American gun owners save lives and stop would-be criminals in their tracks.
As a matter of fact, Gun Owners of America, at gunowners.org, cites statistics indicating guns are used 2.5 million times a year in self-defense, or around 80 times a day.
This includes 200,000 women a year using guns to defend themselves against sexual abuse. As a matter of fact, in a single year recently, armed citizens killed more violent bad guys than the police (1,527 vs. 606).
Are Guns Useful for Self-Defense? As it turns out, they are. According to research by renowned Florida State University criminologist Gary Kleck, guns are used between 800,000 and 2.5 million times every year in self-defense. A study by John Lott and David Mustard found that handguns appear to help women more than men. While murder rates drop when either sex carries more guns, the effect is especially pronounced when women carry.
Lots of first-time buyers are curious as to what it would take for a small local gun store to be successful.
Beyond the obvious: good service, good prices, and a good location—all the finer points that separate good gun stores from the near good.
The biggest differentiating factor for many buyers is service, according to gun store clerks who work the other side of the counter. “If a customer comes to you with a problem, treat them with respect,” one local clerk explained recently. “Also, do your best to know all the laws regarding firearms in your area, not just the ones pertaining to FFLs.”
For example, federally, and in many states, it is legal to possess (and in some states even to carry) handguns. Licenses to carry firearms can be obtained in most states simply by attending safety courses provided by local police.
Treating customers cordially will keep them coming back and buying from you, which I believe is the key to growing a business.”
There are other factors as well, when it comes to operating a successful gun shop, according to Mason Hensley of Mullens. “Going to a store you can comfortably move through is important,” the firearms enthusiast explained. “The main reason I like certain gun stores is that they offer a great selection of firearms and provide friendly service. They invite questions and they offer a full line of ammo and accessories.”
Ron Wood, owner of Flat Top Arms, on Eisenhower Drive in Beckley, agrees. “Basically, you need to be nice, stock guns and archery equipment and other top-quality items in clothing and gear, and let people know you exist to help them find what they are looking for at a reasonable price.”
The gun store owner added, “Promoting your business by offering customers a personal touch goes a long way in achieving success. Going the extra mile to introduce clients to the latest weapons and hunting gear that may be superior to what they have been using might also be a plus for your business. Taking time to answer questions is one of the best ways to reach out to your customers. That’s another way of building a client base and new business.”
Wood concluded, “Some folks are too proud to say they don’t know how to do something, even after they have been talking to you for a while. Offering them guidance and instruction is part of a service that takes a load off their mind and allows them to retain their dignity.”
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Top o’ the morning!