The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Idea for premier gun storeGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Idea for premier gun store | Login/Join |
| One of Us |
Not sure where to put this but thought here would be a start. I have a business idea. In the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, there are 5 million people with more coming all the time. There is one truly unique and special gun store - the Beretta Store in the Dallas Highland Park area. It is seriously cool and very nice and specialized in Beretta products. Great store, knowledeable sales folks, very nice, but a little "put offish" due to the location and ambiance. Holland and Holland has a gunroom in Dallas as well. It is stunning. I cannot afford anything in there and I can afford a lot. What about a Winchester Store??? The Beretta and H&H store are for the upper end buyers with nothing under $2000 to buy. Concept - Set up a Winchester only store. Have the complete line of rifles and shotguns, ammo and possibly set up a logo'd clothing line. Add a couple of computer work stations where someone can come in and research Winchester products and history. Have another couple of computers set up to research hunting destinations. Work with a set of agents or pre-checked outfitters to steer hunters to what they are looking for. Set it up to be less "formal" than the other two, set it up to be "western" much like the Fort Worth stockyards area, along a "Yellowstone" or "6666" theme. Harken to the Old West. Have a couple of large screens showing Tracks Across Africa or some of the old African or Alaskan movies - King Solomon's Mines, Out of Africa, others. Have an optics section with Leupold and Swarovski scopes and bino's for folks to look at. Offer to install on every purchase. Handle all the transfer paperwork. If someone comes in wanting pre-64 guns or needing info or needing repairs, have the knowledge to steer them to the right gunsmith or get them the research info they need. Handle used guns but only Winchesters - target pre-64's, 101's, Model 12's, Model 21's, and the other classic Winchester weapons. The model would be a bit similar to Tecovas boots. They market their boots to the masses offering an experience as well as well made boots. Most people want good boots can afford Tecovas whereas they cannot afford Luchesse or others. Trying to create a hang out place for gun people. Offer coffee, place to sit and watch a movie or research old Winchesters or hunts. Does this have any merit??? Thanks | ||
|
One of Us |
overhead would kill it....as good of an idea it is, and i collect model 70's and model 54's, 12's, and 97's, mine are the shooting variety... ive got a couple of "collector" quality, supergrade 300 h&h, a nice swift, a 3 digit model 54 in 270, a skeet model 12, y prefix (salt wood),, but the rest are just shooters... go big or go home ........ DSC-- Life Member NRA--Life member DRSS--9.3x74 r Chapuis | |||
|
One of Us |
It's an interesting concept. I think the part that would kill it is the coffee and places for hangers, that makes them feel welcome. Whether a gun shop, bike shop or archery shop, the hangers are the problem. They come in, hang out because they're bored. They don't buy anything and make new-comers feel unwelcome. There's a place here in Phoenix called "Phoenix Fishing". They are great. They have everything I need for specialty South American or Offshore fishing. Problem is, the old guys in there are sitting in the chairs, they bring in crock pots full of food. The hangers are all eating and chatting with the proprietors and the guys like me that actually come in to buy stuff, are largely ignored. I've turned to Amazon for stuff. It's just easier. The have lost a client and don't even know. I can buy absolutely everything on Amazon they have. I've always tried to support local, independent business'. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
| One of Us |
What I've seen most lacking for guns. Is gunsmiths and stock makers etc. George "Gun Control is NOT about Guns' "It's about Control!!" Join the NRA today!" LM: NRA, DAV, George L. Dwight | |||
|
| One of Us |
Couldn't have said it better myself! "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thanks for the comments. I see what you are saying. Appreciate the thoughts! | |||
|
one of us |
Gordy and Sons in Houston is a great example of a premier sporting goods shop. If you are ever in downtown Houston around the Heights I would strongly recommend you visit. Might even catch our own mjines there... On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling Life grows grim without senseless indulgence. | |||
|
One of Us |
