The Shooters Shop

[hugh jarmis]

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I'm not trying to be apologetic for the shop owner's behavior, but is it possible that there are insurance contraints at work here? I hope you get an answer back, because I always hate to see one of these shopkeepers alienating past or potential customers because of personal prejudices.

I don't think so. If so, why would Gander Mountain, Cabela's and Sportsmans Warehouse not have a problem with it?

Its definitely already costing them money. There was a guy at my gym who has been talking to me about a gun to purchase for his sister for weeks. Saturday morning he told me he was going to go this weekend and look. I had previously told him the shooters shop was a good place to go, but Saturday told him he'd be better off going to Cabela's or Gander Mountain.

I personally think Gander Mountain will be my place of choice for the time being. They allow OC AND they don't take public money to build their stores (like Cabela's does)

 

[Kay Nine]

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Their "no Open Carry policy" doesn't surprise me.

I stopped shopping at Shooter's years ago. I'm female and took a male friend into Shooters for some range time (he had never shot a weapon before and wanted to learn). I have extensive firearms training, have been certified as a police officer, and go shooting whenever possible.

Upon entering the range area, I noticed we were the center of attention... the staff was watching and laughing. Upon finishing and looking around in the shop, the employees (one being the owner I believe) began making comments about how "a girl was teaching him to shoot" and generally mocking him for not shooting on his own. It was the most juvenile display I had ever witnessed. Before leaving, I said I wanted to see a particular folding knife from the case. The guy behind the counter had the nerve to say "This is probably what you want instead" and set this tiny little knife on the top of the glass case. I told him no and pointed out the knife I was interested in buying. He didn't get it right away, so I told him I'd take my business elsewhere. We then left.

If Shooters is still owned by the same people that had it in the mid-90's, I would highly advise you to shop elsewhere. They are unprofessional, overpriced, and not very knowledgeable about any products they carry (just a resale shop.... not experts). Avoid them.

Anyone in Southeastern Wisconsin looking for an indoor range with some merchandise, guns, and reasonable prices might want to check out The Outdoorsman. It's located just over the border into Illinois on Sheridan Road. Good people, knowledgeable, and professional.

 

[Rick Finsta]

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One difference I see is the operation of an in-store range. Does anyone know the Midwestern Shooter's Supply policy? I haven't been up there in awhile (since they never have components anymore...).

 

[joelm]

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hugh jarmis wrote:

I personally think Gander Mountain will be my place of choice for the time being. They allow OC AND they don't take public money to build their stores (like Cabela's does)

Oooo! Zing on the "taxpayer-funded" Cabela's, almost forgot that!

GM being accommodating to people? Say it ain't so, Joe. They really need waiting chairs by their firearm dept.

Unfortunately for them, I spotted a typo in their last mailer and got a brand new Henry for 90 bucks under cost. They didn't like eating it and cringe when I walk into the dept now, but hey, they didn't have any disclaimers in their mailer. They do now. He he..

I do respect them for owning up to their mistake, tho. That made a difference not only from the "old" GM location/attitude, but also gives them another chance at my business. Smart biz move, GM. Now all you have to do is cut your SW 340PD price in half so I can surprise my wife for her upcoming birthday...

 

[joelm]

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The treatment I received from SS the last coupla times was complete indifference. Badger Outdoors was worse; they showed outright contempt and "ass-hattery" (sp?). I've had spotty, but OK experiences at Gander and nothing but royal treatment from Terry and the guys at Fletcher's in Waukesha. If I'm ever "down south" I'll look up the Outdoorsman. Thanks, recommendations are always welcome.

From what I understand, some people just want to go into a gun shop just to "handle" a firearm and to brag to their friends that they did, wasting the shopkeeper's time. Maybe that's why shop owners/employees take a bad or indifferent attitude. This is in NO way condoning their behavior toward you or anyone else who is not only serious about why you are in there in the first place, but are spending lotsa $$$ there. As with any other business (restaurant, grocery store, etc), your best weapon is your pocketbook (or lack thereof).

I had to ask a longtime gun owner friend of mine (who almost bought into the Shooters Shop many years ago) why that was to get some semblance of reasoning. Made sense (to me, anyway). Funny how Gander Mtn always seems better after a bad experience at another gun shop. I'd count how many times I've said "Geez, I'm never going back to Gander", but I can't count that high. ;-)

 

[bigdaddy1]

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Shooters shop caters mostly to LEO's. The average Joe isnt their primary concern. I usually go to Badger Outdoor if Im looking to shoot. SS's indoor range is a bit nicer than BO's but they both work if you know what I mean. I am not in the market for another weapon so I dont have to worry too much about what store does what.



I havent gone shooting for some time now, too expensive to use the rounds:cuss:

 

[pkbites]

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bigdaddy1 wrote:

Shooters shop caters mostly to LEO's.

I demand a cite.

I've been a LEO in the Milwaukee area for 27+ years and know of no fellow officers that use the Shooters Shop as a major supplier of arms, equipment, or ammo. SS simply can't beat the prices of other distributors.

