My first gun shopping experience in Orange County, CA

[russ69]

Not trying to get off topic but what are you using the two guns for and being a new guy how did you know these were the right guns for you?

[drdanno84]

CA SALES TAX AND FFL'S

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=366781

[dedub]

Not trying to get off topic but what are you using the two guns for and being a new guy how did you know these were the right guns for you?

Answering that question would take up another full post. The short answer is that after walking out of the stores, I still really had no idea what to get. I ended up doing a lot of internet research before making my decision.

For the shotgun, I wanted something very versatile. To date, I've mostly done trap, but, with an eye towards the future I wanted something that could also take waterfowl hunting (once I get my license). Surprisingly, most over/unders are quite expensive, so I narrowed my search to pumps and semi-autos. It seemed that I could get a decent semi-auto for just a little bit more than a pump and semis should have less recoil. With my search now narrowed to just semi-autos, it seemed like an inertia system would require less maintenance than a gas system. From there, I found the new Stoeger 3500, which seems to offer a lot of value for the price.

For the handgun, I mainly wanted something for the range. Nearly everyone said get a .45, but I just thought that was too much caliber for my first. I decided on 9MM because it would have less recoil and the ammo is cheaper. With the caliber decided, I made a list of features I wanted. Top of the list were safety features, such as a de-cocker and trigger safety. I know more experienced shooters will say those only slow you down, but as a first-timer, I just wanted the extra piece of mind. I was considering a Taurus, but I just loved the history behind Berettas, so I paid a $150 brand premium. Besides, I think there are more websites dedicated to Berettas than just about any other gun, so it was easy to learn about how to operate the gun; things like field stripping, maintenance, etc. When the Beretta arrived, I already felt like I already knew the gun, which added to my comfort level.

Anyway, that's basically about it. Now that I have them, I absolutely love the Beretta and I am learning to love the Stoeger. Don't get me wrong, the Stoeger is a great gun; it's just a bit heavier than what I'm used to, so it'll take some practice. Soon I'll start looking into accessories!

[locosway]

Answering that question would take up another full post. The short answer is that after walking out of the stores, I still really had no idea what to get. I ended up doing a lot of internet research before making my decision.

For the shotgun, I wanted something very versatile. To date, I've mostly done trap, but, with an eye towards the future I wanted something that could also take waterfowl hunting (once I get my license). Surprisingly, most over/unders are quite expensive, so I narrowed my search to pumps and semi-autos. It seemed that I could get a decent semi-auto for just a little bit more than a pump and semis should have less recoil. With my search now narrowed to just semi-autos, it seemed like an inertia system would require less maintenance than a gas system. From there, I found the new Stoeger 3500, which seems to offer a lot of value for the price.

For the handgun, I mainly wanted something for the range. Nearly everyone said get a .45, but I just thought that was too much caliber for my first. I decided on 9MM because it would have less recoil and the ammo is cheaper. With the caliber decided, I made a list of features I wanted. Top of the list were safety features, such as a de-cocker and trigger safety. I know more experienced shooters will say those only slow you down, but as a first-timer, I just wanted the extra piece of mind. I was considering a Taurus, but I just loved the history behind Berettas, so I paid a $150 brand premium. Besides, I think there are more websites dedicated to Berettas than just about any other gun, so it was easy to learn about how to operate the gun; things like field stripping, maintenance, etc. When the Beretta arrived, I already felt like I already knew the gun, which added to my comfort level.

Anyway, that's basically about it. Now that I have them, I absolutely love the Beretta and I am learning to love the Stoeger. Don't get me wrong, the Stoeger is a great gun; it's just a bit heavier than what I'm used to, so it'll take some practice. Soon I'll start looking into accessories!

Never buy a gun because it has or doesn't have a safety. Buy the gun that fits your hands and shoots well for you. Any safety devices come secondary, and should only be a by-product of the firearms function.

[Rekrab]

This is an incredible post and pretty in line with my experiences at the shops mentioned.

However, I am surprised by your reception at Fowler's Gun Room. That was the first gun shop I ever visited and the salesperson I talked to(2 years ago) was handing me just about every gun he could get in my hands to let me play around with them. Heck, even if I'm in there window shopping they're the same way. Now if Gun Room and Stockade weren't so damned overpriced I'd buy something from them...

[Plisk]

So I had a nice conversation and left.

You just gotta ask bro! We're more then willing to unlock stuff for you, but if we were busy I can see why. Not enough people to keep eyes on.