I like Gordy and Sons, except for their prices, which are only paid by the legions of suckers born every minute. The only marketplaces that yield real world prices under current market conditions are auction houses. It is harder than Hell on a sinner these days for brick and mortar retail to compete. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Gordy and Sons is defiantly worth a visit and like Russ said, you might catch M.J. there. | |||
|
One of Us |
Winchester guns is owned by the Herstal Group, as is Browning, FN. Doubt they would go along with this. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I've seen the "hang-out" model in various gun stores in various states over the years. It just doesn't seem to work. Especially for new buyers. Who wants a bunch of strangers looking over their shoulder and making all kind of unsolicited remarks when they are trying to decide on a meaningful gun purchase? But I think the brand-specific, modest, buyer-comfortable model is a great idea. 114-R10David | |||
|
One of Us |
Pretty sure MJ hanging out at Gordy and Sons was exactly what Steve & TWL were warning about... | |||
|
| One of Us |
I worked in a gunshop fifty years ago. The worst thing we did was have free coffee available. There were guys that came in everyday and some hung around and argued for hours. The second worst thing was I did not drink coffee at that time! | |||
|
One of Us |
We had a gunshop near us in Maine like your idea for the m70 guy. The regulars came in there every day and hunt out and didn't buy anything and were a pain in the ass. Everyone else was ignored. So I went to Kittery Trading post 2 hours away. Or Cabelas or even LL Bean. I like supporting mom and pop, but a lot of times mom and pop can't or won't support themselves. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I am very pro Law Enforcement but the worst case of hangers at a gunshop that I've ever witnessed was in a very nice shop in a middle sized Florida town. Several of the local cops hung out there and tried to impress everybody within hearing range with all of their heroic cop stories. Talk about running off the clientele! BTW the store is now out of business. | |||
|
One of Us |
Before reading all the comments, I was thinking of Gordy. I’ve never been there, but I believe it’s a playground for the rich. Nothing wrong with that. Actually, Beretta Gallery prices on regular guns are better than elsewhere. It’s that “William Devane” room where things change. Snider Plaza has Jackson Armory. It’s a quiet place, but the hangers are there. I really didn’t think about all that until this thread. I may be one, but I quit coffee. I meant to be DSC Member...bad typing skills. Marcus Cady DRSS | |||
|
| One of Us |
There’s a store in Dallas named Ray’s Sporting Goods (once called Ray’s Hardware and Sporting Goods) that’s been around since the 50’s. They offered everything from a Daisy BB gun to some of the best European double rifles. If you needed anything, they either had it or could get it. In the back corner of the store, Ray would sit in a big armed chair on an elevated base, watching everything and everyone. I was in the store one Saturday afternoon making a firearm purchase while the place was packed with tire kickers. The salesman quietly told me to come back in a few minutes, as Ray abruptly said over the PA system that the store was closing immediately and to vacate at once. We all left, I waited in my car for about 15 minutes, they re-opened the store and I went back in to complete the purchase. Back in the day they knew how to handle the loiterers… | |||
|
| One of Us |
As to the Leaners, Hangers or Loiters; the worst shops I've seen are Archery shops. I went into several when I decided to give it a try, about 35 years ago. I got completely turned off when walking in with zero knowledge and admitting so. The techs need to know that I was total beginner. Several KIA's started piping in. I just left. I had a mutual acquaintance that had a shop. I went in, same thing. He told me to come back after hours. I did and he spend whatever time required to get me set up and semi-comfortable. I stayed loyal to him up until he closed his shop last year. The online stuff killed him. He took a job at Cabela's running their archery program, still go to him. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
One of Us |
Oh yeah in store “experts” that hang around can be a problem but so can some shop employees. Years ago there was a fly shop in Tacoma called the Morning Hatch. It was staffed by a great group of guys who just enjoyed flyfishing and like to help anybody experienced or brand new. It was a great place and if they didn’t carry it theycould get it. But like so many such places the internet eventually killed their business. This store was in stark contrast to other fly shops where you felt like they wanted to check references before they would sell anything to you. I’ve walked out of several through the years because of their attitude. I’m not new to flyfishing my dad loved it, I have a photo he took of me at three years old standing on a stream in Wyoming were I was born holding a fly rod. Unfortunately flyfishing has now become a little too populated with snobs who fancy themselves experts - in their own minds at least. The online forums are even worse. To me it’s just all fun recreation I’ve enjoyed for more than sixty years. I like talking to people, compare notes or be shown something I’ve never seen but have zero patience anymore for know it alls in any sport. Roger ___________________________ I'm a trophy hunter - until something better comes along. *we band of 45-70ers* | |||
