In Review: Greentop Sporting Goods & DeGoff's

[Username]

Went looking for someone to do an outbound transfer for me when I sold my 460 this past week... this was my experience.

Greentop Sporting Goods
Ashland, VA
Rating: D-

Greentop does NOT provide incoming or outgoing FFL transfers.

You really can't beat the selection of used & new guns that Greentop has in Richmond, Va. However there are some things that I've discovered over the last couple years that makes me hate this place with a passion. First of all, it's always packed. This is good for them, but not good for me. I can't stand waiting in line for thirty minutes to be rung up for a box of ammo or an accessory. Secondly, the prices are stupid high. Everything is overpriced. Ammo is cheaper at Dick's or Gander Mountain than here.

And finally, my biggest beef with Greentop is the customer service. Nobody tries to help you, and if you're lucky enough to get a "How can I help you?" then it always seems to me that they are frustrated you want to see a gun. I realize gun shops get a lot of lookers, and ooh, let me hold that gun! kind of people. However, I am not one of them. If I'm looking in a gun store, I'm looking to buy something. Over the course of 5-6 times I've been there in the last year I've always gotten the same attitude when looking at guns there. I feel like more of an inconvenience to them than a customer. Both of the guys I work with have been there and felt the same way, that trying to buy a gun there would be a huge inconvenience to the sales staff.

I think if you opened a gun store and had a friendly staff, you could do well in this town... which leads me to my next review.


DeGoff's, Inc
Mechanicsville, VA
Rating: C

I ultimately ended up sending my transfer out of DeGoff's because nobody else in town would do so. Despite being told one price on the phone, ($35) they charged me $85 dollars to ship a gun outbound to a FFL in MA. I'm not sure if this is a fair price or not, because I've never used a FFL before to outbound but it was required for this transaction to make the buyer happy.

While I waited, I looked around and they have a nice selection of guns. Prices seem reasonable, but at the end of the day I didn't see anything I wanted because I'm really looking for a H&K or a nice Glock, and they did not have a large selection of either that I could find.

The store itself is a bit cramped, but easy to navigate. Perhaps because they had just taken me for an $85 dollar ride, they were very nice. But I'm inclined to believe the sales staff here is very friendly and (somewhat) eager to help.

All in all, they deserve a B rating but the $50 dollar uptick on the price I was quoted on the phone left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

After my experience in these two Richmond gun shops, I really am starting to believe that asking for good customer service in a gun store is something you just shouldn't expect.

[allingeneral]

Dustin - thanks for the reviews. I'm sure many folks will find them to be helpful. That's pretty sucky on the FFL transfer thing. $85 sounds pretty high to me, especially if your were quoted $35 over the phone.

[ProShooter]

Good reviews, and spot on.

Have you tried Southern Gun World, Bob's Sport Shop, or Town Police Supply for a transfer???

[Username]

Good reviews, and spot on.

Have you tried Southern Gun World, Bob's Sport Shop, or Town Police Supply for a transfer???

I have not. I had limited time as someone was wiring me money and I wanted the gun to be in FFL possession before the money arrived so the buyer would feel comfortable.

In the future though, I certainly will shop it harder because I don't think I could stomach that $85 again.

[viiiball]

Dustin: I had the same experience at Greentop the day you sent me there. Seemed to have a really good selection but the place was PACKED on a weekday and their prices were higher than anything I have seen here in NoVA. So far the best store I have found in my area is Virginia Arms Company in Manassas. Great selection of handguns, very friendly and professional staff and their prices are very good. There is a new store opening in the area this weekend so we'll see how they are.

On your fees, my guess is the $35 was the transfer fee and the extra $50 was the shipping.

[gregj]

Here's a list of FFL Holders in Va, you can also narrow it down by Zip code.

http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/SearchForF ... tate&sv=VA

It might help you in future transactions.

[newdovo]

I've never done one, but it's my understanding that Dominion Shooting Range will do transfers, also.

Parry

[herohog]

$85 was WAY too high! The FFL transfer is high at $35 period. If the shipping was $50 what the heck did he use?!?!? Overnight Air PLUS charge you a bunch for "handling?"
Sorry, I just don't see it.

[Username]

$85 was WAY too high! The FFL transfer is high at $35 period. If the shipping was $50 what the heck did he use?!?!? Overnight Air PLUS charge you a bunch for "handling?"
Sorry, I just don't see it.

