TexasCHLforum.com

B"H
Good day every one! I know this is not a small topic, but I'd like to read your experience and/or opinion.
From the 90's and 00's I got all my guns from gun shows here in Houston, prices were better compared with regular gun stores, but last few years I've been using Academy. Here is my reason: 1)stock is right there; 2) can use credit card no "fees"; 3) no parking neither entrance fees (~$20). Yes I'm not getting my Mauser but most of it.
So, I ask, where do you buy, and specially here in Houston?

rmoraes wrote:B"H
Good day every one! I know this is not a small topic, but I'd like to read your experience and/or opinion.
From the 90's and 00's I got all my guns from gun shows here in Houston, prices were better compared with regular gun stores, but last few years I've been using Academy. Here is my reason: 1)stock is right there; 2) can use credit card no "fees"; 3) no parking neither entrance fees (~$20). Yes I'm not getting my Mauser but most of it.
So, I ask, where do you buy, and specially here in Houston?

For new guns:
I have a favorite Local Gun Store (LGS) here on the Westchase area of Houston (near the corner of Memorial and Dairy Ashford). I do look around, check prices here and there, and then I go order them from him.
I figure...if the price is marginally similar at a bigger place, I'd rather support the smaller owner-operated places than the big box stores. One more sale might make his week (or month), but one less sale won't even be a rounding error on their monthly P&L statement for the big box stores. Plus, the service you get from the smaller guys is MUCH better! See my comments here, here, and here.

For used guns:
Wherever I can find them. I've bought at the gun show, I've bought consignment guns from my LGS, I've bought from pawn shops, and I've bought from private sellers.

For new guns I use http://www.slickguns.com and then have them shipped to a local FFL. He does transfers for $10 for CHL holders.

Used guns, mostly horse trading with friends and relatives.

Some will flame me, but I don't see the value in LGS. With the internet being what it is, I can find accurate information and a multitude of reviews online about any gun known to man.

steveincowtown wrote:For new guns I use http://www.slickguns.com and then have them shipped to a local FFL. He does transfers for $10 for CHL holders.

Used guns, mostly horse trading with friends and relatives.

Some will flame me, but I don't see the value in LGS. With the internet being what it is, I can find accurate information and a multitude of reviews online about any gun known to man.

I imagine the quality of a LGS plays a factor, and whether you have work done there, but I'm not impressed by our local one at all. I went in there to ask what they charged for FFL transfer, $50. I asked if there was a discount for CHL holders, and his reply was "Same price...Wait a minute, do you know what a transfer is?"

Not counting the private purchases I have made off of Gun Trader, last 2 places I bought guns were Cabelas in Buda ( 2 months ago), wait was looooooong, took me 1.5 hours to get out of there, and I walked in knowing exactly what I wanted. Price was higher than average, but I did not care, needed a Ruger 22/45 to go with my suppressor. Previous to that I did a special order for a .22 Hornet from TX Guns in Austin. The price they wanted was fair and they were very friendly, cash only though, I would buy from them again for sure.

Friends, family, big stores, little stores, local stores, not so local stores. Oh yeah, and one medium sized store. Actually, for me, it all started at the medium sized store about 12 years ago.

Local gun shop. I have purchased one from Academy years ago. It was a little strange when they had to escort me from the sporting goods section all the way through checkout and out the front door.
I would like to purchase online but the transfer fees are so high here at the local gun shops you don't save anything.

I've found excellent prices at SWFA of late.

For the past few years the majority on Gun Broker (.22 rifles, SG's, SA revolvers and a couple three pistols - all were vintage/out of production ), bought 5 or 6 from Academy (availability issue) several from pawn shops, three or four from my local gun shop and a few at garage sales. A few from online dealers and my AR's were purchased from an acquaintance who is an FFL/Dealer - he also ordered my EDC, Kahr PM 40 w/ night sights way back. A couple at Carter's and even one here on the forum.

jmra wrote:I've found excellent prices at SWFA of late.

I pass by SWFA 10-12 times a year and have been meaning to stop. I will stop next time I'm up that way.

puma guy wrote:

jmra wrote:I've found excellent prices at SWFA of late.

I pass by SWFA 10-12 times a year and have been meaning to stop. I will stop next time I'm up that way.

The last time I was in they had the XDs 9mm for $399 and the Glock 43 for $449. Best prices I've seen on either gun.

Recent purchase at local gun range. Why? 1) price was same or better than found elsewhere, 2) want to be sure they stay in business, 3) they're helpful and knowledgeable, 4) I want them to stay in business, 5) they had what I was looking for. I won't pay too much more for anything but I like buying local and when they know you they will usually give a good deal.

Texas gun trader, Academy, Powderhorn, gun shows and bought a 10/22 for my son about 3 weeks ago at Gander Mountain. I steering away from gun trader because lately there seems to be some shady people and I have not gone to a gun show since getting my chl feb of 2014.

Able's Ammo in Huntsville. Owner is very helpful, staff is polite and their inventory is top of the line.