LGS vs Buds vs Davidsons

[ilikerugers]

I've bought from all three. LGS when I happen to see exactly what I'm looking for, but not if I feel the asking price is exorbitant. Buds was good because of the low prices and no sales tax, but a Buds transaction didn't help a LGS stay in business. Besides, Buds has now lost the advantage of no sales tax. I think Davidsons Gallery of Guns has the best business model right now because they have selection, prices are very competitive price and the LGS does make money on the deal. What do you think?

[OttoLoader]

LGS except Davidson's for replacement warranty for Walther and Ruger LCP. Note I am now in NC so the roster no longer applies. I used to live in Santa Cruz County. If in CA I,d use Davidson's for Beretta.

[kjonesjr]

When did Bud's start charging sales tax? I put a gun on lay-a-way last month and wasn't charged sales tax.

[NiteQwill]

When did Bud's start charging sales tax? I put a gun on lay-a-way last month and wasn't charged sales tax.

Sales tax has always been a requirement for any new gun sold or transferred into California. Nothing new.

If what you are saying is true, your FFL is going to be in a lot of trouble if they are ever audited by the FTB.

As far as the OP, nothing beats Davidson's ease of purchase & warranty.

[diveRN]

... but a Buds transaction didn't help a LGS stay in business.

If the LGS is exorbitant, why bother to shop there? While I believe in supporting local brick and mortar shops of all kinds, I'm not necessarily for a local guy having a wing named after him at his kid's college because he charges twice what his competitors does.

In today's world, any local shop worth a hoot is going to have some kind of on-line sales or SM component anyway. If they don't, they're just hobbyists who happen to make a few bucks here and there and don't really need my business.

[TeddyBallgame]

When did Bud's start charging sales tax? I put a gun on lay-a-way last month and wasn't charged sales tax.

it's the responsibility of the FFL you designate to finish the transaction to collect the required sales tax

[skosh69]

An FFL, whom I used a few times for out of state transfers, didn't make me pay sales tax, but What I did have to pay is a "use tax", which is the same %, but I simple pay at tax time.

USE TAX is where you order something from out of state and you pay that USE TAX on your state income tax return at the end of the year. SALES TAX and USE TAX are not the same and are not interchangeable.

http://www.boe.ca.gov/ads/news06.htm

[Dimitri A.]

I Have a couple LGS's I like to do business with, but usually deal with a homebased FFL for most purchases, especially for out of state purchases.

[ktmguy]

Gunbroker! Lgs in southbay are a terrible rip off and the employees are worse, they know nothing about what they are selling. I will not support their businesses.

[Jsapata]

I have a local gun store that post their prices on their website and tends to have good prices. That is my preference for sure. Helps they are open 7 days a week.

[bsg]

my objective and sentimental votes go to the lgs. i am not a big spender, but my lgs treats me like i am (Alamo Jewelry & Loan). i primarily purchase firearms that are early variants of current production models and examples that are out of production altogether. i've done well via my lgs in obtaining what i like, and the excellent treatment i receive and prices i pay are entirely responsible for me being a long-standing customer.

[NotEnoughGuns]

i have a good relationship with my LGS and they give me competitive pricing on pretty much everything. Sometimes it might be slightly but it is worth it.