Who else hangs out at a local gunshop?

[Adam Helmer]

I never get the "feel" of a small-town gunshop when I go to Wal-mart. It is more like that "jiffy lube" experience, a quick in and out. We are fortunate to have a longtime small gunshop on the main street of our small town. The friendly proprietor always greets customers warmly and has time to chat about local news, events, upcoming seasons and newly arrived guns on the racks, both new and used.

A coffee pot is always on the rear counter for visitors to the shop. On Thursday mornings from 10:00 am until about noon, a few oldtimers gather to talk guns and check out the local gossip. It is a laid back sort of time us over 50ish folks look forward to each week. Many reloading problems or gun problems are hashed out by the gang. We also get first dibs on any nice used guns to show up in the shop. When that shop closes, a piece of Americana will go by the boards.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

These gun shops survive and are doing well despite the new Cabelas store a half hour drive away. There are a number of advantages in dealing with the locals. First, they tend to be more knowledgeable about guns and ammo than some folks I have encountered at K-Mart. The shops I frequent have a 30-60-90 days same as cash open accounts for preferred customers with no interest charges. Finally, they have a no questions asked return policy or full refund at the customers request. That appeals to me. All the best...
Gil

[quigleysharps4570]

Miss that. The one I used to spend alot of time in closed down after the owner died.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Can't 'hang out' at the local gunshop....I have this thing called 'a job' that prevents that from happening!;)
Unfortuantely, 'big city' gunshops don't seem to be as hosptiable as 'small town' gunshops....the sale of firearms is the bottom line, and anything else (like chitchat) just detracts from that.:(

[kt]

well let me say this, i have always found huntchat folks to be personable and helpful. never has any one belittled any one beyond the friendly ribbing that goes on. Now at a handfull of local shops there are those who seem to always show up because they are friends of the place. Every gun i look at they have a comment about, or any question i ask they feel their opinion is the way to go, i feel like saying did i ask you? are you the guy behind the counter, No? then shut up! anything you have done they have a story one better. I get sick of it, my gun transactions arent a spectator sport. And if you have something useful to say be kind about it and consider the person buying may not even be near having the experience you have. I cant tell you how many times i have left a store without a purchase because i cant stand the eyeballs on me as i work my way down the counter. I get the vibe from most of these kind that they are the same types that are in the diner and check stations at 8 am opening day because nothin was moving in the woods. well hope i didnt offend any one
Ps. gil, where is this nice place of which you speak?
kt

[Adam Helmer]

kt,

I fully understand that your buying or looking over a prospective purchase is NOT a "spectator sport." I am not offended because Rule #1 of the "Tioga Militia" (our old guys' Thursday morning gang) is we NEVER interfere with a sale or check-out by a prospective buyer in the shop. Now, if we are asked for an opinion, we then approach the sales counter and provide information overload to the asker. Generally, we hang way back to the back of the shop and chat amongst ourselves. Other customers come and go and they probably do not even notice us.

In furture, you may nicely tell the "eyeballers" that you need breathing room and they may go about their bidness as you go about yours. I would tell obnoxious "eyeballers" to take a hike.

Adam