don't go to guns galore

[creature]

Guns Galore in Fenton has good prices and alot of guns, but I will never go there again. Thought I'd let people know my experience with them. The first gun I purchased from them had a cosmetic defect which I noticed when I examined it there. I ask the "clerk" if he was sure this gun was new. He said he was sure and that they test fire them at the factory (well, duh). Regarding the cosmetic defect, he said he looked at other ones and they all looked like that. I asked him to bring out another one so I could compare to be sure. He claimed that that was the last one they had, and he was positive they were all like that - so I purchased it. I posted about it on a forum and people replied, no way, send it back to the manufacturer. I call up Guns Galore and tell them the pistol is unfired and I'd like to exchange it. They tell me the best they can do is send it back to the manufacturer for me. Well they did, and the manufacterer made it right. I think to myself, the "clerk" must have made an honest mistake, at least they sent it back for me. A couple months pass and I'm in the area so I stop in to look around. I end up buying a used revolver. A few days later I'm at the range and 2 cylinders would fail to fire consistently. I call up Guns Galore and let them know. They told me to send it back to the manufacturer - so I did. It's a used gun, they had no way of knowing I suppose. One day I'm poking around Guns Galore again and end up looking at a new revolver. I tell the "clerk" that I'll take it. He tells me he'll get me an unhandled one from the back. Ok, that's nice of him. After a good clean and lube I head to the range. Within 50 rounds the cylinder locks up and won't budge. The next day I take it back and let them know what happened. I tell the "clerk" I want a refund or exchange. He says I have to talk to so-and-so. So-and-so comes out and says no can do. I point out that there is a clause about restocking fees on their paperwork. I offer to pay the restocking fee. He claims the restocking fee applies only to "Christmas exchanges" and that they don't do refunds nor exchanges at any other time - what?!?! I let him know about my past experiences there and he didn't seem to care. I then let him know that I'm not afraid to go to court and finally he starts to think about the customer. He says he'll have his "gunsmith" fix it for me so I don't have to send it to the manufacturer. A half hour later I'm on my way home with what I believe is a fixed gun. Needless to say, a few months later, not only does the cylinder lock up again, but the hammer loses all tension :( . I guess I'm a slow learner, but I've learned that I'm willing to pay more and deal with a smaller selection (or wait for them to order it) for some basic customer service. Even major retail chains don't treat their customers like this. You would expect more from a family run business.

[bluethunder]

I'm sorry to hear about your problems there. I have spent considerable time and money at that store. In fact, I like to take advantage of their lay-away plan. :biggrin: I usually deal with either Randy or T.C.They have always treated me well. I will try to remember to mention it to them, I'm due to make one of them lay-away payments next week.

[Rob]

I have bought 2 guns from TC at guns galore in fenton, both time's were bad. I wont even go in there to look at a gun.


Williams gunsight is much more friendly and professional.
So, I have been giving them my money.

[alex-vitek]

Not to throw a monkey wrench into the discussion or to even come to the aid of G.G. in Fenton, but the revolver problem almost sounds like a some dirt under the extraction star. Or, maybe some dirt stuck between the center pin and the cyclinder. Both of which are problems that I have encountered many times in my revolver shooting.

If these were indeed the problems then their gunsmith should have explained them to you immediately.

BTW, I do not think that this topic really belongs in this forum, but I am always interested in others reactions to different gun shops and gun show vendors.

[RTB]

That's too bad. Oh well, support your local FFL, or go to Michigun ;)

[Fred Mager]

Never been to GG. I have heard this type of thing before about them/ I have also heard many good things about them. Pick and choose.

[paddy]

On the good side for a gun shop.

I purchased a Ruger P95 at Northwest Guns in Redford.
After the first 300 rounds, it jammed every 4-5 rounds.
Chris said to bring it back and he gave me a new gun.
Second gun dropped magazines and was getting worse the more rounds through it.
Chris said to bring it back and gave me another new gun.
The last one has never failed in any way after 3-4000 rounds.

Chris also compensated me for the two registration fees on the replacement guns.

That is customer service!

[Jerry]

I have also shopped at G/G.....

What I have noticed is that it takes along time before a sales person will even make eye contact with the customer...its like the sales persons are waiting for one of the other salespeople to get done with what ever he/she is doing so they can wait on the next customer.

