Murphy's guns: this full-service gun shop welcomes customers with a large inventory, priceless service and a buying atmosphere!

Shooting Industry, May, 2003 by Sam Fadala

As always, customers at Murphy's find buying and ordering a no-hassle event. Helpful. That's the key. The four people working the floor are helpful. Nobody looks bored. Everything, from body language to handling questions, is done with obvious interest.

The best thing about working at Murphy's Guns, according to Denise, is, "Interesting customers and interesting products."

Helping a new shooter is a high point for Dave Dingley.

"The best part of the job for me is working with someone who is new to shooting and has very little knowledge about firearms," Dave said. "If possible, I'll spend two or three hours with them. They may not buy anything that day, but they'll come back."

Chuck Donohue agrees. He points out how many new shooters are getting involved in cowboy action shooting. Tucson is a hot spot for the Western-style sport, claiming a number of champions. That has influenced many sales, according to Chuck.

"Many people start their kids with .3030 lever-guns," Chick said.

Murph, Denise, Dave and Chuck -- all have their fingers on the pulse of current shooting interests. That's important for business.

Questions For Success

Even if a gun shop is not in the position to venture into a true full-service operation, Murphy's Guns provides many clues to improve sales -- like its all-important atmosphere. It's not sterile, and the store is pleasantly packed with the things shooters and hunters enjoy. Having a competent gunsmith on hand is another plus. And accessories -- you can't have enough of them.

As a gun-shop owner, ask yourself: "Is my shop interesting and fun to walk into? Do we promote shooting? Can I tell my customers where the range is located? Do I have state hunting information and application forms? Is my store organized without being sterile? How do I treat my customers? Am I really interested in them? Do I listen to what they say? Do I really provide full service?"

Murph can answer yes to all of these and many other business-success questions. That's the mark of a full-service gun shop.