Another Epps in Southern Ontario ??

blueflash said:
There are no really good gun shops around S.W. Ontario, aside from Shooters choice, and some of there prices are not too competetive, and there service often leaves much to be desired, to put it nicely.
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I've never shopped at Epps, so I can't comment on the quality of service there, but I must put in a good word for our local gun shops. I'm also located in the kitchener area and I shop regularly at Shooter's Choice and The Gun Center (on Old King in Kitchener) and I have found the staff at both of these locations to be very helpful and knowledgeable.
 
Mr. Black said:
Try finding a gunshop in Toronto! There's only one now, Al Flaherty's -- and it isn't a full-service gunshop. No gunsmith, no trade-ins and no used guns as far as I know. The last full-service gunship in Toronto was Giovanni's in the former City of North York. It closed two or three years ago because the ownder wanted to retire and there was apparently no buyer willing to take it on. I heard rumours that Epps had considered purchasing the business but decided against it, mainly because of the anti-gun politics at City Hall, especially driven by then-Mayor David Miller.
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Bought my first pistol at Giovannis in 1978. Memories!!
 
Been a long time since I was in southern ontario but wasnt there a epps around the listowell gory area? Was there in the early 70's . Had a 5ft pile of rifles in the middle of the floor & saw my first jackalope there.
 
pinkfloyd said:
Been a long time since I was in southern ontario but wasnt there a epps around the listowell gory area? Was there in the early 70's . Had a 5ft pile of rifles in the middle of the floor & saw my first jackalope there.
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I didn't know what a jackalope was until just recently - my better half had to enlighten me. f:P:2:
 
no good gun shops around? what about Eli's down in Simcoe ot Triggers and Bow in Burford. both places will match ANY competitors prices
 
blueflash said:
Are you serious ?? Naturally, a small gun shop has practically no stock, and you always get the famous "we can order it in for you" line, so I asked them to quote me a price on a Savage Weather Warrior in 300 win mag, that I was looking for. Epps price was somewhere around $660, and I was just going around to some local shops, hopeing to find one that could match the price, so it would save me the drive, and I am all for supporting a local store. The Gun Centre at Lovetts quoted me a price of $300 more than the price for the exact same model from Epps....I told him that he must of confused models with a heavy barrel rifle or something else, so he doubled checked again, and then told me that I won't find one any cheaper anywere in Ontario...WTF...As I was at the Counter, another guy was just zipping up a case from a nice used Marlin .22LR rifle, and I happened to notice the reciept as it was on the counter....I felt bad for the guy...He obviously did'nt have access to a computer or he would of know that he could of bought the exact same rifle brand new at Epps for the price that he paid for a average condition, used one at Lovetts. Customer service is important, but at prices that high, its just plane insulting to my intelligence when I am told that I won't find any place in Ontario any cheaper.

To make a long story short, I drove 2 1/2 North to Epps and left with a new rifle the next day.

I actually bought my first shotgun from the old deaf guy from Lovetts many years ago....that guy was hilarious, and back then, when he was running the place, his prices were pretty cheap also. I used to like going there and he would let my kids shoot pellet guns in the store..LOL...that guy was a hoot...try going to a gun shop in Toronto and ask if your kids can test fire a pellet gun in the store !!
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I can't say I disagree with this. Other than to say in their defense (somewhat). I think the current staff changes and some fresh ideas coming on board lately, things may be different in the coming year. Here's hoping.
 
I bet Bass Pro was a great store at one time too. It probably made a lot of money then the owners thought they could expand and start a chain. Then it probably opened up its second location and some of the founding business principals were lost (customer service, knowledgeable/friendly staff), but it still made a lot of money because it was cheap. People went there because it was convenient and they figured hey I can research online what I want and go pick it up so I dont have to deal with the fools working there. Then another store opened up and it lost even more of those founding principals but people still went because it was cheap and there were no longer any other hunting stores in the area because they were all put out of business by Bass Pro undercutting everything. Then another and another opened up and it is what it is today -the "Walmart" big box store that everyone hates but keeps going back to because of the name/selection and occasional sales. But now people are starting to clue into this, they're starting to support the new little guy again. That new little guy is starting to figure "hey I'm making a lot of money doing this, how about I open up a....". The cycle continues. Best if they just left a small store the way it is before it turns into the next Walmart of the outdoor stores and people have no where left to go but gobbles or the gun room or guns and gadgets.
 