Another thing I noticed is when I went in to buy some books and ammo and I had to wait for 10 minutes before the guy at the register got off the phone and then he turned his back on me and walked away....!

I guess they no longer need my money anymore!

Just my observations of the last four times I stopped in there.....

JR

[Python]

I've shopped quite a bit at Guns Galore too. Customer service is very poor but the prices are good. Bought 3 guns there over the past 3 years (2 new and one used) and have had no problems with any. If I know exactly what I want and have no questions to ask, that's where I shop. Otherewise, I go elsewhere.

[USP45T]

Sorry for your misfortune. I have purchased over a dozen guns from GG and currently have 2 on lay-a-way. Never had a problem.

[killjoy]

I have been to GG and been pleased with their prices but not with their service. I won't buy from them but I will use them to get an idea of "best price". I will pay more to know that I will be taken care of if there is a problem.

I guess that's what happens when you get too successful and forget how you got there. :roll: Seems to be the way businesses are run today.

[Roz]

This is why I try to do as much of my shopping at Karcent's place as possible. Sure he's a stretch out in Marine City, but the service and atmosphere can't be beat!

[joen]

Over the last 10 years, I've purchased several firearms and made trades at GG, always to my satisfaction. As the name implies, they are stocked to the rafters with guns. If you have done your homework, made a few calls around(like what the guy behind the register was handling for someone), checked firearm manufacturer site on the web, etc. and know what you want, you won't be disappointed going to GG. It's a relatively small shop and generally very busy. Don't go there expecting to play with everything in the case while trying to decide what you want. Jay's in Clare is the same way on weekends; busy handling all the gawkers.

I have never had a problem with any firearm I have purchased from GG so cannot weigh in on customer service after the sale. I've bought Ruger shotguns and Smith & Wesson handguns, so wouldn't expect any problems. It seems reasonable, though, their handling the shipping back and forth to manufacturer could be considered a plus.

As for me, I've had a bad experience a Target Sports in Royal Oak(I think), so won't be doing business there again; but others say they walk on water. It's all relative to whatever.

[Jerry]

In regard to the guy behind the register....

....He was doing a very personal call if you know what I mean!!!!! And if you dont know what I mean he was talking dirty to his female? friend and was loud enough to be heard by me so I am sure he was not with a customer..

...but when he just stood up and walked away,especially after waiting 10 minutes...well I dont care if they are giving away the guns wholesale....I wont be going back...



but hey....thats just me!

by the way...this happened two years ago so maybe things have changed?

[creature]

With so much inventory and turn over, there's bound to be more than a few duds in the "back". Who knows, maybe they have a special pile of duds to unload to unsuspecting suckers.

[Roz]

Define suckers Creature... hopefully not guys like you and me... import driving, suckers?

I've never even browsed there, but I definitely won't go. Too many other places that want my hard earned $ to bother with them.

[creature]

sucker: one who is easily duped.

[sarco001]

Chris also compensated me for the two registration fees on the replacement guns.



Registration fee? There are no fees for registrations in Michigan, or at least at my local PD.

How did he compensate you?

[7.62 Nato]

Don't expect a quick reply. This thread is about 6 years old.

[MY629SW]

Registration fee? There are no fees for registrations in Michigan, or at least at my local PD.

How did he compensate you?
In the city of Flint it is $2 and Burton is $5 not a big deal

[zigziggityzoo]

Holy necropost, batman!

[raptorvan]

In reguards to an earier post, I've noticed a growing trend of gunshop employees that seem to percieve all customers as uneducated newbie shoppers that are just too much trouble to deal with. Another problem is that if you haven't shopped at a particular place or you don't know the owner the people will ignore your ass then when they realize that you aren't leaving will usually mumble the following words...you need something? Assholes. That's why I shop at gunbroker, topgun and more recently chewy...chewys prices are better so I think he will get more business from me...if only these places knew I have a gun buying disorder they would be more apt to look at me.

[RevDerb]

And the beat goes on!

People, this thread is over 6 years old! Things change.

[mishooter]

And the beat goes on!

