Another Epps in Southern Ontario ??

[blueflash]

First off, let me say that Ellwood Epps is my favorite store for buying guns, and related equipment. Second off, I live in Southern Ontario, around the Kitchener/ Brantford/ Woodstock area. There are no really good gun shops around S.W. Ontario, aside from Shooters choice, and some of there prices are not to competetive, and there service often leaves much to be desired, to put it nicely. Whenever you talk to people that have shopped at Bass Pro Shops, Lebarons, and Shooters Choice (Waterloo), they are often not pleased with these stores, but don't have much of a choice, because of the 2 hour plus drive to go to Ellwood Epps in Orillia. Everyone I know that is a Hunter or Firearms enthusiast absoloutely loves Ellwood Epps for there service, prices, selection, and knowledge.

Have you guys, at Ellwood Epps ever thought about opening a 2nd location in Southern Ontario ? There is about 1 Million people in the Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge/Geulph/Brantford area, and Toronto is just 45 minutes away. I always thought to myself that if a real good gun shop opened up, like a Ellwood Epps, in this area, that it would do an absoloute killing. If your ever at Bass Pro Shops in Toronto, and they don't have what your looking for, then often the employees themselves will recommend going all the way up to Ellwood Epps.

Ellwood Epps already has a great reputation in Ontario, as being one of the top Gun Shops in Ontario, and most people agree that it is THE BEST Gun Shop in Ontario, and a 2nd Epps location in K/W-Cambridge-Milton area would instantly become the #1 Gun Shop in Southern Ontario, and since Orillia is so far away, then it would'nt effect the sales of that location. Lebaron's has 4 different gun shops, and almost everyone that goes there, can't stand the place, but because of there good prices, then people put up with it because they don't like the drive to Orillia

If you guys have'nt ever considered opening a 2nd Epps, I really hope that some encouraging talk on CGN will get the ball rolling and plant the seed in the owners head, because if it does becomes a dream come true for us guys down South, give me a PM because I would love to work there....LOL.

[Adamg_55]

If you opened another location closer to.toronto i woukd have to get a second job! I woukd be all for another epps location!

I dont think they check.the board.very often so i dont think they will see this for a while.

[blueflash]

If you opened another location closer to.toronto i woukd have to get a second job! I woukd be all for another epps location!

I dont think they check.the board.very often so i dont think they will see this for a while.

I would need a second job also, so I might as well work at epps, and they can pay me in store credit.

hopefully a epps employee will see this thread and pass the suggestion along.

I bet epps competition hope they never open a 2nd location

[lanshoka]

I would need a second job also, so I might as well work at epps, and they can pay me in store credit.

hopefully a epps employee will see this thread and pass the suggestion along.

I bet epps competition hope they never open a 2nd location

Back in the sixties they had a second location in Clinton, Ontario. I don't know what year they closed it but I remember my Dad talking about it.

[Until the Angels Fall]

Gobles is good...its in London

[Andy]

FYI - the original Elwood Epps store located in Clinton, renamed "Ontario Gun Services" closed last month when its owner retired. Stock was all sold - it's gone.

[CDNbear]

I wouldn't be surprised if Epps see this thread sooner than later one of their employees told me the interwebb is responsible for well over 40% of their sales.... That said it would be nice to have an Epps in southwestern Ontario

[bonker]

Yes we definitely need one,the local gun shops do not know what customer service is.

[savage112]

FYI - the original Elwood Epps store located in Clinton, renamed "Ontario Gun Services" closed last month when its owner retired. Stock was all sold - it's gone.

This is not entirely correct. The original Epps store was located right in Clinton, just south of the main downtown area. Ontario Gun Servces was an entirely different business located north of Clinton on Hwy. 4. BTW, Ontario Gun Services still exists under new owners. It is located about a mile north of Kirkton Ont. on Hwy. 23. Just watch for the sign on the west side of the highway because it's easy to miss.

[ghostntheshell]

Yep. Hard to beat ellwood epps for service and selection. Me and a fellow cgn make the trip out there every few months it would seem, drop a ridiculous amount of cash, and then return to the city.

They've got some great prices - and almost always, there is a line up in basement. As for service, I also think highly of them: I recall one staff member advising against purchasing a particular hand gun - as he had personally witness a few returns and shared other customer complaints about the gun - instead of making an easy sale. Love to see em in Toronto, but I don't see it happening.

[Claybuster]

There are two full service gun stores in the KW area now, Shooter's Choice and The Gun Centre. Adding a third wouldn't make solid business sense unless Epps bought out one of the existing operations.

