I need you guys to give me your honost opinio about starting a gun store

Beer Forever · 01-18-2006, 02:40 PM

A buddy and I are thinking about starting a gun store. It is easy to get the FFL. It is getting people to come to the store. It would also be a fireing range where you can shoot your gun once you buy it. We would stock several guns especially AR-15's and Russian arms. (that's where my knowledge is) It is a gamble. Please tell me what you think. I need all input. Guns are red hot and I want to get a piece of the action before they die down in value again. There is lots of overhead and compition. In Tucson it is the wild west and a gun store on every corner.

7mmag6 · 01-18-2006, 02:51 PM

ffl is easy to get?

Shaun · 01-18-2006, 03:06 PM

Have fun I have heard its a rough process specially meeting all the new requirements for security that Klinton created then you will have the BATFE knocking on your door regularly and reviewing your books.

Beer Forever · 01-18-2006, 03:18 PM

Aside from the red-tape from the government and initial hassel of getting the FFL, do you think the idea would work. Also, how difficult do you think the FFL is to get.

Shaun · 01-18-2006, 03:33 PM

I had the idea once and I gave it up after finding out just how difficult it would be to get the license the red tape and then funding the business and then finding a place that has proper zoning and meets the requirements for security.

BattleRifleG3 · 01-18-2006, 05:00 PM

You have to HAVE the store and then wait for the ATF to sit on your paperwork. That means paying overhead with no gun or ammo sales. You'd have to sell other gun related or sporting goods or whatever else you sold.

Another matter with the range would be insurance. It is prohibitively priced.

They say the way to make a small fortune in firearms is to start with a large one.

A few issues involved:
Can you offer something other people don't? If so, why don't they, and how will you be different? Ie are you saavy enough about the market to beat their deals, or is there a reason theirs cost as much as they do and you'd be happy to do as well? Can you sell a kind of gun that they can't and end up turning more profits because of it?

Where will your customers come from? In this area, store loyalty is big, so lots of folks will pick a store that's served them well over a new one that's just as good. The question is are the stores around your area so prosperous that they have to turn people away or are always hiring new help or are retiring early, and there's business to spare for you? Or are they having hard times and will another store spread the business even thinner and incur their negative advice to all who step inside their doors?

These are all important questions to answer. I'm all for gun shops opening up and offering new things, I'm not all for more and more gun guys trying to make a buck and instead losing out big time.

toolman · 01-18-2006, 07:29 PM

Another consideration is to avoid the quick-buck mentality that many gun-store owners have. I support our local stores when I can, but it really gripes me to see the same gun priced 30-50% higher than the chain store offerings. Another thing that many guys like is the ability to purchase the cheaper mil-surps rather than just the usual Remchester fodder offered by most shops. Security is also a major concern, one of the guys that I deal with had a store in Mesquite, Tx. that was the target of several attemted break-ins including two guys who tried to drive through the front wall. I'd love to do it myself if I had the $$$$.

Shaun · 01-18-2006, 07:37 PM

toolman we see them coming through the roof in many stores around here.

Chris · 01-18-2006, 07:47 PM

Its not cheap or easy to do.

The liability is very costly. Unless you have roughly 100k away for just in case legal fees...I would possibly look at starting at gun shows with surplus and build a customer base that way. Going into any business is serious, and with firearms in there...its double the normal gamble.

Mooseman684 · 01-18-2006, 10:24 PM

Something to consider is a Pawn Shop...You can get an FFL...I buy a lot of weapons from one that is making a killing with the economy the way it is and he gets a lot of variety in guns, but he sells them pretty reasonable...gets new mosins,ar-15s , lots of good stuff, he also sells tools, shooting supplies, bulk ammo,jewlry, watches ,Cameras,etc...Even cars and boats CHEAP, this way he has more than one customer base to draw from...Just a suggestion!

BattleRifleG3 · 01-18-2006, 10:54 PM

There may be more money to be made in working on guns or selling gun related items but not firearms. Anything but a receiver is fair game for a non-licensee, and not having a storefront takes a lot of burden.

BattleRifleG3 · 01-18-2006, 10:55 PM

I've thought at times of having a gun/hardware/manufacturing business. Maybe someday. One of my favorite gun stores is family owned and the same guys do HVAC sales and installation.

Heavy Chevy · 01-19-2006, 07:57 AM

First you said the FFL was easy to get. Next you're asking how difficult it is to get an FFL. Do yourself a favor. DON"T.

