"something else and firearms" stores

[ragnar_danneskjold]

So I'm new to PA, just moved from NJ (I feel so free!!!!!!!!) and made a curious observation

I've seen a few stores that sell firearms and..

One sells firearms and furniture, the other sells bicycles and firearms

Is it easier to obtain an FFL if you have other merchandise in your store?

Not that it matters, just curious

[daschnoz]

The gun shop portion gets people in the door. While buying your gun, the wife can shop for furniture. Get a free sofa with your gun purchase.

SWEET!!!!!!





(actually, I have no idea, but I thought it was funny)

[TheLom]

I never saw anything like that around where I live, but I live in Philthy. My freedom comes with the side of freedom hating dipshits.

[jthrelf]

Moving from NJ? My advice: set aside gun budget money... you tend to spend more when not having to jump through hoops...

Congrats on your freedom

[wa3ra]

I personally think it should be "Alcohol, Tobacco, and..." .

[theunrulychef]

Met up with a member at AF Boyer Hardware & Guns in Slatington to make a sale. That particular combination is pretty awesome I have to say! A total "guy" toy store.

[Calzonewdippingsauce]

I think it goes back to the hardware stores of old that used to sell guns also. I live near Redding's Hardware in Gettysburg that does just that. Although now its mostly firearms, accessories, ammo, and hunting stuff now. I remember hearing that most places don't make that much money selling guns so they make their profit on accessories and other things, but idk if thats true or not.

[Orlov556]

Having not seen this up here myself, my best guess is that it has something to do with the fact that you must have a "place of business" in order to be an FFL, a rule that was changed in relatively recent history. Fact is, there are only about 1/5 as many FFLs as there were 25 years ago, because regs are much tighter and margins are pretty low. I hear stories about guys who used to have an FFL only so they and their buddies could get guns wholesale from a distributer. So, if you were one of those guys and already owned a small business, why not have a nice selection of 1911s next to your deli counter?

[Xringshooter]

... I remember hearing that most places don't make that much money selling guns so they make their profit on accessories and other things, but idk if thats true or not.

That's true, the markup on guns isn't that much (typically) but the mark up on accesories is huge. That $25 doller holster you thought was a great deal probably cost the dealer under $10 (depending on the quantity bought).

That is why I do not understand why a brick and mortar shop charges so much to do a transfer for people. Take less money for the transfer and then sell them the sling and swivels for the rifle, or maybe the gun case, or ammo, or hunting clothes, or whatever. Why alienate your potential customers?

[Bill67]

Met up with a member at AF Boyer Hardware & Guns in Slatington to make a sale. That particular combination is pretty awesome I have to say! A total "guy" toy store.

We just drove thru there on 145 yesterday and I forgot all about Boyer's. I need to check them out. We did stop in at Dunklebergers in Broadheadsville and their prices are pretty high.