People, this thread is over 6 years old! Things change.Yeah, but I doubt much has changed at GG. They are what they are: Kind of a "guns warehouse" kind of a place. They sell at greatly reduced margins and apparently have either little time, little inclination, or both, to deal with newbies, the undecided, nit-pickers and "issues." I bought an O/U shotgun there a few years ago. Same problem as the OP's: A blemish on one side of the end of the barrel. Got the same story from the salesdroid: "That's the only one of those we have." TBH: I really wanted that shotgun, the price was really good, so the blemish wasn't a deal-breaker for me. But I did suspect the salesdroid was leading me on. Still do. No proof--just a "gut feel." I've often found them... terse... at GG. All that's ok. I'd shop there again. But I'd really much rather shop at Michigun or with the good people over at MICPL or something.

[Sigman]

With the money I save a GG I could care less if the guy dont give me eye contact or customer service sucks which I have never had much of anyway. Its all about my money.I just saved $60 on a shotgun. I checked bout every place in the area and no one could get any closer than $60. I saved $120 on a Para, and the list goes on. The place is just so busy. Ya get there at opening and there are people waiting in there car for it to open. And most of them arent just looking they are buying. And who can beat that layaway plan. 1 year and you can even mail in the payments. Try calling.........It can take some time just to get through.

[who dat]

In the city of Flint it is $2 and Burton is $5 not a big deal
If they are charging $, they are breaking the law so it IS a big deal. If it isn't, than neither should we mortal citizens have to obey silly little laws like coming to a full stop at a stop sign or going only 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit. After all, it's no big deal.



(I know, cops are citizens, too)

[raptorvan]

it isnt a registration fee. it is a notary fee.

[nitron1ck]

That's too bad. Oh well, support your local FFL, or go to Michigun ;)


Hell yeah. Michigun is my favorite store I have been to. the guys working there are very knowledgeable and will help you with anything. It is right in my city, but if its not for you, I assure you its worth the drive.

[who dat]

it isnt a registration fee. it is a notary fee.
Notary fee is legal but not mandatory. You can get it notarized wherever you want.

[buckcz]

I have bought tons of guns, ammo, accessories, and special order items from Guns Galore. Each time they have gone above and beyond customer service for. Always polite and quick to help (as long as it is not packed, which is rare). For example, for two years I was trying to find a Benelli Nova recoil pad with a shorter length. The Benelli website said it existed and even when I called they gave me a supplier number. Nope, couldn't find it. Went to about 4 different gun stores and nothing. Finally, sometime late I am at Guns Galore and thought what the heck I'll ask about it. Bing, bang, boom, they did their magic and had it in the shop in 5 days! They kept in touch with me and put effort in finding it, all for a $50 item. That speaks volumes to me.

What they need is twice as much room and twice as many guys behind the counter.

[SONDOWNER]

THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE WITH GUNS GALORE IS IF YOU ARE NOT 50 YRS OLD AND LOOK LIKE YOU WORK OR ARE RETIRED FROM GM THEY DON'T WANT NOTHIN TO DO WITH YOU........

[flinch]

You just need to be ready to buy. The last time I walked in there I wanted a springfield trp. I walked in, they had one in the case, I gave it a quick look for defects, and said "I'll take it". It took all of 2 minutes. The paperwork is what took the longest. I could barely touch their prices using the internet. Don't go there to trade in anything unless you just want to dump a gun and not deal with the public. Like any dealer you won't like their offer since they need to make their third. Buckzc mentioned that they need a bigger store and he is right, it's a little cramped in there and they use the counter space to fill out paperwork when it could be used for taking care of the next customer with more space.

[andoman]

In there last week looking for a Taurus 709 slim and got lectured on what a crap company taurus is and how I should go somewhere else if I wanted one, or they could special order it for a ridiculous price. Yeah real cool guys to deal with :banghead:

[Ruger]

In there last week looking for a Taurus 709 slim and got lectured on what a crap company taurus is and how I should go somewhere else if I wanted one, or they could special order it for a ridiculous price. Yeah real cool guys to deal with :banghead:


Roger that! After reading your post earlier today I decided to give them a call and :stirpot: a bit.

