Musings on the viabiity of local gun shops after October 1.

[Vile Shadow]

Besides, anytime a gun shop feels pressure to shut down and move to Texas, just like when an elected pro-2A official decides to throw in the towel and go to Texas, both because of the ass hats in the Governor's office and the legislature see no problem with stomping the Constitution, its a loss.

Back in January when I bought my SP1, Dan and I had a long chat about the history of gun laws. I just wish it could've been over beer.

But, I'll be sorry to see them go.

 

[CCPatriot]

Looks grim in the People's Republic of Maryland

 

[Second Amendment]

The range/shop combos will fare better then ones that just sell guns.

 

[Ungermc]

I personally know one owner who may see how the legal challenges play out in Maryland after 1 October, but he has already identified commercial property in other nearby states where he could relocate his business. With not only the 2A infringement in Maryland but the terrible climate for small businesses, it doesn't take much to make it worth the trouble to pull-up stakes and move out of the People's Socialist Republic of Maryland for greener pastures...taking with them both Jobs and tax revenue from this State.

 

[Sundazes]

From my impression from the one time I went in there, no loss.

Agreed. They have been conspicuously quiet during all of this mess. Had it not been for being an early IP on this site, they would not have done as well as they have. I don't know anything about their plans for moving or when, just the rumors. I understand that every business has to do what it needs to do and the man needs to feed his family. It would be nice if they made an announcement to let people know instead of not taking transfers, limiting shop hours, etc. To the fanboys out there, this is my opinion. Instead of flaming me, find a new shop to go to since yours is running away.
Folks fighting the fight will get my money, not the ones who turn tail and run.

 

[Ungermc]

It would be interesting to get some of our IPs to chime in with their feelings on post 10/1 business.

 

[scottp999]

Agree with Biggfoot44. Total sales in MD will probably be 50% less in volume of a normal year (not this one). Plus this whole buying frenzy has pulled demand forward, meaning people bought in advance stuff they would have bought in future years and it will also have a depressing impact on sales for a while.

Personally - no plans to get HQL, maybe a couple bolt rifles to round out the stable. Saving to buy a house and considering a 20 minute longer drive to end up in WVA with 1/3 the prop taxes, as well as the better laws.

 

[Ungermc]

The over-regulation of firearms in MD will be a significant blow to the small businessman owned gun stores as a lot of their income is from folks preferring to do their firearm purchases locally. This will obviously the biggest impact, depending on how much transfer and non-regulated firearms sales they can hang onto.

Sales of aftermarket accessories, and ammo could help, but because they usually can't afford to keep a varied and large inventory combined with trying to match pricing at big-box stores and internet vendors this is also not enough to pick up the loss.

There will no doubt be those who are forced to relocate or shut their doors.

 

[Maverick0313]

I know personally a couple of the smaller store owners. IMHO, it will be a difficult situation for many of the smaller owners, and until the law settles in we won't know for sure. But I don't think it will be good.

 

[Antlers09]

Hopefully they've been banking some of the profits from the mad rush over the past few months due to the looming 10/1 deadline. I would think the first few months after will be slow, then the new norm will settle in and life will go on. Probably not to the level it's been lately, but lets be real....most people get their drivers license and it costs a comparable amount of money to obtain it.

 

[grayson71]

Back in January when I bought my SP1, Dan and I had a long chat about the history of gun laws. I just wish it could've been over beer.

But, I'll be sorry to see them go.

Great people, I havent been in there in a while, I need to stop in and see them before they go. Its a damn shame...

 

[Winterborn]

The range/shop combos will fare better then ones that just sell guns.

I wonder, because how I read the law, a person cannot rent a gun without a HQL.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if true this could severely impact the business of those ranges who do alot of rental business.

 

[Sirex]

Due to all this BS, I refuse to do business with any Gun shops. I plan to buy the rest of my Mosins from Mexican drug cartells. Holder always makes sure they get the best stuff.

 

[hdatontodo]

I wonder, because how I read the law, a person cannot rent a gun without a HQL.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if true this could severely impact the business of those ranges who do alot of rental business.

Rent was defined in the bill as taking offsite.

Receive is the tricky one. See the SB281 thread.

 

[Lou45]

It would be interesting to get some of our IPs to chime in with their feelings on post 10/1 business.

Business will most likely be very slow (25% to 30% of normal) for several months. The following year should see a fairly steady increase of up to 70% to 80% of normal. The following year will be about normal. This is what was experienced by me after the bubble of late 2008 to spring 2009 popped.

 

[stupid]

It makes me wonder if any stores would allow someone to put money down to get a soon to be banned firearm. If they aren't going to be able to sell it, I would at least put money down to get a purchase order and pay the rest in payments or something. Like gun layaway but with purchase orders.

 

[A1Uni]

Ill chime in.

There will be a lull, but any owner with a lick of sense will be fine. Sure, three will be losses from the "Scerw MOM, I'm not falling for his HQL." They are actually giving him the win and only screwing themselves, other shooters and dealers.

I preface this with the fact that Maryland buyers are our number one priority, but an FFL can sell nationwide, and Maryland is one small state out of 50.

Dealers wil simply focus on online sales, shows and auction sites until the lull passes.

Prices will not drop and dealers won't be giving away guns, quite the opposite, as some distributors just refuse to sell anything to Maryland dealers, prices may well go up for what is left.

Sure, the guy that has made a living selling tacti-cool guns and nothing else to Maryland residents, and who has no Internet sales network may have a problem, but an agile dealer will be fine.

 

[ShoreShooter]

The range/shop combos will fare better then ones that just sell guns.

+1

Plus, other gun related merchandise. Range bags, mags, and so forth. As well as other outdoor sports items.

 

[Pockets]

I am one of those soon to be 21 year olds who no longer will be buying a handgun because of this BS law.

I turn 21 on the 2nd of october and I couldn't care less about getting a beer, I wanted to buy a M&P .45, well not anymore.

 

[pilgrim]

Agree with Biggfoot44. Total sales in MD will probably be 50% less in volume of a normal year (not this one). Plus this whole buying frenzy has pulled demand forward, meaning people bought in advance stuff they would have bought in future years and it will also have a depressing impact on sales for a while.

Personally - no plans to get HQL, maybe a couple bolt rifles to round out the stable. Saving to buy a house and considering a 20 minute longer drive to end up in WVA with 1/3 the prop taxes, as well as the better laws.

Exactly, I spent rainy day funds for firearms. That has to go back in the kitty. So no stopping by the gun shops on the way home, for awhile. I have the