Now that was a talking to. I agree, the local shops do go way above and beyond. I think everyone would pay the extra say 10% - 12% markup, but a 25% markup or more, that crosses the line from making a living into robbing me blind!

As far as protecting your gun rights, take a long look at the Communist Dictatorship of Maryland. Most local shops folded right in and watched as Maryland's no longer in office political officials practically banned new handgun sales by creating obscure laws. The new officials are reluctant to repeal the horrible plain out violation of our rights, maybe they will not be in office for long either. The fact is Wal Mart brings shooting and gun ownership to more folks through convience, affordiability, and environment. You all know that the "new guy" at Billy Bob's gun shop is treated with a little destain and is expected to follow old Billy Bob and his five cousin's advice. Wal Mart doesn't care what you buy, it's up to you to do the research. They will sell whatever you want, you will know you are not paying twice the actual value, and if you don't like being hassled the pimple faced kid doesn't care why you are buying the gun or what for, as long as line 12 is complete on the form.

Wal Mart is among the top sellers of firearms in the country. More people owning guns=continued gun rights. 50 people fericely devoted to thier local gun shop getting the "special" price while everyone else gets soaked=bad press, bad word of mouth, doubt, and general disinterest in gun ownership because of the hassle. It is sad but the good old days of great service, continued support, and a decent price have faded away. People that own guns are more willing to fight for the continued right to do so. We need every household to have a gun in it, who better to deliver this than Wal Mart. After you buy the gun and can't mount the scope yourself take it to the local gunshop and pay them $50 to do it for you, support all around, everyone wins.