found a guy in Skandia (Maple Lanes Archery) that has been doing this for 40 years. Hes awesome. Very dependable and guess what .........his prices are comparable to GanderMountain 10 miles away. He has all my buisness for bowhunting. Anyhow, maybe you can be lucky like me and have a couple friends or hunting people suggest someone in your area. Maybe that would make a great thread. Suggest your bow tuner or motor mechanic or best sport store. Safe hunting and fishing.

[Pigpen69]

its pretty simple math if ya ask me, Bobs gun and tackle in hastings wants $379 for a mossberg 500 with both barrels, i bought the same gun at walmart for $225. end of story. i got my muzzleloader drilled and tapped a couple years ago, of course i didnt go to walmart for that. i personally enjoy saving money as it gives me more to buy other stuff with. jmo my 200 dollar gun kills deer as well as any 1000 dollar gun.:D

(keep in mind this was 7-8 yrs ago price wise..lol)

[bigsablemike]

mine from the local bait/gun/sportshop,it cost 20-40 more but when i need some pellets or splitshot hes open and i dont have to wait in a big line or drive more than a quarter mile.

[T4HALO]

I've never been a member of any union, I just believe in keeping small business alive. Wally world moved in, lower prices, killed 3 or 4 small businesses. As soon as they shut the doors on the small local establishments the prices at W mart went rite back to what they had been at the small places. We all work hard for a dollor but we can't get greedy. Help the little man.

T4
Sorry if it sounds like I'm running for office.

[SteveS]

I will do my shopping at a place that has good prices and good service. I don't mind paying a little more if the place has good service. OTOH, I don't mind a slight decrease in service if the price is lower. I have bought guns at both chain stores and local stores. In both places I have run into variances in price and service. I have heard some of the worst advice in a chain store and have also had excellent help. The same holds true for the local stores.

John Ross has a good article on this topic:
http://www.john-ross.net/wal-mart.htm

[Frantz]

I buy my used stuff at mom and pops but tend to buy new at the bigger chains to save the bucks.

[MuskyDan]

Mark up on guns is so insignificant that you really aren't helping the little guy by asking him to match or beat the box stores. Volume gets a better deal and that is why they can sell so cheap.

With that said, if a guy comes to me and says "look at this muzzleloader I got for 49 bucks at Walmart can you bore sight it for me?" I have to bite my tongue. I would really like to jack the price up and treat him like crap but I can't I need that buisness!!!

There is a completely different class of person/hunter/outdoorsman that buy guns and bows and sporting goods at Walmart.

Not bashing anyone here so don't get offended but I will bet Jim Shockey didn't get his first muzzleloader at Walmart, and I would wager that the drury bros don't buy there hoyt's at K-Mart.

You might not get a lower quality gun at Wally-world I truly don't believe they could sell seconds, but buying a gun from someone who could show you how to clean it, load it, and that can bore sight it,well to me that is worth the 20 bucks you save. Besides your gonna pay that anyways to get it bore sighted and it if you buy it from a real shop they will bore sight it for you anyway.

[Parkerman]

I worked for a large camera manufacturer and any product that was what you are calling seconds had to by law be labeled that. That meant any product sent back to us even if it was new had to be reinspected and labeled "Class II". So no big box stores do not sell seconds or Class II goods unless marked, but you still will not get the service that you get at a small store (mom and Pop). So you have to weigh the purchase save a few bucks or buy from the guy that is close to you and will probably go out of his way to help you in anyway he can.

[uptracker]

I've never been a member of any union, I just believe in keeping small business alive. Wally world moved in, lower prices, killed 3 or 4 small businesses. As soon as they shut the doors on the small local establishments the prices at W mart went rite back to what they had been at the small places. We all work hard for a dollor but we can't get greedy. Help the little man.

T4
Sorry if it sounds like I'm running for office.

I know what you mean. Think about the Soo.....same thing happened with the little man. Now, Walmart is closing and we're getting a Super Walmart, Target is going to move into the old Wal Mart building. Menard's is coming in, Home Depot and Lowe's are still battling for a spot and I've herd rumors of a Starbuck's. This is just going to bring in more yahoo's and everything is going to go up, especially housing and vacant land. May be time to go soon.......move to Paradise.:yikes:

[huntfish]

In a recent search for a TC Pro Hunter I shopped it pretty heavily. To my surprise a Mom and Pop shop was actually up to $80 cheaper than either BPS or Gander Mtn. So It got me interested into pricing out several other guns. It was shocking, but mom and pops were not only very competitive but were actually cheaper most of the time. Let's do our best to keep the business local and help out the little guy!

[Asian Archer]

So I'm getting a T/C Encore 50 caliber SS black synthetic stock and I was quoted 599 from a smaller store. Wally World on the other hand gave it to me for 547.88+ tax. I knew the exact model I wanted and I knew what to order so the price definitely enticed me. However, I was hoping that the quality would be just as good as the smaller shops. I know the service is not as good but when you are watching prices and you have a budget in mind the WW price is very appealing. From what I am reading so far from all of you many probably would order from the smaller shops due to better customer service. But the way I see it if I know what I want and what to order I can get it at a better price at WWorld and then go to the smaller stores for accessories and add ons and gunsmithing if need be. i guess I'm still not sure on the quality from Wally World but I guess I'll be letting you all know if I have problems with it come this fall/winter. Thanks for the info guys.

[Pigpen69]

There is a completely different class of person/hunter/outdoorsman that buy guns and bows and sporting goods at Walmart.

.


I think they call them " Smart, because they already did the research and they know what they want. And they just like to save money to buy more stuff!! For the record, i paid $212 for a mossberg 500 with both barrels, saving $167 for the same gun bought at the local sporting good store. I see no reason to not buy the same product for a cheaper price. still shoots like i paid 500:D :D

[MuskyDan]

sure if you bore sight it yourself and you feel like buying some shampoo and toilet paper at the same time. You saved money on a Mossberg!!! Good job guy you're the man!!!!!!!!!