Shyda's, Ammo, & Backwoods Outfitters

[Bob_W]

I went to Shyda's (Lebanon, PA) last night with the intention of buying a pistol, with my choices being 4 Kimber models. When I went to the counter, Zack was the salesman that spent the time to answer my questions and show me the various models.

They didn't have what I originally wanted in stock but after trying various models I had it narrowed down to 2 Kimber models: the Raptor and Gold Match. Originally I wasn’t fond of the Raptor styling but I found I liked the feel of the grips and serrations/‘scales’ and the style was beginning to look better. I had the slide slip under my grip on the SIS models a couple times and ruled that one out, although I really like the finish and basic style except for the SIS ‘serrations’.

Zack was very helpful and spent time showing me the various models, even several times as I compared them. Zack got the Kimber catalog out so we could verify some features as I narrowed my decisions. Once narrowed to 2 models I called my brother to verify some information before I made a final decision. The one thing that came up was whether it held 7 or 8 rounds, the store tag said 7 but I thought it held 8. Zack was out so I asked another salesman to let me look at the Kimber catalog. This salesman couldn't find it and since the owner was nearby he asked him. The owner simply said he didn't have one. When I said I just looked at it 10 minutes before, then they ‘looked’ a little harder and finally 'found' it. It seemed I was bothering them and that the owner certainly didn't have time for me: a customer.

Zack returned and I told him that I would take the Raptor. I asked if they could throw in an extra magazine, $18 retail, but Zack had to ask the owner so we waited 10 minutes or more until the owner returned. He told the salesman no, saying nothing to me even though I was 5 feet away. Their price was in the same range as other places I had checked. The salesman processed the papers quickly and I was ready to check out.

Zack asked if I wanted any ammo and said it was $26 with a one box limit! He said that they have a limit to keep people from hoarding it; but he couldn't explain the high price. So needless to say I didn't buy any there.

It certainly seems in this area they are jacking up the price of ammo to take advantage of the ‘scarcity’ mindset. My brother in WV near the western PA border has had no problems with availability of the same .45 ACP ammo and recently bought a case at ~$20/box which we will use this weekend.

The owner who was nearby at the time of the purchase didn't say anything to me at all when I bought the Kimber. It was approaching closing time so there were no other nearby customers, but I guess expecting a thanks or other comment after dropping $1200 with them, would have been out of the question. I even get a thank you when buying a hamburger at McDonald's!!

After talking about the abruptness or rudeness of the owner with a friend at work he said he had never dealt with the owner. He said he did have a problem with one of the salesmen but after he described that person it turned out to be the owner.

I would have bought from Backwoods Outfitters but they did not have anything in stock and even recommended I check some of the other area dealers. I find that very to be very good customer service!

It looks like I will not be going back to, or recommending Shyda’s anymore. I have the option to spend my money with someone who has an interest in my business, such as Backwood's Outfitters. The owner of Shyda's should learn something from his salesmen.

Bob

[seoulstice]

I've heard generally positive reviews about the place...if you felt you weren't being treated right by the owner, why did you continue with the purchase?

[Dextrimental]

I feel your pain on shyda's. The sales rep there named James is a total ass. I swore a year ago I'd never go back there and so far I have found what I needed elsewhere.

Brad

[snuffy19608]

Yeah, dealing with James is a real treat. I bought nite sites for my first G19 there, they said come back tomorrow when the installers working and he'll put them in. If I'd known it was James I wouldn't have even bought the things, he's so cocky and sarcastic I almost told him to forget it.

[forceinPA]

Sorry to rag on another dealer, but I know the shydas for over 20+ years. I feel your pain. Dont know why people go there. The one brother who makes clay throwers is about the only cool one...

[Bob_W]

Originally Posted by seoulstice

I've heard generally positive reviews about the place...if you felt you weren't being treated right by the owner, why did you continue with the purchase?

That is a good question. I have been to many places over the years that I initially thought the business didn't appear to treat the customers right. Then later found that it may have been the person just having a bad day so I gave them the benefit of the doubt. That doesn't excuse the attitude toward customers but it would not deserve a public complaint. When I got to work the next day and found that a friend had a similar problem with the owner I felt I should comment. It now appears that my assesment may not have been too far off the mark.

Bob

[keystoneman 85]

I go there quite a bit which one is James (I never catch names). Can anyone explain him? He isn't the real short guy is he?

[snuffy19608]

Yeah, just look for the vertically challenged guy that's always getting sarcastic with the customers and the help.

A few months ago they had hired an older gentlemen to work there, he was having some trouble learning the computer cash register and he wasn't the fastest but he was a real nice guy. The kind of nice that makes you not care that he moves a little slow and needs help sometimes.

James went out of his way to make fun of this guy and make him look like an idiot. He even called him names in front of customers, which REALLY pissed me off. If the guy ain't making it talk to him, if he doesn't improve let him go. But don't mock the guy in front of everyone. To the older guys credit he never showed any anger, and he WAS trying real hard.

That and other things are reasons I drive farther to shop elsewhere. John at Seneca Arms in Green Lane, Eric and his staff at Stubby's in York, and a great little place I just discovered up by E-town (he's changing names, trust me you'll hear more later) all treat me with respect and answer my questions as best the can. And just as important, if they don't know they'll tell me and not B/S me.

Sorry for the rant, I guess that first beer and thinking about Shyda's troll got me goin' Y'all have a great weekend, I get to work. "Honey, can I have another Blue Moon"?

[brian]

at any given time, they might have one thing i want.
i hate going there.
latey i've been buying 308 there, and primers when they have them, and thats it. i'll never buy a gun from them.
james is a douche and the owner is just better than everybody else, so as soon as we except that, everything will bw better...........

[keystoneman 85]

James helped me put a scope on my cricket and he wasn't bad to me but was an arse to others. Nathan Lambs Firearms? He's changing names ... :-)