I've done business at both Shooters and the Gun Centre. I have no complaints with either and when I compare their pricing with the fuel cost to drive to Epps it's usually a wash.

[Ellison]

I also love epps and I'm from Milton so I would love to see another location open up close to me. I also agree that there isn't much selection in gun stores in SW Ontario. Shooters choice is alright but I find their pricing to be higher than normal. My rifle I bought from them in May 2010 was $300 more than the ticket price at epps. But maybe that had something to do with availability as it was sold out at most locations. But that still does make it right.

I have bought supplies at shooters choice though and can't complain. Never been to the other store mentioned though so I'll have to check it out

I also don't think that business would be a problem because of epps selection pricing and reputation they would probably steal the business.

[brybenn]

I thought at one time long ago they had a store in windsor. So I've been told by old timers. Anyway I'm between london and windsor and love epps. Most of my toys come from there and I'd love to see one closer because its like 5 and a half to 6 hour drive each way for me. Were in desperate need of a good gun store in the real southern ontario. I got wortners in town but the pricing is horrible and the selection of guns is even worse. But george can smith anything and does a lot of my work on my guns

[Shelldrake]

SE Ontario would be a more sensible location,, like in Ottawa. Le Baron's doesn't cut it.

[trebor2880]

First off, let me say that Ellwood Epps is my favorite store for buying guns, and related equipment. Second off, I live in Southern Ontario, around the Kitchener/ Brantford/ Woodstock area. There are no really good gun shops around S.W. Ontario, aside from Shooters choice, and some of there prices are not to competetive, and there service often leaves much to be desired, to put it nicely. Whenever you talk to people that have shopped at Bass Pro Shops, Lebarons, and Shooters Choice (Waterloo), they are often not pleased with these stores, but don't have much of a choice, because of the 2 hour plus drive to go to Ellwood Epps in Orillia. Everyone I know that is a Hunter or Firearms enthusiast absoloutely loves Ellwood Epps for there service, prices, selection, and knowledge.

Have you guys, at Ellwood Epps ever thought about opening a 2nd location in Southern Ontario ? There is about 1 Million people in the Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge/Geulph/Brantford area, and Toronto is just 45 minutes away. I always thought to myself that if a real good gun shop opened up, like a Ellwood Epps, in this area, that it would do an absoloute killing. If your ever at Bass Pro Shops in Toronto, and they don't have what your looking for, then often the employees themselves will recommend going all the way up to Ellwood Epps.

Ellwood Epps already has a great reputation in Ontario, as being one of the top Gun Shops in Ontario, and most people agree that it is THE BEST Gun Shop in Ontario, and a 2nd Epps location in K/W-Cambridge-Milton area would instantly become the #1 Gun Shop in Southern Ontario, and since Orillia is so far away, then it would'nt effect the sales of that location. Lebaron's has 4 different gun shops, and almost everyone that goes there, can't stand the place, but because of there good prices, then people put up with it because they don't like the drive to Orillia

If you guys have'nt ever considered opening a 2nd Epps, I really hope that some encouraging talk on CGN will get the ball rolling and plant the seed in the owners head, because if it does becomes a dream come true for us guys down South, give me a PM because I would love to work there....LOL.

Two hours to get to Epps? Consider yourself lucky, it takes me 5 hours. No complaints though. Anything to get away from these "hayseeds" and get some dehickification.

[mcpiper]

Gobles is good...its in London
I find that the staff at Goble's are some of the best I've dealt with but the prices on firearms are pretty high when compared to Epp's etc. They are pretty good for bullets, targets and reloading stuff though as they are handy.

[Bandits]

SE Ontario would be a more sensible location,, like in Ottawa. Le Baron's doesn't cut it.

While this is true, the fact that Ottawa has 6 shops in the city alone (not counting outlying shops).

With regards to Epps,
Certainly a top notch shop. Made the 6 hour treck each way many times. Gotta admit it would be nice if they were a bit close to me but given what the guys in the shop have said I doubt they will move. They get customers from end to end of the province. As they are nearly in the center of the province it is pretty good considering they have guys driving out from Ottawa across through to Sault Ste Marie. And no doubt that they come from the northern regions through to Windsor.

[dudley2112]

While this is true, the fact that Ottawa has 6 shops in the city alone (not counting outlying shops).

