View Full Version : Is VanWagnen's Closed or Something?
mudmanfloyd
02-13-2008, 01:33
I went by around 2pm today to check his Kel-Tecs and they were closed. Anybody know what's up?
Steve Koski
02-13-2008, 05:03
Nope. I was there last week and all seemed normal.
camaro_dave
02-13-2008, 09:28
I went monday and all was good
I went by around 2pm today to check his Kel-Tecs and they were closed. Anybody know what's up?
Crikey, I hope they're not closed.
Where else am I going to get a Sig P220 for $350 OTD?
Or Christmas gifts for my family?
I was there a couple weeks ago, he was open but his gun selection is less than usual.
about 2 weeks ago. Norm was just as cranky and arrogant as usual. I sitll don't know why I go by as his prices can always be met or beat by almost anyone but Cabelas and they actually act like they want my business.
I had a store that claims to match prices tell me that they won't match VagWag's prices. I was shocked. :steamed:
I'm curious as to who wouldn't match his prices? Gunnies is one of my favorite Norm beaters.
It was Doug's. Gunnies just talked me out of buying the gun, so I bought it somewhere else.
RMTactical
02-26-2008, 15:08
Van Wag's consistently has the best prices on many guns.
I went by around 2pm today to check his Kel-Tecs and they were closed. Anybody know what's up?
I guess by now you guys all know that he has been hit by the BATFE for 19 sales that have bad paperwork.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695257089,00.html
"Leiker said the audit by ATF officers found some "discrepancies" during the time frame of April to September 2006, which included guns being released to purchasers before a background check was completed."
"We're just trying to find out exactly what happened," Vilos said. "These gun dealers get extremely busy. When you have multiple sales going on at the same time, sometimes you make mistakes."
I guess by now you guys all know that he has been hit by the BATFE for 19 sales that have bad paperwork.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695257089,00.html
"Leiker said the audit by ATF officers found some "discrepancies" during the time frame of April to September 2006, which included guns being released to purchasers before a background check was completed."
"We're just trying to find out exactly what happened," Vilos said. "These gun dealers get extremely busy. When you have multiple sales going on at the same time, sometimes you make mistakes."
Aw, crap.
I really hope Norman doesn't testify at trial. He's a great businessman, but his hatred for the BATFE might make things difficult in court.
Not to mention, while he's casual about his paperwork, he always takes the time to make sure it's filled out properly. Even when the line's ten people deep, he doesn't let anyone pay until the 4473 has been filled out and called in.
Steve Koski
02-28-2008, 22:42
That sucks. Norm ROCKS!
RMTactical
02-29-2008, 21:15
I've purchased several guns from Norm over the years.
This really sucks, I do like Norm, as strange as he is. I wish him the best, hope that he comes out of this unscathed... but I am not holding my breathe.
I've always thought he was very good about following the rules as far as I could tell.
Timpinutah
02-29-2008, 21:31
I was there today during my lunch break. Norm was there. He seemed more interested in his lunch than assisting customers (not too unusual). I didn't see anyone else in there helping at the moment. There wasn't nearly the inventory that usually seems to be there. Only a few guns were on display. I don't know if business is booming too much or what.
camaro_dave
03-01-2008, 22:22
went last saturday and picked up a g27. he probably sold 7 pistols and 4 rifles while I was there. he sells like crazy, I could see how he could skip someone, it was insane in there. but owning a store like that takes responsibility........... oh well. maybe he'll have a firesale and I can stuff for super cheap :)
Yeah, I bought a Ruger Charger on Thurs from him and the store had the lowest inventory I have ever seen there. Even though he isn't the most customer service friendly guy, I would really hate to see him go under. I have probably bought over 2 dozen guns from him over the years starting at the old store in Provo by Albertson's.
tyger006
03-16-2008, 21:22
I remember that store! I got my first browning .22 lever there. It was cool because they had another pawn shop kidy-corner to it where the Blockbuster is now. Those were the good old days when assault rifles were afordable....:crying:
Tyger
I called this last week to ask a price of a Kahr PM9 and Norm told me he didn’t carry them, and wouldn’t order them.:dunno: I’m not sure if it has to do with the Kahr not being extremely popular, or if other issues come into play. My boss who buys more guns than anyone I know says he’s the best place to go other than impact in Ogden. Hope everything turns out for him.
The Enthusiastic Conservative
I have bought several guns from Norm and have always been impressed with his prices but not so impressed with his arrogance toward someone that might ask a question he thought was stupid. I think that the free ads on ksl dot com and the wide spread use of the internet have encouraged people to sell their guns on their own instead of being treated like an idiot. I like Norm but I have seen him more than once treat a customer like ch#t
Copzilla55
04-04-2008, 20:18
I bought a gun there years ago, and he was kinda short with me, but not as rude as he seemed to other people. If I really want a gun and he's got a super deal, then I'll go to him. But Provo is waay out of my way just for a gun.
Plus now I can go to Cabelas too.
I just bought a Glock 23 from Ol' Norm on Thursday, and he seemed "Norm"al to me...I too noticed low inventory though. He had almost no AR's and very few used semi-auto handguns. He seemed to have his usual amount of revolvers.
