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AR15.COM
8/23/2012 9:31:35 PM EDT
Just a heads up. There's a show at the civic center on US 1.

I've never been to a gun show there, so I don't know if it'll be worth a trip or not. I'm going to check it out Saturday for something to do.

8/24/2012 2:34:53 AM EDT
[#1]
I will be there sat morning.
8/24/2012 3:02:27 AM EDT
[#2]
After going to a few Patriot shows I'm not gonna bother.
8/24/2012 4:50:50 AM EDT
[#3]
After you leave the gun show, head a few miles down US1 and come checkout Lotus Gunworks 3558 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach  
8/24/2012 10:41:36 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
After you leave the gun show, head a few miles down US1 and come checkout Lotus Gunworks 3558 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach  


Their prices are high as hell and their customer service sucks.  Bad!  Gave em 3 chances.
8/24/2012 11:18:12 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
After you leave the gun show, head a few miles down US1 and come checkout Lotus Gunworks 3558 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach  


Their prices are high as hell and their customer service sucks.  Bad!  Gave em 3 chances.


I did happen to notice several guns in the store priced above retail and not by just a little.

I can't comment on their customer service.
8/24/2012 11:43:05 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
After you leave the gun show, head a few miles down US1 and come checkout Lotus Gunworks 3558 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach  


Their prices are high as hell and their customer service sucks.  Bad!  Gave em 3 chances.


I did happen to notice several guns in the store priced above retail and not by just a little.

I can't comment on their customer service.

I almost picked up a nice Finn Mosin off the rack for not a lot of money.  Not often you see a gun shop that keeps a half dozen in stock.  I'm kicking myself now that I'm back home, 2 hours away.

Their handgun prices looked a little on the high side of average.  I didn't look at long gun or black rifle prices, because I don't know enough to make a comparison.

Their suppressor prices were ridiculous.  Like $500 for a Sparrow that I can buy right now for $379 (in stock) and probably find for $325 if I'm patient and shop well.

Their storage (Pelican, safes, etc) seemed pretty high.  My Pelican 1750 that I got from Amazon for $205 shipped was $249 in tan and something like $329 in black.  Ouch.

They were pretty busy the one time I was there.  Basically every employee had someone in front of him, with another dozen customers walking around.  The two guys I talked to were nice and helpful, even the one that knew quite clearly that I only wanted to look at the new XDs .45, and wasn't buying.  He showed it to me and continued to chat until I was done, without fidgeting or "edging away."

I know I now sound like a fanboy, but that's not the case.  Their customer service was simply what CS should be, no more, no less.
8/24/2012 12:17:52 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
After you leave the gun show, head a few miles down US1 and come checkout Lotus Gunworks 3558 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach  


Their prices are high as hell and their customer service sucks.  Bad!  Gave em 3 chances.


I did happen to notice several guns in the store priced above retail and not by just a little.

I can't comment on their customer service.

I almost picked up a nice Finn Mosin off the rack for not a lot of money.  Not often you see a gun shop that keeps a half dozen in stock.  I'm kicking myself now that I'm back home, 2 hours away.

Their handgun prices looked a little on the high side of average.  I didn't look at long gun or black rifle prices, because I don't know enough to make a comparison.

Their suppressor prices were ridiculous.  Like $500 for a Sparrow that I can buy right now for $379 (in stock) and probably find for $325 if I'm patient and shop well.

Their storage (Pelican, safes, etc) seemed pretty high.  My Pelican 1750 that I got from Amazon for $205 shipped was $249 in tan and something like $329 in black.  Ouch.

They were pretty busy the one time I was there.  Basically every employee had someone in front of him, with another dozen customers walking around.  The two guys I talked to were nice and helpful, even the one that knew quite clearly that I only wanted to look at the new XDs .45, and wasn't buying.  He showed it to me and continued to chat until I was done, without fidgeting or "edging away."

I know I now sound like a fanboy, but that's not the case.  Their customer service was simply what CS should be, no more, no less.


They have their AAC stuff at retail, but I'm not paying retail for anything. There are much better deals to be had other places.

I've been looking for a CZ P07, but they are at $25 over retail. I've seen the same gun for sale for $439 other places.

