So I was in Ft Wayne today for business and got done early. I decided while I was eating lunch to make the best of my road trip and visit some gun shops. I came to realize that there were several around and thought I'd make a tour of them. Below are my "reviews", more of thoughts, about my visits.
First stop, 21st Century in Bluffton: Great place, good size, good selection, good prices. Lots of reloading supplies. I took advantage of their 9mm ammo in-store deal going on which was, surprisingly, the only thing I bought today. I spent at least 45 minutes shooting the $#!t with Jahred. Really nice guy. I suggest everyone stop in if in the area and check out this place. Not to spoil the rest of my post, but this was my favorite shop of the day.
Next stop, Gander Mountain: I knew this place sucked but had to stop just to see what they had. I verified it, just in case you didn't believe everyone else, they are WAY overpriced. They also give HORRIBLE advice, listening to the counter guys made me cringe and just walk out. Nothing special here. Avoid it unless they have good ammo sales or you have a gift card you have to burn.
Third stop, Tomlinson's in Churubusco: Nice store, REALLY friendly guy there but didn't catch his name. Was a hoot about how they advertise (word of mouth only, big budget, ha!). Firearm selection was a little limited compared to others and they definitely focus on long guns. LOTS of reloading supplies. Prices are competitive but not the best I've seen. Would definitely stop in again to browse but more so to talk with the guys there as they all seemed really friendly from my observations.
Fourth port of call was ZX guns in Goshen: First impression, am I in the right place? Odd entrance. Next impression, is this a closet? I nearly tripped over another customer twice trying to get by him in the narrow "aisle". It's a tiny shop but they have a lot crammed in there. Prices were reasonable but maybe a little high, selection was good but somewhat limited. Focus seems to be on pistols and accessories. Not a lot in the way of ammo or reloading from what I saw. Both guys working the store were very deep in conversation with "locals", so much so as to barely notice I was there so I was in and out. I know these guys go to shows and I have bought from them before at the 1500 where I know they will bargain. I suggest checking them out at the shows but no big reason to visit the shop unless you live in Goshen and just want somebody to talk to.
Final stop, Midwest in Elkhart: I've been to this store MANY times as this is my normal range. I was surprised to not recognize anyone working there when I walked in. The place was extremely busy, as is normal for both Midwest's, but it was a little bit of a shock for a Wednesday night. Selection is pretty good at this store, though the Mishawaka store is much better because of its size. Pricing is mediocre but I know they can bargain. They sold 4 pistols while I was in there (though I think 2 people were "delayed"). Lots of accessories, limited but some used guns. Range is the selling point here and I recommend it.
Just my opinions on my visits today. YMMV. I love visiting new gun shops (and familar ones too)! All in all it was a good day and I was pretty impressed with my self control.
First stop, 21st Century in Bluffton: Great place, good size, good selection, good prices. Lots of reloading supplies. I took advantage of their 9mm ammo in-store deal going on which was, surprisingly, the only thing I bought today. I spent at least 45 minutes shooting the $#!t with Jahred. Really nice guy. I suggest everyone stop in if in the area and check out this place. Not to spoil the rest of my post, but this was my favorite shop of the day.
Next stop, Gander Mountain: I knew this place sucked but had to stop just to see what they had. I verified it, just in case you didn't believe everyone else, they are WAY overpriced. They also give HORRIBLE advice, listening to the counter guys made me cringe and just walk out. Nothing special here. Avoid it unless they have good ammo sales or you have a gift card you have to burn.
Third stop, Tomlinson's in Churubusco: Nice store, REALLY friendly guy there but didn't catch his name. Was a hoot about how they advertise (word of mouth only, big budget, ha!). Firearm selection was a little limited compared to others and they definitely focus on long guns. LOTS of reloading supplies. Prices are competitive but not the best I've seen. Would definitely stop in again to browse but more so to talk with the guys there as they all seemed really friendly from my observations.
Fourth port of call was ZX guns in Goshen: First impression, am I in the right place? Odd entrance. Next impression, is this a closet? I nearly tripped over another customer twice trying to get by him in the narrow "aisle". It's a tiny shop but they have a lot crammed in there. Prices were reasonable but maybe a little high, selection was good but somewhat limited. Focus seems to be on pistols and accessories. Not a lot in the way of ammo or reloading from what I saw. Both guys working the store were very deep in conversation with "locals", so much so as to barely notice I was there so I was in and out. I know these guys go to shows and I have bought from them before at the 1500 where I know they will bargain. I suggest checking them out at the shows but no big reason to visit the shop unless you live in Goshen and just want somebody to talk to.
Final stop, Midwest in Elkhart: I've been to this store MANY times as this is my normal range. I was surprised to not recognize anyone working there when I walked in. The place was extremely busy, as is normal for both Midwest's, but it was a little bit of a shock for a Wednesday night. Selection is pretty good at this store, though the Mishawaka store is much better because of its size. Pricing is mediocre but I know they can bargain. They sold 4 pistols while I was in there (though I think 2 people were "delayed"). Lots of accessories, limited but some used guns. Range is the selling point here and I recommend it.
Just my opinions on my visits today. YMMV. I love visiting new gun shops (and familar ones too)! All in all it was a good day and I was pretty impressed with my self control.
Sounds like a good day!! 
