I don't want to make a shit on this or that shop thread but I would like to acknowledge the shops that did you right in 2015 and make notice of those who didn't.

1) Who's your go to shop any why?

2) Where would you rather not go to and why?

3)Were you done wrong (keep it civil) someplace?

4) Some folks might not notice their errs so kindly suggest improvements.

5) Miscellaneous. Anything not covered above or you feel is missing.

Lemme go first. I like most all LGS on Oahu. I try to spend money each time I visit one that is if there is something I need at a good price. I often will hit multiple shops all in one day.

1)
a. Danger Close Tactical, yes I am a fanboi for good reason however. I like the non traditional hours and customer service is top notch.

b. new kid on the block Prime Sports there is a vast potential. I also enjoy the later hours.

c. SEC always helpful and willing to show firearms and field questions.

d. YG closer to me good for targets and supplies. Friendly and courteous customer service.

e. WGS l like the new store.

f. 10-Ring I only go to see the brown dog... closest shop to me. Anticipating the range opening.

g. KGS it's a hike for me the proprietor usual makes it worth the trip though.


2)
a. Gun Source don't like the stairs or trying to be sold XYZ piston AR. Okay seriously owner can't find or provide a disposition on a pistol ordered by a friend on Maui who forgot to pick it up.

b. OGC I will go for bulk ammo deals and that's about it. I don't feel welcome or even noticed when I go in. My wife doesn't like going in either for the same reasons as me.

c. Honolulu Firearms the ghost of owners past still keeps me away and less than ideal parking.


3) went to buy a case of something on sale and bought a single box of .45 Colt then white ammo price board said one thing lower price the register said another higher price I was charged the higher price


4)
a. provide as good a price as you can because there is always another shop and then there is the Internet

b. If you post or tweet something please list the price

c. Participate in this forum and on other social media


5)
a. Try to avoid having your shop look like a yard sale, keep isles clear so shoppers can navigate freely and safely.

b. Have a website and post inventory and pricing there.

I don't want to make a shit on this or that shop thread but I would like to acknowledge the shops that did you right in 2015 and make notice of those who didn't.

1) Who's your go to shop any why?

2) Where would you rather not go to and why?

3)Were you done wrong (keep it civil) someplace?

4) Some folks might not notice their errs so kindly suggest improvements.

5) Miscellaneous. Anything not covered above or you feel is missing.

1.
   a. Prime Sports Hawaii - Best prices for what I need, great atmosphere, great customer service
   b. Speedtek's Magical Shop of Wonders - Best place for custom builds or repairs
   c. SEC - Always have what I need most of the time
   d. Ready on the Right - Not a shop per say, but best place for transfers
   e. X-Ring - Helped me out with something for a fair trade, and I like being the only guy that is not under the spell of X-ring girl's short shorts....better step up your game if you want to make me a fan boy.

2.
   a. OGC - Love what Carter tries to do for people, but the guys working at the shop really ruined it for me due to several incidents, one that I deem unforgivable and a piece of shit move.
   b. Kaneohe GS - Ever since the last time he gave me a pissy attitude, I have not returned. Might give it another shot this year though.
   c. Sports Authority - Pricks always stashing the stuff as it comes
   d. WGS (old shop) - Nice guys, but too over priced

3.
   OGC. A couple instances of shitty attitudes and that 'just trying to make a sale' kind of conduct, which were promptly reported to Carter, whom I try to deal with primarily if I go to OGC. However, there was one incident in which a family member, who was a first time buyer at the time, asked me to come in and help them pick a hand gun. They enjoyed the feel of the XDM during their cert class, and did not enjoy the feel of the glock. We were helped by some young kid, who proceeded to treat me like I didn't know what I was talking about, and ridiculed my family member for wanting an XDM over a glock. My family member was still set on the XDM and ready to purchase, but forgot the paperwork in the car. I went outside to retrieve it and when I came back in, the sale had already been made...for a glock. When we left I asked my family member why they got the glock, and they said that as soon as I walked out, the guy started pressuring my family member about how the glock was a better choice, how wanting an XDM was a stupid choice and that they should not listen to me. Mind you, I had nothing to do with what my family member wanted; they shot both the XDM and Glock during their class, and they just simply liked the XDM more.

   While it was essentially my family member's fault for allowing the sale to happen, that incident really pissed me off.


4.
   Not sure what to write here.

5.
   

Lol. I didn't need to see #5.