 

[bigdaddy1]

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That was a statement made by one of the counter people there the last time I was there. Granted that was a few years ago. I can not remember the specifics of how the conversation went but I asked about something in the cases and he said that was for law enforcement only as they "cater" to the local municipalities. I took his statement as fact as he worked there.



By the way, what is a cite? I also think its great that a LEO supports Open Carry.

 

[pvtschultz]

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I can't say anything different then what has already been said. I did receive okay service at the Shooter's Shop (it is only four blocks from my house) the one time that I was there (prices were too high), but I did have to ask for service :banghead:. OTOH, I have had very good service at Fletcher's and the guys behind the counter are very willing to help you out with shooting tips and pointers. They even gave me an extra 20 rounds of 45 Colt reloads to try out which I later paid for. Their Monday leagues are very well run as well.

 

[Lammie]

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The insurance angle is quite possibly valid. I attend a number of gun shows in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In Minnesota there is usually a sign posted that says concealed weapons not allowed, even though the show is not in a prohibited location. I asked one of the show organizers why they had such a hypercritical position. The response was that the insurance company would not insure the show if loaded firerms were on the premisis. Insurance companies seem to rule the worldin spite ofconstitutional law.

 

[FLR&@]

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This is very common in other states, noOC in gun stores,but here is the funny part CC is ok in 99% of gun stores inCC states. (At least in my expearance)

On a side note Racine County Line Rifle Club nowhas a web site and still may be accepting new members, and they do allow OC, rapid fire, class 3,and have a 600yd range.(I love this place) The club may or may not be for you as they require 100hrs of work over 3 years, with no execptions.

 

[Lammie]

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I want to clarify my previous post. I did not intend it to sound like a defense for Shooter's Supply. I only intended to say that their paricular insurance company could be the reason for their signage. Now that I am no longer a licensed dealer and have to buy retail I am glad to hear which dealers I should support and which I should avoid. Anyone have any experience with Sportsman Guide and Scheels?

 

[ShootersShop]

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I do shop and shoot at the Shooter's Shop so unlike some i can base my opinion on my own experiences and not just hear say or rumors as some seem to. I understand their stance on OC, legally they have liability issues to deal with should someone get shot in the parking lot while someone else loads their weapon, as legally we cannot drive with a loaded weapon we have to un-case, load and holster every time we get out of a car, they are in a residential area as well which may add to complications. Also I think it may have to do with safety for the staff and other customers. Having the gun cased makes it a much easier distinction between lawful customer and gun totting thug. As to the comment in the letter that they would come in with weapons concealed I doubt that. Coming in the doors with guns blazing would get a drop on staff faster than trying to pull a gun on a single staff member. As an added note Ive seen some of the Shooter's Shop customers shoot, taking out lights, chunks or wall and floor, hitting everything but the target some 20ft away so without knowing my fellow shooters skill or safety level I feel much safier knowing that everones gun(s) are cased and unloaded at the range. I do support OC just realize that like all things there is a time and a place.

 

[hugh jarmis]

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I do shop and shoot at the Shooter's Shop so unlike some i can base my opinion on my own experiences and not just hear say or rumors as some seem to. I

We are all basing our opinion on our own experiences having been there. Trying to discount them as inaccurate falls short. We've all been there.

There is no hear-say or rumor about the experiences people have shared here.

Furthermore:

legally they have liability issues to deal with should someone get shot in the parking lot while someone else loads their weapon,

Hogwash... Someone is going to sue The Shooters Shop because someone gets accidentally shot in the parking lot?

Even if liability in the parking lot was the reason...Gander Mountain would face the same issue, but they allow open carry in their store?

By this measure/excuse, then EVERY STORE IN THE STATE and every private residence in the state should just prohibit open carry because of "liability issues"

What a load of bunk...

I load up in pick n save parking lot. Should we just accept that for liability reasons we should be happy for everystore everywhere to ban open carry? No way.

And certainly not for the GUN MYTH that people are going to be getting shot in the parking lot by 'accidental discharge'.

Also I think it may have to do with safety for the staff and other customers. Having the gun cased makes it a much easier distinction between lawful customer and gun totting thug.

How? How does having your gun in a case make it easier to distinguish if you are a thug or lawful customer?

So if a thug wanted to rob the shooters shop, he couldn't just as easily put his LOADED gun in a case, walk in, grab the gun out of the case and start shooting?

Good grief, I can't believe someone who claims to be a gun owner comes on this forum and starts perpetuating all the non-sense logic-lacking arguements against guns? Who are you?

As to the comment in the letter that they would come in with weapons concealed I doubt that. Coming in the doors with guns blazing would get a drop on staff faster than trying to pull a gun on a single staff member.

So what is your point? My point is that if someone wants to rob the shooters shop, they are going to do so. There is NO reason for the shooters shop to deny their customers the right to OC there. As you say if someone wants to come in guns blazing, the little marker board prohibiting OC at the door isn't going to prevent anything.

As an added note Ive seen some of the Shooter's Shop customers shoot, taking out lights, chunks or wall and floor, hitting everything but the target some 20ft away so without knowing my fellow shooters skill or safety level I feel much safier knowing that everones gun(s) are cased and unloaded at the range

Sorry... Guns are uncased AND loaded at the range. Do you feel unsafe?

