Was wondering why does insite firearms make a photo copy of your DL when you buy a firearm.
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Was wondering why does insite firearms make a photo copy of your DL when you buy a firearm.
Step 1: Photocopy everyone's driver's license
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Profit.
I think a lot of dealers like myself have starting to do it as proof that you actuually saw the information on the picture I.D. Sometimes a person will not give it when they want to sell a dealer a gun and leave the shop. I use it as a deterrant and it did help me out.
John Bennett
Bennett's Gun Shop
I thought it was illegal to copy a drivers license?
No I can understand if you are selling the dealer a gun. This is when you buy a gun at the store.
Thanks for posting the question! I have a copy made so that we can deter straw purchasers. It is strictly for identification purposes and contains no more information than you already provided on the federal or state form other than your photo. We have assisted in over 5 successful straw purchase prosecutions and the picture was extremely helpul. There is no law against making a copy of a drivers license. Banks, doctors offices, etc. do it all the time. We don't give/sell information to any one other than law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies can request this info from us at any time and we comply. Thanks again, Luke
From this information from their website and you should be able to answer your own question. (http://insitefirearms.com/aboutus.html)
The store started in 1988 as GUNS-R-US in a little room in an exterminator business on W. Main Street in Jeffersonville, PA by Luke Kelly, John Pascale and Rick Hendrickson. Luke and John were West Norriton police officers and Rick was a hunting partner with Luke. The giant "R-US" company took offense to the name and forced them to stop using the moniker so the name was then changed to the Alibi Gun Shop.
The business soon outgrew it's small space and moved one block to the old schoolhouse at Main St. and School Lane where the business thrived and expanded to a larger area inside the building. Soon thereafter, John was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. The business was then sold to Jeff Balch, another West Norriton officer, and Celeste Bunczk. A short time later the business was again sold and this time to Bill Gordon, former owner of the Firearms Company in East Norriton. The name was changed to InSite Firearms and continued to be successful and has been purchased back by Luke to allow Bill to begin his trek toward retiring.
On May 1st, 2006, Luke along with his wife Jackie, opened the doors to their new location at 2101 W. Main Street directly across from the schoolhouse. It is a 3900 sq. ft. building with over 2000 sq ft of showroom. It is located in the Burn-Ridge Shopping Center. Luke Kelly enjoyed a 20+ year career in law enforcement attaining the rank of Detective with West Norriton Police until his retirement in May 2006. He is an NRA certified Police Firearms Instructor since 1988. He is an avid hunter and shooter and is a member of the Lower Providence Rod and Gun Club and the National Rifle Association. Bill Gordon has been involved in the firearms business for over 30 years starting in the Navarone Gun Shop in Conshohocken, PA. He moved to Hillcrest Shopping Center and opened The Firearms Store. Bill then relocated to West Norriton and rented space from Grey's Outfitters on Main St. He eventually purchased InSite Firearms. Bill is also a member of the Lower Providence Rod and Gun Club and the NRA. Most all of the people who work at InSite are members of the Lower Providence Rod and Gun Club and NRA members. Several are also NRA certified Civilian Firearms Instructors.
I don't know about anyone else, but the last time I was in there, the counter-people were not very friendly. The prices also seemed somewhat high.
The owner was extremely nice the last time I was in but I did notice somewhat of an attitude from the other two guys working. I just chalk it up to jealousy because I'm extremely handsome.Quote:
Originally Posted by frabor68
Well, I'm not.Quote:
Originally Posted by ratrodfink
Are you working with Bloomberg's people?Quote:
Originally Posted by Insite Owner
Which law enforcement agencies are you sharing the info with? Please list all the ones you have ever shared info with, so people can have confidence in your comforting statement.
ATF, Pa State Police, Pa State Attorney Generals office, West Norriton PD are the agencies that we have provided information to for prosecution of straw purchases and falsifying information on state and federal forms as well as mental patients attempting to purchase. We are required by the rules of our license to provide information to these agencies for prosecutions. We don't have LE agencies just dropping by to look through our books. It doesn't work that way. I have 25 years of LE experience. I know better and so does my attorney.
As far as the couple of mentions about my employees and their perceived attitudes...please clarify the statement "the last time I was in there" when you want to complain. You could've been in over a year ago and there have been personnel changes since then. Secondly...why complain here anonymously when you could bring this to my atention for correction at the time that it occurs. No need to wait. I pride my store and my employees and I know that many others feel the same way. Thanks for bringing your concerns to light.
I bought my first 10/22 from Luke about 2 years ago. At that time, I didn't know much about firearms and his people were more than willing to help me. They didn't have the 10/22 in stock but called me promptly when it did arrive and they also installed my Tapco kit for free. Haven't had a bad experience there yet. Their prices are not always competitive but their customer service has always been good.
