Bud's Gunshop

[Guest Oaklands]

Recently, I posted some comments about they way I was treated at Bud's Gunshop. We were discussing the service at Coal Creek Armory. I wanted to share my experience I have recently had with Bud's.

If you look on the web, you see mostly good reviews of the place. I have been in their store 2 times and they have been very cordial and helpful. I can say for a place to walk in and do business, I would buy from them.

If you order something listed on their site, apparently they are pretty good to deal with based on the reviews I have read. I cannot vouch for this as I have not ordered from them.

Next, is if you go in the store, find something you like, then try to buy it from them from long distance. I live outside of Knoxville and found a Para Ordnance refurb I was very interested in. This gun was not listed on their site. I tried to call at least 15 times (the number they have listed) and sent several e-mails. One guy did try to call me 2 days later and I missed the call. All their voice mails are full and will not accept any more messages. Gurney, the guy in charge of trades does not answer e-mails but is very nice on the phone when I finally did get through to him. (See more about this below)

I then did some more research and found another number which is their number they have listed in the local phone book and for LEO's to call. I called it and finally someone answered the phone. I explained my predicament and they got Gurney on the phone. He pulled the gun from the cabinet and told me he had it on his desk. I offered to give him a credit card to hold the gun. He told me it was not necessary. I let him know I would call him this Monday to let him know for sure which gun I was going to trade.

I tried to call him Monday and they transferred me to him and I got the full voice mail message. I sent him an e-mail and no response. I called again and said he was holding a gun for me and needed to talk to him. What did they do, they transferred me and I got the same full voice mail again.

I decided this was enough and after a discussion on this forum, decided 2 things. Most people don't like the Para Ordnance Companion and I could not see myself buying something from a company I could not contact. If it is this hard to buy something from them, what would it be like if I had a problem or question.

If you don't believe what i am saying, call the number on their website and try every option they give you when you call. Every option will lead you to a voice mail that is full. I am a business owner myself and would be out of business if I treated my potential customers and current customers this way.

My apologies for rambling and putting a company down. I just wanted to share my experience and frustration. On a positive note, I found a brand new American Classic II for $409.00 and ordered it tonight along with an extra magazine. I'm getting a brand new gun for $90 cheaper with a lifetime warranty and from a brand I already love.

[Motasyco]

I've bought a couple of times from Bud's. Smooth, quick, and easy. I was completely satisfied. But I didn't have to call them. I agree, it is very frustrating when you can't talk to a real person when you call a business. And one you can understand.

[jay1313g]

Bud's is blocked on my work computer so I tried to call them and received the "voicemail is full" message also.

Too much business, I guess.

[Guest 70below]

Now that they just do web sales and the Police Supply, getting someone on the phone is more difficult. Web sales seem smooth though. If you see something in store, its probably just better to jump on it then if you can and work out the transfer later in the case of a handgun.

[Guest bkelm18]

Bought several items from Bud's. Never a hitch.

[Volzfan]

I've ordered from them before without any issues and even placed a call and spoke with Brandon on the first attempt.

[TGO David]

I've purchased from Buds in the past but only when they had a smoking deal on something that none of my local dealers could touch. My rule of thumb is pretty much if it's within $100 of local, I will buy local.

As a result, local shops get the vast majority of my business. It's a lot easier this way and it's supporting the local guys who I want to see stay in business.

[TripleDigitRide]

I have made a few purchases with Bud's -- all were very smooth.

My latest purchase was a DW CBOB, and they couldn't have been more helpful. I didn't have any issue with getting someone on the phone when I had questions before and during the transaction. I sent them an email requesting some info, and someone responded via email at nearly 10:00 PM.

Business is booming for them, so I'm not surprised you are having issues as you've described. I, too, get very frustrated when I need/want to talk to someone right away, but am forced to wait. Sounds like they need to hire a few extra hands.

[Guest Oaklands]

When you talk to someone they are nice as can be. The problem is getting to talk to someone. Remember, I said this was kind of special circumstance where I saw the gun in the store, was not listed on the web site, and needed to talk to someone to make a trade.

The one time I talked to Gurney was like talking to an old time friend. It's the tryining to talk to them where it gets bad. They really need someone manning the phones.

[gnmwilliams]

Same situation with my last purchase. Bought a Ruger Mark III Hunter plus a red dot sight. Gun showed up quickly, still waiting on the red dot. Can't get anyone to answer phones.

[BryanP]

I've purchased from Buds in the past but only when they had a smoking deal on something that none of my local dealers could touch. My rule of thumb is pretty much if it's within $100 of local, I will buy local.

As a result, local shops get the vast majority of my business. It's a lot easier this way and it's supporting the local guys who I want to see stay in business.

What he said. The only time I will order something is if I absolutely can't find it locally at an even vaguely reasonable price.

[nolo]

I've ordered several guns from them without any problems.

[Guest Oaklands]

Same situation with my last purchase. Bought a Ruger Mark III Hunter plus a red dot sight. Gun showed up quickly, still waiting on the red dot. Can't get anyone to answer phones.

Try this number, 859-368-0417. That is the their number from the Police website and the one they answer. Be sure not to let them transfer you to someone or you will get the same ordeal. Have them personally get the person you need to talk to. Good luck....

Edited November 28, 2009 by Oaklands

[Guest buttonhook]

I bought a walther 9mm pps from them..no problems had the gun in 2 days plus I paid no sales tax or shipping fees. I thought I messed up the order so I called them on the phone to make sure i didn't buy the Mass. aproved version. I had to wait on the phone but the phone system keep telling me how many callers were ahead of me and appx. time left. They also responded to my emails with in a day. they were super freindly and helpful. I had it sent to a local FFl and paid their fee. I saved money and the local shop also made money WIN WIN. I will buy from them again.

BTW they have just built a new store/w range so that might be why some of you had problems and I didn't...maybe they upgraded their stuff or their stuff was in flux during the construction who knows....but I had ZERO issues

[gnmwilliams]

And the Lord looked at the thread and said, "Ariiiise!"

Edited July 2, 2010 by gnmwilliams

[kb4ns]

And the Lord looked at the thread and said, "Ariiiise!"

[Desert Rat]

I only purchase on-line when my local Pusher can not find it. Then I go to Bud's as they have my FFL holder listed. Now I just put my name on a waiting list and when my pusher can find it then I get it.