Rufus Rhastus J · 01-19-2006, 08:04 AM

Rather than pay for a store front, depending on your local laws, it may be better for you to sell from your home. do it for 5% plus shipping and hope you can drum up sales from your shooting range. keep the guns seperate to lower your costs and lower your insurence. all the theives at the gun show are there ever time I go....they rip you off if you allow it but, some are reasonable. Just some quick thoughts....not sure how good they are or if they apply.

Beer Forever · 01-19-2006, 10:31 AM

My dad has a small business that I would be able to sell out of. It is a big place that is already set-up with a security system and a large store room. I have the place, that is taken care of. I just need to get the FFL and start doin the deals. I aleady have several guns that I can work with and I have an investor with about 15 grand to put in. that can get a lot of guns, it is just the FFL that is holding me back. I was thinking of an oppointment only type deal and see if it takes off from there. I kind of like that pawn shop idea though, it makes sense.

BattleRifleG3 · 01-19-2006, 11:55 AM

Reason not to have a gun store in your home - ATF reserves the right to inspect the premises of gun stores. If that's your home, they can pull a warrantless search.

BattleRifleG3 · 01-19-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sks forever

My dad has a small business that I would be able to sell out of. It is a big place that is already set-up with a security system and a large store room. I have the place, that is taken care of. I just need to get the FFL and start doin the deals. I aleady have several guns that I can work with and I have an investor with about 15 grand to put in. that can get a lot of guns, it is just the FFL that is holding me back. I was thinking of an oppointment only type deal and see if it takes off from there. I kind of like that pawn shop idea though, it makes sense.

Connecting with an existing business with its own overhead covered is a splendid idea. I believe the license costs $300 and takes forever to pass the paperwork for.

7mmag6 · 01-19-2006, 01:30 PM

15 grand will not buy a lot of "guns"

Beer Forever · 01-19-2006, 01:45 PM

A lot to me anyway. I'm not talking about a huge storefront. I'm talking about a store area that is by appontment only and take it from there. We will start off with some AR-15's, AK's, SKS's, and a few pistols. :right:

Beer Forever · 01-19-2006, 01:49 PM

I figure it is at very least, worth trying to get the FFL. If that doesn't happen then it was a nice thought. But, hey, if I do get the FFL then I'll take it to the next step. I'll hate myself if I don't try to get the FFL and sell my dreams short. I am young and this could blossom.
:uzi:

01-18-2006, 02:40 PM	#1
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	I need you guys to give me your honost opinio about starting a gun store A buddy and I are thinking about starting a gun store. It is easy to get the FFL. It is getting people to come to the store. It would also be a fireing range where you can shoot your gun once you buy it. We would stock several guns especially AR-15's and Russian arms. (that's where my knowledge is) It is a gamble. Please tell me what you think. I need all input. Guns are red hot and I want to get a piece of the action before they die down in value again. There is lots of overhead and compition. In Tucson it is the wild west and a gun store on every corner. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

01-18-2006, 03:06 PM	#3
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,592 Images: 1	Have fun I have heard its a rough process specially meeting all the new requirements for security that Klinton created then you will have the BATFE knocking on your door regularly and reviewing your books. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

01-18-2006, 03:18 PM	#4
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	Aside from the red-tape from the government and initial hassel of getting the FFL, do you think the idea would work. Also, how difficult do you think the FFL is to get. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

01-18-2006, 03:33 PM	#5
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,592 Images: 1	I had the idea once and I gave it up after finding out just how difficult it would be to get the license the red tape and then funding the business and then finding a place that has proper zoning and meets the requirements for security. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

01-18-2006, 05:00 PM	#6
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	You have to HAVE the store and then wait for the ATF to sit on your paperwork. That means paying overhead with no gun or ammo sales. You'd have to sell other gun related or sporting goods or whatever else you sold. Another matter with the range would be insurance. It is prohibitively priced. They say the way to make a small fortune in firearms is to start with a large one. A few issues involved: Can you offer something other people don't? If so, why don't they, and how will you be different? Ie are you saavy enough about the market to beat their deals, or is there a reason theirs cost as much as they do and you'd be happy to do as well? Can you sell a kind of gun that they can't and end up turning more profits because of it? Where will your customers come from? In this area, store loyalty is big, so lots of folks will pick a store that's served them well over a new one that's just as good. The question is are the stores around your area so prosperous that they have to turn people away or are always hiring new help or are retiring early, and there's business to spare for you? Or are they having hard times and will another store spread the business even thinner and incur their negative advice to all who step inside their doors? These are all important questions to answer. I'm all for gun shops opening up and offering new things, I'm not all for more and more gun guys trying to make a buck and instead losing out big time. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

01-18-2006, 02:51 PM	#2
7mmag6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 337 Images: 1	ffl is easy to get?