One thing that is different is that instead of calling into the BCI for background checks when you buy a gun, he has to fill out a form, fax it to them and wait for them to fax it back before he'll release the gun.
He does have one of those funny 1800's wanted posters of himself taped on his display case (the kind you can get at Lagoon, where you dress up in western garb, hold a fake levergun and act all serious). On it he calls himself the "Kanab Kid"...gotta love Norm.
gotta love Norm.
No I don't.
I have read this thread again and I concur He can be a creep. Problem is you never know what your going to deal with from day to day walking in there. I would rather pay more and not put up with his crap. Just my 2 cents. YMMV
:tongueout:
I've bought several guns from him from back when he had the old shop in provo next to the Ivy tower. But he sure is a crusty old bugger when he's in a bad mood. (talked himself out of selling me a gun several times.... and price wasnt the issue... attitude was)
No I don't.
I know a lot of people don't like Norm, but I've purchased a fair amount of guns from him (probably a couple dozen over the years) and he's never been rude or anything even close to it to me. Quarky, yes. Rude or inconsiderate, no.
Copzilla55
04-06-2008, 23:39
I have read this thread again and I concur He can be a creep. Problem is you never know what your going to deal with from day to day walking in there. I would rather pay more and not put up with his crap. Just my 2 cents. YMMV
:tongueout:
That reminded me of........."It's just like a box of chocolates........you never know what you're gonna get". LOL.
RMTactical
04-07-2008, 00:17
He does have one of those funny 1800's wanted posters of himself taped on his display case (the kind you can get at Lagoon, where you dress up in western garb, hold a fake levergun and act all serious). On it he calls himself the "Kanab Kid"...gotta love Norm.
That is funny! :rofl:
tyger006
04-17-2008, 16:06
I know a lot of people don't like Norm, but I've purchased a fair amount of guns from him (probably a couple dozen over the years) and he's never been rude or anything even close to it to me. Quarky, yes. Rude or inconsiderate, no.
I have noticed that he is more favorable to those who actually buy from him fairly regularly. I think that I just got tired of it when I looked like a kid who wouldn't have money to buy, when I often had $400-1200 in my pocket for the right gun... not that I had money, I was just single, working and interested primarily in guns.
I have noticed that he is more favorable to those who actually buy from him fairly regularly. I think that I just got tired of it when I looked like a kid who wouldn't have money to buy, when I often had $400-1200 in my pocket for the right gun... not that I had money, I was just single, working and interested primarily in guns.
I imagine you are correct Tyger, I don't doubt that my experience would likely be different were I not somewhat of a regular. Since I am, I'll continue to enjoy low gun prices and the often entertaining conversations that occur when someone new is in the store and can't quite figure Norm out.
cracked a few jokes was as friendly as I've ever seen him. He talked me out of a sale -- but he told me it wasn't that great of a deal. I wish he had/has an H&K P2000 in 40S&W V3 for a good price as I would buy one from him.
tyger006
04-21-2008, 23:32
I imagine you are correct Tyger, I don't doubt that my experience would likely be different were I not somewhat of a regular. Since I am, I'll continue to enjoy low gun prices and the often entertaining conversations that occur when someone new is in the store and can't quite figure Norm out.
I have bought guns off and on from Norm for 16 years, and just think he could do better if he put a little effort on PR, but that is his bussiness, not mine, so untill I open up a gun shop, I can't tell him how to run his show...
tyger
I have bought guns off and on from Norm for 16 years, and just think he could do better if he put a little effort on PR, but that is his bussiness, not mine, so untill I open up a gun shop, I can't tell him how to run his show...
tyger
You may need to open up a gun shop after May, or whenever his court date is. Maybe you can even rent his building, LOL. I really hope things go in his favor though, I think he does run a good business that provides benefit to a lot of people who need to sell guns but are nervous about selling on KSL or wherever. I've never sold a gun to Gunnies or any other store but I doubt they would/could do anything close the volume Norm does, or would be willing to at least. Heck, he'll even pay $100 for guns people have blown up using too hot of reloads. One little known fact is that he will also intall scopes free of charge, regardless of whether you buy the gun and/or scope from him or not. He's mounted at least a dozen for me and done at least as well as the $20 or $25 other places charge.
As crazy as his place gets, I image it would be even worse if he had great customer service....just trying to look on the bright side :cool:
tyger006
04-22-2008, 20:56
Yeah, maybe you are right- more bussiness would cause more issues. I dunno, not everybody can be a Cabelas, and not everyone should. I hate the take a number game as much as I hate being ignored by guys behind the counter, so I guess it's a give or take thing....
tyger
Yeah. Most of them are buttholes, aren't they?
tyger006
04-22-2008, 21:46
Sometimes. I think alot has to do with how you get along with someone. Some of these guys behind the counter have friends that they get along with and if you arn't one of them, you are SOL.