I was just in there on Friday.
It's not the closest gunshop to me but it's one I like to frequent. Never got a bit of attitude from anyone and always found the staff helpful and friendly. I like to look at the used guns when I need a fix. Snagged a pristine Sig 225 some months back.
They have coupons on their website that you can print out and save some bucks.
I was thinking of stopping by. It is like 15 mins from my house. How's the used pistol selections?
You registered just to defend yourself on this topic? Mega-Props.Quote:
Originally Posted by Insite Owner
Quote:
Originally Posted by rsftw
They had a decent selection of used guns when I was there last week, depends on what you're looking for. Prices are good; you can go to their website and print out a coupon for $25 off any firearm $250 or more. It's good for used guns too.
Mr. Insite Owner,
I don't know you; I have never been to your store, heck I don't really even know where it is. But based on your above post, I wish that I did.
If I am ever in your neck of the woods, I will definitely try to stop by.
Take care and welcome to the forum.
Otto
If you're in the area, Insite is definitely worth a visit. Being the closest dealer to me, I'm in there fairly often. Staff, selection and store are outstanding.Quote:
Originally Posted by Orive 8
I've been there more times than I care to think about, definitely one of the dealers that I am most likely to deal with and I am definitely NOT local to the shop. The service that I have received in the past as well as the price and selection ensure that I will continue to return again and again.
I was in there for a transfer less than a year ago as the buyer. I thought the owner and other guys there were great.
My transfer experiences are a little more involved because I'm a legal US resident, but I'm Canadian. Some dealers make up their own rules (like Cabela's and another dealer I've commented on in the distant past) but these guys had no problem with it.
If I lived closer, I would shop there again.
I bought my Sig556 at Insite late 2008. No problems or complaints from me. Everybody was friendly and accommodating. I really don't have a problem with the DL copy since they already have that information anyway. I would definitely shop at Insite again in the future. In fact, Luke if you see this...any idea when you expect to see a Beretta PX4 SC in .40SW?
I stop by often...as I live about five minutes away. I found a very nice used Ruger Mark II there about a year ago and that was a very easy purchase. I believe Joe waited on me and he was very good to work with
I stop by and am only looking for what used handguns they get in....so I come in and am typically out of the store in a couple of minutes.
As Luke mentioned...they have had some staff turnover and I no longer see a couple of the guys who I did not think much of...just seemed to have an attitude to me.
Overall...the staff are helpful and they do have a some good used gun finds. I still kick myself on passing on a S&W 586 they had...went back two days later and it was gone.
I have had nothing but positive experiences at Insight, and that is where my next purchase will take place.:)
Sure, their prices are high....on Sigs, Glocks and S&Ws.
However, they ALWAYS have a killer deal on SOMETHING that I like; I've bought a half dozen or so handguns over the years from Bill, Luke and Joe. Got good deals on all sorts of stuff. You just have to keep stopping in.
Joe is the older, white haired GENTLEMAN who works there and who really knows his stuff. A real class act.
There is one guy who works there who has black hair, a dark complexion, a fat gut and who looks Hispanic, but isn't. His personality sucks. Never smiles. Just a real lemon-sucker.
He is my only gripe. Everybody else treats me like family.
Well, the other gripe I DO have is that they charge you not only a transfer fee on guns you buy online and have sent to them....but if they sell that same brand NEW, they charge you a premium. I don't care for that.
The man you talk about is their Glock armorer. I got the same vibe the first few times I was there but he's not a bad guy once you get to talking to him. He has helped me out a few times in the past. I'll also second your gripe about their fees, they can get excessive. Other than that it's a great shop.Quote:
Originally Posted by Yentl Marmelstein
I'd like to thank everyone for their input on this thread, including you naysayers especially. It's for you and any others that have a negative opinion of us that i write the following:
First: name calling is inappropriate. The "fat gut" guy that you refer to Yentl has a name. It's Dave. Dave is a disabled/retired police officer who was injured on duty and now walks with a distinct limp because of that injury. There are days that he can't walk, hence the "fat gut". He's there 4 days a week. He's a Glock, S&W and Sig Sauer armorer. As for the rest of my staff let me introduce them so everyone knows who they are and a little about them when you walk through the door.