Nice young lady named Amy answered I told her what I was looking for "Tauras PT709 SS 9mm" She said she'd check and to hold for a second. The phone went DEAD and then the dreaded dial tone. I hit the speed dial and got a different lady but I couldn't understand her name and I told her I must have been disconnected by mistake and I then went onto explaining what I was looking for and she said "Hold On Please" a few minutes later some grumpy S.O.B grabbed the phone and asked me if I was being helped and I told him that Amy was helping me but that he could probably help me and I again explained what I was looking for and he came right out and said that they would not be selling that P.O.S. in this store and before I could say thank you he hung up!
I guess if we're looking for a Taurus PT 709 SS it won't do much good to shop there.
But here's what I propose! If all of us called their at least once and asked for the same firearm (Taurus PT 709 SS) it would either piss him off or he might get the real message behind such a scheme and start stocking the shelves with what the consumer wants. It's all about the money! :twocents:

[Roger Roney]

Roger that! After reading your post earlier today I decided to give them a call and :stirpot: a bit.

Nice young lady named Amy answered I told her what I was looking for "Tauras PT709 SS 9mm" She said she'd check and to hold for a second. The phone went DEAD and then the dreaded dial tone. I hit the speed dial and got a different lady but I couldn't understand her name and I told her I must have been disconnected by mistake and I then went onto explaining what I was looking for and she said "Hold On Please" a few minutes later some grumpy S.O.B grabbed the phone and asked me if I was being helped and I told him that Amy was helping me but that he could probably help me and I again explained what I was looking for and he came right out and said that they would not be selling that P.O.S. in this store and before I could say thank you he hung up!
I guess if we're looking for a Taurus PT 709 SS it won't do much good to shop there.
But here's what I propose! If all of us called their at least once and asked for the same firearm (Taurus PT 709 SS) it would either piss him off or he might get the real message behind such a scheme and start stocking the shelves with what the consumer wants. It's all about the money! :twocents:I hope they don't read these forums. What you did, and are proposing, could be considered harassment.

You really think a bunch of phone calls will get them to stock a gun they consider a POS?

Roger

[miked]

Guns Galore had no problem selling me a Taurus 689 revolver several years ago. I guess things have changed. (BTW I still have the Taurus and have had zero issues with it.)

I've bought several guns from them. It's been several years, probably since before this thread started, that I was in the store but I never had any issues with them.

I do agree, though , they need a much bigger store and a few more people behind the counter.

[Ruger]

I hope they don't read these forums. What you did, and are proposing, could be considered harassment.

You really think a bunch of phone calls will get them to stock a gun they consider a POS?

Roger


Everyone reads these forums! The gun store's, the LEC, the FBI, HLS. and any other organization that compiles information on gun nuts! take my word for it their already here!
I harassed no one! I simply asked for and got verification that:
1. They don't and will not carry the firearm requested! (because they feel its a P.O.S.) their words not mine.
2. They're rude to customers over the phone as well as FTF!

I can see it now the owner of GG goes to his local PD and tells them he's getting way to many phone calls asking if they have a certain handgun and he wants to file harassment charges! Cop looks at him :confused: and asks "Sir are you having a medical crisis?" :scramble:
It's reverse psychology Roger, If you head on over to Chewy's place or TNT45's or any of the many Mom-n-Pop places and ask the same question your more likely to get "I don't have one in stock but I can order it for ya" instead of the "I don't give a rats ass if I get your business attitude"

What you call harassment is the voice of the consumer! nothing more, nothing less.

My intention here was to see if all the scuttlebutt that's being thrown around here regarding this store was true. I've never been or shopped at GG but if the telephone experience is any indication of how they operate its a pretty good chance that this is their normal business practice. I'm heading up North Thursday with my Granddaughter for some grouse hunting and I plan on stopping their to FTF and pose the same question and see if the tune changes. If the experience is different and one that deserves reconsideration of this post I'll surely do that.

[andoman]

I'm heading up North Thursday with my Granddaughter for some grouse hunting and I plan on stopping their to FTF and pose the same question and see if the tune changes. If the experience is different and one that deserves reconsideration of this post I'll surely do that.

Been there done that, it won't change the tune.

[Imshootin]

I've bought several guns at Guns Galore over the last 5 or 6 years and have had nothing but good experiences there. I've had a couple I called about, they had them and held them for me until I could pick it up with a $50 credit card deposit over the phone. I've always been treated courteously and their new gun prices are hard to beat. Their store is small and usually very busy but it is what it is.