|
| Administrator |
I have seen luxury goods stores, that specializes in only top quality luxury items, and have a coffee shop too. But, the coffee shop is at a corner, and one has to pay for their coffee and snacks. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Hahaha!! I think I know that fly shop. Family and I were on a Motorhome trip in Wyoming. We were in a nice park in Moose, right on the Snake River. There were a few guide operations around the park. I told my wife I was going to charter a day trip. I walked into this shop, asked about a guided trip. They said "Sure, when?" Hows tomorrow I said. Great. They asked me what gear I had. I told them just regular spinning tackle. They went silent...."We don't do that", they said. Do what? "Fish like that" They refused my money to take me fishing. What kinda happy horse-shit is that? Archers, Fly Fisherman and Single-speed cyclists are all a very elitist crowd. And I'm an Bow-Hunter. (not an archer) I actually have an Archery Bull tag September 15th in 6A here in Arizona. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
One of Us |
Not sure why but reading this thread makes me think of how Kevin at Barney's Sports Chalet in Anchorage is still doing it right. Best gear, best advice, everybody welcome. I buy whatever I need that they have just to continue to support the concept. ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
|
One of Us |
. Safari Outdoor in RSA - wide product range, everyone welcome and a coffee area in each store set aside from the retail areas. Great atmosphere. Not sure I would go for the "just Winchester" idea but maybe I don't know enough about Winchester to get it. Cannot have enough gun store IMO! . "Up the ladders and down the snakes!" | |||
|
| one of us |
Is that Hancke Hudson's place Charlie? On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling Life grows grim without senseless indulgence. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Another really good shop in Tacoma for many years but now long gone was Chet Paulson gun shop which carried some very high end firearms but also the more common guns too. They also had several gunsmiths on staff. I don’t remember then serving coffee but I’m not sure that really matters. The shop closed after Chet passed away. I would love to see shops today that were as good as that. I never felt like they were too good to talk to a young guy like me at the time with a limited budget. I think they understood if you let the young ones fondle they more expensive stuff that one day you will come back and buy it.  Roger ___________________________ I'm a trophy hunter - until something better comes along. *we band of 45-70ers* | |||
|
| One of Us |
Kevin at Barneys kind of turned me on to this idea. I go there everytime I hunt or fish Alaska. He has the absolute best gear and knows the best gear. I thought of that model for this idea but in Texas. Problem is that in Texas, there is a lot of gear already and the specialty gear is not always needed because of the way we hunt here. So, I am thinking this through The DFW area is known as the "Capitol of Conspicuous Consumption". When you go to DSC, you see the biggest and best of what Texas has to offer. That goes for women, fur coats and austentaious vehicles. I compare Dallas to Denver as I work in both places. The women in Denver all need to drop a few pounds and put on some paint. In Dallas, the women work out with personal trainers, where iron tight clothes and go to the facial salon daily.... Some with out hunting. We have no dangerous anything in Texas... Yet, we are prepared for the giant snakes or vicious javelinas.... We don't even had good quality mosquitoes here... Anyway, opening a gun/hunting store is a challenge. I have been to Gordy's in Houston. Super store, but I prefer Carter's Country... it is more "real". Just mentally working the model thinking we could set up something that funnels more folks to Africa rather than high fence elk hunts at Vermejo Park..... Thanks for the ideas. | |||
|
One of Us |
Look at Kevins in Georgia and Florida. My wife loves that catalog more than me. His wife really has an eye to get women interested. I went to the Cabelas last week in Raleigh and they had nothing in the gun room. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Congrats wish I could draw an archery tag again……, Good hunting!