01-18-2006, 07:29 PM	#7
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,566 Blog Entries: 22	Another consideration is to avoid the quick-buck mentality that many gun-store owners have. I support our local stores when I can, but it really gripes me to see the same gun priced 30-50% higher than the chain store offerings. Another thing that many guys like is the ability to purchase the cheaper mil-surps rather than just the usual Remchester fodder offered by most shops. Security is also a major concern, one of the guys that I deal with had a store in Mesquite, Tx. that was the target of several attemted break-ins including two guys who tried to drive through the front wall. I'd love to do it myself if I had the $$$$. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun! Last edited by toolman; 01-18-2006 at 07:32 PM.

01-18-2006, 07:37 PM	#8
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,592 Images: 1	toolman we see them coming through the roof in many stores around here. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

01-18-2006, 07:47 PM	#9
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,165 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 18	Its not cheap or easy to do. The liability is very costly. Unless you have roughly 100k away for just in case legal fees...I would possibly look at starting at gun shows with surplus and build a customer base that way. Going into any business is serious, and with firearms in there...its double the normal gamble.

01-18-2006, 10:24 PM	#10
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,634 Images: 2	Something to consider is a Pawn Shop...You can get an FFL...I buy a lot of weapons from one that is making a killing with the economy the way it is and he gets a lot of variety in guns, but he sells them pretty reasonable...gets new mosins,ar-15s , lots of good stuff, he also sells tools, shooting supplies, bulk ammo,jewlry, watches ,Cameras,etc...Even cars and boats CHEAP, this way he has more than one customer base to draw from...Just a suggestion! __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

01-18-2006, 10:54 PM	#11
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	There may be more money to be made in working on guns or selling gun related items but not firearms. Anything but a receiver is fair game for a non-licensee, and not having a storefront takes a lot of burden. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

01-18-2006, 10:55 PM	#12
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	I've thought at times of having a gun/hardware/manufacturing business. Maybe someday. One of my favorite gun stores is family owned and the same guys do HVAC sales and installation. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

01-19-2006, 07:57 AM	#13
Heavy Chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northeast South Dakota Posts: 14	First you said the FFL was easy to get. Next you're asking how difficult it is to get an FFL. Do yourself a favor. DON"T.

01-19-2006, 08:04 AM	#14
Rufus Rhastus J Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West, Central Florida, Third World America Posts: 6,339 Images: 1	Rather than pay for a store front, depending on your local laws, it may be better for you to sell from your home. do it for 5% plus shipping and hope you can drum up sales from your shooting range. keep the guns seperate to lower your costs and lower your insurence. all the theives at the gun show are there ever time I go....they rip you off if you allow it but, some are reasonable. Just some quick thoughts....not sure how good they are or if they apply. __________________ "They cannot be trusted.....The Romulans (our politicos) are without honor." Worf

01-19-2006, 10:31 AM	#15
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	My dad has a small business that I would be able to sell out of. It is a big place that is already set-up with a security system and a large store room. I have the place, that is taken care of. I just need to get the FFL and start doin the deals. I aleady have several guns that I can work with and I have an investor with about 15 grand to put in. that can get a lot of guns, it is just the FFL that is holding me back. I was thinking of an oppointment only type deal and see if it takes off from there. I kind of like that pawn shop idea though, it makes sense. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

01-19-2006, 11:55 AM	#16
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Reason not to have a gun store in your home - ATF reserves the right to inspect the premises of gun stores. If that's your home, they can pull a warrantless search. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

01-19-2006, 01:30 PM	#18
7mmag6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 337 Images: 1	15 grand will not buy a lot of "guns"

01-19-2006, 01:45 PM	#19
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	A lot to me anyway. I'm not talking about a huge storefront. I'm talking about a store area that is by appontment only and take it from there. We will start off with some AR-15's, AK's, SKS's, and a few pistols. :right: __________________ Paramedic sks forever

01-19-2006, 01:49 PM	#20
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	I figure it is at very least, worth trying to get the FFL. If that doesn't happen then it was a nice thought. But, hey, if I do get the FFL then I'll take it to the next step. I'll hate myself if I don't try to get the FFL and sell my dreams short. I am young and this could blossom. :uzi: __________________ Paramedic sks forever