Ciampoli's Gun Shop

[dnar]

Original post: Last year I went to several gun shows in Pennsylvania, and the Ciampoli's Gun Shop was at two locations that I had visited. They appeared to be very popular with the gun show attendees, and they brought many firearms with them to sell. They probably had 3 or 4 large tables set up with their wares, and I ended up buying my second handgun from them which was reasonably priced.

When I saw them again at another show, I came very close to buying another gun a (Beretta .25 or .32), but a friend who came with me was in a rush to do something else instead of waiting for the background check and the actual purchase of the gun. The workers for Ciampoli's seemed friendly enough and very knowledgeable about all of the guns they had with them. On both occasions, I dealt with the same two young guys working at the tables. Is anyone familiar with this particular gun shop, and also where are they located? Thanks for any info.



UPDATE:

I just spoke with a gentleman from Ciampoli's Gun Shop, and he said that Ray Ciampoli's cancer was in remission, but it came back and it is terminal. Thanks "Lycanthrope" you were absolutely right when you said that they are going out of business, and that their stock is being liquidated. Ciampoli's also mentioned they don't have that much more stock left. Some members and I were talking about putting together a "group card" from the forum and "danp" said he will send his wishes on behalf of the forum.


Current update April 1, 2007 from "Dualsport guy":

Howdy All, I have know Ray C. about 15 years now, and he is one of the Good Guys. We had many adventures hunting, telling stories and trading guns. The are no sons, so rather than leave his wife with a mess, he had a sale. Several hundred firearms where sold at cost. It took about three weeks. There MAY still be a few factory engraved Walther, Berettta, Colt 1911's and a few 1895 Winchester leverguns in .405, high grade stuff. This past two weeks Ray has been too weak to come downstairs to the shop, and Dave Kelly (another good guy) is answering the phone 10 AM to 5 PM and finishing the paper work. The Doctors gave my friend between 4 and 14 months, but it does not look too good. If I do get to talk to Ray I will mention you folks 'from back East". I am sure it will bring a smile to his face. Thank you for your Thoughts and Prayers.

Current update April 4, 2007

Sent card to danp to finalize/send wishes to Mr. Ray Ciampoli on behalf of the PAFOA! Thanks

[Arcana71]

Ciampoli's Gun Shop
3520 Mercer Road
New Castle, PA 16105
724-654-1630

The above information is from one of my receipts. The address comes up as North of Pittsburgh, approximately 10 miles ESE of Youngstown, OH. I've never been to their physical store. However, I've met with them at several Valley Forge shows... and purchased from them twice.

The first time was because they had the best price on what I wanted. The second time was because they remembered my face, my name and what I bought from them three months earlier! That goes a long way with me. (It just so happens that they had the best price on what I bought the second time as well, but if they were $10-$20 more than the other guy, I would have still given the business to them for the reasons mentioned above.)

To summarize, I've only had two transactions with them, but they were stand-up guys both times.

And welcome to the board, by the way!

[Lycanthrope]

Ray is gravely ill and going out of business. His stock is being liquidated and may already be gone.

[dnar]

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

Ray is gravely ill and going out of business. His stock is being liquidated and may already be gone.

Thank you for this information, and I will keep "Ray" in my prayers!

[Arcana71]

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

Ray is gravely ill and going out of business.

EVERYTHING about that sentence sucks! I hate when good people have to suffer... and I hate seeing a good shop close down. I'm very sorry to hear that Ray (sadly, I never knew his name until now... I always dealt with the boys) is ill. If I knew they were having some kind of "liquidation sale," I'd gladly support them with one last round of my business (as much as I could muster). Alas, they're in the opposite corner of the state. Would've been nice if the boys could've kept the shop open. The young'uns struck me as really good people, too.

Shame we can't send a "group card" from the forum (or can we?). Perhaps someone could ask them to put any inventory that doesn't "liquidate" up on gunbroker.com and send the board a link to it, so those of us too far away could at least support them at a distance. Maybe Dan would like a crack at this. Or am I just babbling at this point?

[danp]

If you guys want to put something together I'd be happy to send my wishes on behalf of the PAFOA, but it's not something I have the time to organize right now unfortunately.

There are literally not enough hours in the day for all of the stuff I have to do for PAFOA as it is (Keep in mind I still have a day job.)

[dnar]

Originally Posted by danp

If you guys want to put something together I'd be happy to send my wishes on behalf of the PAFOA, but it's not something I have the time to organize right now unfortunately.

There are literally not enough hours in the day for all of the stuff I have to do for PAFOA as it is (Keep in mind I still have a day job.)

Thank you danp, I will talk to Arcana71 and see what we can come up with.

[Dualsport guy]

Howdy All, I have know Ray C. about 15 years now, and he is one of the Good Guys. We had many adventures hunting, telling stories and trading guns. The are no sons, so rather than leave his wife with a mess, he had a sale. Several hundred firearms where sold at cost. It took about three weeks. There MAY still be a few factory engraved Walther, Berettta, Colt 1911's and a few 1895 Winchester leverguns in .405, high grade stuff. This past two weeks Ray has been too weak to come downstairs to the shop, and Dave Kelly (another good guy) is answering the phone 10 AM to 5 PM and finishing the paper work. The Doctors gave my friend between 4 and 14 months, but it does not look too good. If I do get to talk to Ray I will mention you folks 'from back East". I am sure it will bring a smile to his face. Thank you for your Thoughts and Prayers. --- Tim D

[Lycanthrope]

Out east is fine.

But don't forget the guys in town.....

We have not forgotten either......

Lycanthrope

[dnar]

Originally Posted by Dualsport guy

Howdy All, I have know Ray C. about 15 years now, and he is one of the Good Guys. We had many adventures hunting, telling stories and trading guns. The are no sons, so rather than leave his wife with a mess, he had a sale. Several hundred firearms where sold at cost. It took about three weeks. There MAY still be a few factory engraved Walther, Berettta, Colt 1911's and a few 1895 Winchester leverguns in .405, high grade stuff. This past two weeks Ray has been too weak to come downstairs to the shop, and Dave Kelly (another good guy) is answering the phone 10 AM to 5 PM and finishing the paper work. The Doctors gave my friend between 4 and 14 months, but it does not look too good. If I do get to talk to Ray I will mention you folks 'from back East". I am sure it will bring a smile to his face. Thank you for your Thoughts and Prayers. --- Tim D

Thank you for the current status of Ray's condition we appreciate it very much! We will keep Ray, his family and friends in our prayers! He will be receiving a card on behalf of all the members of the PAFOA/forum shortly. God bless.