[Signess]

I've bought a few guns from GG, as well have my family members. Never had a problem with attitude at all. And I've always gotten descent service. I wouldn't call it stellar, or top notch. But, at the same time. I don't want anyone rushing me into something that I already know I want or don't want. Also each time I've been in the place each an every associate has been with another customer. And I certainly don't expect them to bail on one cust. to please me. Although it would be nice. lol

The only complaint I have about them is..... Loose that stupid recording on the phone explaining your associates are busy. I friggin hate that! Hire a phone answering person or something will ya!

[sk1nw4lk3r]

I posted on these forums a few months ago I was looking for a 1911 in .40.

I was informed by someone here they'd just been to GG and saw one there.

I called up, talked to someone, told him what I was looking for, he went and grabbed it, told me about it. I asked for him to hold it for me until Friday so I had time to sell my XD40. He said he would.

I sold my XD, went Friday, picked up the gun, exactly what I wanted and exactly as he described, for $550, an EXCELLENT price as far as I was concerned.

Couldn't be happier with the situation.

[USP45T]

1. They don't and will not carry the firearm requested! (because they feel its a P.O.S.) their words not mine.
2. They're rude to customers over the phone as well as FTF!


GG treats me like a king. Not sure why some people have negative experiences. I have heard a GG salesguy mention on several occassions that he will not carry Taurus autos because, when he did sell Taurus autos, he spent all of his time dealing with complaining customers and Taurus returns because of Taurus quality issues.

[7.62 Nato]

I posted on these forums a few months ago I was looking for a 1911 in .40.

I was informed by someone here they'd just been to GG and saw one there.

I called up, talked to someone, told him what I was looking for, he went and grabbed it, told me about it. I asked for him to hold it for me until Friday so I had time to sell my XD40. He said he would.

I sold my XD, went Friday, picked up the gun, exactly what I wanted and exactly as he described, for $550, an EXCELLENT price as far as I was concerned.

Couldn't be happier with the situation.

I was just down at SP Guns today. Tony got in a XDM40 two tone with the Match barrel and all the trimmings. I'm not a polymer fan but have to admit that was really nice. My son has the XD40 and got mad when I shot it better than him, lol.

[Batman]

SP Guns :thumbup: :bow:

[Roger Roney]

I was just down at SP Guns today. Tony got in a XDM40 two tone with the Match barrel and all the trimmings. I'm not a polymer fan but have to admit that was really nice. My son has the XD40 and got mad when I shot it better than him, lol.What does that have to do with the topic of this thread?

Roger

[andoman]

I posted on these forums a few months ago I was looking for a 1911 in .40.

I was informed by someone here they'd just been to GG and saw one there.

I called up, talked to someone, told him what I was looking for, he went and grabbed it, told me about it. I asked for him to hold it for me until Friday so I had time to sell my XD40. He said he would.

I sold my XD, went Friday, picked up the gun, exactly what I wanted and exactly as he described, for $550, an EXCELLENT price as far as I was concerned.

Couldn't be happier with the situation.

I won't deny they have great prices, but I like some customer service with my purchase. When I ask for WWB ammo I don't want the guy behind the counter to lecture me and rolling his eyes at me because I want "the cheap stuff". I don't mind opinion but these guys are asshats. :twocents:

[7.62 Nato]

What does that have to do with the topic of this thread?

Roger

I misread the post about the XD40. I thought he was buying, not selling one. My comment was in regards to that type pistol. Although I'm not a fan of polymers, I was impressed.

Thank you for pointing out my mistake. I will forever be in your debt. I hope the OP, Creature can forgive me for sidetracking the thread that he started a few years ago.

[raptorvan]

i guess it boils down to what a person precieves. i wont do business with firing line because i think they are complete and total douche bags. on the other hand some people in here have had great experiences with them. maybe these places wont deal with some people like they would others and that sucks.

[Ruger]

Here's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I delegated the duty of this adventure to a friend that I trust in judgment as much as I would my Conjoined twin! He had to stop for a case of 20ga shells he wanted for this weekends bird hunt.
His words not mine!

"The place is to small and the guys behind the counter are very short and to the point, if you have your money out they're ready to deal with you other then that gawkers and rubberneckers might just as well stay home"

On going there again he said "Sure if I could get a better deal through them"

[medicinecat]

Always had good experiences at Guns Galore. They can get pretty busy, but you find that at every gun store nowadays. No problems with any shooting merchandise I've bought there over the years. Check them out, plenty to see, plenty to buy!