Omkaar said:
I've never shopped at Epps, so I can't comment on the quality of service there, but I must put in a good word for our local gun shops. I'm also located in the kitchener area and I shop regularly at Shooter's Choice and The Gun Center (on Old King in Kitchener) and I have found the staff at both of these locations to be very helpful and knowledgeable.
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I agree with this statement as well,I deal with both of them.
 
Omkaar said:
I've never shopped at Epps, so I can't comment on the quality of service there, but I must put in a good word for our local gun shops. I'm also located in the kitchener area and I shop regularly at Shooter's Choice and The Gun Center (on Old King in Kitchener) and I have found the staff at both of these locations to be very helpful and knowledgeable.
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bradofcanada said:
I agree with this statement as well,I deal with both of them.
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I cant really disagree with these statements but until you go shopping at EPPs and save a boat load of cash on everything.
EPPs has more stuff in stock than the 10 gun shops within an hour of me.

Me and a few friends are doing a road trip to EPPs in the next few weeks.
Always worth the drive.
 
Epps is definitely a great store no doubt about that, I am from south of hamilton and when I cannot make the trek to Epps, I end up at Eli's Gun and Archery in Simcoe. not a bad trip for me and the most left hand guns in stock in any store between SWO and North Bay, believe me I've checked lol. Great gun selection and very helpful employees, check it out if you haven't been there, well worth the trip in my opinion.
 
older epps

When I was a lad of 15 I would walk thru the epps store in windsor ont. plaq on the wall said [1949? established] could this be the origional shop it features a large fellow on the signage on the building frount looked like the green giant. that store closed 1980 any thing you needed they could get. the rear of the store was offlimits that was the shop area.last visit was to perchase a cz air.22 and scope 1979 .Sportsman here in windsor are vary limited now
 
I was lucky enough to grow up in the same neighborhood as Epps. I went to school with the kids and my Brother's best friend worked there. When I was a lad, oh so many years ago we used to go to Epps on our bikes and drool at all the firearms and we were welcomed even then. When I was a little older we used to go buy a whole sh*t load of .22 and shotgun shells and head to the dump and shoot the rats, TVs, and a whole lotta other stuff. I have had a lifetime of service from Epps and it still continues today. Don't even think of luring them away!! LOL I also remember at the hunting season Epps would be swamped with people of all areas, States and Provinces, everyone walked around the store smiling which I always found odd for a bunch of grumpy old guys that appeared like they hadn't been out of the bush in years. The place is legendary and I can tell you that I don't think anyone can top this place in Ontario.
 
Love Epps too. Service in the gun room sucks on weekends though. Actually I toured almost every gunshop in S.Ont. and Epps new gun pricing is good. What's better is their old stock. They don't mind axing prices to get rid of stuff.
 
Was in there yesterday to buy a .308 rifle. Found what I wanted at a very fair price and got good service. I have purchased quite a few guns from them in the past and have always been happy with the whole process. Yes, they can open a store in S.W Ontario but please leave the present store where it is.!!!!!!!!!!
 
HKanada182 said:
Epps is definitely a great store no doubt about that, I am from south of hamilton and when I cannot make the trek to Epps, I end up at Eli's Gun and Archery in Simcoe. not a bad trip for me and the most left hand guns in stock in any store between SWO and North Bay, believe me I've checked lol. Great gun selection and very helpful employees, check it out if you haven't been there, well worth the trip in my opinion.
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Couldn't disagree more:
I had a Beretta 92fs INOX on order there for 14 months before I gave up on it and asked for my money back. (you would have thought I asked for a night with his daughter). Then bought it for $200 less at Al Simmons. Wanted to sell my Ruger SR9 Stainless fired about 15 times... he offered me $150 for it.
Prices are ridiculous. He always seems rude and cocky. Anyone from around the Simcoe area knows better then to shop at Eli's.
Also if he had half a brain and truly cared about the Canadian Firearm Community he would be on this website.
 
steve_engell said:
Couldn't disagree more:
I had a Beretta 92fs INOX on order there for 14 months before I gave up on it and asked for my money back. (you would have thought I asked for a night with his daughter). Then bought it for $200 less at Al Simmons. Wanted to sell my Ruger SR9 Stainless fired about 15 times... he offered me $150 for it.
Prices are ridiculous. He always seems rude and cocky. Anyone from around the Simcoe area knows better then to shop at Eli's.
Also if he had half a brain and truly cared about the Canadian Firearm Community he would be on this website.
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Umm, dood, you are posting in their forum page. They ARE on here and they support the Canadian Firearm Community by sponsoring this site.

f:P:
 
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