Top Five Accessories For Your Needs

[G-30Jet]

Hi guys,

I would like to do kind of an informal Q&A session on the most important accessories to you. I'm getting ready to open a shop, and imput is a good thing.

It can really be anything, from holsters, to ammo, to mags, to sights, flashlights etc. It could even be items you can't find at a standard gun/sporting goods store.

This is kind of where I am targeting the inventory. Gear you can't get just anywhere. But I have to walk before I can run.

Thanks in advance for the replies!

[Detectorist]

The Uplula loader. I'm getting one tomorrow.

http://maglula.tripod.com/uplula.htm

[Jogitu]

Seems to me that good holsters are hard to find in small or big city dealers. They all carry Uncle Mike but rarely carry nice leather. Mag holders and range gear are also rarely carried. I have bought most of my gear off the internet which is sad when I buy the firearms from the dealer. It is not the prices are high they just do not carry the merchandise. Knowing a little bit about markup on firearms I wonder how some stay in business when the money has to be in the accessories. It would seem to me the gear is harder to comparison shop and plus even if cheaper on the web you have the shipping cost. Also, I want my gear when I pay. Good luck on your endeavors and I wish you much success.

[G-30Jet]

Jogitu,

Thank you, I have to agree. No one really pays attention to the details, or thinks outside the box. Kind of what started this idea in motion in the first place.

Keep 'em coming guys!

[BManoftheyear]

Well I am gonna give the following

Good holsters,not the junk uncle bucks stuff
MAgs that aren;t $40 a piece
Range bags that are nice

[TexasLongslide]

I work at a shop here in Austin and suggest cleaning supplies. Stuff like bore snakes, patches, gun oil, gun solvent, etc. sell like mad since everyone forgets them, or runs out.

Ammo is a good one, especially if you can sell it cheap, as well as carrying some of the defensive stuff.

Lasers / flashlights aren't big sellers.

Night sights, keep them in stock for 1911s and Glocks (get asked quite a bit for them).

Holsters are here and there. If you stock some generic Blackwater / Galco / Etc. holsters then you will probably sell one here and there.

Glock 3.5# connectors, 1911 springs (main spring, recoil (16 - 18.5#))

Magazines sell well, but you have to stock alot. Sig, Glock, 1911 Mags (Wilson, CMC, and maybe Colt factory mags) are probably your base. After that Beretta (PX4, 92FS mostly), HK (USP / P2000 mostly), are less likely to be sold but you'll get one here and there.

Grips / Mag Extensions sell here and there. Probably be nice to have on hand, and they are relatively affordable to keep around. Stuff like the +1 / +2 extensions, Hogue slip-ons, etc.

Reloading stuff, not that often. In fact, very rarely do we sell anything. The occasional box of small / large pistol primers, or a small tub of powder. Most people order that stuff.

Really that's about all we see. Most of the AK / AR types tend to order things on the net, but if you are competitive then you will draw them in. Probably want to limit the big ticket items like EOTECH 512s, Trijicon ACOGs, etc. as they rarely have much interest and will tie up alot of your overhead pretty quick.

[TexasLongslide]

I will say keep what you see here with a grain of salt. People that post on the net tend to comprise a small fraction of your total business. I would agree with range bags. It's always nice to have a nice bag to pile all your **** into and take it home.

[89LXJB]

Personal defense ammo.. Federal HST, Gold Dot etc etc.. Cant hardly find this type of ammo around my parts.

[carbofan21]

do night sights and 4 extra mags count?

[G-30Jet]

Thank's Guys, I guess more than anything I have outgrown the Sportsmans Warehouse type of stores, and pretty disgusted with the local private guys. Either way, they both let you walk if they dont have what you need. This without any questions or helpful thoughts that might earn your business.

I am not looking for any war starter dissagreements, just a few off the cuff answers.

Thank you!

[Thx-1138]

You really need to cater to firearm enthusiasts who aren't online all the time.


Holsters:

There's so much variety in holsters that you just can't carry a decent selection for any gun. What might work is a selection of holsters in the most common guns - 1911, Glock full-size or compact, and a book with full-color pictures of holsters and the guns they are available for. Think of the way a bakery sells birthday or wedding cakes.

A person could see the selection, then order something that fits their gun.


Impulse buys.

Inexpensive things to make a shooter's life more fun or easier. Mag reloaders, extra mags (selection is an issue), bore sighting tools, snap caps, range ammo, SD ammo (and prominent signs that you can order whatever people want), mag holders for common guns. Inexpensive Range Bags, Ear protection, cleaning supplies, inexpensive folding knives, etc...

