Done. I try my best to spread my business amongst the local shops but I will not be returning to this shop. Read below:
True Story: Walked in just to browse, and came across a small used revolver. I asked to see it and he checked my LTC, as he should, and I made an offer which he accepted. I said I was looking for a small carry gun to try out and potentially give to my mother as a present. He immediately snagged the gun back, put the trigger lock back on, and said he will not sell me the firearm. I was a bit flabbergasted, and I explained to him this was being purchased with my funds and may be legally transferred to a family member with a valid LTC -- in fact, other stores I had mentioned this to in the past were diligent in making sure it was for someone with a valid license, but then were eager to show me how to conduct the transfer online. He told me for the $50 profit he was going to make, it wasn't worth the risk and proceeds to tell me how the NFA will trace the gun back to him and he'll lose his license if the firearm were to be involved in a crime. Although I knew this wasn't true, I humbly apologized and asked how I should perhaps rephrase this intent to legally transfer in the future. He said just don't tell him. I then commented that I had been coming there for a long time and bought several firearms and thought that the thousands of dollars I've spent there maybe allowed me to have casual conversation with them. He said he didn't want to hear chit-chat and to come back with my mother and he'd consider it. I then asked him if he asks every customer if she/he has any potential intention of doing a legal transfer/gift in the future and if he refuses to sell it if the answer is anything besides a hard "no." He gave me this nasty look and I said to him "Just so we're clear, you are refusing to sell this to me? Because if this is how you leave this conversation, I and many others will not be back." He said yes, and I walked out.
Clearly they've been in trouble in the past and are paranoid. I have a good relationship with other firearm dealers so I called them to ask, and they all could not believe the story and said that the most they might do is politely confirm they would transfer it to someone with a valid LTC, but beyond that, especially for a repeat customer, they'd be happy to sell it to me. I've had decent interactions with the other owner, but this owner has been rude and disrespectful many times prior and I am not returning unless they issue an apology. I felt I was very courteous and respectful in the conversation and they treat me like a criminal.
If you're itching for a new piece, go to Four Seasons in Woburn for better prices and red carpet treatment if you're North of Boston. And if you're West, go to GFA Armstech in Natick for the owner Greg to hunt down a rare find and treat you like a truly appreciated customer. Collector's Gallery -- learn the law if you're going to be a dealer and treat customers with decency, because word travels fast. read more