With regards to Epps,
Certainly a top notch shop. Made the 6 hour treck each way many times. Gotta admit it would be nice if they were a bit close to me but given what the guys in the shop have said I doubt they will move. They get customers from end to end of the province. As they are nearly in the center of the province it is pretty good considering they have guys driving out from Ottawa across through to Sault Ste Marie. And no doubt that they come from the northern regions through to Windsor.

what shops are these? there barons and SAIL both of which kinda suck, not "gun" oriented enough, Gunco which is really only a gunsmithing operation with a few used guns for sale, and sports action which is ok but not great

[mctonyb]

Their prices for reloading components puts Epps to shame. I agree that sometimes their firearm prices are a higher, but definitely not by much (if any on most items).

I think the big difference is the staff at Goble's is leaps and bounds ahead of Epps'. I live about an hour away from Epps and two hours from Goble's and more often than not make the longer drive to the latter.

Williams arms in Port Perry is another good shop that's in Southern Ontario. Good prices and great staff too.

I find that the staff at Goble's are some of the best I've dealt with but the prices on firearms are pretty high when compared to Epp's etc. They are pretty good for bullets, targets and reloading stuff though as they are handy.

[dudley2112]

Their prices for reloading components puts Epps to shame. I agree that sometimes their firearm prices are a higher, but definitely not by much (if any on most items).

I think the big difference is the staff at Goble's is leaps and bounds ahead of Epps'. I live about an hour away from Epps and two hours from Goble's and more often than not make the longer drive to the latter.

Williams arms in Port Perry is another good shop that's in Southern Ontario. Good prices and great staff too.

i miss those guys :( moved to ottawa for school and god i miss those guys, one hell of a gun store... called them back in december for some powder and the guy on the phone was like ok i know this is alex but whats your last name again :D after being away at school for 3 months they still remembered my voice a sign that maybe i spent too much of my tuition money there :p

[mcpiper]

Their prices for reloading components puts Epps to shame. I agree that sometimes their firearm prices are a higher, but definitely not by much (if any on most items).

I think the big difference is the staff at Goble's is leaps and bounds ahead of Epps'. I live about an hour away from Epps and two hours from Goble's and more often than not make the longer drive to the latter.

Williams arms in Port Perry is another good shop that's in Southern Ontario. Good prices and great staff too.

I agree about the staff and some components and stuff but a $110.00 difference on Ruger Blackhawks. I can handle a difference in price of $50.00 or so but for that price I'll just buy it over the phone from Epp's and still come out ahead after shipping.

[3strokes]

Yes we definitely need one,the local gun shops do not know what customer service is.

We need them in Ottawa, too. HELP!

[3strokes]

SE Ontario would be a more sensible location,, like in Ottawa. Le Baron's doesn't cut it.


:agree:

x 1000

[tranman]

There's more people in SW ontario:owned:

[Turkeyslayer 1300]

We need them in Ottawa, too. HELP!

I second this motion an Ottawa store would draw customers from Western Quebec and Montreal as well.

[blueflash]

There are two full service gun stores in the KW area now, Shooter's Choice and The Gun Centre. Adding a third wouldn't make solid business sense unless Epps bought out one of the existing operations.

I've done business at both Shooters and the Gun Centre. I have no complaints with either and when I compare their pricing with the fuel cost to drive to Epps it's usually a wash.

You can't compare Shooters Choice, Gobles, and LOL The Gun Centre to Ellwood Epps. Shooters, Gobles and LOL the gun centre, have a small fraction of the selection that Ellwood Epps has, and Epps prices are on average 10-20% lower than all of those other SW Ontario Gun Shops. I recently price shopped my last rifle purchase, and the rifle I was looking for was $200 more at Gobles, Triggers and Bows, Shooters Choice, and it was $350 more at LOL The Gun Centre. I drove up to Ellwood Epps to save myself $200. Ellwood Epps has great prices on everything that they sell, and there selection and variety of stuff is amazing. Whenever I go to Gobles, or Shooters and ask to see this-nope, don't have it, ask to see that-nope don't have it, or see the other thing-nope don't have it. Its quite frustrating. Last time I drove out to Gobles, I was looking to buy a new .22 target Pistol, and they had no brand new MKIII, MK22/45, or Buckmark Campers ?WTF....Go to Epps and ask to handle some .22 pistols and they will bring out dozens different models to handle. Thats just one example, but I could go on forever, and I know I'm not alone, and that there are alot of unsatisfied firearms consumers in S.W. Ontario that are just drueling for a new, large, well stocked, fair priced gun shop, with good service to open up.

Epps would'nt have to buy out Shooters Choice and the Gun Centre, if Epps moved to southern Ontario. They would close down because there prices can't compete with Epps. Shooters might stay open because its in Northern Waterloo, and it has a indoor gun range and lots of Menonites and Farmers shop there with no access to a computer, so they don't know that they are being taken.

