Local gun stores seem to survive the crunch of a large brick and mortar chain store better than local fishing stores. Usually there is more knowledge in the local gun shops and they have loyal customers. The LGS's often have a gunsmith. I trade with two local shops one of which has a gunsmith who will tell you his limits. They have all the business they can stand. What I lament is the death of the smaller fishing shops, especially fly fishing, in my area. The small mom and pop shops were often outlets for local fly patterns, handmade specialized accessories and artwork from local craftsman and artists. Bass Pro offers the same mass produced products as does Cabelas as does any number of online merchants. Prices rarely vary.