Hey folks, I'm curious about where everyone gets their gear. We all know that finding a solid gun shop can make a world of difference, whether you're looking to buy, sell, or just get some advice. What makes a gun shop trustworthy to you? Have you had any great experiences at a local spot, or maybe a bad one you want to warn others about? If you've got a favorite shop you recommend, let us know where it is and what you like about it! I'm particularly interested in their used gun selection, prices, and any transfer fees if that's something you've dealt with. Let's get a conversation going and help each other find the best shops out there!
Trusted Gun Shop Reviews
- Thread starter RangeHot
- Start date
Fatelvis
Member
I've been shopping at Rinks guns in Lockport for years. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, and reasonable prices. They also carry handloading supplies. I recommend them wholeheartedly.
Wirenut
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2025
- Messages
- 7
If I am interested in a new firearm I go to Mega Sports, because of their huge inventory to handle it only, staff has been very arrogant and condescending.
If it's what I want I go to Seven Sigma Arms.
Mike is an online dealer working out of his home in Manhattan.
If it's what I want I go to Seven Sigma Arms.
Mike is an online dealer working out of his home in Manhattan.
Thiokol
Member
That's exactly what I do. I've known Mike for quite a few years and he's a top notch guy to deal with. He regularly beats every one else's prices.
FelixD
Member
For me, the condescension has grown to a point that I don't go into the place anymore. It's starts with the old man at the door who demands your FOID and continues to the "kids" working the counter who assume themselves to be expert in all things that shoot. It is unnecessarily frustrating to go in there.
I'm located west of Joliet where there isn't much in the way of dedicated gun shops. Mostly it's FFL holders who work on orders and transfers. I've used Rural King, Runnings and a long time ago Walmart for things on sale. I can't really say how much a transfer costs today. Prices seem to have risen. At one time Bud's Guns had a list of dealers by state and how much they charge. Don't know if they still do that.
If you are willing to drive I suggest Carter's Guns in Shabbona. Very old time shop. You'll never know what you might find there. Don't look for new stuff there. Good Gunsmith. Or for a long ride try Simpson's Ltd in Galesburg. Great selection of very collectible firearms. The only place I've seen more Lugers was the Tulsa gun show.
Hope this might be of help.
SpringThunder
Member
Marengo guns would be my go to if I had to choose one. You don't get bombarded by knuckleheads if you pick a gun up and you don't get told a bunch of junk from people who dont know what they are talking about in the first place.
I'm a hunter that shoots. Mostly muzzleloaders but some CF, lots of shotgunning and a fair amount of rimfire. Most of what I want, need and or use is not had by any sporting goods stores locally. The interwebs are doing brick and mortar in. Scheels and sportsmans warehouse are diamonds in the rough while I'm traveling though. Always rocking into one when time allows.
I'm a hunter that shoots. Mostly muzzleloaders but some CF, lots of shotgunning and a fair amount of rimfire. Most of what I want, need and or use is not had by any sporting goods stores locally. The interwebs are doing brick and mortar in. Scheels and sportsmans warehouse are diamonds in the rough while I'm traveling though. Always rocking into one when time allows.
Thiokol
Member
I don't know how far you are from Manhattan but Mike Bethman of Seven Sigma Arms charges $40.00 for a transfer, and, it's a one stop process. If you let him know via email that you have a transfer heading his way, by the time that it arrives, your 72 hours has passed. And, to make it easy, you can download a copy of his FFL from his website. Go to www.7sigmaarms.com. At the top of the page, click on FFL transfers. That's where you can download his FFL.
Popeye1959
Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2025
- Messages
- 9
Any place that demands a FOID to enter is a place I won't go. There are so many items a good gun shop sells that don't require a FOID. And there are so many gun shops that don't require a FOID to enter.