I think my favorite gunstore alltime was Backdoor Angler in Delta. Family run, and fair consistant prices (not always the very lowest, but close enough), and excellent service. They would just add a constant percentage to their cost, and that was your total before tax. If I wanted to price a gun, they would sit down and let me thumb through their dealer catalogs and I would know exactly what the price would be- easy and fair. Too bad they got divorced and that was the end of the store. I wish I had the money to buy it out from them... oh well.
tyger
Spitzerbullet
05-14-2008, 00:59
I stopped by Van Wags this morning. It was sad. Compared to a couple of years ago he has virtually nothing left on display now. It's almost like he's closing out and waiting for the end.
Yeah, sad but true. At least he still has some good stuff coming through. I picked up an HK P7 Monday from him. Not a screaming deal, but Grade 'A' with 2 mags.
just follow the link: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/dept/sheriff/InmateDetail.asp?id=211364
I note that 19 counts is a little more than a mistake that happened during a busy day or two. :shocked: I can't help but wonder if this transaction lead to a formal investigation: http://www.ksl.com/?sid=1343598&nid=148 BTW, the informmation states 19 counts of unlawful purchase with the intent to transfer. Each count is a 3rd degree felony punishable by 0-5 in the Utah State Penitentiary. A conviction, as a matter of course, would also result in a revocation of his FFL license.
I stopped by Van Wags this morning. It was sad. Compared to a couple of years ago he has virtually nothing left on display now. It's almost like he's closing out and waiting for the end.
Noticed the same thing (hard not to). I'd say he's got 1/2 or maybe even 1/3 of the stock on display that he had even 8 or 9 months ago. Almost no used 9mm's in the case and only 1 or 2 AR15's. I still see him buying guns that people bring in so I'm not sure why it is so desolate there.
The display case with the new Glocks seems to be full though, I picked up a new G23 a few weeks back.
:dunno:
Openroadracer
05-14-2008, 22:43
I haven't been in the store for at least several weeks, but a friend of mine went in last week and said it looked like he had a bunch of new ARs in stock - about a dozen. Wonder if there selling that fast.
http://www.co.utah.ut.us/dept/sheriff/InmateDetail.asp?id=211364
So, what's the story? Does anyone know the details, or do we just have to fill in the blanks from the arrest record? Was there a TV or newspaper story on it? If so, I guess I missed it.
Here is a link that someone provided earlier in the thread:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695257089,00.html
He went to court at the end of Feb or early March and they set the trial date for sometime this month I believe but I haven't heard anything beyond that.
Thanks, econjon - I must have missed it earlier.
Given how crapily Norm treated me in the past - I mean, he verbally abused me in a lengthy tirade just for being naive - I'm having a hard time feeling sorry for him.
he has a hearing in June. I haven't found anything stating he has a trial date yet.
he has a hearing in June. I haven't found anything stating he has a trial date yet.
Thanks for the correction - I couldn't remember if it was a hearing or actual trial coming up. I remember reading that Norm and his attorney asked for more time to sort through a mountain of paperwork.
I bought a gun a few weeks ago from a gun dealer in Idaho (via Gunbroker) and found out he is going through almost the same thing Norm is:
http://www.redstradingpost.com/atf2.php
and he has links to other gun dealers going through something similar. I guess the ATF is really hammering down on these paperwork errors.
JackDRipper
07-28-2008, 23:20
Any updates on Norm?
JR
Any updates on Norm?
JR
He has a hearing on September 24, 2008, to waive his preliminary hearing. There are a lot of tactical reasons to have one and to waive them. Generally, defense attorneys like them because they force the prosecution to put on the case somewhat. Defense attorneys also hate them because the standard to be bound over to trial is so low that the outcome is mostly a foregone conclusion. However, the news media doesn't report/know this and makes it appear in their stories that being bound over is the same as a guilty conviction -- this makes a defendant look bad. What this new date tells me is that this case is moving slowly through the system. Which means, IMHO ,that the sides are not close to a deal/resolution. If Norm was going to plead guilty, he mostly likely would have done so by now. One of two things is happening at this point. Negotiations for a reduced charge(s) and/or Norm is preparing to go to trial and take his chances with a jury.
RMTactical
07-29-2008, 11:18
I hope he beats the charges, personally...
Spitzerbullet
07-30-2008, 00:33
That's one jury I'd pay to be on.
CollegeGlocker
07-30-2008, 21:04
I'm looking to buy a glock 26. Anyone know what he's charging these days?
NATE42ND
07-31-2008, 14:11
I just purchased a 35 from Norm Saturday. I have heard with all the "problems" he has had, he wants out of the gun business. One way or another, he will be gone within a year i'll bet. He IS a multi-millionaire through marriage and his business. I hate to see him go. I've got many guns frim him for almost 20 years. I wish Norm luck.
SuperJared
08-01-2008, 20:14
What is the story on him being a multi-millionaire through marriage? I had always wondered if he was married. Is he still? I just alwasy got the impression he wasn't married. I'm just curious. I always kind of liked the guy.
NATE42ND
08-02-2008, 14:52
I like the guy too. I had the guys at Get Some in murray tell me he married into millions. I don't know which family or anything. I don't know much more but they seemed to know what they were talking about but I didn't ask too many questions.
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