-Kevin
Ade's Gun Shop

[beerman]

OK,I will chime in: Fowlers/Stockade... bendover.. High prices and people who will tell you what you NEED.
Turners: hope you get the right sales person...they might have one in each store (Pasadena is an exception here..good store)Sale prices are great,but you need to know what you want.
Ades, Ammo brothers, Gunrunners.Good stores, Damn good people
One has to remember..there are not that many gun shops left and the good ones get very busy on peak hours and weekends.For the best service,be there when they open.
Sorry for any good shops I left out as these are the only ones I have had personal experience with. I will also add,most of the truly great local so-cal shops have closed in the 30 + years Ive been playing with guns around here. God bless'em

[Plisk]

For the best service,be there when they open.

Just don't come in the last 30 minutes of being open, always get crowded then in this New World Order of Procrastinators. We are usually empty for the few 2 hours upon opening. We're pretty able to stay with our customers because, like us, no one is awake enough to start pouring in phone calls to occupy us.

[sanjosebmx]

after the service you got at "Fowler Gun Room" I can't imagine why you would have purchased online...

[Excelsior]

Just don't come in the last 30 minutes of being open, always get crowded then in this New World Order of Procrastinators. We are usually empty for the few 2 hours upon opening. We're pretty able to stay with our customers because, like us, no one is awake enough to start pouring in phone calls to occupy us.

Serve your customers better by opening and closing an hour later...

[G60]

"Serve your customers better by opening and closing an hour later..."

That's not how the real world works. We are a nation of people who wait till the last minute to do anything.

[scorpionking]

This is California. Gun stores are becoming an endangered species. There are so many rules and fees and taxes to overcome. Choices are becoming limited. We have the DOJ approved list to contend with.

Gun stores outside CA behave more like how the marketplace should be. They have to price guns competitively against online retailers. You will get better customer service and attention because they want your business.

[Excelsior]

"Serve your customers better by opening and closing an hour later..."

That's not how the real world works. We are a nation of people who wait till the last minute to do anything.

Yeah, it actually is.

When I was a kid, local merchants were open from 8-5. They were open until 9 pm on Fridays. Those hours served the merchants, not their customers. I still remember one of the first stores that opened from 10-7. A stereo shop that's still in business. People could actually get off work and shop during the week. They didn't have to rush around on their lunch hours or scoot out of work early to shop.

Now almost every shop downtown is open until at least 7.

[Excelsior]

This is California. Gun stores are becoming an endangered species. There are so many rules and fees and taxes to overcome. Choices are becoming limited. We have the DOJ approved list to contend with.

Gun stores outside CA behave more like how the marketplace should be. They have to price guns competitively against online retailers. You will get better customer service and attention because they want your business.

I don't think it's the "rules and fees and taxes to overcome." It's the monthly rent and insurance costs.

[nwoods]

I agree with the original assessment, you are certainty analytical! So am I.

I have done most of the same steps and processes you have. I also get a funny feeling at Turners (Orange location) about the accuracy of what they are telling me, but they have always been friendly and accommodating, which I appreciate. I buy a lot of last minute accessories from them, so I feel like their time investment in answering my questions has benefited them. But the only firearms I've purchased there have been .22's when they are on sale :-)

I really like Fowlers, but with a HUGE asterisk. They are SO overpriced I cannot take them seriously, but they have the best selection and (lots of) knowledgeable sales staff. I have always been treated well there. If they could be cost competitive, I would shop there exclusively, but they are just way too expensive.

Grant Brothers in Newport is sorta like Turners in my experience. I have not tried the shop at Orange County Indoor Range, it's always closed when I go there to practice. Seems like odd hours to me. Don't most people show up after work hours? Maybe they should keep the shop open after work hours!

I have bought consignment from Ade's. They were very patient and helpful. They encouraged me to look at the consignment stuff, as they stock more used than new. I find the new stuff they have is sort of eclectic, and not much into the high end at all (like a nice 1911). Its' a very small shop, but if they have what you want, you will not go wrong working with them.

I went to the indoor range in Orange near the 57 (can't remember the name), and the guy behind the counter would not let me touch any of the product in the case. This is not going to garner any sales from me. I haven't been back. It did not help that the (gunsmith?) was puffing away on a foul smelling cigar IN the shop at the time.

I would prefer to buy local than online, because I feel it is important to support our local shops. This is my theory for everything. I will always choose the small hardware store over Home Depot for the same reason. I also value the opportunity to physically hold in my hand whatever firearm I am looking at. I am currently trying to find a Dan Wesson CBOB to purchase. If it was not for the fact that Fowlers had one to handle (and let me dry fire), I would be looking at $500 plastic contraptions rather than $1500 stainless beauties! Unfortunately, Fowlers wants $1800 for that $1500 beauty :-)