Specialty Sports in Co. Springs. (Review)

Concur on the "younger guy" remark. One notable "experience" I had with the gentlemen:
I was eyeballing a DSA SA-58 and released, watch out, the bolt from the rear. I then get a snide "Don't do that, that isn't a military weapon"..
I then played ignorant, and got a long BS story. After I listened to the "baffle em with BS instead of brilliance story”, which I believe is the limitations of this salesman, I interjected that I guessed he didn't know his rifles, but I would purchase it anyway. In summary, it wasn't the remark he made, it was the attitude and arrogance. Maybe explains why he is always the one not helping anyone.........
I would rather deal with the older gentlemen, as although he isn't the most knowledgeable, he doesn't act like he is either.
The other salesman (big guy) and Jeff ARE knowledgeable and courteous, and I would encourage new shoppers to seek them out.

The new store is huge!

Those guys must really put on the miles hoof`n around there all day.

I felt lucky walking out just spending $15 bucks.

"IDPA Guy" is Lawrence. I guess he can rub people the wrong way at first brush, but he's always been helpful and knowledgeable on the occasions I've dealt with him. He's boresighted several of my rifles and installed night sights on a couple of pistols. Not as talkative or friendly as Clay, but he knows his stuff. He's either Army Guard or Reserves as I've been told he's out on weekend duty on a couple of occasions when I needed help with an AR project I was working on.

I would have thought more complaints would be about Clay actually. I heard him tell some customer on the phone once that they didn't carry High Point weapons because they wouldn't sell a pot metal bullet container. I thought it was pretty funny, but I'm sure the customer didn't.

They've all got unique personalities, it just takes a while to get used to them.

Kim is definitely super friendly and helpful.

From what I remember, Jeff mentioned they all served in the Army together at one point.

And yes, I spend way too much time and money in that establishment.

In terms of female shopping experience, my wife has purchased three guns there and accessories, without me being there.

They were always very courteous and helpful to her.
She dealt with Jeff though.

And I think they knew her after repeated trips with me being in there with her.

I think in terms of price and selection (and service from Jeff/Kim/Clay) the store is top notch. Have dealt with a few salespeople who start trying to sell before they find out who they are selling to. That is frustrating.

I just don't understand how they can carry all that inventory. Firearms aren't the most lucrative business... and they have a lot of value just sitting there.

The staff has always been top notch as far as attitute and knowlege over the last...say 20 years. I remember when it was just Jeff in that 8x10 shack.

I have 2 gripes though:

1st, prices are not "fair"...most are actually over MSRP. When stating this to Jeff his response was "The manufacture's site MSRP was wrong." I don't know personally if this is true for all firearm manufacturer's MSRP pricing on their web sites, but I suspect Jeff just thought he was not making enough mark up at MSRP.

2nd, I always will ask if I can get a discount because over the last 20 years I have purchases 20+ guns from them and kinda expect special treatment. Nodda...ever. Jeff stated, "I never offer discounts unless I have too many of something that I need to get rid of." That in itself I have no problem with, EXCEPT, I know people personally, good friends, best friends, who get a discount EVERY time they buy a firearm there. I guess spending upwards to $15,000, is not enough to warrant "good customer" status.

Synopsis:
If I am looking for something they have a great display of firearms to play with to decide what I want. But, I do not support them by purchasing anything from them anymore.

EDIT: Their used gun prices are fair indicating people getting hosed in trade in value. I have purchased 3 of these over the years too.

I expect Sportsman's Warehouse will be hurting them financially and they will alter pricing or go under. That new building must have a lot more over-head that will cost them...maybe they will be forced to raise prices?

First, I will have to say sorry for agreeing with a post that rather digs on Jeff. This being my first post in this forum, I should tread lightly before exposing my self to the wrath of long time members.

With that said, I too have purchased several firearms from Jeff and his staff over the past 10 or so years. They all are for the most part friendly and knowledgeable; however, I feel that I was lucky in getting a fair price. I have in inquired, into the prices of 50 plus weapons and countless numbers of accessories. I have found that Jeff’s prices to be high if not having the feeling I will have to sell my kid to help finance the product.

I have not made a purchase in quite sometime from them but I do frequent his establishment for no other reason than to be able to touch and feel a particular future purchase that I will making elsewhere. I do give Jeff an "A+" for having a vast assortment of weapons and accessories to choose from, but I am sorry to say he is lacking in the pricing category and only give him a "C-".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Colorado Osprey

I always will ask if I can get a discount because over the last 20 years I have purchases 20+ guns from them and kinda expect special treatment. Nodda...ever. Jeff stated, "I never offer discounts unless I have too many of something that I need to get rid of." That in itself I have no problem with, EXCEPT, I know people personally, good friends, best friends, who get a discount EVERY time they buy a firearm there. I guess spending upwards to $15,000, is not enough to warrant "good customer" status.

EDIT: Their used gun prices are fair indicating people getting hosed in trade in value. I have purchased 3 of these over the years too.

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Yep, same experience. Bought lotsa stuff there, and they know me. No discount. Even tried the "if I buy these 3 today, can I get a discount" -- nope. And yes, I know people who get discounts every time.

Yep, totally hosed on trade-ins (won't do that again), and yep -- good deals on used guns.

I happened to be in Salt Lake City over the weekend and noticed a rifle was $100 less at FBMG than at Specialty Sports.

Mike

Some of the new staff is REALLY great. Nothing but good things to say about them.

Despite my previous negativity, I still plan to shop there. I went over to Sportsmans Warehouse. Couldn't tell what they had in-stock, and couldn't get anyone to help me.

I'm toying with a few purchases. I don't think I'll find that 357PD anywhere else, and they have one in-stock for $739. Might even do that today...

I've got that Springfield Micro-Compact .45. Not going to trade it in, but thinking I might replace it with a Kimber Tactical Pro II 9mm, or Colt Lightweight Super Commander.

My next "project gun" is going to be based on a Remington 700 short-action, so I've been watching the used rack. If that doesn't work out, I'm thinking about buying a new 700 SPS or 700P LTR.

They're close. They have a great selection. The new staff is great. It's worth it to me to pay a little more to preserve that.

Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by michael_aos

Younger guy -- CCW, flashlight, Leatherman on his belt. Dressed for an IDPA match. Seems to assume everyone is an idiot and treats them as such. Very short responses. Won't volunteer ANYTHING.

I'd decided a few times I simply wasn't going to talk to "younger guy" anymore. Seems like he's the only one who isn't busy most of the time though. Now I just keep my interaction with him to a minimum and dismiss his personality as "that's just the way he is" and not take it personal.

Mike

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+1.

Some weapons people can be like some horse people: They are up here, you are down there, and never the twain shall meet. :roll: There is a world of difference between being knowledgeable about your trade, and being a good businessman in your trade.

I have to tip my hat though, to any weapons brick and mortar that can maintain that kind of inventory these days. Unfortunately, they have never had what I was looking for (BUIS, M193, TA31F, etc.) and the young man never volunteered to do anything to help me get it, or to suggest any alternatives. Thus, I come here and to AR15.com for my education.

Anyone been there lately?

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=8&f=20&t=223388

Anyone know what the deal is?