Anything to the Walmart handgun sales rumor?

[smores]

If you can't find someone who works there to unlock the ammo case, it will be tough for them to sell handguns.

Can't believe I missed this earlier but you may be onto something...

 

[Maryland Hunter]

I hope not. That only means less sales for the little guys with the local gun shops.

We need them more than we need WalMart.

MH

 

[Hog Sniper]

Too much paperwork and wait time in MD...WalMart usually has issues with paperwork to start with..Too many hands in the pot that dont know what they are doing...

 

[smores]

I hope not. That only means less sales for the little guys with the local gun shops.

We need them more than we need WalMart.

MH

Not necessarily. BPS, Dick's and Cabela's are really the competition for small local shops. Unless you're entirely a sporting gun type store, I don't think you would have anything to worry about. I've never really gone into WalMart and been super impressed with their selections. Sure they have sold Browning and Beretta shotgun, but they're always the low-low-end guns from those companies.

Local gunshops fight hard to make a profit, and it's hard to compete with Wal-Mart selling those low-end guns (they can't because of the cost Wal-Mart buys them at). Local shops strive on offering higher end products, more variety, and the service and friendly interaction and business relationship with customers that you don't get at a big box store. While you have those that will drive an hour each way twice to save $20 on a pistol that they could have gotten at another shop that was closer to them... 95% of gun buyers want to have a "local shop" where they trust everyone and can go in and feel like they're cared about.

Unless they expand their gun section into something like you see at Cabela's (which I HIGHLY HIGHLY DOUBT, look how long it took for them to get their electronics section sorted), I don't see this as a big competition for small shops. People that want Hi-Points and Ruger semi-auto pistols will be more than welcome at Wal-Mart and I don't think you'd be able to get much more than that from them.

 

[annihilation-time]

Not necessarily. BPS, Dick's and Cabela's are really the competition for small local shops. Unless you're entirely a sporting gun type store, I don't think you would have anything to worry about. I've never really gone into WalMart and been super impressed with their selections. Sure they have sold Browning and Beretta shotgun, but they're always the low-low-end guns from those companies.

Local gunshops fight hard to make a profit, and it's hard to compete with Wal-Mart selling those low-end guns (they can't because of the cost Wal-Mart buys them at). Local shops strive on offering higher end products, more variety, and the service and friendly interaction and business relationship with customers that you don't get at a big box store. While you have those that will drive an hour each way twice to save $20 on a pistol that they could have gotten at another shop that was closer to them... 95% of gun buyers want to have a "local shop" where they trust everyone and can go in and feel like they're cared about.

Unless they expand their gun section into something like you see at Cabela's (which I HIGHLY HIGHLY DOUBT, look how long it took for them to get their electronics section sorted), I don't see this as a big competition for small shops. People that want Hi-Points and Ruger semi-auto pistols will be more than welcome at Wal-Mart and I don't think you'd be able to get much more than that from them.

I have to agree. Most of what you see at Walmart are less expensive guns. Usually, prices range from $99 to maybe $400.

They might sell a lot of Ruger 10/22 rifles and Mossberg Maverick shotguns, but I don't see them being overly successful selling handguns.

 

[mbz300sdl]

FIFY

At least we don't have that problem up here.

 

[SmokinApe]

If you can't find someone who works there to unlock the ammo case, it will be tough for them to sell handguns.

Haha!

 

[Fallschirmjaager]

I bought my Savage Mk.II from the WalMart in Frederick and it took almost two hours from start to finish. The employees had no idea what they were doing, I had to explain what I was trying to buy to three different people, answer the same questions for three different people, and be escorted out of the store by the manager, who held my rifle until we got to the door. I wouldn't buy a gun from WalMart again unless it was the deal of the century, and even then I'd think twice if I could get the same thing from a place like Glade Valley or Engage.

 

[Maryland Hunter]

Not necessarily. BPS, Dick's and Cabela's are really the competition for small local shops. Unless you're entirely a sporting gun type store, I don't think you would have anything to worry about. I've never really gone into WalMart and been super impressed with their selections. Sure they have sold Browning and Beretta shotgun, but they're always the low-low-end guns from those companies.