I'll just do #4

I like LGS that don't try to be used car lots, and like when they listen instead of tell.  Not that I know everything, I don't, just really hate when they obviously don't know what they are talking about yet try to make like they do....Most times to make a sale, and usually items that are not the 'best' for what I feel is intended...Not sure if they think people don't do a lot of research before coming in on a particular, maybe most don't, but I do, especially on high value items, and most times I just have few questions on things I couldn't place from other sources..   I'll be the first to take CONSTRUCTIVE criticism on any choice or idea that I may have come to, however,  I just hate the patronizing tone you'll see at some LGS....   pretty much sums it up.  The ones that tell I don't frequent much, and the ones that listen and answer questions honestly get my business. 

I have always had good luck at security equipment and like young guns as well (great knife selection).

I am looking forward to trying prime sports.

OGC has a nice selection but I get the car salesman vibe from them. One employee really helped me out with a tac vest set up, which I appreciated a lot. I didnt buy it from there but he still helped.

WGS was ok, didnt get much attention right away.
The one on the corner of Isenberg and beretania was nice and clean but didnt buy anything.

Kaneohe gun shop is my big complaint. He provided both the best and worst kind of service you could want. I posted a detailed review on yelp. I was fair, explaining the things he did great as well as how badly he treated his customers. I have decided never to go back to him. It wasnt just a 1 time incident either. Big tip is dont insult your customers. I think the owner might have a social disorder, and I dont mean that as an insult, just an observation of his social interactions.

I haven't been to any others

1) Who's your go to shop any why?

OGC- best price of ammo in bulk and largest selection of firearms to look at, staff is 50/50, some are decent and willing to help and some will fade me

Sports Authority, SEC , x-ring, danger close tactical, Big Al (ready on the right) have the most approachable and helpful sales peoples, this is the most important quality to me after price. 

2) Where would you rather not go to and why?

Kaneohe Gun Shop - I went in once, asked basic questions, did not feel welcomed, the owner thought I was a noob and may or may not have little man syndrome, never went back, it's ok, the owner clearly DOES NOT need my business, however he does run a tight website

3)Were you done wrong (keep it civil) someplace?

No

1Who's my go to shops and why, in random order.

Kaneohe Gun Shop: because I don't go to gun stores to have my ego stroked & smoke blown up my arse.  Knowledge really  is power and if you're willing to share ,then im willing to listen. Nice store with alot of stuff I need.

Prime Sports: Henry's just a really cool guy who also freely shares very useful information  . Great atmosphere & prices. Prime Sports can take my money any day.

SEC:
convenient location in town and love the ammo prices and firearm selection.

1) Who's your go to shop any why?

I am not very loyal to any store really. I'm mostly influenced by price and selection. I don't need to feel warm and fuzzy and have my hand held at point of purchase.
So I would have to say OGC gets my business most often.
'
2) Where would you rather not go to and why?

No issues with any stores(YGs, KGS. WGS, SEC, XRING, Prime).
Have never bought any items from sports authority tho.

3)Were you done wrong (keep it civil) someplace?

Nope.

4) Some folks might not notice their errs so kindly suggest improvements.

Better parking for OGC

5) Miscellaneous. Anything not covered above or you feel is missing.

KGS, OGC and SEC are my go to shops and I have never had bad experiences at any of them.  If I'm ordering something specific I'll go to KGS, if I need the itch scratched immediately then OGC and SEC have a better off the shelf selection.  For bulk ammo I also go to OGC or SEC since they frequently have good sales. 

Live in Diamond Head so any shop on the west side is a no go, I just refuse to drive that way lol.

Would like better parking at OGC, I've made some hikes to get there... not enjoyable when carrying firearms lol.

1) Young Guns, more out of convenient location and customer service. Don knows me by name, always a good thing walking into the shop. X-ring has great selection of parts and guns, and the scenery is always nice (and knowledgeable) too. 

2) I've avoided Kaneohe Gun Shop, despite being just down the road from my house. I don't abide by dealer's condescending attitude, it's his loss in revenue. 

3) Never been done wrong by any gun shop, but I tend to avoid locations where some of their employees apparently learned customer service from Attila the Hun or Genghis Khan.

4) Customer service 101 - treat every customer like your paycheck is dependent upon it. Lose the attitude and create a welcoming environment - having a bright and clean interior only goes so far. (This applies to multiple LGS)

5) I really wish we had a Cabela's locally! 

OGC and SEC are my go-to's.

OGC has really good pricing on bulk ammo and the guys there are cool my experiences with Eric & Carter have been good.
They also have probably the largest selection on island both ammo and firearms.

SEC also has some good deals on bulk ammo and their pricing for firearms is really competitive! Both pistols and rifles.

