Out of rogue curiosity what is it that you dont like about gun shops?
Basically years of being told by 80% of gun store staff that they are ex-Navy SEALS, snipers, or have some other unrealistic military background that is obviously not true. Being flat out lied to about this gun or that one to try to get a sale or overhearing a bunch of BS being told to a different customer to try to get them to buy the gun they have in stock over the one they don't. I could go on (ever been in Kempf's Gun shop? What an *******), but you get the picture. It's no different than most other businesses, but over the years I've gotten to the point that going to a gun store to buy a gun is a necessary evil over something that is enjoyable.
There are exceptions, of course, and I don't think every store is that way. I just decided to avoid it if possible.
Big R is good, there is no gun store BS. The two guys that run the counter are very friendly and don't mind doing a transfer at all. Plus they'll price match and have an uncanny ability to have exactly what I want in stock despite not having a huge selection (which has cost me a small fortune this year ). There's nothing like going to the store for hose clamps and chicken feed and coming home with another gun.