What's In Store

Who says guys don't like to shop?

You've just gotta take us to the right places.

I can spend hours in most any gun store, motorcycle shop, hardware store or fine cigar retailer. There's nothing like being surrounded by the best in guns, bikes, tools, stogies and the great men and women who share like interests.

And you'll never hear anyone in those places ask; "Honey, does this Glock make my ass look fat?"

This morning, Kim DuToit posted one of his highly regarded Gratuitous Gun Pics. In an addendum to his original review he said:

"Note 2: I sometimes make snarky comments about Collectors Firearms prices, but they're one of the best gun stores in the United States, and their astonishing inventory is worth the extra few $$ you sometimes have to pay to support it."

I couldn't agree more.

Regarding the prices at Collector's, let it be said also that their service also mitigates most premiums over many other gun-stores, and absolutely without question over the "big-box" mass-marketers.

As a frequent shopper drooler there, I can vouch for the service, incredible selection and very knowledgeable staff in attendance there.

Courtesey, too. Case in point, just yesterday I spoke with Norman at Collector's regarding a Browning Buckmark .22 Camper. Academy had one for $60 less than Collectors, but I would have willingly paid a $30 premium to Norman to keep my business there.

Having obtained some sweet deals at Collectors on previous purchases, I had no doubt that I'd get the straight scoop, which I did. No, Norman couldn't come off the price, but did explain that the Browning at Collector's was the newer model with the cocking tabs on the slide. Conversely, the Academy unit was the older version, and had been bought in a closeout bulk-buy.

In earlier correspondence, Kim DuToit had advised me to look for a Buckmark with those tabs, and sure 'nuff, Norman was right on top of that nugget o' knowledge.

Norman continued to tell me that even if I did buy the one at Academy, that if I ever needed it serviced to just bring it right in. Quoting Norman from yesterday; "I wouldn't pass up that price either, but don't worry about us. In fact, if you ever need help with it, just bring it right in and you'll still get first rate service, that's what we're here for." (emphasis, mine)

Collectors' isn't the only gunstore at which I shop, but it damn sure has the best selection. And of extreme importance to me in that I work Saturdays....they're open Sundays, too!

Also in Houston, and also open on Sundays is the Carter's Country chain. Damned good stores, with a huge reloader's selection, field clothing and all the other toys n' equipment we shooters require. Not to mention an excellent selection of new guns, albeit a bit light on the used inventory for my eclectic tastes.

Their main store has an on-site indoor range, and they have one-day CHL classes available. Like Collector's, you'll find a highly qualified crew to serve you, and they'll do so gladly!

They're working on a new website, but alas I have no link for you at this time. Give 'em a call at 281-443-8393 for more information.

My other local favorite is rather small as gun stores go, but they're sure the place to go for high-quality new and reloaded ammo. That'd be T's Guns & Ammo in Texas City. A family buisness, and just absolutely a class-act, in every regard. Here's a tease; .45 ACP reloads with Remington Golden Sabre hollowpoints... box of fifty rounds, only $12.95. Or, my high-volume practice favorite, .38 spl 148 gr hollow-base wadcutters. Reloads, all nickel cases, box of fifty rounds, only $7.45.

This isn't a mom n' pop laboring over your typical RCBS press, either. T's Guns & Ammo manufactures and ships hundreds of thousands of rounds of new and reloaded ammunition. Per month!

Their quality is high, and the ammo is very accurate. Any wadcutter good enough to consistently hit bowling pins at a full hundred-yards from a 4" revolver gets my vote! Give T's a call at 409-948-0101. They'll gladly mail or fax a complete price list. Do please tell 'em I refered you, when you call.

One other benefit of a good gun store. When the whackos get to crazy on CBSABCCNNPBSNBC, well, just go into your local shootery and soak up some of the sanity to be found there.

After all, there's nothing quite comparable to the environment of a first rate gun store and/or shooting range. The smells of gun oil and powder solvent. Hints of leather both old and new, and if you're lucky, the tangy, inviting aroma of recently fired gunpowder teasing you to do a bit more than to just hang around for your lunch break.

Think of it as aromatherapy for the un-pussified.

Comments

[dragonfly jenny]

Here in South Austin we used to have a shop marked by a sign that read GUNS - JUST GUNS, but in the relentless trendification of the SoCo district, that venerable establishment has given way to an ethnic weaponry boutique that is dedicated to purveying only environmentally friendly, shade-grown ammo.

[Kevin Baker]

I hope to get to Houston on business some time this year (Toshiba has a pretty good sized industrial plant there, and my company is a distributor for them.) I'll have to look you up if the trip happens.

[Mollbot]

I can also spend quite a while in a bookstore - my record is over four hours while my aunt and sister hit most places in the mall, I never left the books.

[Indigo]

OT - Know where one can get an application to Dax's private club? What's up with that?

[Key]

Honey, it's not a sacrifice if you don't mind being there...

Let's talk outlet mall. ; )

[A Recovering Liberal]

"aromatherapy for the un-pussified" -- that's how I think of the Costa Mesa Speedway and that distinctive-smelling fuel (c:

Mmmmm... men in form-fitting leathers... excuse me while I wipe off this drool...

[Mark]

As a fellow Houstonian I have to agree about Collector's. I've bought three of our four guns there. The only reason the fourth was not purchased there was due to demand at Christmastime. My wife wanted to by me a Henry Goldenboy (lovely woman) and they were sold out. Went to Academy instead. Other than that they have my business PERIOD. And they will negotiate, especially on used guns (Benelli 20 gauge for the wife).

I drive by Collector's on my way to work every day. Luckily it is usually 6 am so they are not open.

Mark