1. OGC -best customer service when buying . Most knowledgable staff who know their shit . I normally do my own research before hand and figure out between 2 different firearms before I head down . They could tell me then and there what's available if for some reason they don't have it in stock out in the market . The best prices hands down even better than what you could find online at times . Carter and Eric are straight forward sales people they tell you how it is . Eugene built an 1911 for me that ridiculous. So now I got a few projects in mind for him . So yes first stop will be there . Me and the family trust them with every purchase . They NEVER did us wrong

I really like that OGC posts their specials with prices on Twitter. I'm not aware of any other LGS that does this. I know SEC posts but rarely with a price. I know Young Guns has Facebook but I don't. Twitter is easier because it can send a quick text to my phone without weeding through all the crap that comes along with Facebook.

My suggestion would be to the other LGS's, get on Twitter, it's free advertising and be transparent with your pricing.

I realize that there are loyalties and political alliances that are congruent with Hawaii politics so I'll post MY experiences.
BLUF: I patronize all the LGS here EXCEPT KGS.
Here's why: I put a fresh from SIG factory replacement SIG 226 on consignment with him. After a  few mos. I called about it and he hadn't sold it yet. Said he'll let me know. Six months later I call and he said he already sold it. I was rather irritated that he sold my gun and didn't bother sending me a check or a call. I visited his shop twice and said he needed to write a check...come back. On the second trip he gave me a personal check from him for the amount of $400. I asked him how much did he sell it for? Wasn't 20% your cut? He said he didn't remember. When he first opened his shop I patronized him and enjoyed his pro 2A discussions, but his business ethics are not aligned with better shops on island. I understand he is the HRA Oahu director and he does a lot for the shooting community but that doesn't excuse him from unethical business behavior.
I know some of you know about my rant about his for-profit courses held on a Marine Corps range. It's not something I made up or the club made up it is an issue that was raised from the Marine Corps. They didn't believe that the $400 2-day courses were not for profit.

In my opinion, this kind of tolerated behavior IS the divider amongst the shooting community. It's not about the shooting disciplines one takes up, training or what kind of guns you got; its how you treat another person fairly in regards to his/her money. I don't go to a gun shop for ego purposes, I go there with my wallet. Respect my hard-earned money and I'll continue as a loyal patron.

In my opinion, this kind of tolerated behavior IS the divider amongst the shooting community. It's not about the shooting disciplines one takes up, training or what kind of guns you got; its how you treat another person fairly in regards to his/her money. I don't go to a gun shop for ego purposes, I go there with my wallet. Respect my hard-earned money and I'll continue as a loyal patron.

Exactly. The day he told me and another customer that we were not allowed to talk to each other was the day that I decided I would never go back.

I don't want to make a shit on this or that shop thread but I would like to acknowledge the shops that did you right in 2015 and make notice of those who didn't.

1) Who's your go to shop any why?

2) Where would you rather not go to and why?

3)Were you done wrong (keep it civil) someplace?

4) Some folks might not notice their errs so kindly suggest improvements.

5) Miscellaneous. Anything not covered above or you feel is missing.

some of this might go a way back but that's the way it is.  the title says 2015 best and for me that would be OGC and X-ring, and with the opening of the range X-ring will probably take the best spot for 2016.

OGC is my primary go to.  A big reason, other than Carter of course, is Eugene.   I was his customer first down at the good ole Waikiki Gun Club.  And why there?   Because I was told flat out by just about all the local gun shops then that they would NOT do FFL transfers.  One guy's exact words were "why would I cut my own throat".  How stupid as that is exactly what he did as I took ALL of my business to a shop that wanted my business.  down waiks at WGC!  And what a smashing time it was buying this or that, some in stock, some shipped in, frequenting the range at all hours.  So for bitching about doing $30 transfers they lost literally thousands and thousands of dollars in sales of ammo, accessories, cases, pistols and rifles, you name it   

WGC would later close the range to us and it was so sad.  Then OGC opened up the small shop on the third floor and soon thereafter there was Eugene working there too?  Life was good again!  Carter has been a boon to the shooting community like no other.  I'm sure HPD was freaking out on the volume coming out that little place.  I loved going to that original store!  Then the move to Kalihi kai and the rest is history.

the next big chapter is being written now by X-ring and most of us are going to be a part of that too I think.  Everyone chomping at the bit for the range right!   I hope it might even predicate positive changes at KHSC but that's stretching things and I'm beginning to ramble now.
 
All that said, I do appreciate all the shops that bring their wares and deals to the fun shows.  I try to buy things each time go.  Realize we support each other is all I ask.

I like J Hara the best for the welcome feeling when I walk in there. Ogc, SA, and Sec for sales. Kgs when I need some asperger entertainment.