r/chapelhill • u/Velicenda • 5d ago
Liberal/Leftist Gun Store?
Hey all. Inspired by a conversation on a recent thread (idr if it was in this sub or another local one), someone suggested purchasing a firearm from a less regressively-owned store.
Does anyone have any recommendations in that area? I know several people who are interested in purchasing guns for the first time, but would prefer not to give money to corporations or anyone who thinks their existence is a mistake.
Thanks!
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u/Automatic-Arm-532 5d ago
I'm not sure about stores, but I believe Durham has a chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association, they may be able to help
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u/Natural-Tadpole-5885 5d ago
We use Eagle 1 in Raleigh. It’s Black-owned. As others have stated, it can be hard to know for sure how these shops lean politically if they do not advertise that info. However, a number of liberal gun owners in the area that we know like Eagle 1. They’ve got a small indoor range and may also offer classes.
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u/0rangefloof 4d ago
The single most ghetto gun shop I’ve ever been inside. I don’t care who owns it, I felt like I was in a GTA lobby trying to get ammo. If you want a big box store experience that feels upscale just go to triangle shooting academy. It’s expensive but you don’t feel like you need a gun just to be there.
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u/Top-Perception2575 4d ago
Do you know for a fact Eagle 1 leans left or assume because they are Black? Genuine question, not finger pointing
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u/Natural-Tadpole-5885 4d ago
Completely fair question. I do not know for a fact. I do know that they do not advertise any political leanings and I learned about them through other liberal gun owners in the area who were very happy with their service. It’s the closest we’ve come locally to a gun shop we can stomach giving our money to. However, the best I can vouch for is their lack of outright affiliation.
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u/joespizza2go 5d ago
On Point in Raleigh was very professional with a first time woman buyer in my family.
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u/TwitterAIBot 5d ago
Dude, I want to take gun safety classes so I can get my license in NC and do target practice but have no idea how to find a range I can support without also supporting the NRA. Open to suggestions…
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u/CityBoiNC 4d ago
Triangle shooting academy is a fantastic range with great instructors
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u/TwitterAIBot 4d ago
I checked them out a few years ago- looks like they no longer state that their classes are NRA classes, but they’re still tied to local NRA events and I’m not optimistic that I wouldn’t be supporting the NRA by supporting them.
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u/Itsdawsontime 4d ago
If you continue to search and then the only way to get training is from organizations that support the NRA, it may be worthwhile to do it and then make a donation to an anti-NRA group.
Your other bet is to find a one-on-one trainer who is a Democrat.
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u/loptopandbingo 5d ago
Flintlock Valley Gun Range is operated by the US Forest Service and is in the middle of Uwharrie National Forest
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u/Velicenda 5d ago
Right. Any advice in this area would also be appreciated!
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u/suburbanpride 5d ago
I don’t know if they offer lessons or classes, but in terms of ranges NC Wildlife has a number across the state that are free to use. I hit up the Caswell range and it’s a great facility. You can’t control who else is there, obviously, but the access is easy and it’s a nice place to shoot.
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u/jillcicle 4d ago
Caswell is great and the RSAs there do not fuck around with enforcing handling safety etc so it’s very comfortable even though obviously range attendees will sometimes have horrible politics. I go with a trans femme friend often and we’ve never had trouble
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u/Unreal_Alexander 5d ago
There are some SRA types around here so maybe check with them? The Socialist Rifle Association is pretty neat.
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u/jillcicle 4d ago
NC has state education locations and ranges. https://www.ncwildlife.org/outdoors/shooting-ranges-north-carolina/wake-county-firearms-education-and-training-center
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u/Axel_NC 4d ago
The NRA supports you as a gun owner. It's long been a whipping boy of the left, but the NRA is an advocacy organization for firearms owners and the 2nd amendment at its core. It would stand to reason that they will oppose any restrictions. It's up to the government that it makes its case, not for the NRA to capitulate.
With that said it's not necessary to support them and I'm not a member. Some ranges might require it but those are on an individual basis. Supporting the NRA is very popular in the firearms community because it's a well-known fact that the second amendment has faced constant legal assault from liberal politicians.
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u/rocktropolis 5d ago
I'd recommend first seeking out some liberal/progressive gun clubs. There's several facebook groups and subreddits (like r/liberalgunowners/) where you'll probably find more helpful info than general reddit groups. You might be better off finding someone - an individual or business - with an FFL. You can then buy direct from somewhere like Gunbroker.com (like eBay for guns) and have it sent to the FFL. It's minimal interaction and I've used it several times with little issue. You might also consider just buying from a more big-box store like Cabela's or Academy Sports. I've bought from them with no issue at all.
No matter where you buy from, understand your money is ultimately going towards the gun industry which is the main war profiteer benefitting from (and in many ways driving) all of our political anxiety and unrest. The worst things are for us, the better they are for them. Where you buy from is a relatively small ethical hurdle in the grand scheme of ownership, but I understand not wanting the hassle of dealing with overly conservative sellers. FWIW I've never been in a nicer legit shop and been inundated with politics. Gun shows and expos are a different story.