White Mountains Arizona | |||
|
| One of Us |
I can second the praise given for Safari and Outdoor. Brilliant shop. Hancke works there and might be a shareholder, but not the owner. They often have talks by top notch people such as Mike Fell, John Sharp etc. The place is really an experience. Ride hard, shoot straight and speak the truth. | |||
|
one of us |
Im not sure Ive ever met in person anyone under 40 or perhaps under 50 lusting for a Winchester. As far a branded clothing, Winchester whored out their name decades ago to all sorts of Chinese crap. Nothing upscale or attractive about that. Sounds like you are designing a store you would like to hang out in, not one to make money. Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps. | |||
|
One of Us |
This is the fly in the ointment IMO. Very much like opening a restaurant, the problem being is that one can’t dip their foot in the pool with a “gun truck” as budding cooks can with food. Maybe as a retirement, break even - stay in the hobby proposition but as a money maker, maybe not. I’ve thought the same as dogcat off and on. I didn’t think of the Winchester model, but could see the allure generally. Also, dogcat needs to get to some different areas in Denver as far as the women go…  M.W. Reynolds here in Denver was my ideal of a small specialist sporting shop - combining hunting and fly fishing in the shop. Mark (owner) started fairly small on S. Broadway in a charming shop decked out like a sporting library. They had their fair share of loiterers for sure but they were mostly older shotgunners in the Vintagers and very nice folks. He then moved into a big shop in the middle of downtown Denver. There is only street parking so I’ve stopped bringing guns in to either sell or have show and tell because I just feel weird walking a block from the car to the shop with a high end gun no matter how I package to conceal it. I don’t think I’m the only one because the newer shop is largely a clothing store catering to a younger crowd. It’s a strange mixture of nice guns, fly fishing and vintage Rockers motorcycling culture. All cool stuff and afaik he’s still in business. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Dogcat: Not sure if the idea will or will not work. It does sound good, however. I cannot help but laugh at seeing the post about hangers. I guess I was a bit naïve thinking I was the only one that noticed them in shops! A few years back, I was in a gun shop in Idaho Falls. I was looking around, asking a lot of questions about some a gun collection they had for sale. I never bought a gun and started feeling like I wasted their time. I decided to grab some tannerite and some ammo, items that I did not really need but felt that I owed them some business. As I was checking out, I mentioned to the owner that I thought I better buy something as he probably gets tired of the tire kickers and the stories they tell. The guy shook my hand and could not thank me enough. I probably think that it was more funny than it was, I guess you had to be there  | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thirty plus years ago, Abercrombie & Fitch had a shop like that in Dallas. They didn't sell Winchesters, (probably not stuffy enough for a Dallas Highland Park clientele) but they did sell Steyr's and a lot of other hunting and fishing stuff. Well, A&F gave up on that model and now sells teeny bopper clothes. There is a whole lot wrong with that company, but I suspect they know how to make money. | |||
|
One of Us |
Back in the 1970’s I worked in the Chicago Loop and there was a big Eddie Bauer store about 100 yards from where I worked. They had an outstanding Fly Fishing department run by a very knowledgeable guy namedTom Smith. I’d stop by every now and then at lunch time and peruse their Metz dry fly necks. Back then. a Metz #1 neck went for about $30-$35 and were very difficult to find. One time when Tom was on vacation the old blowhard know it all was substituting for Tom. When I checked out the fresh supply of Metz necks that arrived when Tom was out of town I asked Mr Know It All how much they cost. His response was $7.00 each. I bought ALL the Metz necks, probably a dozen or 15. When Tom returned from vacation he asked me if I had bought the necks and I smiled and just said “Yeah I did”. Tom ended up leaving the store and became a guide in Michigan. I still have most of those necks, almost 50 years later. Jesus saves, but Moses invests | |||
|
| One of Us |
Good story. What comes around goes around sometimes. Roger ___________________________ I'm a trophy hunter - until something better comes along. *we band of 45-70ers* | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Idea for premier gun store
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia