I have spent the better part of the last 6 months looking around for a solid 38/357 lever action…read morerifle. Not a cowboy rifle, but one to compliment my 357's, go further out range, and with a modern look. I've been told Henry Repeating Arms is king of the hill, and the reviews are outstanding, no question. I've been looking at their X line, but even with all the shops here in town, no one can get one, and the online dealers say they get allocated 50-75 a year ( - really?)
I made a call to Metro Shooting Supplies this morning and spoke with Bradley, who was kind enough to have a legitimate discussion with me about the subject. He asked me what my primary use was. He asked me how often I intend to practice. He asked me if I had ever used one before. Basically, he cared about what I wanted and was there to help me.
He then proceeded to tell me what he DID have in stock, and the differences & options that would get me 99% of the way to what I have been looking for all this time. I asked the price of the firearm, and he indicated that it's store policy not to quote a price over the phone (which I've experienced before in other states) so I confirmed that he had the two models he discussed with me in stock now, and I told him I'd be right there.
I walked in the door, to a beautiful armory, and Brad was right there & recognized my voice...and had me come over to the counter where these two were located. The S&W he pulled off the rack was (for lack of a better term) love at first sight!
The moment I picked it up, I knew it was coming home with me. To be honest, I've spent over 40 years with handguns of all kinds, and this was the first rifle I'd ever considered. Brad took the time to go over the model from muzzle to stock and how best to clean it, take care of it, and made a suggestion for a sling & a carry bag. I didn't even look at the other rifle until after I had started the paperwork, and while it was beautiful - price didn't matter at that point because that S&W was mine!!
Brad told me I didn't have to make a decision right now and that I could think about it, but my mind was made up. The point of adding that is that it was abundantly clear to me that he cared more that I was getting the RIGHT one for me as opposed to a sale that day. That's not often the case.
It wasn't until after the purchase was almost complete that I found out about the icing on the cake - this one came with a lifetime warranty!! How much better could I get? Oh yah, and one more thing - if ya purchase a firearm there, it comes with a free one year membership to the range!!
Well, I had an enjoyable day and experience there, looked around a little more, and then thanked him and came home.
I had purchased a green dot for another rifle last week, but had no clue when the rifle would arrive because the manufacturer was going through some changes. I went online and found out that the particular green dot I purchased was absolutely perfect for the S&W I just bought, so I called the store, and asked if they could help install the optic. Without hesitation, Brad said "bring it on in."
I came right over and he put it on with no trouble at all as the firearm he sold me was already set up for such an optic. I asked how much he wanted, and he simply said "no charge"!
Now, I've been shooting for over 40 years and I've been to my fair share of retailers from many states before.
The operation that Steve K has built (the owner & CEO) was nothing short of spectacular. Ya walk in feeling like a member of the family, and not just another customer that might make a purchase.
I've been going to other ranges over the years, and not for any particular reason aside from the fact that I knew some of the folks there.
Well, thanks to Brad & Steve; I've found a new home! Thank you both sincerely for a tremendous experience! I'll be back and often!!