I don't know if it is the pricing they are getting from their distributor(s) or just what they are pricing stuff at. I'm curious to know who they use for distributors. If they are using Davidson's, it would explain a lot.

These shops would do a lot better if they would get set up with several distributors, cut their prices, build their customer base and sell 10 times the amount of firearms. I'd rather sell 10 guns and make $200 than sit on one gun waiting to make $200.

You get deeper discounts with more volume from distributors, which further drives the prices down and your customer base up. That guy that could only afford to buy 2 guns a year at retail+ is now able to buy more than that, which means more ammo, more mags, etc. The dude that is getting screaming deals, tells his friends, coworkers, family and acquaintances, ever growing your customer base and repeat customer base. It is a business model that has worked for more than few shops for decades now.

I've seen an FFL buddy of mine in Arkansas order 70 CZ surplus .22 rifles and have them all sold before they got to the shop 3 days later. He made $25 a piece on them, plus the ammo he sold, the magazines and cleaning supplies. He stays slammed at his shop and makes money hand over fist because of the volume he does at his ridiculously low prices. I've watched him do this for almost 20 years.

The shanking a person takes down here on guns and accessories is one of several reasons why I'm working towards moving back to Arkansas.
8/25/2012 7:47:28 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
After you leave the gun show, head a few miles down US1 and come checkout Lotus Gunworks 3558 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach  


Their prices are high as hell and their customer service sucks.  Bad!  Gave em 3 chances.


I did happen to notice several guns in the store priced above retail and not by just a little.

I can't comment on their customer service.

I almost picked up a nice Finn Mosin off the rack for not a lot of money.  Not often you see a gun shop that keeps a half dozen in stock.  I'm kicking myself now that I'm back home, 2 hours away.

Their handgun prices looked a little on the high side of average.  I didn't look at long gun or black rifle prices, because I don't know enough to make a comparison.

Their suppressor prices were ridiculous.  Like $500 for a Sparrow that I can buy right now for $379 (in stock) and probably find for $325 if I'm patient and shop well.

Their storage (Pelican, safes, etc) seemed pretty high.  My Pelican 1750 that I got from Amazon for $205 shipped was $249 in tan and something like $329 in black.  Ouch.

They were pretty busy the one time I was there.  Basically every employee had someone in front of him, with another dozen customers walking around.  The two guys I talked to were nice and helpful, even the one that knew quite clearly that I only wanted to look at the new XDs .45, and wasn't buying.  He showed it to me and continued to chat until I was done, without fidgeting or "edging away."

I know I now sound like a fanboy, but that's not the case.  Their customer service was simply what CS should be, no more, no less.


They have their AAC stuff at retail, but I'm not paying retail for anything. There are much better deals to be had other places.

I've been looking for a CZ P07, but they are at $25 over retail. I've seen the same gun for sale for $439 other places.

I don't know if it is the pricing they are getting from their distributor(s) or just what they are pricing stuff at. I'm curious to know who they use for distributors. If they are using Davidson's, it would explain a lot.

These shops would do a lot better if they would get set up with several distributors, cut their prices, build their customer base and sell 10 times the amount of firearms. I'd rather sell 10 guns and make $200 than sit on one gun waiting to make $200.

You get deeper discounts with more volume from distributors, which further drives the prices down and your customer base up. That guy that could only afford to buy 2 guns a year at retail+ is now able to buy more than that, which means more ammo, more mags, etc. The dude that is getting screaming deals, tells his friends, coworkers, family and acquaintances, ever growing your customer base and repeat customer base. It is a business model that has worked for more than few shops for decades now.

I've seen an FFL buddy of mine in Arkansas order 70 CZ surplus .22 rifles and have them all sold before they got to the shop 3 days later. He made $25 a piece on them, plus the ammo he sold, the magazines and cleaning supplies. He stays slammed at his shop and makes money hand over fist because of the volume he does at his ridiculously low prices. I've watched him do this for almost 20 years.

The shanking a person takes down here on guns and accessories is one of several reasons why I'm working towards moving back to Arkansas.