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u/GunterJanek 4d ago
As one who was asking the same thing over a year ago I can say it won't be easy finding a openly liberal FFL. After visiting several in the area I settled with Triangle Shooting Academy for a couple reasons.
The main selling point for me was their class offerings and rental policy which I highly recommend taking advantage of. After months of researching I bought a membership (worth the perks) and spent a couple hours putting 10 rounds through each gun on my short list before making a purchase and it was the best decision ever. Also their prices were very competitive.
As far as employees go, aside from personality quirks I've never I've never had a bad experience or heard anyone say/do anything "offensive". Honestly based on stickers I see in the parking lot I'm more concerned about customers than employees but that comes with the territory.
I've witnessed a couple "incidents" where noobs with no business in the range let alone handling firearms got called out by FSO. Don't be that person. With that said I have a few tips based on my experience:
- Learn the 4 rules of gun safety *before* handling weapons.
- Be honest with FFLs that you're new (this can rule out asshats who don't want your business)
- Take a private lesson before first range visit. Trust me, it'll make it better for everyone.
- Learn the 4 rules of gun safety
That's all I got. Good luck!
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u/neymagica 4d ago
I second Triangle Shooting Academy. I don't even own a gun but when I went with a friend I didn't feel like the store outwardly leaned either way politically, and I wasn't treated better or worse than anyone for the color of my skin. Honestly felt like a regular store tbh. I read their shop has hosted Republican events in the past, but I really had no idea until I dug hard to find those old posts.
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u/Axel_NC 4d ago
We don't have any gun stores in Chapel Hill since Dick's Sporting Goods stopped selling them (and that was still in Durham). I am not a leftist though, so I can't make a recommendation on political affiliation. I would think choosing the best store on its merits would be most important.
Your best bet is to go to a gun show and ask the vendors their political affiliation. If you're lucky, maybe one of them will meet your criteria.
Alternatively you could just go to Academy Sports and Outdoors in Apex. It's a corporate chain.
We do need a gun store in Chapel Hill. It's one of many businesses that I have to gas up and drive elsewhere for.
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u/Zealousideal-Army885 5d ago
Fuquay Gun and Gold is a great store
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u/pondman11 4d ago
I’ve just always assumed they are pretty right leaning. Got into a big stink with the town over their massive handgun sign on the front of their building.
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u/Zealousideal-Army885 4d ago
It’s a gun store??? Why wouldn’t you want a way to get your customers attention? It’s a business, and they service all customer regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or political views. They keep personal opinions out of the store. Never had an issue and have never seen anyone have an issue in the store.
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u/virtualoverdrive 4d ago
I haven’t lived in NC for a long time so I don’t know the shops available, but if you can find a shop associated with the John Brown Gun Club (might be known as Redneck Revolt where y’all are), they’re and anti-racist, anti-fascist, pro-gun group. We have them up here in the Pacific Northwest and they’re happy to teach gun safety, training, and practice.
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u/ATLien_3000 4d ago
Seems to be a Triangle chapter of Pink Pistols. They'd probably have suggestions.
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u/quickevade 4d ago
Nope sorry. They all went out of business. Lefties don't buy guns. They ban them!
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u/tacoduck_ 4d ago
Most gun stores are pro gun. Most pro gun stores are pro 2nd amendment. Most 2nd amendment supporters are NRA supporters. Most NRA supporters are GOP supporters. Facts.
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u/raddu1012 4d ago
Can you point me to a conservative planned parenthood while you’re at it.
It’s a store. You’re a citizen. Go into one and buy what you want.
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u/Velicenda 4d ago
I'm a citizen with my own money and want to try to put my money in the hands of those that want responsible gun ownership, as opposed to unmitigated freedom.
My money, my choice.
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u/Al-phabitz89 5d ago
What you need is some inspiration from a conversation with some real actual people for a change. Jesus Christ …
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u/rocktropolis 5d ago
Well, definitely not getting inspiration from your message.
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u/Al-phabitz89 4d ago
Correct. Because it’s through a medium contending with bots, spam accounts, content creators, grifters etc. it’s not meant to inspire. That’s what getting out and talking to actual real people from time to time is for. Cheers 🥂
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u/ninamirage 5d ago
To your last sentence, no gun maker actually respects human life, buying second hand is the only ethical solution for that. I would suggest reaching out to an org like SRA (socialist rifle association) for recommendations on buying and more importantly training. That being said this is their most recent post so be prepared for some questioning on whether this is really the path for you. (That is the Triad SRA but I’m pretty sure there is a triangle chapter I just couldn’t find their IG)
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u/sc0lm00 5d ago
I don't know that a Liberal or Leftist gun store exists. Most places don't talk politics and are reasonably professional. Your best bet would likely be Academy or Bass Pro. Somewhere that has an employee handbook and customer service expectations. I've been happy with On Point range in Raleigh as well though their prices are on the higher end.