That was my opinion, but I was rushed and really didn't have time to shop around. Part of me guessed this was highway robbery, part of me said it might be the normal rate.

Jury is still out I suppose.

[zephyp]

I believe they are required to use overnight express on hand guns and that can get expensive. Bottom line is adding $85 to your cost of selling a used gun hardly makes it worth the effort. I believe I will be reserving all my future sales to FTF transactions here in good ole VA.

[Username]

I believe they are required to use overnight express on hand guns and that can get expensive. Bottom line is adding $85 to your cost of selling a used gun hardly makes it worth the effort. I believe I will be reserving all my future sales to FTF transactions here in good ole VA.

I just did some research, and here is the skinny on shipping as a licensed FFL or unlicensed individual.

Shipment by Unlicensed Persons
Any shipper who does not have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is considered to be an 'unlicensed person'. This section contains information on how unlicensed persons can ship firearms. If you have an FFL, please skip to the next section for shipping suggestions.

The most important thing to know is that you must only ship guns to a licensed dealer. If the buyer is not a licensed dealer, he will have to make arrangements to ship the item to a dealer in his state.

Before you ship a gun, the buyer must fax or mail you a copy of the dealer's signed FFL license. You can only ship the gun to the address on the license. You must inform the carrier that the package contains a firearm. Of course, the firearm cannot be shipped loaded; ammunition may not be shipped in the same box. You should take the copy of the signed FFL with you when you take the item to be shipped in case the shipper wishes to see it.

Notes on specific shippers:

US Mail: An unlicensed person can ship a rifle or shotgun by US Mail. Unlicensed persons cannot ship a handgun by US Mail. Postal regulations allow the Post Office to open your package for inspection. Ammunition cannot be shipped by US Mail. You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.

FedEx: FedEx will only ship firearms via their Priority Overnight service. Ammunition must be shipped as dangerous goods.

FedEx Ground: FedEx Ground will transport and deliver firearms (excluding handguns) as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between areas served in the U.S. Ammunition must be shipped as dangerous goods.

UPS: UPS will accept handgun shipments by Next Day Air only. Rifles and shotguns can be shipped by UPS ground service. UPS will accept shipments of ammunition. Most other shippers will no longer accept firearm shipments. Airborne and Roadway have specifically prohibited firearm shipments.

Shipment by Licensed Persons
Any shipper who has a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is considered to be a 'licensed person'. This section contains information on how licensed persons can ship firearms. If you do not have an FFL, please see the previous section of this page for shipping instructions.

Since licensed persons are responsible for knowing the law, we are going to assume that you already understand the CGA and know the applicable Federal, state, and local laws.

Notes on specific shippers:

US Mail: Licensed persons can ship a rifle, shotguns, or handguns by US Mail. In fact, we suggest that you use the USPS as it is now the most cost-effective way to ship a handgun. To ship a rifle or shotgun, you need only inform the Post Office that the package contains a firearm. A licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer can ship a handgun via the US Post Office if the licensed dealer fills out a US Post Office Form PS 1508 and files it with the local Post Office branch where the handgun is to be shipped. You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.

FedEx: FedEx will only ship firearms via their Priority Overnight service. Ammunition must be shipped as dangerous goods. NSSF members can sign up for a discount of up to 26% on FedEx shipments.

UPS: UPS will accept handgun shipments by Next Day Air only. Rifles and shotguns can be shipped by UPS ground service. UPS will accept shipments of ammunition.

Most other shippers will no longer accept firearm shipments. Airborne and Roadway have specifically prohibited firearm shipments.

Taken from the GunBroker FAQ :
http://www.gunbroker.com/Support/Suppor ... &NoCount=1

[herohog]

+1 Username! Great response.

[zephyp]

Good stuff, Dustin...

So an FFL can use several methods to ship hand guns. Interesting that they can use USPS and your post didnt cite any specific means. That tells me they could send it snail mail. I've seen several online sites that specifically say they can only ship via overnight express to an FFL. That makes me wonder if they arent FFL themselves and using some loophole to sell guns online....

[gfost1]

US Mail: Licensed persons can ship a rifle, shotguns, or handguns by US Mail. In fact, we suggest that you use the USPS as it is now the most cost-effective way to ship a handgun. To ship a rifle or shotgun, you need only inform the Post Office that the package contains a firearm. A licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer can ship a handgun via the US Post Office if the licensed dealer fills out a US Post Office Form PS 1508 and files it with the local Post Office branch where the handgun is to be shipped. You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.

