Support your Local FFL! not your big name stores

[HEADSHOT]

dang if everyone wants to pay me $1.00 over cost I will sell you a gun. But here's the deal only if 50.000.00 guns can be sold....I sell all mine for cost plus tax's and shipping fee's.  I charge A 20.00 dollar APPLICATION FEE to pay for my renewal each year. DAMN WALMART, there goes my retirement fund! Big company's they get bailed out and always take from the little people! I say B-S Support your local gun store! Small company's need help, and the government was never there for me and my past company's.  I bet your local FFL holder would do the same for you! Or maybe not?

[BIGINNER]

alway get my guns sent through columbia gun rack.  $25 transfer   used to get them trough a buddy of mine for $15 but he moved to wyoming

[BlackRidge]

I'll go through a local FFL any day, the few I've dealt with around here are stand up guys who are usually doing it to help suppliment their retirement. $25/30 for each transaction is $$$ well spent IMO

[Gutpile]

I try to buy from small local outfits. I have never bought a gun from WalMart.

[high country]

I try to spread the wealth between 3 local stores. any spokane area guys looking for smith service  I have a good one that is fast and smokes everyones price.....at least untill I get my lathe and mill....lol

[jackelope]

How much will you charge me for transfer paperwork on 15 long guns from another state??
They belonged to my Grandfather, he's gone now and my Grandmother wants them out of the house.  I've done all the homework and I know for sure that legally I have to transfer them, even though technically speaking I own them.
I'm trying to find someone who won't charge me $30 a piece plus tax. I'm pretty sure you can put a number of them on the same paperwork. Let me know....I've been procrastinating on this for a while now and I really need to get it done. I will drive to you to pick them up if the price is right.
JB

[Gutpile]

I try to spread the wealth between 3 local stores. any spokane area guys looking for smith service  I have a good one that is fast and smokes everyones price.....at least untill I get my lathe and mill....lol

I'd like some trigger work done. Where is he located? I was just going to go to Brock's but I don't really get the "warm fuzzy's" when I go there.

[high country]

mel doyle in plummer.  know it is an hour down there, but he recontoured, bead blasted and reblued my 1999 in 3 days and the bill was $50 even. 208 686 1006

what trigger you working on?

[CP]

A number of my local “small gun shops” have proven themselves to be first class jerks.  I gave them 1st opportunity but in return they offered poor customer service, and high prices.  Some are knowledgeable on what they offer but they are often rude and arrogant.

The folks at Walmart know little if anything about guns or ammo but they are usually pleasant and they try their best. 

I’ve never been in the OP’s shop and I am in no way implying that his customer service is lacking in any way.

[Gutpile]

mel doyle in plummer.  know it is an hour down there, but he recontoured, bead blasted and reblued my 1999 in 3 days and the bill was $50 even. 208 686 1006

what trigger you working on?

My 673 is HORRIBLE and want it lightened. Also my 700 CDL. I'm too much of a wuss to do it my self. Scared I'll kill someone.

[jackelope]

A number of my local “small gun shops” have proven themselves to be first class jerks.  I gave them 1st opportunity but in return they offered poor customer service, and high prices.  Some are knowledgeable on what they offer but they are often rude and arrogant.

The folks at Walmart know little if anything about guns or ammo but they are usually pleasant and they try their best. 

I’ve never been in the OP’s shop and I am in no way implying that his customer service is lacking in any way.

I've experiencesd the same. I can't say I've been in all of them, but it sucks to say that your opinion is not an uncommon opinion of the shops around here. I really try to support the mom and pop shops or the non-big box stores but it's tough sometimes.

[Gutpile]

A number of my local “small gun shops” have proven themselves to be first class jerks.  I gave them 1st opportunity but in return they offered poor customer service, and high prices.  Some are knowledgeable on what they offer but they are often rude and arrogant.
The folks at Walmart know little if anything about guns or ammo but they are usually pleasant and they try their best. 

I’ve never been in the OP’s shop and I am in no way implying that his customer service is lacking in any way.

I couldn't agree more. Not all, but some are just arsholes. If you don't shoot what they shoot and use the same scope as they do your just an idiot. Not to mention getting a lecture on the new world order or something like that.

Again, not all by any means but some are very difficult to do business with.

[runamuk]

My local guy is a good guy at least to me...but I am a girl so who knows...the kid that works for him is also a good kid, I like going in the shop and just looking at stuff and talking to them. Prefer him over the big stores but sometimes he cant match their price and even he says go with them, knowing I will be back to buy more stuff  

[chrisb]

A number of my local “small gun shops” have proven themselves to be first class jerks.  I gave them 1st opportunity but in return they offered poor customer service, and high prices.  Some are knowledgeable on what they offer but they are often rude and arrogant.

The folks at Walmart know little if anything about guns or ammo but they are usually pleasant and they try their best. 

I’ve never been in the OP’s shop and I am in no way implying that his customer service is lacking in any way.

I've experiencesd the same. I can't say I've been in all of them, but it sucks to say that your opinion is not an uncommon opinion of the shops around here. I really try to support the mom and pop shops or the non-big box stores but it's tough sometimes.

