John Forsey Guns to Close

[jonathankent]

Just read the sad news that another long standing gun shop is to close

John Forsey

John Forsey Guns to close after 66 years as founder retires

The thing I find surprising is that the shop is closing and not being sold as a going concern. I appreciate it’s a tough industry but a business that’s traded for 66 years and has a great reputation, surely that would be worth a younger owner giving it a go?

 

[Hambone]

More sad news

 

[Malxwal]

Perhaps ownership of premises could be a hurdle ?

 

[bottletopbill]

Went there a few weeks ago for 243 bullets not one in stock.
Been going down hill the last few years.
Folks were going to Biggin hill guns or country way guns
Brought my first shotgun there when aged 18yrs now 68yrs old

 

[jonathankent]

I guess they’ve been running down their stock in the knowledge of closure. I noticed they don’t have many guns in stock, they used to be the go-to place for Benelli

 

[LarryLightFoot]

They are local to me and whilst they were always polite and welcoming ( to a degree ) they were clearly stuck in a time gone by, whenever I asked for common caliber rifle ammunition it was like a Harry Enfield sketch, sucking of the teeth and a nonsense elaborate excuse and the shop was like a car boot sale . Tough times but if you aren’t going to make the effort etc etc then people go elsewhere .

 

[LarryLightFoot]

Went there a few weeks ago for 243 bullets not one in stock.
Been going down hill the last few years.
Folks were going to Biggin hill guns or country way guns
Brought my first shotgun there when aged 18yrs now 68yrs old

Exactly this ^^^^

 

[enfieldspares]

Well I am not surprised a B25 Browning with an awful stock lengthening job and they want £895? You're having a laugh!

Browning A1 Game 12 Gauge 27.5” | johnforseyguns

For more information call 0208 304 9922 or email johnforseysales@gmail.com

www.johnforsey.co.uk

 

[scotch_egg]

I remember their shooting times adverts. Keep with the times or it will happen unfortunately.

 

[nic531]

It used to be THE place for wildfowling and big bore shotguns.
I used to go there for fowling loads and to Phil, at Chatham guns for my other stuff when I was posted there with the army.
Both now sadly gone

 

[Klenchblaize]

RIP Gentrys. It's how I shall remeber John Forsey's endeavours as a gun shop owner from the late 60's through to the change in name.

K

 

[Klenchblaize]

John's 1st outlet was a combined Tobacconist & Gun Shop located here:

K

 

[terrier1]

Just read the sad news that another long standing gun shop is to close

John Forsey

John Forsey Guns to close after 66 years as founder retires

The thing I find surprising is that the shop is closing and not being sold as a going concern. I appreciate it’s a tough industry but a business that’s traded for 66 years and has a great reputation, surely that would be worth a younger owner giving it a go?

Just a common sense decision after the lead ban you'll see a lot more close. But this is what is best for the future of our sport according to our shooting organizations. So let see who is right.

 

[mudman]

My local gun shop closed last year. W. Richard’s in Pocklington. He wanted to retire just could not get a buyer, there was an amount of interest but none of the prospective buyers could obtain loans from banks, because the business was a ‘GUN shop’. Debanking it could be described as.

 

[Liveonce]

Far easier ways to make a living than running a gun shop, my friend who does once told me do you want to know how to make a million £ out of a gun shop ? ……….. start with two million

I bet with the what doubling of RFD certificates fees more of the small one man type will close over the next few years as their renewals are do, especially if close to retirement age. Will be less and less gun shops going forward.

 

[willie_gunn]

John's 1st outlet was a combined Tobacconist & Gun Shop located here:
View attachment 443456
K

Just down the road from where Welling Model World used to have their shop!

 

[bottletopbill]

Gentry's had a shop next to Bexleyheath bus garage where i brought my first shotgun over fifty years ago.
Then i remember them where the photo is ringed

 

[Klenchblaize]

Gentry's had a shop next to Bexleyheath bus garage where i brought my first shotgun over fifty years ago.
Then i remember them where the photo is ringed

Then it became "Smiths"?

K

 

[bottletopbill]

That was the only time i went there until there present location.

 

[newsatten]

Don Grey in Chatham were I brought my first shotgun,
Circa 74’
Brought a number two AYA from John way way back.
I’ve had a life time shooting, I fear only olderns will be able to say that !