Daddy, what’s a gun shop?
In today’s fast paced business world, mega marts, chain stores and internet online companies have taken over the sporting goods market. Leaving neighborhood mom and pop gun shops almost a memory of days past. Those who have “friendly†old time gun shops in their area are lucky, some don‘t anymore. I have a couple that I visit “occasionally†(their owner’s send Christmas cards and often thank me for sending their children through collage).
One shop in particular is a favorite hang out for the local natives. A rather homey, laid back atmosphere providing chairs, a refrigerator full of Cokes (aka soft drinks, soda or pop) and assorted snacks. The old coffee pot is always hot and waiting, the honor system applies here… just drop your quarter(s) into a open cup nearby, make change as needed. Like to fondle one of the firearms in the rack? No problem. The shop is not large and does not stock everything but the gun and ammo racks are always full, gun trades are always welcome. Unlike the mega stores their overhead is low and prices are often very negotiable. The owner is his own boss, very knowledgeable and always willing to help, even if you don‘t buy anything. Deer and small game mounts abound, photos of past hunts and firearm posters adorn the walls. Defiantly a testosterone rich environment, sporting a wide variety of clientele. Needless to say “it†can get rather deep, at times but it’s a great place to kick back, spend a few minutes with friends and enjoy life in general. Someday the little shop will close it’s door for the last time, leaving only a memory for some, it will be missed!
For the future, please help support your local gun shops whenever you can.
Good hunting,
Chet