I always try to buy from my local gun shop Frontier arms. Ive bought 2 guns there already and looking into buying a new 1911 there now. They are very good people and have good prices. I will most likely buy my ammo over the internet though becuase nobody around here carries bulk ammo and i prefer buying a 1000 rounds at a time and saving 10+cents a round for plinking ammo.

Local gun store for me as well as reputable forum members who list in the classifieds.

I generally go to local stores if it's reasonable and they have what I want. The local guy is knowledgeable and friendly. I don't mind paying a bit extra for the convenience and knowledge.

I had some friends with photography hobbies. They would go to the local camera store, gab gab gab, handle the samples, and then buy online. The local store sold out to Ritz, all that's left are kid sales types who know nothing, and the local knowledge guy is gone. Knowledge and service have value as well and should be taken into account along with the price. If that added value is still priced too high, go elsewhere.

Originally Posted by dannyb

I generally go to local stores if it's reasonable and they have what I want. The local guy is knowledgeable and friendly. I don't mind paying a bit extra for the convenience and knowledge.

I had some friends with photography hobbies. They would go to the local camera store, gab gab gab, handle the samples, and then buy online. The local store sold out to Ritz, all that's left are kid sales types who know nothing, and the local knowledge guy is gone. Knowledge and service have value as well and should be taken into account along with the price. If that added value is still priced too high, go elsewhere.

I feel the exact same way. I encountered that problem with a local auto parts store. They had staff that knew what they were doing and a machine shop. The big box stores put them out of business. I didn't mind paying a few bucks more for a part to support a LOCAL busines. Plus you couldn't beat the conversations.

I try to get to my local gun store more often than not. But if it's just practice ammo I'll hit Wally world or Bass pro. (although that's getting tougher to do)

Local gun store. I won't hesitate to buy from a big retailer(usually my rifles), but I try to stick to too local stores here in SC for my handguns and the rest of my stuff.

A local store as here on the LEFT COAST you have a hard time buying from anyone but FFL

I always try to support the "little guy" by buying most of my stuff at local gun shops. For the most I tend to get better deals from the local shops too. They tend to make their money in volume and repeat customers. They may not sell the volume of the big outfits but also dont have the huge overhead either.

I bought my guns from gun stores. The law enforcement discount certainly helps. I do not remember what I paid, but I remember thinking that the price was decent at the time. I still prefer to talk to a human, see the selection of various new guns, and hold one in my hand before I buy one, even if there is a lower price available on some website; you do not really know what you are getting on a website, anyway.

I do not know anything about gun shows, anyway.

I try to by local to support local businesses, but sometimes the prices are just too different for me to justify. I think I'd pay $50 more to buy local if it came down to it. When I was looking to buy a P30L, I saw one at a gun show for $930. I tried to talk them down to $930 OTD but they woulnd't... CDNN had them for $795 and even after all shipping and FFL it was like $830. I am kind of glad the show place said no after I realized the price difference.

For that big of price difference, I will buy online; if they are fairly close locally I will try to buy there.

I would much rather go to the LGS, so my guy can let me know when any good deals come through. you can find "used" guns that are really brand new, because the person that had it never used it. I've saved plenty doing it that way.

Originally Posted by mike#9

I too shop and shoot at Shoot Straight. Great guys, and fantastic product lines.

i go to shoot straight as well, i didnt buy my handgun there but i did go with a friend this week to pick up an AK, they chopped $100 off the price for us, great guys and great selection. the range in casselberry is the only thing i dont like, havent tried to apopka one yet though.

I said local as I'm all for supporting a good local dealer.. but I did wind up with the latest purchase from a show, due to availability, price and I liked the dealer's helpfulness and attitude. He was somewhat local so applies to buying from a local dealer as well somewhat.

I'm planning on buying from a local dealer, but I am shopping around on the internet and auction sites

On line, Buds Gun Shop has been good for me.

first time buyer, i figured buying local is easier than trying to do the whole FFL thing. plus the gun i wanted happened to be available locally. but i would have bought online if the price was significantly lower.

I recently purchased my first handgun, (you can view my thread if you like) from a local shop. I could have found it other places for about $30 cheaper. So if you are looking at where to get the "best deal" the local shop may not be the best bet. I would rather pay $650 for a $575 piece from a local shop than to buy online or from a major retailer. I don't know how things are where you all are from, but my local economy has never been great, even when things were good. I always try to support local businesses...(gas, grocery, electronics, everything)

If the increase in price is within reason, I will purchase locally. Once the relationship is established, the difference is made up with friendship, advice, and freebies. I paid 200.00 more locally for an AR, but, along with the AR I got 200 rds of .223 ammo, a scope and a laser. If the shop is trying to get rich, I just stay away and wait until my preferred shops have what I want in stock. Just my .02.

Local stores for me. Of course, Bud's is an hour from me.

Mel

I buy my firearms from my local dealer, however ammo and accessories I get online due to shortages in ammo, gunbroker always has ammo I need, when my local dealer doesn't or I find a better deal.

I usually do a little shopping around at my local stores. Prices can vary as much as $100 for the same gun. Do your homework and shop around.

So far I go with one local dealer. I'm new so I haven't really shopped for much, but when it comes to something as personal as a handgun, I want a little romance first, something you can't get online. As for sporting goods franchises, the only one we have is Gander Mountain. I took a look around at their pretty decent selection but again, was looking for some face time with someone who'll be there tomorrow.

I would imagine some of you more experienced guys wouldn't hesitate as much to go for online or out of area purchases.

Online classifieds are the best deals I've seen....

I buy at my local gun store. Their prices are actually pretty competitive, and the service is top notch. I will use the net for accessories that the local guys don't have.