He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.
8/25/2012 10:56:44 AM EDT
[#9]
I have been to Lotus and they have a nice inventory, but like others have said, the prices are ridiculous for the most part. There are a few shops out in Saint Lucie West by I-95 that have better deals but are smaller. There is the Shooting Center and a buddy of mine owns a little shop across the road from the post office, Gun Slinger, off of Whitney Place. They both have a decent selection and have personally bought from both. If you go to Lotus,plan on paying a lot.
8/25/2012 11:23:45 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
I have been to Lotus and they have a nice inventory, but like others have said, the prices are ridiculous for the most part. There are a few shops out in Saint Lucie West by I-95 that have better deals but are smaller. There is the Shooting Center and a buddy of mine owns a little shop across the road from the post office, Gun Slinger, off of Whitney Place. They both have a decent selection and have personally bought from both. If you go to Lotus,plan on paying a lot.


Thanks Pat.  I'll check out your buddies place.
8/25/2012 11:59:54 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:

He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.


I just went down to American Defense and bought the 26" Browning Citori they had. Hennessy is a trip.

8/25/2012 12:09:23 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Quoted:

He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.


I just went down to American Defense and bought the 26" Browning Citori they had. Hennessy is a trip.



That is exactly who I was referring to.  
8/25/2012 12:14:58 PM EDT
[#13]
I see Col Allen West was there...that would be the sole reason for me  going to a gun show these days...
8/25/2012 12:50:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.


I just went down to American Defense and bought the 26" Browning Citori they had. Hennessy is a trip.



That is exactly who I was referring to.  


I managed to be in the shop about 10 minutes before he called me (and another guy) a "fucker".

I laughed my ass off and I'll definitely be back
8/26/2012 6:52:35 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.


I just went down to American Defense and bought the 26" Browning Citori they had. Hennessy is a trip.



That is exactly who I was referring to.  


I managed to be in the shop about 10 minutes before he called me (and another guy) a "fucker".

I laughed my ass off and I'll definitely be back


Told me he tried to sell you a second one.  Have fun working tomorrow!  I may go up to B&H in Merritt Island.
8/27/2012 1:13:51 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.


I just went down to American Defense and bought the 26" Browning Citori they had. Hennessy is a trip.



That is exactly who I was referring to.  


I managed to be in the shop about 10 minutes before he called me (and another guy) a "fucker".

I laughed my ass off and I'll definitely be back


Told me he tried to sell you a second one.  Have fun working tomorrow!  I may go up to B&H in Merritt Island.


I'm still thinking about number 2. If the other one was under a grand it would be no question, but it is just a little high. It is a slick gun though.

Shit, I don't know if I'm working or not. I was supposed to do an inspection today over at the nuke plant, but I don't know if anything is ready. It'll only take about 5 hours from the time I hit the parking lot until the time I'm back out in the parking lot.

Let me know if you see any good deals on Citori's.





8/27/2012 10:12:54 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

He understands how to do business.  Most of them don't.  I do have a good friend at American Defense in Stuart who helps me.  I am realistic in my expectations about what I can get from a gun shop though.

At Lotus, I had 2 employees who knew I was waiting (over 15 minutes) walk right by me to help new folks walking in.  Maybe cause they were better dressed?  But I buy a shit ton more guns (cause I get bored with stuff) than most folks.  And that doesn't even count transfers.  

I wish I could just get my own private FFL but I don't want to deal with a bunch of bullshit.  I'd probably do $15 transfers like my friend used to do for me.


I just went down to American Defense and bought the 26" Browning Citori they had. Hennessy is a trip.



That is exactly who I was referring to.  


I managed to be in the shop about 10 minutes before he called me (and another guy) a "fucker".

I laughed my ass off and I'll definitely be back


Told me he tried to sell you a second one.  Have fun working tomorrow!  I may go up to B&H in Merritt Island.


I'm still thinking about number 2. If the other one was under a grand it would be no question, but it is just a little high. It is a slick gun though.

Shit, I don't know if I'm working or not. I was supposed to do an inspection today over at the nuke plant, but I don't know if anything is ready. It'll only take about 5 hours from the time I hit the parking lot until the time I'm back out in the parking lot.

Let me know if you see any good deals on Citori's.







I'm still trying to put my hands on a Sig Pro SP2022.