Sad state of retail "outfitters"

[Coot]

We have about 6 gunshops in the metro Richmond area. Only one carries real black powder & on occasion a flintlock. He mainly caters to ACW reenactors. (Actually even that is a sideline, most of his sales are modern guns). You might get lucky at an event or a find an infrequent trade-in but the only consistent everyday option for traditional bp guns is pretty much the internet/mailorder. Put it down to catering to market demand. The traditional muzzleloading community is just too small & spread too thin to support keeping a good selection at the local shops.

 

[luieb45]

i go to many small gun shops. its not hard to tell the difference between a salesmen and one who sells but also has a passion for what he does. i have come across more good deals in private gun shops than i ever have at the big super stores..i like that personal touch. Sometime im not in a position to buy but ill stop by to visit some..Support you local guys and get to know them, most of them will work with ya.

I've noticed the same thing the same thing but not with muzzleloader shops but with bow shops. The big stores salesman don't even know what they are talking about but the small stores do.

 

[John Wasmuth]

I know what you mean. Out here there is a Gibsons, one of the newer clerks finally convinced them to stock some traditional side locks, but they wont even listen to him, or anyone else for that matter, about selling real blac powder. For that we have to drive all the way into San Antonio. Cabelas up in Buda, Texas still carries Goex, but for how long havent got a clue.

 

[mtmshieldshotmail.com]

I fixed your title for you...
Sad state of retail "buyers."

Regards,
Mike

 

[single shot]

well i still support the little guy..the big stores dont do it better.they advertize and people react to that..not me. I have a few small stores that will call me if something comes in they know im looking for..The super stores will drive out the small store then raise there prices. If your old enough to remember pumping our oun gas to save a couple of pennies. Now we do all the work and it cost us more. I dont trust big buisness and never will. All that said each to there oun. respectfully Bobby S.

 

[jmforge]

I'm okay with big business if I am buying something basic that is the same everywhere because I end up paying less. When you get to any kind of speciality or high end item, then I want to deal with someone who is truly interested in the product and knows what the hell they are talking about. I don't need an "expert" to sell me toilet paper, but I sure like having one around if I am buying a gun, a sports car, stereo speakers or a suit. :grin:

 

[single shot]

dont support the little guy and he wont be around and ive been round long nuff ta see that, zall im sayen

 

[John Wasmuth]

I buy from the lil guy as often as I can. Heck, I'm a lil guy, and certainly do appreciate every sale I make. Course, hard to find commercial braintanning operations, but we really do thank people that buy from us.