Best gun shops in the Twin Cities?

[Paul]

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.

Before I do that, I'll pop into Gun Stop physically and see if I get anywhere.

Why would you even consider going to Gun Stop? They should be trying to earn your business, not the other way around. There are plenty of great places around the Metro to deal with, and all have comparable prices. There is no need to waste your time with BS like that.

Also, I would check with Thunderjohn on the board. He is a local dealer out of Savage. He is great to deal with, and his prices are very competitive. He has had pretty much the cheapest price on every item I have ran past him. Any new items I order go directly through Thunderjohn, and I don't bother to shop around.

[TCFurDad]

I had been told at one point (on a now defunct forum it seems) that they were the best shop in town and I was thinking that maybe this was just a fluke.

I'm happy to try the other vendors now that I know about them though.

[plblark]

whoa there horse.

I like Gun Stop. The reality is they're a small operation and every time I've been in are busy with customers in the shop spending money. Is their Customer Service the best. Nope. Do they have good items at reasonable prices? Yes.

That said, ThunderJohn is a class act.

[Paul]

whoa there horse.

I like Gun Stop. The reality is they're a small operation and every time I've been in are busy with customers in the shop spending money. Is their Customer Service the best. Nope. Do they have good items at reasonable prices? Yes.

They don't need to have the best customer service, just deliver what they promise. If they say they will call him back (repeatedly), they should do it. It's as simple as that.

[justaguy]

The "best" one is the one with the best price on what you are looking for.

[mrokern]

whoa there horse.

I like Gun Stop. The reality is they're a small operation and every time I've been in are busy with customers in the shop spending money. Is their Customer Service the best. Nope. Do they have good items at reasonable prices? Yes.

That said, ThunderJohn is a class act.

No customer service = no money from me. Larry has been nothing but rude to me every single time, and it's not like I haven't bought guns from him (I bought quite a few until I figured out there were nicer people...basically everybody...in the Cities). So, in the last year he lost the sale of 3 Kimbers, a Mossberg, 2 revolvers, a Kel Tec...and that's just what comes to my immediate mind. Plus, I steer everybody I can away from that store for guns.

I will, however, recommend the RELOADING side to everybody. John is an amazing fountain of knowledge, and a nice guy too!

On a happier note...

Yes, Thunderjohn = awesome.

-Mark

[JoeH]

I wouldn't say that Larry is rude. He's also not Mr. Fuzzy. No small talk. No smile. He just shows the guns. But he has never said anything rude to me. If you go to Gun Stop, know your stuff. It's not the place to go for a consultive sales process.

I've bought a couple of guns from Marv at Frontiersman and both experiences were very positive.

[1911fan]

Gunstop is a great place, and they do a lot of work with people around here, But like some people say that this is the "old boys network" so is Gunstop, Once you get your face recognized, and people start to know you, your service level goes up immensely, Is this right? no, but its the way a lot of gun shops work, because they get TONS of lookie lou's who come in, want to fondle everything on the rack and do nothing but look. If you get in and buy a gun or two, they know you're serious and they are a lot easier to work with.

[TCFurDad]

True, but I'm no "lookie lou". I basically told them that if they found the item, I would put down a deposit or whatever is necessary to special order it.

It was "find this and win my money". That's why it's been somewhat frustrating, or perhaps perplexing would better describe how I feel about the situation. It's not like I was looking for a Hi-Point either. The least expensive item on my list is the Kahr MK40 Elite 2003 or K40 Elite 2003 with an MSRP of $932-$1,054 (depending upon whether I want night-sights).

Oh, and don't get me wrong, I'm not downing Hi Point. I feel Hi Point has its place in the firearms world too. For example, if somebody wants a gun for home defense, but really doesn't have the money to get something nicer, a Hi Point in a bedroom drawer is better than nothing should the worst happen (ie: armed home invasion). I just brought up Hi-Point because I get the impression that there is very little gross-profit and net per sale compared to other firearms.

I honestly think that they just keep forgetting about me and that it's not intentional. It's not like I've never forgotten to do something. The only weird part is how it keeps happening repeatedly. Maybe I should specifically try to deal with somebody there other than the guy who I've been speaking to. Maybe it's just that his memory isn't working as well as it once did. If it's just that, I don't want to hold it against him or the store.

Tell me more about ThunderJohn though? Being somewhat new to the TCs, I know where Savage is, but I've never ventured over there to my knowledge. How far of a drive is it from downtown Minneapolis? 30 minutes?

[mrokern]

Gunstop is a great place, and they do a lot of work with people around here, But like some people say that this is the "old boys network" so is Gunstop, Once you get your face recognized, and people start to know you, your service level goes up immensely, Is this right? no, but its the way a lot of gun shops work, because they get TONS of lookie lou's who come in, want to fondle everything on the rack and do nothing but look. If you get in and buy a gun or two, they know you're serious and they are a lot easier to work with.

I'm glad some folks had that. I bought a number of guns from him (not including the literally thousands a few of my friends and colleagues collectively spent there) and went back hoping I'd get that experience...never did, so I moved my feet.

Agreed, their prices are the best. If you know what you want and price is the most important, that's the place.

-Mark

[plblark]

Must admit, most of my looking recently has been at Frontiersman. They're more convenient to me, have decent prices and Marv and Herb are good to deal with.

Hmmm... I'm soon in the market for a Springer Loaded Commander I think...

[Holland&Holland]

I have purchased several guns from the GunStop and done 2 transfers their for guns I purchased online. Never had any issues and nothing but professional service at a great price. They have always called me back when they stated they would and always seem willing to check a price over the phone for you. Easier by far to get ahold of than the gun counter at Cabela's. Just my .02

[mnglocker]

You cna't go into gunstop and be shy. If you speak up and say hello it will go 10x better. I've never been treated rude by Larry nor John boy at GS. The trick is the give and take. If you ask a question listen and if you ask for advice take it. If you don't it's a slap in the face to them and that doesn't go over well.

[mnglocker]

I should aslo add for my 2222 post that I've had good luck with Frontiersman and Prince Gunshop (In Milaca, so no not really the TC) too.

[Belgiboy]

Another vote for the gunstop here. It's also really close to my place and Larry has always been fair and helpful to me. I walk in around 10 am most of the time and when it is quiet Larry is a great guy to deal with. I would not hesitate to go buy at Bill's because those guys know their stuff and sweeten the deal with free range passes. From what I hear, their gunsmith service is competent and they are great about handling any repairs under warranty too. They are just too far away from for me to go browsing. I bought at ammocraft too, their selection is minimal but Ron will gladly order and they are my choice for transfers.
I am ashamed to admit that I have never set foot in the Frontiersman I'm even more ashamed to share that I bought my 686 in Gander Mountain. You live and learn.