About the only exception to this is when you're a "regular" meaning you are always in their shop spending money on the overpriced ammo, tacticool gear, and overly marked up 'gun du jour' that all the magazines say you need to own.

[grundy53]

A number of my local “small gun shops” have proven themselves to be first class jerks.  I gave them 1st opportunity but in return they offered poor customer service, and high prices.  Some are knowledgeable on what they offer but they are often rude and arrogant.

The folks at Walmart know little if anything about guns or ammo but they are usually pleasant and they try their best. 

I’ve never been in the OP’s shop and I am in no way implying that his customer service is lacking in any way.

  it can be very off putting shopping in these stores when the guy behind the counter is an arrogant prick. Especially when you ask a question and they act like you are a huge inconvenience to them.... even though its their job. But like others said its not every shop.

[high country]

I learned a few local smiths actually send their work off. I saw were it goes and who it comes from. their is no better guys to talk to then sam and mel.....not a snowballs chance that they would talk down to you.

gutpile, I can't quote his price for him, but dont be surprised if $40 for stainless and $50 for matte blue is not what he comes back with for a recontour. $90 to flute, and I would not be surprised if that did not include a reblue or bead blast if you wanted it.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I support my local shops when I get value for service.  I do NOT appreciate the higher priced local shops where the proprietors feel I owe them my business or else I am a jerk, especially when all they are offering is the same product as the chains at a higher price. 

In Wenatchee, there are two great gun/sporting goods dealers I am happy to support.  There is another who meets every bad trait listed above, and has never received a nickel from me, and won't ever see me in their shop again.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I'll throw out a second for  Mel Doyle...  Superb work from what I've heard, (heard from people that know what they're talking about). I've never had any work from his shop, but I would if the need comes up.

-Steve

[724wd]

I was just going to go to Brock's but I don't really get the "warm fuzzy's" when I go there.

STAY AWAY FROM BROCKS!  WORST 'GUNSMITH' I'VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE TO DEAL WITH!

EDIT:  same with mountain shadow.  that guy wouldn't order a holster for me, even when i gave him the manufactures part number.  I told him i wanted to buy it from him, and he told me to buy it online!  said it wasnt worth his time!       last time i darkened HIS doorstep!

[724wd]

oh, and i had a gun blued by Mel several years ago.  great price, QUICK turnaround, and just the finish i wanted.

[Angus]

Nothing I hate more then arrogant salesman. Though I don't buy many guns anymore since switching to archery in the mid-90's its the same with them, I like to support the little guys but have absolutely no problem taking my $ and walking out the door if I get a bad vibe. When I bought my last bow I went to 3 small shops before dropping $1050 on bow and accessories, I'll never go back to the 1st 2 shops.
I've been in xXx archery across the river from me in Rainier Or. and when its time for a new bow, they WILL get my business, always get good service and enjoy BS'ing with the guys that own it.

[Tony 270]

Gun shop, tackle shop, any shop... I prefer to go to the smaller guys rather than the big chains, but many times they just don't have what I want or the price makes me go  

If they had what I want for the same price, or barely any higher than the big chains I'd happily buy from them. Big ticket item, price better be very close. Small item, I'll pay extra. But have been in many smaller shops where it is hard to get any service or they have a horrible attitude, like they're doing you a favor rather than the other way around.

[HEADSHOT]

Nothing I hate more then arrogant salesman. Though I don't buy many guns anymore since switching to archery in the mid-90's its the same with them, I like to support the little guys but have absolutely no problem taking my $ and walking out the door if I get a bad vibe. When I bought my last bow I went to 3 small shops before dropping $1050 on bow and accessories, I'll never go back to the 1st 2 shops.
I've been in xXx archery across the river from me in Rainier Or. and when its time for a new bow, they WILL get my business, always get good service and enjoy BS'ing with the guys that own it.

xXx is top knotch! I dig there custom strings! best in the world! And it helps that there close by! "also OREGON BOWHUNTING DVD" rocks!

[Jburke]

I was just going to go to Brock's but I don't really get the "warm fuzzy's" when I go there.

STAY AWAY FROM BROCKS!  WORST 'GUNSMITH' I'VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE TO DEAL WITH!

EDIT:  same with mountain shadow.  that guy wouldn't order a holster for me, even when i gave him the manufactures part number.  I told him i wanted to buy it from him, and he told me to buy it online!  said it wasnt worth his time!       last time i darkened HIS doorstep!

I have had the same problems with both of these places.  I took in a gun to have a new trigger installed at mountain shadow and was told it would only take him a few days.  It took him over two weeks to get it done!  Also had a friend take in a gun to have it tapped to add a scope and it took him almost two weeks to get his back as well.  There is hope for brocks in the future though.  Brocks is currently up for sale, he's retiring.  Lets hope that someone can turn it around and do a better job with it.

I can honestly say that I have had bad service from big and small shops.  I know that part of it is just stereotyping.  I'm only 26, but I'm not stupid.  I know they look for the middle aged men with the extra income, not the young kid.  Also know many women that have had the same kind of problem.  Treat me like crap an I won't buy from you.  That's the bottom line, I don't care if it's a small shop or big chain store.