How's that work?
I'm missing something, 'cause it's supposed to be illegal to have a firearm on post office property.
Wha'dy'a do? Box it up and put it in the mailbox?

Regards,

George

[Username]

US Mail: Licensed persons can ship a rifle, shotguns, or handguns by US Mail. In fact, we suggest that you use the USPS as it is now the most cost-effective way to ship a handgun. To ship a rifle or shotgun, you need only inform the Post Office that the package contains a firearm. A licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer can ship a handgun via the US Post Office if the licensed dealer fills out a US Post Office Form PS 1508 and files it with the local Post Office branch where the handgun is to be shipped. You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.

How's that work?
I'm missing something, 'cause it's supposed to be illegal to have a firearm on post office property.
Wha'dy'a do? Box it up and put it in the mailbox?

Regards,

George

That section is for "Licensed Persons" or someone who has a Federal Firearms License (a dealer), so I assume if you're a FFL, you call for a pickup or you're allowed to box it up and drop it off?

To be honest, I'm not sure.

When I just shipped a rifle back to Volquartsen for warranty work, I scheduled with FedEx to just come pick it up and they would not take it at the counter of my local FedEx location. The guy was actually pretty rude about it and wanted me to go to the main office somewhere about an hour from me.

[jimmy2spot]

When I was younger, a trip to Greentop was a drive out to the sticks and an exciting experience. Now I'm so fed up with the place I call it Reamtop. I've never seen such ridiculous prices. I will go there grudgingly out of desperation but always leave even more disappointed. I have had good experiences with DeGoff's and this week I plan to go over there to do a transfer. I was quoted $35 over the phone. Will report back and let you know how it goes. ETA: my transfer will be in-bound. I bought both an H&K USP and Glock from DeGoffs at a very reasonable price.

[Vahunter]

When I was younger, a trip to Greentop was a drive out to the sticks and an exciting experience. Now I'm so fed up with the place I call it Reamtop. I've never seen such ridiculous prices. I will go there grudgingly out of desperation but always leave even more disappointed. I have had good experiences with DeGoff's and this week I plan to go over there to do a transfer. I was quoted $35 over the phone. Will report back and let you know how it goes. ETA: my transfer will be in-bound. I bought both an H&K USP and Glock from DeGoffs at a very reasonable price.

+1 on DeGoff's Better prices and service is excellent.

[communicator7]

Some days Greentop is crowded and there aren't many clerks to wait on customers but they are the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff I have met so I have to stand up for them. The reason why it's so crowded is because it's the first choice for many people interested in firearms. I have NEVER been treated with disrespect of any sort. As a matter of fact when I was first learning about shooting and guns they invited me to come by anytime I wanted to receive personal instruction by spending at least an hour working with me and it helped me tremendously. They gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to achieve my goals. If you feel so strongly about your experience I suggest you call Joe Hopkins and talk to him and I bet it won't happen again. They do care about customers.

[Username]

Some days Greentop is crowded and there aren't many clerks to wait on customers but they are the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff I have met so I have to stand up for them. The reason why it's so crowded is because it's the first choice for many people interested in firearms. I have NEVER been treated with disrespect of any sort. As a matter of fact when I was first learning about shooting and guns they invited me to come by anytime I wanted to receive personal instruction by spending at least an hour working with me and it helped me tremendously. They gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to achieve my goals. If you feel so strongly about your experience I suggest you call Joe Hopkins and talk to him and I bet it won't happen again. They do care about customers.

Sounds like you work there, or have another reason to promote it. I know 20+ people who all have had bad experiences there, myself and my co-workers included.

I've given them tons of second chances, and had the same regret over high prices and bad service every time I go there.

[Leonidis]

Never been to Degoff's, but I had an enjoyable experience at Greentop. Got my G19 there on a Friday afternoon and yes, it was crowded. Salesman was helpful as could be, brought me over to an uncrowded counter to handle--even disassemble the Glock. In the end, $599 for the Glock and it came with night sights.

I love going down there for a day's shopping. First Greentop, then Gander, and finally Bass Pro (and its excellent seafood restaurant for lunch/dinner). Too bad they don't have a range, then I'd probably go every weekend!

L