TexasCHLforum.com

Taltyman wrote:<soapbox on>
Support your local gun store. I have one in Kaufman and also still have a job in Mesquite so I stop in occasionally at Ganders. Other posters have commented on their prices. From what I see they simply price theirs at MSRP and figure since they have a huge selection that people not in the know will think their prices are good as well. Academy selection isn't great but their prices are better. But go to some local gun stores. See if one of them takes the time to answer your questions and be genuinely grateful you came in, even if you are just browsing. Double check their prices and make sure they are reasonable and if so make them your store of choice. They may not have the exact model you want or the latest one in but at least give them the opportunity to get you what you are looking for.
</soapbox off>

I've visited several local gun stores in the area while I agree in concept, I've found most of them to be unprofessional, uncaring, and borderline (if not straight up) jerks. Frankly I'm surprised most stay in business. Others mileage may vary.

Really nothing special about Gander Mountain in Mesquite. They have a lot of guns, retail prices, fairly descent guys behind the counter, better than Bass Pro in Garland. Those guys could care less about selling anything.

We've been looking for 9mm and .380 target ammo (as apposed to critical defense), and while we haven't been scouring the universe, we havent found any at the usual suspects. May have to mail order. Went to Cheaper than Dirt in Ft. Worth to buy my XDS in stainless as it's been hard to find. They negotiated down about 5% and based on what I've seen on the internet I ended up in the ballpark price wise after it's shipped, transferred, etc. It took me 15 min to walk out with gun and it was very crowded with 4 cash registers ringing up folks. They have to be making a killing. They didn't have 9mm or .380 ammo either.