[high country]

were I in just a bit better fiscal shape I would buy jims joint and reverse the trend. I see a shop not too far off in my future.  for the spokane guys, I will say this, I can't tell you which or all send work to doyles but he recieves a lot of work from smiths mentioned here as well as the biggest gun chain store we know of he accepts work via mail and I just about guarentee that shipping included, his price and turn time will be 1/2 of what you are used to. never met a guy that I could say was any better at making you feel welcome.

mel builds everthing from a $300 scoped mauser to full customs. his daily customers are from a poor sector of north idaho and big name stores. he has diplomacy figured out.

[demontang]

I have never bought a gun from a big chain store. But I won't pay a price that's way out there from a small biz either. I won't buy from them if the serv is bad either.

[yorketransport]

I'll give a plug for my favorite local gun shop. I buy all of my new guns and a good portion of my used guns from Mary's Pistols in Tacoma. Mary's parents ran a shop (Paul's Guns I think ) in Tacoma for years. They sell mostly para-military stuff and handguns, but at any give time there may be more than 300 models in the small little shop. Dan and Mary are good, honest, hard working folks who really know their stuff.

On top of all this, they have pretty much the best prices around and a knack for finding the hard to get stuff. This is where I got my Dan Wesson CCBT 10mm, Ruger Alaskan 375 Ruger (nobody else could get one at the time), and most recently the Chiappa Rhino 357 mag. Not to mention the Auto Mag and the 45 Wildey magnum (with a ton of factory ammo) that they have for sale (They're a steal at the asking price, but still a bit out of my league).

I'll admit that when money was a little tighter I shopped purely by price. Now I give my money to the people who I feel actually deserve it. This applies to guns as well as everything else I buy. As a FedEx Ground contractor, I get paid by the package. So my best customers (the ones who I pick up and deliver the most to) are literally paying my bills every time they ship or recieve a package through me. I will drive into Tacoma to support the businesses that support me.

Andrew

[Mustangman]

So I have to ask: What shops are good in the Spokane/North Idaho area? Just like many of you, I've had some pretty bad service from several local shops. I'm a veteran, a tactical handgun instructor and probably put more lead downrange than some of these guys standing behind the counter acting like an expert.

[Mossy]

So I have to ask: What shops are good in the Spokane/North Idaho area? Just like many of you, I've had some pretty bad service from several local shops. I'm a veteran, a tactical handgun instructor and probably put more lead downrange than some of these guys standing behind the counter acting like an expert.

I buy at white elephant and daves guns most of the time.

[high country]

terry at all american arms and keith bean at nw pawn & collector arms. north id I see pony express. daves guns has been good to me in the past as well.

[Raul Duke]

I buy about 90% of my guns/ammo/hunting equipment from Bi-Mart.
Are "local" gun store (yakima area) has 2 *censored*s that work behind the gun counter. Everytime I walk back there they look me off. Like I'm some street thug.I know others that have gone there aswell with the same experience.  I know the owner and haven't had the chance to bring this to his attention, but some how I'm sure he alreadyknows about it.

[Jburke]

Im a fan of the Double eagle pawn sho in Deer park.  Great guys up there with a huge selection of new and used guns with good prices.  Also have had good luck with Dave's and All american arms out in the valley.

[ashersdad]

I and most of my law enforcement co workers use double eagle in deer park....great selection good service most of the guys there know there stuff....they dont do any gunsmithing tho but if your looking at buying a new or used firearm great place and they are locally owned 

[Straight Shooter]

So I have to ask: What shops are good in the Spokane/North Idaho area? Just like many of you, I've had some pretty bad service from several local shops. I'm a veteran, a tactical handgun instructor and probably put more lead downrange than some of these guys standing behind the counter acting like an expert.

I buy at white elephant and daves guns most of the time.

Over the years, I must have purchased over a dozen guns from Fairchild Pawnbrokers in Airway Heights.  Bob and AJ are great guys and they only charge $25 over cost, plus shipping.  I've also bought from both White Elephants, Dave's, Cabelas, and both Sportsman's Warehouse/Wholesale Sports (Spokane and CdA)... no complaints.  Haven't bought from Blacksheep in CdA yet, but I'm sure that I will (love that store).  If you have access to Fairchild AFB, MWR (see Rick) sells at wholesale prices and the BX will start selling guns soon... if they haven't already.  As far as gunsmiths go, I agree that the Brock's guys seem a little full of themselves and Mountain Shadow is just to dang expensive.  I'll definitely have to check out the gentleman in Plummer.

[724wd]

i have bought from Daves and was happy with the service.  White elephant is always a good bet.  been in All American and the guys seemed decent. 

for gunsmithing, dont forget Roger Biesen.  he doesnt just do the high dollar customs, and is a hoot to chat with.  if his dad Al is in the shop, you get to hear all kinds of cool stories. 

[high country]

roger built my 375 custom......great work, but you will not get it back in the same month typically.

[724wd]

HC, you are correct in that.  if it's an immediate need, roger might do it, but there's probably be some $$ involved to 'fit you in"