Best gun shops in the Twin Cities?

[TCFurDad]

I have been wanting to get several guns for a while now. I have the money and am ready to buy, but it almost seems like nobody is interested at the shop I've been speaking to.

The items aren't the most common guns, for example Kahr all-steel guns (at a time that Kahr sales are focused on their polymer offerings). They're not common, but not rare either. I called Gun Stop several times now, each time asking about if they could get them in, etc. Each time they tell me they'll call me back. It's been over 6 months now though of phone tag.

So, I'm ready to look elsewhere. Before I do that, I'll pop into Gun Stop physically and see if I get anywhere. I realize that the most likely scenario is that they're just busy and forget about me. I don't think that it's personal or anything like that. I was trying to use Gun Stop because I had been told that their customer service was superb, but for whatever reason, they seem to not be interested in looking into ordering the items I want. I know they're not the easiest guns to find, but they're current production items.

What are the best gun stores in the Twin Cities? I live in downtown Minneapolis near Target's HQ. Close is good, but quality service and fair prices is better.

Thanks for your help.

What I'm looking for - Kahr MK40, Kahr K40, FNH FS2000,S&W 610

The store doesn't need to have them in stock, and I'm happy to wait months if need be while they're on order, but I need a store that will be helpful in placing a special order and not just forget about me. Before I moved here, I used a gun store that was on top of my special orders. They'd even call me periodically to let me know what they've heard about how much longer it will be until the item comes in. I miss that quality service.

btw - I'm not trying to slam/bash Gun Stop. I have heard great things about them. I think the primary issue is that they might be disorganized and I know that they're very busy.

[bstrawse]

I recently ordered a shotgun through Bill's for a brand that they carried (Stoeger) but one that they didn't have in stock - Squib Joe handled the transaction for me, kept in touch with me, and let me know when it arrived - wait was about 10 days or less as I recall.

I thought it was superbly handled and will continue to do business with them -- I've also bought in both of their stores and had great service both times.

Hope this helps -
b

[1911fan]

I think the best place in town to order in guns to is Al's in WBL, He tends to have access to good distributors and he adds minimum markup on a gun he has no risk on. It has been his pattern to call the distributor while you're there, confirm its in stock or not, and then take your money and order it. That way he is not hanging on a 900 dollar gun and he tells you flat out cost vs sales price. The gun shows up in a couple of days and your golden.

[gunshop guy]

I am obviously biased, but Bill's was my place to go before it was my place to work.

[TCFurDad]

Oh, also, while it's not necessary, a shop that also has a good selection of high-end knives would be great. However, like I said, it's not necessary. I usually order my knives online from New Graham Knives (great prices and very friendly over the phone). I do know though that usually gun shops concentrate on their core business - firearms, so if there is a place that has both - awesome, if not - no problem.

Price is fairly important to me. $20-$30 more is no biggie. $75+ more is a bit of a problem for me. I'll pay a little extra for better service. I just don't want to spend too much extra because it adds up after a while. The place I used to use (not in this state - it was before I moved) had both. Great customer service, and the best prices in probably 100 miles.

I suppose I could always buy through them and do a transfer via FFL here, but I like to pay for my guns in cash whenever possible. The last time I bought something from a gun shop with plastic, the card company put a lock on my card and it was a pain to get resolved. Supposedly (according to the rep I spoke with) - anything with the name "police supply" or "guns" etc. causes an automatic lock on the card. Ever since then I've paid cash. It's easier for me. At one point I bought a prepaid VISA card that I would replenish to use for gun purchases so that if it got locked, no biggie b/c my main CC would still be fine. I gave it up though once I saw how much they were charging me in monthly and per-transaction fees. At one point I didn't use the card for months. The monthly fees added up and put my card into the red. So I got rid of that too and like I said before, I just pay with cash.

[FirearmFan]

Another place to try is Frontiersmen in St. Louis Park. It is also very close to Gunstop.

[phorvick]

Take a road trip to Jerry45 at the Carry Depot in rural Alexandria.

http://carrydepot.com

[1911fan]

Don't expect the warm cuddlies from Al, its just not in his nature, but he's fair and honest. I trust him.

[TCFurDad]

Alexandria? As in the home of the Kensington Rutnestone Museum? That Alexandria? That looks like it's gotta be a 5 hour drive or something. Am I wrong? I've been meaning to go up there to visit the museum, so I could visit the store while there, but it seems awfully far a place to routinely be doing business with.

[TCFurDad]

Also, while we're at it, what are the best places around to shop for knives?

My favorite brands are Benchmade and Spyderco. I was going to buy a Microtech knife just before I moved to MN, but I'm glad that I didn't since it could have landed me in trouble once I moved (I didn't know I was going to be moving to the Twin Cities back then). I also have some interest in Cold Steel, but so far I've just looked and not bought any. I just seem to have a preference for Spyderco and Benchmade. I guess I'm a "fanboy"when it comes to that. New Graham Knives is a great shop, but it's tough to shop through them when all I can really do when shopping is draw out the dimensions on paper to get an idea of what it would be like if I bought it. I'll tell you this though, if for whatever reason I were to find myself driving through Bluefield, Virginia, I would stop there and I would probably drop a few grand. Then after I realize how much I had just spent on knives, I'd go back inside to buy something to settle my stomach, because they double as a pharmacy. lol.

Anyways, thanks guys. I appreciate the help.

[tweener]

another vote for gunstop and frontiersman.

[mrokern]

Go to Frontiersman, talk to Marv. If they don't have it, go to Bill's, talk to Doug. One of those shops should be able to help you out.

I won't ever shop at Gunstop again except for reloading, but that's me. I shop where my business is appreciated.

-Mark

[monschman]

I will second frontiersman, Marv and Paul both contacted me seperately to wish me a happy birthday and to let me know they had a line on a Sigpro SP 2022 in 40s&w that I have been looking for for over a year now. They can cost a little bit more on some items but the prices are always fair, and bless em they are more than willing to bend over backwards for my little ferret on crack brain. Also get on Marv's email list, always good for news and entertainment. I have his Christmas card from last year on my home computer as a screensaver

[nyffman]

Don't expect the warm cuddlies from Al, its just not in his nature, but he's fair and honest. I trust him.

I'll second everything. You won't get a hug from Al, either before or after a deal, but I've dealt with him several times and he's as straight up honest as they come. Just don't mention any of his, umm, setbacks, while you're there and you'll probably get along just fine.

[TCFurDad]

I'm not quite sure I'm following you as to "setbacks"?

Or is this something that I'll understand when I meet him? Like a lisp or something?

Not that it matters. I just am not sure exactly what you mean.