Local gunshops fight hard to make a profit, and it's hard to compete with Wal-Mart selling those low-end guns (they can't because of the cost Wal-Mart buys them at). Local shops strive on offering higher end products, more variety, and the service and friendly interaction and business relationship with customers that you don't get at a big box store. While you have those that will drive an hour each way twice to save $20 on a pistol that they could have gotten at another shop that was closer to them... 95% of gun buyers want to have a "local shop" where they trust everyone and can go in and feel like they're cared about.

Unless they expand their gun section into something like you see at Cabela's (which I HIGHLY HIGHLY DOUBT, look how long it took for them to get their electronics section sorted), I don't see this as a big competition for small shops. People that want Hi-Points and Ruger semi-auto pistols will be more than welcome at Wal-Mart and I don't think you'd be able to get much more than that from them.

I have to agree. Most of what you see at Walmart are less expensive guns. Usually, prices range from $99 to maybe $400.

They might sell a lot of Ruger 10/22 rifles and Mossberg Maverick shotguns, but I don't see them being overly successful selling handguns.

I don't know, what you're saying makes sense I guess. I hope you're right.

MH

 

[smores]

I don't know, what you're saying makes sense I guess. I hope you're right.

MH

Me too. I'm a big proponent of the "if you're a jack of all trades, you're a master of none." I have no problem with someone looking for a deal, but the bargain hunter type is the bane of gun shops everywhere. They come in, ask you 200 questions, fingerbang all your guns, then go out and buy it at Bud's Gun Shop or gunbroker and have it transferred to their favorite secret kitchen table dealer after wasting your time - sometimes clocking in at several hours wasted...

Local gun shops that do well are here in the IP section actively involved in discussion with local enthusiasts and welcome customers who want to start lasting business relationships. I am willing to bet that there are VERY FEW if any active members on this forum who only own one gun, or have decided they have "enough" and will never buy another. Wal-Mart is a staple of people who have basic needs and want to save a little money.

If you want a really nice home theater section, you will go to a specialty store like MyerEmco (not sure if they're still around) because they will do a better job and know a hell of a lot more than your average Best Buy/hhgregg employee, and a HELL of a lot more than anyone at Wal-Mart. Now the Wal-Marts around here are garbage, and the Supercenters in rural areas may have someone who is an outdoorsman/woman type and be helpful (I have found such people and it was a nice experience). In PA I went to get some ammo once and the guy said "hey we have some 100rd .45 WWB bulk packs that seem to be mispriced, it's $30 for 100 rounds, just wanted to let you know" so I bought all they had.

The people at the Wal-Marts around here couldn't be assed to give a flying fvck, I really don't think it'll hurt our local IPs.

 

[FFMike]

Judging by the idiot behind the counter Thursday night in the Quarterfield Rd. Walmart, I would think they will NEVER sell handguns!

I was looking thru the ammo case for some Federal AR .223.

Alady came up and asked about home defense weapons. He went on and on about an 870 tactical. She said she wanted a handgun.

He proceeded to tell her she would need a permit to OWN the gun! I snickered and followed her down the aisle and explained how it really works here. She assurred me she only wanted it for her home and would only carry it outside the home when traveling to the range to practice.

Gave heer an email address and cell in case she wanted to shoot a 9mm, .38 and a .45...

The idiot behind the counter stood there listening and looking like I just raped him!

This is the first issue I have ever had there. There is an older gent that works there and stocks the ammo and knows the laws and his guns.

The guy the other night would probably look dow the barrel to see if a weapon was loaded!

 

[1time]

I buy every new firearm from the same local Gunshop. Only exception being internet purchases for firearms that the LGS cannot get. Walmart selling guns will not change that.

 

[smores]

The guy the other night would probably look dow the barrel to see if a weapon was loaded!

Waitaminute... there's another way?

 

[martinithebun]

They could offer Glocks for $200 and they'd still never get me to set foot in there.