[ede]

for the glocks i use:
cr speed rigs
grip tape
sights
range bag


ammo, cleaning supplies, etc. i figure is a given.

[GMAN40]

Top 6 :

1- New sights
2- SS Guide Rod
3- Extended slide release
4- Top notch defense ammo
5- Extra mags.
6- Rubber grip sleeve

[travclem]

-MTAC
-Night Sights
-UpLula
-Extra mags
-Lots of good ammo

[V12]

How about spare parts? I tend to buy my mags and ammo online (cheaper, plus no sales tax), but I hate having to order a few dollars worth of springs and misc parts and have to pay a premium for shipping and still have to wait a few days to get them. Even my largest local gun store (and major glock distributer) doesn't stock spare parts.

[dango]

how about cool custom stash boxes and trick furniture peices for the home?

[Thx-1138]

Targets.

Fun stuff - e.g. Barney the Dinosaur, Zombie Targets, Osama Targets (I originally mistyped that as a certain presidential candidate - am I a bad person?)

Cool Stuff - Those targets that change color when you get a hit in the black.

Bowling Pins Can you get a deal going with a local bowling alley to buy up their old pins for cheap, then sell them in your shop?

[D-GLOCK17]

First of all, GUNS.
AMMO
SIGHTS
MAGAZINES
GUN PARAPHANALIA ((To include magazines, the readable kind, t-shirts, etc))

You could also have hunting accessories such as camoflage outfits, boots, animal calls, etc.

Opening a store is one where you will probably do it as a cumulative effort. You may need to start basic and then expand. I know of a little shop that opened up. The owner is a nice guy and quite entertaining, but say for example his normal run of the mill AK-47's are $675 +tax, where everyone else in the area starts at $475+tax. He has 30 or so AKs in the little place. He has a 1st or 2nd gen Glock 19 well worn and he wants nearly $500 for it. I haven't priced the Draganovs in a while, but he wants nearly $1200 for one in his store. I like going into his store from time to time but have no plans on purchasing anything unless I can come across a good deal. I know he recently opened this place but his prices are generally $150-$200 more than other nearby places.

Anyway, not to ramble but try to keep your prices in mind. You want to make money, so you want people to spend money with you. Keep a clean, friendly environment, and encourage people to want to return.

[bocaboca]

In addition to the retail sales, perhaps some sort of instruction...where some one or a group of someones, would pay per 1/2 hours class..........on proper cleaning, different pistols grips and stances, how to draw your weapon from ankle or hip or conceacment..how to change mags during combat..............I'm just a newbie so I'm just guessing at things that can be taught to a new pistol owner, I'm sure the elders can add some things that would be benaficial to a new gun owner.

[G-30Jet]

Very good, I like what i am hearing so far. As a consumer, I really dont prefer to order anything I dont have to off of the net. It would be great to just pick it up on the way to where ever I'm headed out to. The range, the woods, camp, etc. Hardly anyone sells what us advanced guys, or even beginners want in standard sporting goods stores.

There is also a trend toward preps ande survival needs without being too on the edge. I know I have made several preps just in case.

What do you guys thing about preps, or related gear??

[BamaTrooper]

1- Quality holsters. There are only 2 shops around here that carry good CCW holsters.
2- Good belts.
3- Ammo, you always need ammo
4- Sights (If you don't stock them, at least have some samples of what you can order)
5- Reloading presses and supplies

[toddmog]

You should definately take into consideration your demographic an intended client base. My LGS is small and doesn't stock much. But what they do stock caters to the type of client they are likely to get. Since CCW is fairly new in KS, they don't stock much for those needs. They have a decent section of cleaning supplies and mags...as well as a fair bit of hunting stuff. (Collapsable blinds, calls, etc.) A few pocket knifes, targets, and a novlety item or two (.50 cal bottle openers are pretty cool). I wish they would stock more, but I understand that small shops can't have a lot of overhead.

[USMC06]

Good suggestions above. My take is to take prices into consideration. You are in business to make a living. To provide a product people need or want at a price they are willing to pay. With today's technology, people have options - lots of options. I can order a part on-line at a reasonable price and reasonable shipping costs, and have it in my hands within three working days. There are stores nearby where I will never again set foot inside , and the owner will never know I will never again set foot inside their stores. I have options. I will not waste my time.

[GlockFish]

Night sites.

Ammo.

My needs are met.

[WellArmedSheep]

sights
holster
mags
mag pouch
ammo

Not neccessarily in that order, though.