I do support OC just realize that like all things there is a time and a place.

Yeah... and Barack Obama supports my right to own a gun too. As long as its for hunting.

You can fool yourself all you want. You don't support OC. You are a NIMBY hypocrite.

I mailed my letter to The Shooters Shop yesterday. I suspect they got it today, and I suspect you might be an employee who thought they'd come on here and try to do some damage control.

I'm going to email the shooters shop right now with a link to this thread and offer them to opportunity to cut the bullshit (ironic that you talk about all the people on this thread who were propogating rumor and hearsay when we all have 1st hand experience, yet you are speculating what their reasons are when you don't even know)

If they have good reasons to prohibit Open Carry, I'd think they'd have the guts to come here and list them.

 

[pvtschultz]

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Horneerick wrote:

I do shop and shoot at the Shooter's Shop so unlike some i can base my opinion on my own experiences and not just hear say or rumors as some seem to. I understand their stance on OC, legally they have liability issues to deal with should someone get shot in the parking lot while someone else loads their weapon, as legally we cannot drive with a loaded weapon we have to un-case, load and holster every time we get out of a car, they are in a residential area as well which may add to complications. Also I think it may have to do with safety for the staff and other customers. Having the gun cased makes it a much easier distinction between lawful customer and gun totting thug. As to the comment in the letter that they would come in with weapons concealed I doubt that. Coming in the doors with guns blazing would get a drop on staff faster than trying to pull a gun on a single staff member. As an added note Ive seen some of the Shooter's Shop customers shoot, taking out lights, chunks or wall and floor, hitting everything but the target some 20ft away so without knowing my fellow shooters skill or safety level I feel much safier knowing that everones gun(s) are cased and unloaded at the range. I do support OC just realize that like all things there is a time and a place.

I guess that if you feel you like their service and restrictions on a topic which they should (in theory) wholeheartedly support, then shop there. That is your right in a free country using the capitalistic approach. Myself, I'll drive the extra 10 miles to patronize a shop which is very friendly, helpful, and supportive. Not to mention better priced.

Saying that because of a few, all rights should be restricted is like saying that idiots that vote should restrict all voting rights. Or maybe idiots that spew slanderous and inciteful banter should result in the restriction of the 1st Amendment. Or maybe as the result of religious zealots, all organized religion should be restricted. If you are seeing that poor shooting behavior and not offering assistance or other support, then you are contributing to the problem.

 

[winken]

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Horneerick wrote:

I do shop and shoot at the Shooter's Shop so unlike some i can base my opinion on my own experiences and not just hear say or rumors as some seem to. I understand their stance on OC, legally they have liability issues to deal with should someone get shot in the parking lot while someone else loads their weapon, as legally we cannot drive with a loaded weapon we have to un-case, load and holster every time we get out of a car, they are in a residential area as well which may add to complications. Also I think it may have to do with safety for the staff and other customers. Having the gun cased makes it a much easier distinction between lawful customer and gun totting thug. As to the comment in the letter that they would come in with weapons concealed I doubt that. Coming in the doors with guns blazing would get a drop on staff faster than trying to pull a gun on a single staff member. As an added note Ive seen some of the Shooter's Shop customers shoot, taking out lights, chunks or wall and floor, hitting everything but the target some 20ft away so without knowing my fellow shooters skill or safety level I feel much safier knowing that everones gun(s) are cased and unloaded at the range. I do support OC just realize that like all things there is a time and a place.

Can the Brady campaign count on your continued support?

 

[ShootersShop]

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Hogwash... Someone is going to sue The Shooters Shop because someone gets accidentally shot in the parking lot?

Search the lawsuits concerning guns. The shooters shop could be closed and if some gets shot on their property they still have liability issues.

 

[hugh jarmis]

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Ok, I emailed The Shooters Shop through their proguns.com website contact form.

They should have also received my letter by now.

Certainly if they have good reasons to prohibit open-carry in their store, they will be happy to come on the forum and explain it to us all.

In the meantime, I refuse to shop there anymore. Though they were my shop and range of preference for many many years. Does anyone know if Fletcher Arms in Waukesha genuinely supports open carry? (not just pays lip service to it like the shooters shop?)

 

[hugh jarmis]

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I HAVE GREAT NEWS!

I just got off the phone with Terry from Fletcher Arms in Waukesha. He said that we are WELCOME to open carry in his store! He has a fantastic range also.

He did say that he doesn't allow holster-draw/fireat the range, but we are welcome to open carry!

I think I might just have to slide on over to Fletcher this weekend and make a new purchase to show my appreciation! (heck, I haven't bought a new gun since November when I bought 3) I think I'm due!

Fletcher Arms

http://www.fletcherarms.com/

Thank-you Terry for supporting Open-Carry!

 

[pvtschultz]

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That's funny, I got this email back from them just now:

We prefer all guns to be either incased or open and empty when in the store. So we prefer no one to have a holstered loaded gun inside the store. Thank you

I assume that Terry is the "Go-To" guy at the store so clarification should be made to whomever responded to my email. It is leaps and bounds better than SS so far though.