I don't think I can bring myself to buy firearms locally any longer. At least in cases where the firearm is on the more expensive side.
I would prefer to support local business and support local gun stores, and a "few" dollars here or there is not enough to make me go elsewhere. Sometimes I just want to handle something and take it home right away since I like immediate gratification.
But this week I purchased two new 1911's. Searching all over on the internet, I find that most stores on line, and most local stores, price the firearm at MSRP, or perhaps 5% under MSRP at best.
To be more specific, I wanted the Nighthawk Agent 2 and found one locally for around 4,650. add to that the sales tax I pay to buy local and the price out the door is over $4,900. They would probably drop the price by $100 or even $200 on that item - but between the tax and the retail MSRP, its a steep price.
I found the same gun online at "online only" store. I have bought from the same place before and he answers his phone or calls back in minutes, processes easy and ships the next day. Shipping and insurance are free, there is no sales tax and he gives 10% discount to police, military and (for me - security work - as I am neither military or LEO).
same gun for 4,100. I can delay the gratification for a few days for that kind of savings.
I bought a Wilson Combat at the same time and had similar experience with price and discounts.
No pictures as they arrive today at the local gun store. I'll have to pay $70 in transfer fees, but the savings on the two pistols was $1,000.
Cheaper guns - I may still do local, but once something costs close to $1,000 - I think I have to keep up the internet searches. Takes a little time, but worth the effort.
I've found a few places selling lightly used guns and been happy to take advantage of those savings as well through the same process. If I can't find it here on ODT, I just have to spend time casting the wider net.
I would prefer to support local business and support local gun stores, and a "few" dollars here or there is not enough to make me go elsewhere. Sometimes I just want to handle something and take it home right away since I like immediate gratification.
But this week I purchased two new 1911's. Searching all over on the internet, I find that most stores on line, and most local stores, price the firearm at MSRP, or perhaps 5% under MSRP at best.
To be more specific, I wanted the Nighthawk Agent 2 and found one locally for around 4,650. add to that the sales tax I pay to buy local and the price out the door is over $4,900. They would probably drop the price by $100 or even $200 on that item - but between the tax and the retail MSRP, its a steep price.
I found the same gun online at "online only" store. I have bought from the same place before and he answers his phone or calls back in minutes, processes easy and ships the next day. Shipping and insurance are free, there is no sales tax and he gives 10% discount to police, military and (for me - security work - as I am neither military or LEO).
same gun for 4,100. I can delay the gratification for a few days for that kind of savings.
I bought a Wilson Combat at the same time and had similar experience with price and discounts.
No pictures as they arrive today at the local gun store. I'll have to pay $70 in transfer fees, but the savings on the two pistols was $1,000.
Cheaper guns - I may still do local, but once something costs close to $1,000 - I think I have to keep up the internet searches. Takes a little time, but worth the effort.
I've found a few places selling lightly used guns and been happy to take advantage of those savings as well through the same process. If I can't find it here on ODT, I just have to spend time casting the wider net.
