Gun Store Ratings and Experiences

[Qbeam]

Hey Folks,

Here's a chance to discuss the local Gun Shops here and compare how the Shops stack up. I'll go first:

1. Young Guns - Pretty good selection, and prices are good compared to other Hawaii stores.

2. Gun Source - Decent Selection, prices are a bit high (not the highest), can get what you need without high charge on the transfer fee.

3. Windward Gun Shop (WGS) - Decent selection, ammo selection is good, can bring in what you need, feels like what a Gun Shop should.

4. Sports Authority - Generic Selection, prices are ok, main stream ammo selection, not impressed, but would do in a pinch.

5. Security Equipment Corp. - Decent Selection, good source for surplus ammo, but do not do FFL transfers unless absolutely sure of the source. Had a bad experience with them a while back.

6. Kaneohe Gun Shop - Have not gone there, but selection looks decent. Odd hours, so can't make an informed decision.

7. Magnum Gun Sales - One of the best "Evil Black Rifle" (EBR) selections on the island, prices are extremely high, main stream ammo selection, good selection of tactical gear. Shop is geared more towards LEOs than regular shooters.

These are the shops that I can think of off the top of my head. They are ranked in the order that I would approach them if I wanted a firearm. Some may call it "talking stink" about the shops with the lower numbers (5-7), but this if from my personal experience walking into these stores and dealing with the staff.

As an example, if I wanted an HK-91, Gun Broker value (~$2500) plus shipping (~$100), and their own mark up (~$250 / %10), one would come up with a value of $2850. Certain shops are trying to push the $3200-$3500 mark. That in my book is gouging, or looking for a rube.

Just my $0.02. Let me know how your experiences have been.

Thanks,

Qbeam

[osamu]

My experiences:

WGS - I get my reloading supplies from them. Nice guys working there, always friendly and willing to help.

Magnum - I have a range membership there. I like it because they rent lockers. It allows me to keep my guns at the shop so I can go there whenever I want to shoot w/o worrying about the restrictive laws on transporting firearms.

Kaneohe GS - Bought several guns there. Daniel has always been eager to order me custom guns.

Have not bought guns from the other places. I have been at Young Guns a few times and their staff always seem friendly and eager to help.

Most of my firearms purchases lately have been through gunbroker and transferred by Al Mongeon.

[Yuzu]

I'd like to add my $0.02, all the times I have been to Young Guns the staff has been professional, courteous and always willing to help you.

Which is why I was left with a sour taste in my mouth when I visited Magnum Guns. The shop keeper was un-friendly, un-helpful and put me down when I was inquiring about certain items, which I found out they don't stock.