If Ellwood Epps opened in the Tri-City area, they would instantly become the #1 Gun Shop in Southern Ontario. Toronto to Orillia is a 2 hour drive, so many people don't make the journey up there often, but Toronto to Cambridge is only 45 minutes, so a new store in the Cambridge area would get business from Toronto, as well as the Tri City area. Theres a gold mine just waiting to be had for a good gun shop like Epps. There are thousands and thousands of hunters in this area, all concentrated into one region. Just try to go out for a couple hours and knock on farmers doors, looking for hunt land, good luck because every farm is already being hunted on by hunters.

[flyinlead]

I am really sad that Ontario Gun Services in Clinton closed, those guys were great. And you could actually look at the racks of guns because they werent behind a counter, even the ammo was sitting out on shelves.

Some other great smaller shops that are very cometitive are Lake Huron Rod and Gun and Grech Outdoors, both very reasonable and knowledgable.

[HammerHand]

The only place Epps should consider putting a second location should be HAMILTON!

For a city of 500,000 people there are too few firearms retailers.

[Ellison]

there's more people in sw ontario:owned:

agreed!!! :)

[Jumbo]

The only place Epps should consider putting a second location should be HAMILTON!

For a city of 500,000 people there are too few firearms retailers.

Ok, but after that we need a third location built in Calgary!

What a change it would be to have a local store where customer service is number one, and having a generous inventory is the normal state of affairs.

Every transaction I have done with them, has been pleasant; fast; and free from problems.:)

[two-dogs]

I VOTE FOR AN EPPS STORE RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE CENTRE OF CANADA. Yep in Southern Manitoba, just to the East, outside of the murder capital of Canada. I think it would be a great location for what sounds like an awesome store.

[el.Lp]

Man I'd second another Epps in Toronto. Hell put it in Etobicoke so it's not "downtown" but close enough to it that everyone benefits. I know a bunch of places when they could open and make a killing in their first month.

Cmon!

Plus they would take ALL of Le Baron's business and that would make me happy. Their customer service absolutely blows, like, seriously. The Epps environment is the best.

[Wissem70]

Last time I was at goble's the reloading stuff was outrageous! I saved money driving to Epps and I drive an f150! Worst of all I am in Clinton.... Ok I am done. For reloading stuff Epps is king! I hope the new Ontario Gun Services near Kirkton can keep up reloading inventory.

[Sly Old Fox]

we need them in ottawa, too. Help!

yes!

[Sly Old Fox]

Wortners, going south from the center of town, after the CNR tracks, are they still there?

If so, what kind of prices and service ate they providing?

[Leibermuster]

I don't think Epps opening in TO is a smart business decision, at any moment that could be shut down. Yeah we have Ford as mayor but seriously how long will that last... There is already enough stores in TO, it would be great because there service is great, but then again i haven't been in the other TO stores in a while except "Target Sports" which is great service by me.

[blueflash]

I don't think Epps opening in TO is a smart business decision, at any moment that could be shut down. Yeah we have Ford as mayor but seriously how long will that last... There is already enough stores in TO, it would be great because there service is great, but then again i haven't been in the other TO stores in a while except "Target Sports" which is great service by me.

This is why I suggested from the beginning, to open one in the Cambridge to Milton area. Nice and close to Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Brantford, Woodstock, and even London is only about 45 minutes from Cambridge.

A new Epps in a central located area like Cambridge would become the #1 sales volume of guns in Ontario, out of any gun shop. They probably are now, up in Orillia, but then they could be #1 and #2.

A location in Toronto or Hamilton would'nt be that great, because the traffic alone will keep people from going there less frequently. A place like Cambridge would be perfect because its within 45 minutes of every major City in Ontario, and Cambridge does'nt have really bad traffic compared to Toronto.

A store identical to Epps in Cambridge would be the new "go to" place in S.W. Ontario for firearms, and they already have a fantastic name for themselves. Every hunter I know of, always loves stopping in at Epps on the way up North for some Moose hunting, and if Epps was alot closer, then all of those hunters would be buying there new Moose rifles at Epps.

[twistedbrilliance]

We could all just move closer to epps and make it the epicenter of firearms owners. lol.
It's just 40 min from my cottage in Gravenhurst.

[HAZMAT911]

The only place Epps should consider putting a second location should be HAMILTON!

For a city of 500,000 people there are too few firearms retailers.

We need a good gun store in Hamilton, one has handguns but the prices are way to high and the other only has hunting firearms.

A good gun store in Hamilton could cover the Niagara region through to Mississauga!