[JimBianchi]

SD ammo in 50rd boxes
Left Handed Holsters
CHEAP CHEAP bulk practice ammo, even reloads are OK
Target Stands and cheap backers
Great customer service
Minor Gunsmithing help on the spot
Steel Scope Rings
Are you willing to recommend another local shop if you don't have a product?

[Darkangel1846]

Hi guys,

I would like to do kind of an informal Q&A session on the most important accessories to you. I'm getting ready to open a shop, and imput is a good thing.

It can really be anything, from holsters, to ammo, to mags, to sights, flashlights etc. It could even be items you can't find at a standard gun/sporting goods store.

This is kind of where I am targeting the inventory. Gear you can't get just anywhere. But I have to walk before I can run.

Thanks in advance for the replies!

Good standard cleaning material
Reloading suppilys for common calibers
Decent but inexpensive range bags
Be able to order and install night sights(you should take the Glock Amourers course.)
the different trigger systems
The siderlock manual safty
Holsters....to a point..carry a few of the Kydex paddle/belt holsters & and a few cheaper leather holsters but things like Vera max II let them order directly from the company(because they cost a lot)
Some good carry belts
Good self defense ammo
middle of the road target ammo(you'll never beat Wally World for cheap target ammo.)
Shooting gloves
Targets

You should also know what larger companies are near you - Sportsmens Wearhouse, Cabelas
find out how far away you arw from them and Try not to compete with them on smaller items cause you will lose. Make your being there worth while. Remember people will drive 50 miles to save $20.00 on a gun but expect you to trouble shoot their handgun when they have problems.
Offer free bore sighting
handgun safty classes for women.

much much more
good luck

[Hondov65]

Holster
Range Bag
Ear Muffs
Extra Magazines
Speed Loader
Cleaning Kit

[Copis]

Steel sights and LOTS of ammo
top quality belt, holster, and mag holder. Don't skimp on this wether its kydex or leather.

The utility of a quality reliable firearm is reduced significantly when paired with a cheap, non-secure, and uncomfortable carry system.

[iiibdsiil]

Either way, they both let you walk if they dont have what you need. This without any questions or helpful thoughts that might earn your business.


Most people want to buy something NOW. If you can hook up with a wholesaler that can have you stuff sooner than later you'll have a better chance of making the sale. No point in waiting 2 weeks for something and buying it from the local guy. 2 days is a different story.

Gotta be willing to sell sell sell. Get people to buy things they don't necessarily need/want. A viable alternative is a viable alternative, and I'm sure 9 times outta 10 you are dealing with a customer that has no freaking clue what they really want anyways besides an informed individual such as yourself reassuring them that they are making a good purchase. It can be dog poop or an HK, sorry to repeat myself. :whistling:

You can't be too reasonable on your prices. But you can be negotiable. Back to the 9/10 customers don't know what they want, they also don't know what it costs. You have to pay your bills still. A lot of customers are only going to be once in a while customers, no point in shooting yourself in the foot to make everyone happy, especially people that don't know what a good price is. Joe Blow is a regular customer, he's interested in something then you cut the price down for him. He'll feel good for getting a price break while you are still making money.

Most gun stores I go to seem like they have a ton of stuff they never sell. There is also a reason a lot of places don't stock things. Having money tied up in non-selling inventory sucks. I'd rather have 5 items I sell on the regular vs 20 just sitting around.

Just some random thoughts.

[USMC06]

First and foremost, don't be a "know it all". Many people are leery of gunshop Commandos who try to answer everything about everything that is firearms related - whether they know it or not. None of us know it all. Don't assume what is best for a customer. Ask good questions, provide good valid information, let the customers determine what firearms or equipment fit them best based on their intended use/needs/fit/comfort level/wants, and don't push any particular firearm or equipment beyond reasonableness (regardless of sponsorship). Be a friend. Allow word of mouth to spread your friendliness and helpfulness.

[SEH95B]

1. Sights, no one seems to stock sights anymore around here
2. Good ammo, again around here the only way to get ammo that youll actually use is to internet order it
3. Good holsters... CTAC, Galco, Safariland, Blackhawk etc.
4. Good mag holders... leather and kydex
5. Wide assortment of cleaning supplies, mutliple brands and types not just CLPs

[G-30Jet]

Thanks again fella's.

I do appreciate it. You are right, one of the most:alex:things is that know-it-all, or even worse the guy that is too cool to welcome you into thier world.:ack:

Come on ther has to be more!

[G-30Jet]

Oops, should have mentioned that I have done the Logistical studies to better understand the local market. It gave me the confidence to take my plan forward.