Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

By no means am I a gun expert, but I knew what I wanted when I bought my Ruger SP-101. I stopped by A&P Firearms to see what they had in stock and to ask a few questions about the "SP" and taking a safety course to obtain my concealed permit. The 2 sales people were some what sarcastic in thier response because I am retired Navy, and they were asking me why I wanted to waste my money on a course. I told them that the last time I had a gun in my hand was 16 years ago. They both gave me that "idiot" look. I thanked them for thier time and left.

I took a ride over to Superior Pawn & Gun to see what they might have. The 2 guys behind the counter were very friendly, and told me that a safety course could never hurt regardless of my military background. They were extremely knowledgable about the Ruger "SP" series and seemed to enjoy answering all my questions regarding the Va. gun laws. I left the store a happy owner of a Ruger SP-101.

FunnyBones wrote:The 2 sales people were some what sarcastic in thier response because I am retired Navy, and they were asking me why I wanted to waste my money on a course. I told them that the last time I had a gun in my hand was 16 years ago. They both gave me that "idiot" look.

For some odd reason many people can't seem to comprehend that a large portion of today's military are not foot soldiers who's only job is to shoot stuff. This isn't WWI/II anymore.

IMHO, one of the biggest values of the CHP course is getting to know the laws and ask questions about them. Strictly speaking you can do your own research, but most people don't. A comprehensive overview is a good idea IMHO.

I do not know what A&P offers as a safety course but if it is the basic pistol (NRA) course that Superior has there is really no formal information on concealed carry.
I took it at the Hampton Superior location and the instructor did cover some aspects of conceal carry and I thought he did a decent job covering the standard topics of the course, but it was not a review of the laws or anything like that.
A review for safety is not a bad idea, but is not needed for a permit for ex military, as the military discharge papers covers the states requirements.

I've always had the opposite happen to me. When I walk into Superior Pawn in VA Beach they never seem to give me the time of the day. I've gone in there and stood at the counter for 15 minutes when the store was empty of other costumer and 3 employees behind the counter and no one asked me if I'd like to look at something. I asked the older woman there if I could look at a S&W M&P 45 and she snapped at me "I'm busy right now". I walked out of there and haven't been back since.

Whenever I go into A&P lynnhaven they were very fast at asking me if I'm looking for anything in particular. I bought that S&W M&P 45 there and it was $40 cheaper + the free range pass you get.

There is a place called the Armory located in Virginia Beach on Princess Ann rd. I found that they were very freindly and very knowledgeable.You might want to try Bobs Gun Store located in Norflok, right beside the Greyhound Bus Station near the Norfolk Scope. I found that Superior Pawn and Gun was a good place but there are also very pricey.

I have found the staff at Superior to be very friendly and helpful. When I had firearms questions, they gave me their honest opinion. I have gone with their recommendations for a holster, and other accessories and have been happy with my purchase from them. Upstairs at the range, Jerry is a great guy! No complaints from me. I know of several people who recommend Superior as well.

Superior seems to go through phases ...for a while it;s good and then it will hit a low and they;re not worth the time.. I;ve had mostly good experince there but I think their prices could be a tad lower on some things....A&P is in one of those change modes now...Went there the other day to lighten up my ammo collection and it was all good... They took a lot of their sale merchandise off the floor and look more geared for gun and range sales..The Armory will never see a cent of my money .. A couple bad experiences was enough to get them blacklisted by me..Would be good if more stores did open around Tidewater and Hampton Roads to get some healthy competition going