[JAGDMORDER]

They have taken plenty of my money, and probably will see plenty more. Its a love/hate relationship. I love the store, but hate going there to brake myself moneteraly.

[Bandits]

what shops are these? there barons and SAIL both of which kinda suck, not "gun" oriented enough, Gunco which is really only a gunsmithing operation with a few used guns for sale, and sports action which is ok but not great

Ok I see your point on the ''gun oriented'' but sure. I have those 4 as well as a new one 'old guns' and the other one, although not necessarily a gun shop is Robertson comp. From my understanding they build what you want.

[flyinlead]

Epps is a great store for sure.. they just need to double the size of the building to open up some breathing room. Any yes, open a couple more locations too.. maybee one beside Bass Pro shop, in order to drive them out of business (horrible prices on anything gun related and poor selection)
Could it be that the firearms industry in Canada is making a comeback after all these years of govornment repression?

[GetaGrip]

While Epps is my #1 go to store (I live less than an hour away :p) don't forget Al Simmons in Hamilton. Yes, you can't beat the prices and selectioin at Epps... but for a shorter drive from SW Ontario... and good service from knowledgeable staff... it is a good store. RIP Harley.

[Ballox]

X2 for Al Simmons.

[mckay5858]

I love going to epps for the huge selection and cheap prices, but I'm not so sure on the service. I once ordered a Timney trigger for my Vanguard there and after two months of waiting was told it hadn't even been ordered.

I've always had top notch service at Gobles from a knowledgeable staff. They are typically a 100 dollars more on guns but any entry level negotiator can get out of that pretty fast.

The only reason I ever go to shooters is to visit the lovely young lady behind the counter with the healthy set of *lungs*. She really knows her stuff and is usually a great help, unfortunately shes the only one.

[Leibermuster]

X2 for Al Simmons.

X3
Purchased a few guns from them now, and very expensive ones two.

[brandneo]

Bringing Epps further down south is a great idea, except with some fundamental flaws. Service depends on the people behind the counter, the guys currently at Epps can't be in two stores at once, so now the owners take a chance with new employees, and how they handle customers. Bringing a store further south will also increase their cost of running a business....rent goes up, build costs of making a proper gun room and many more things; so the price of goods will begin to reflect that....now it may not become worth it for the customer to go to a 'southern Epps' and people will continue to go to Orillia. So then why bother opening up the second store and breaking a good thing. Epps does what it does because of where the store is and the people there....and besides no matter how long the drive, it's worth it to get away from the city, clear your head and just enjoy the experience.
just my 2c

[blueflash]

My biggest problem with all of the gun shops in Southern Ontario, like Shooters Choice, The LOL Gun Center, Triggers and Bows, is that they either have ridiculous prices, or they have a very poor selection of guns. I like Triggers and Bows, but I don't know how many times I have asked to see something, and I get a "we can order it in for you"....That just does'nt cut it becaues I like to handle and shoulder a $1000 gun before I order it and pay for it. Even Gobles, is a much larger store, but you always get the same old "we can order it in for you" speech, and when I hear that I just leave. Then I check out the website at Epps, and they have 6 different models of what I'm looking for. I say to myself, why is'nt there a real gun shop like Epps down here with all of these people around here that spend money on guns. Lebaron's often has a great selection of guns, and good prices also, but they don't sell handguns, and sometimes there customer service is hit or miss, so I usually try to avoid that place. I have'nt ever been out to Al Simmons, but I have compared there prices online, and there has'nt been any deals that ever inspired me to drive out there.

Oh well, I guess untill a really good gun shop like Epps opens up here in S.W. Ontario, I will have to continue to buy online and have my stuff delivered, just like my last handgun that I'm still waiting for delivery, but if Epps would of been less than a 45 minute drive, then they would have been on the recieving end of $900, that I spent on my last handgun because there price was similar to the best price that I could find online. All of the Local gunshops were $150 more of a mark up on the gun, so they did'nt get my business. I don't think that any local gunshops even had it in stock, but they would of "ordered it in for me".

[chevyman_2000]

I ordered a left hand 22-250 savage from gobles 3 years ago. I called every 3 months for 2 years. I'm still waiting. If I want a gun I call around the local shops to see if they have it. Go handle it say I can get it for XXX from epps will you beat it or at least match it? If not I got home knowing I want the gun order it and pay the shipping cost.

chev.

[chevyman_2000]

also I have issues with there customer service and gun smithing. I know I'm not the only one. Also this is the London location. The tillsonberg one is a bit better. I won't spend a penny there unless it's an amazing deal.

chev.