Joe, the older white-haired guy. Extremely knowledgable and friendly to everyone. They don't come much better. Works 3 days a week. He's laid up ill right now but hopefully we get im back soon. Rick, retired accountant and former Navy man. Works Fall and Winter full time occasionally during Summer. John, another old guy (older than me so i can say that) retired from PECO, NRA instructor and former range safety officer from LPR&GC. Works 2 days a week. Todd R. works in his family business and is a volunteer firefighter. Works one day a week. Tim, works full-time in the automotive business and volunteer firefighter. One day a week. Ryan, security specialist and volunteer firefighter. Two nights and Sat. Frank, computer specialist, NRA instructor, works Sat. Todd B, a blacksmith and retired forensic investigator. Fri night and Sat. Jeff, equipment specialist and forensic photographer, anal-retentive paperwork guy. Stash, detailer and volunteer firefighter, fill-in when needed. Rob, full-time police officer, Colt armorer. He fills in when available. Shawn, disabled/retired police officer whose career was ended by a drunk driver on parole. He is an H&K and Remington armorer. He's there when he can make it in, once a month or so. Me. My name is Luke and I'm the owner. I've owned the business five years. I was disabled retired after 20 years on the force. I'm a volunteer firefighter 35 years. I was an NRA police instructor with Shawn. I'm there more time than I or my family care to think about.
I tell you all this not for your sympathy but in hopes that you'll take the time to get to know who we are before you pass judgement. You may have one or two contacts with us. You may be our 1st, 15th or 30th contact of the day and we strive to treat everyone the same when they come through the door. Sometimes it might not come across that way but before you run to a forum and whine about somebody looking at you funny, take the time to bring it to my attention and we'll take care of it in house. I'm sure you wouldn't like the idea of me posting customers names that maybe rub me the wrong way on any given day.
Next....I have never, NEVER...charged a customer a premium fee for an internet transfer in 5 years of business. Our fees are posted right at the register and are as folows: $40.00 for internet transfer that includes PICS, $25.00 for in-store (face to face) transfer that includes PICS, $12.00 for PICS on any in-store firearms purchase. PERIOD. We have no hidden fees. I don't care where you order a gun from. All we ask is that you notify us of your intent to have a gun shipped to us and we will facilitate the transfer. Yes there are deals on the internet and I will not try to compete with them. Most are selling for a few dollars over cost and make up their money in volume and no paperwork headaches. They also don't have to show you how to breakdown your new gun or put it back together when you can't. They don't have to show you how to use a proper grip, stance, sight alignment or fit your new gun with a holster. We do all of that for free and so does every other local gun shop. We hope that you'll buy some ammo or cleaning supplies from us if you do decide to have a gun shipped to us.
As far as our prices go...I believe we are competetive with most of the other shops in the area. We aren't trying to compete with the big box stores when they run their loss leader sales. We have a great selection of over 800 guns at this time along with all of the accessories. We don't charge extra for credit card use even though the CC companies have raised their rates again. We pay on average 2.4% of the total transaction to the credit card company so you have the convenience of using your card. Debit cards are slightly less and we appreciate when we can use debit. There are coupons on our website and in various local publications like, Locally Yours, Hometown magazine, etc. I wouldn't pay to put them in there if I didn't want you to use them.
Last, I don't know about the other stores in our area but we give discounts to Police, Fire, EMS, Corrections and Military, both individuals and departments everyday. Last year I gave back over $30,000 in discounts to these fine men and women who take care of us and protect us both foreign and domestic. Don't pat me on the back. Stop in the store and get to know us and make a purchase so I can continue to give back to our community. Oh, and by the way, for all of our regular customers, we have a rewards program that gets you discounts on future purchases.
Thanks for bearing with me and if you made it this far I offer a bonus...mention this article and I'll give you $1.00 off each box of ammo purchased until August 15th. Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Luke - It's good to see you guys have finally found this place. All I can say is that for the past few years that my wife and I have been buying from you guys, we've been nothing but pleased. Your guys have gone out of their way to accommodate us and they've been helpful and patient.
It's much appreciated.
Joe helped me the last few times I was in there. I'd have to agree that they don't come much better. I hope he's well again soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by Insite Owner
Luke, thanks for the introduction. I'll definitely be in very soon.
I've been helped by Dave and Joe many times and both are outstanding.
Luke,, Nice intro.. I stopped in a couple weeks ago to check out holsters and 5.11 gear.. need a belt.. by any chance you get new stock in of them? The more common sizes(34-36ish) seamed to be picked thru.. I pass by there on my way back to our shop from road service calls.. You guys were busy or I would have asked about the belts then.. I'll stop in again.. cant stay long.. my company has me GPS tracked..
No, because that's not what this section is for, Luke.Quote:
Originally Posted by Insite Owner
As for Dave, I merely stated that his bedside manner is a little coarse. I note that you didn't disagree.
;)
Great friendly people, even to a youngin like myself! Take a look!