Gun Rack Burtonsville closed down?

[Scud]

Wow. Too bad.
Times have certainly changed.
I will say that before they did change I picked up some really nice things that go bang from Al.
It will truly suck to not have his shop around anymore.

 

[Pinecone]

I do not think it is SB281's fault. It is actually favors dealers by banning all of FTF transactions. I think it is C&R and the internet. Just like in other retails, dealers cannot compete with the internet prices without sacrificing their margin. And this is not some stores are willing to do.

SB281 did not place any further bans on FTF transfers. Handguns and regulated firearms have needed to go through a formal transfer (MSP or FFL) since October 1996.

 

[Pinecone]

Never really went in there but I am friends with Al. He simply no longer wanted to deal with the hassle of MD laws. He made a lot of money last year and with the money he put away over the years he was able to retire. Simply did not make sense for him to stay open not making money AND have to deal with SB281.

That is what I have heard. Also, his lease was about up and needed to be renewed as well as his FFL.

The stars aligned for him to close his doors.

But I REALLY wish I had picked up that nice S&W scandium frame pistol he had.

 

[HortusQ]

I had been in the store a few times the young fellow was upbeat and friendly
knew his stuff very helpful sorry to see them go O mallet wins again

 

[Second Amendment]

I grew up in that area. How is Atlantic Guns holding up in Silver Spring?

 

[Afrikeber]

That is what I have heard. Also, his lease was about up and needed to be renewed as well as his FFL.

The stars aligned for him to close his doors.

But I REALLY wish I had picked up that nice S&W scandium frame pistol he had.

Friend of mine knows him and said he is now a millionaire if true I congratulate him on being a successful businessman. He did well, he is gone and now I support my local gun shops elsewhere in Montgomery County......if I see good deals.....

 

[Afrikeber]

I grew up in that area. How is Atlantic Guns holding up in Silver Spring?

I stop by on weekends once in a while and see folks at the counter buying stuff so I would think ok.....

 

[Scottysan]

Never really went in there but I am friends with Al. He simply no longer wanted to deal with the hassle of MD laws. He made a lot of money last year and with the money he put away over the years he was able to retire. Simply did not make sense for him to stay open not making money AND have to deal with SB281.

Sounds like a smart move with those variables in play.
Good for him! Still sad to see another LGS go out...

 

[Second Amendment]

I stop by on weekends once in a while and see folks at the counter buying stuff so I would think ok.....

I bought my first gun from them back in the 70's. Three are gone now up here in Baltimore County, Valley, Just Guns, and Walter's. Freestate is now my one stop shop for my hobby.

 

[ma_deuce]

I bought my first gun from them back in the 70's. Three are gone now up here in Baltimore County, Valley, Just Guns, and Walter's. Freestate is now my one stop shop for my hobby.

Valley and Just Guns were good riddance, IMHO. Walter's is sorely missed.

 

[Second Amendment]

Valley and Just Guns were good riddance, IMHO. Walter's is sorely missed.

In total agreement.

 

[Pinecone]

Valley and Just Guns were good riddance, IMHO. Walter's is sorely missed.

Valley Guns in the old days was OK. A lot depended on who you dealt with.

But I spend many evenings hanging out there BSings. And Mike, their gunsmith, was a GREAT guy and a very good gunsmith.

Walter's is REALLY missed. Or maybe not, my bank account always hurt after visiting there.

 

[mcbruzdzinski]

Loved spending time in Walter's. Picked up my first Ruger Mark II there.

 

[ngman]

That is what I have heard. Also, his lease was about up and needed to be renewed as well as his FFL.

The stars aligned for him to close his doors.

But I REALLY wish I had picked up that nice S&W scandium frame pistol he had.

When I was in the shop just prior to closing, they said the remaining guns would go out to a shop in Ocean City. I think it was Larry's Trading Post.

 

[OrbitalEllipses]

There didn't appear to be much in the store at that point anyway.

 

[Pinecone]

Loved spending time in Walter's. Picked up my first Ruger Mark II there.

What happened to Walter's?

 

[ma_deuce]

Loved spending time in Walter's. Picked up my first Ruger Mark II there.

Me, too. Before that, one of the first civilian Glock 17s sold in Maryland, so I learned. Lots of good stuff, very decent prices. I'd take a look at some of his antique rifles and just salivate.

 

[good guy 176]

I do not think it is SB281's fault. It is actually favors dealers by banning all of FTF transactions. I think it is C&R and the internet. Just like in other retails, dealers cannot compete with the internet prices without sacrificing their margin. And this is not some stores are willing to do.

I purchased nearly 30 pieces from Al since 2002. He did blame Md SB 281 for limiting his business; the impact of banning the ARs was enough to stifle any FFL. His lease was due for renewal and he'd simply had enough of Maryland's draconian ********.

I will miss doing business there. I purchased a wide variety of guns and ammo over the years...a neat Union Switch and Signal 1911A1 and a great stainless Colt King Cobra, .357 mag to mention two.

Lew--Ranger63

 

[ducrider45]

So, i guess you didn't care for the cutaway ma-deuce trainer, right? That was awesome.

I tried to buy it several times! They guy that they got it from pulled it out of the trash!

 

[ducrider45]

I think customer service got much better once his Son started working there. I could not stand the smoke though.