Another gun shop bites the dust

[walt o]

westforth gun shop in N.W ,indiana is closing After several law seuits he won and his name cleared he felt tired of the continued hassle..It is time to enjoy life for a while
he said
Sorry to lose another shop

 

[radar8756]

I bought my first gun in Indiana there ...
.22 rifle w/scope ... gave it to son a few years back

 

[GregD]

We just lost a gun shop in Anderson . . . . Buck Shot

 

[Bighoss91]

Just lost Victory Range and Armory (VRA) in new castle. Had one of the nicest indoor ranges, were also a dealer in nfa items.

 

[Route 45]

Just lost Victory Range and Armory (VRA) in new castle. Had one of the nicest indoor ranges, were also a dealer in nfa items.

Hadn't heard that, when did they close?

 

[Bighoss91]

Hadn't heard that, when did they close?

Still open but announced a closing date in the coming weeks a friend showed me on VRA's Facebook page. This past Saturday was final day for the range.

 

[BigRed]

All part of the central state's plan

 

[Winamac]

Logansport recently lost Downham & Sons shooters supply.A landmark, been there since 1969. very sad.

 

[Creedmoor]

We just lost a gun shop in Anderson . . . . Buck Shot

Thats not a loss.

 

[dyerwatcher]

Sad to see Westforths go. Still have a Nickel model 17-3 4inch I bought from them 20 years ago

 

[Max Volume]

That is sad news. They are the only place in the area that would still get some cool older guns in. He told me from estate sales and things like that.

 

[chubbs]

Hadn't heard that, when did they close?

The 24th is there last day. The buildings being demolished and a 4th truck stop/gas station is going in. Just what that area needs .
The fuel companies getting push back from the county, hopefully they get rejected. We lose the range either way.

 

[Somemedic]

Was on Westforths a couple of weeks ago. Decent selection of inventory, always fantastic staff.

I like the mom and pop stores. Cabelas and bass pro and point blank are too damn high

 

[KG1]

Used to frequent Westworth's from time to time but that's been many years ago. Sad to see a LGS go but I can understand why.

Another place that I used to frequent many years ago was Jim Shema's Outdoor Sports that was located in Merrillville. He owned and operated it with his wife for 31 years. (Wondering how many from the area remember that place?) Shema passed away in Jan. 2023 at the age of 78.

James E. "Jim" Shema

Jan. 25, 1944 - Jan. 12, 2023

www.nwitimes.com

" He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a champion shooter. Jim was a longtime member of U.S.P.S.A. and a Three Gun Shooter. He loved the outdoors and teaching his nieces and nephews about the great outdoors and training them on firearms."

 

[armalitesheepdog]

That is sad news. They are the only place in the area that would still get some cool older guns in. He told me from estate sales and things like that.

Thats because most shops put the cool older trade in stuff straight to gunbroker. I cant blame them and its there stuff to do with as they please but.......It takes the thrill outta stopping in gun shops and finding cool stuff. You know most likely all your gonna see in the case is Glocks LCRs S&W EZ and .22 rough riders. Not that there's anything at all wrong with those. I just miss the hunt and haggle

 

[Peacekeeper3073]

Seems to be a trend. Gun sales are just like everything else, highs and lows. Unfortunately, the small business owner is first to take a hit. A lot of new gun owners come in hot at first then realize it can be pretty expensive hobby. For example, most don't know to seriously shop online and look for better deals let's say on ammo. So they grab a couple boxes at a shop or worse yet big box and pay premium prices, some targets, and head to a public range. So, for one day including everything they have probably dished out $100 or more four couple hours of shooting. That takes a quick toll. Now don't get me wrong I'm all for supporting our local business but sometimes they just can't compete with online mega companies.

 

[tim87tr]

The 24th is there last day. The buildings being demolished and a 4th truck stop/gas station is going in. Just what that area needs .
The fuel companies getting push back from the county, hopefully they get rejected. We lose the range either way.

The LGS is closing. I see more rest areas closed than built. Electronic logging devices ELD have been required for semis for a few years now. OTR drivers get a warning from the ELD prior to going over their hours and getting a violation. They need a place to park and refuel. Without the trucks running there won't be goods on the shelf. Seems to be noticeable supply chain problems already. Does the County know about this and wouldn't a big business help their tax base to improve roadways?

 

[crewchief888]

Used to frequent Westworth's from time to time but that's been many years ago. Sad to see a LGS go but I can understand why.

Another place that I used to frequent many years ago was Jim Shema's Outdoor Sports that was located in Merrillville. He owned and operated it with his wife for 31 years. (Wondering how many from the area remember that place?) Shema passed away in Jan. 2023 at the age of 78.

James E. "Jim" Shema

Jan. 25, 1944 - Jan. 12, 2023

www.nwitimes.com

" He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a champion shooter. Jim was a longtime member of U.S.P.S.A. and a Three Gun Shooter. He loved the outdoors and teaching his nieces and nephews about the great outdoors and training them on firearms."

i shot competition (USPSA & SCSA) with jim a few times over the years/ he was always a nice guy. i was really bummed when he closed the store on broadway. it was a dun place to hang out and BS

 

[KG1]

i shot competition (USPSA & SCSA) with jim a few times over the years/ he was always a nice guy. i was really bummed when he closed the store on broadway. it was a dun place to hang out and BS

Yeah he was a nice guy. Me and a buddy of mine used to frequent his store to buy stuff and he always had the time to shoot the breeze with us for a few minutes. We got to know him pretty well. That's the only shooting we did with him though.

 

[LtScott14]

Agree about the LGS stores at Sheemas, and Westforth. Sadly, times and areas change, and owners do age with the business.
Both were pretty old school ops places. With all the attacks on 2nd Amendment, doesn't surprise me that they choose to retire and enjoy some life goals.
Will miss them all to visit, and chat, trade and sell a few safe queens. Never felt overcharged to deal with them, they had to make an income to stay open.
Good luck to all, enjoy them while you can, buy some ammo, and extras too. It's only money, and go out and target shoot, too. They all taught us about the sports of firearms.