Posted: 10/23/2007 8:04:42 PM EDT
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I just moved to MN and I turned my application for a permit to purchase yesterday, so it looks like I'll be in the market for some firearms pretty soon. I'd like to get a pistol and an AR. I live in Minneapolis and I've checked out Gun Stop and Bills in Robbinsdale. Are there any other good stores I should look at? Gun Stop seemed like a nice place. As far as ARs go, I think I'd like to get a 6920. I saw one at Gun Stop, but I've also heard horror stories about disreputable dealers slapping miscellaneous uppers onto Colt lowers. Is this something I should be worried about? They seemed really nice when I stopped in a few days ago (guy behind the counter talked to me, didn't treat me like an idiot for asking what I needed to do to get a permit, etc.). I'd just hate to get ripped off the first time I buy a firearm. So I ask the forum for its collective wisdom: Are they good to do business with? Also any other advice you guys feel like dishing out to a new guy would be welcome as well. |
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Welcome to Minnesota! Pretty much my whole family is from Illinois, small world, eh? have As far a Bills goes, I prefer the guys at the Circle Pines location (Bill's North) - they seem to be an easier going bunch and quite helpful. I try and hit Bill's North at least once a month - I really like the range also. |
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You will not find better prices in a regular store then the Gun Stop their prices are the best and they trade guns. You can not trade guns at Sportstmans Warehouse, and they have good prices too. Gander Mtn. has gotten way over priced. Heck they had a used G17 tan frame for over 600 bucks when there was/is one for 499.00 at GS. The Gun Stop is actually to seperate operations. There is the gun part and the reloading part. If you want reloading equipment well there is no store with a peer in the upper midwest! Bill's either flavor will have higher prices then the other two mentioned places. J&S in Lakeville has some hardware that is perhaps over priced to say the least. If you want defensive handgun ammo the best place is is Streichers in Plymouth. They have used guns at times that are great buys, police trade ins. They have a decent selection of holsters and plenty of 5.11 gear. Cabelas is over priced on some stuff, and at times there seems to be so decent deals during promotions that they run. The Frontiersman has nice selection of guns, but the prices are a higher the the first two mentioned places. |
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I've bought a couple guns from Gunstop, and Sold a couple there... They're GREAT guys to deal with there, and if you EVER want to get into reloading, talk to John there, and he'll get you setup straight, show you how to set up your work bench, how to adjust your dies better, etc... Competitive prices, Great service, Good Selection... Lots of reasons I buy there... For the most part, I don't think you can go wrong there. If you're looking to sell a gun, for whatever reason, they're a good place to go. They'll give you a better price than any other gunshop I've ever checked because they have an extremly LOW profit margin on their used guns (they like having the higher turnover rate on them - the longer it sits in their cases, the more money they lose). It's a good shop, reputable dealers, and very knowledgable. Welcome to Minnesota!  Don't forget to get your CCW Permit (look into Defensive Edge Training & Consulting / SLR-15 for a good course), and you'll be covered for 5 years with the CCW Permit that also acts as a Permit to Purchase for 5-years... |
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Kind of off topic, Did Larry take over operations after Howard Hall passed? I have not been to GS since he did. GS is the best around. GS is located at their new location just west of the intersection of CO RD 3 and Co RD 4 in the strip mall on the north side of the road. I think think the town name is Glenn Lake. |
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Gunstop . 14704 Excelsior Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55345 (952) 474-0211 reloading (952) 474-4570 guns It is easy to find! Go west of the intersection of Excelsior Blvd and Eden Prairie Rd (Cty 4) They are on the north side of the street. First comes the BP Station, office bldg, Post Office, and then the GS! In big letters on the front of the building! You can not miss it! |
Yep, he did, he's got some new help as well, but he does run it now near as I can tell. Which reminds me, I need to hit there this weekend, get rid of a 228 and see what I can parlay that into there...  To the original poster: Yes, GS is really a good place to shop or look. Larry is really good about answering any question tossed in his direction, and making sure it's correct (i.e. no "The .223 tumbles in flight like a buzzsaw!" or "The 9mm carbine here is great for long range sniping!" crap). If he doesn't know the answer...he won't make one up, he'll say "I don't know, let me go find out". Great selection of handguns, great selection of rifles (hunting and EBR), and great selection of shotguns. All the used stuff is clearly marked as such..they got a reputation to uphold, and they're doing a great job of it. Bill's also has a good selection, and has the added bonus of a range attached, but...IMO, they tend to price things on the high side, although I have seen a few really good deals there on used guns. If you want to try-before-you-buy, Bills is the only game in town, and it's not bad at all. Bills also carries apparel and cases and such. |
| I got my Glock 19 at the old location about this time last year (they moved, right?). It was kind of cramped, but the prices were better than any walk-in store I've seen, and the guy behind the counter was much more down to earth and normal than a lot of gun store types. If it wasn't so far I'd make regular trips. |
| I bought my first pistol there and I was amazed by the selection, prices, and most of all the service. I was 21 years old and they were happy to show me what they had unlike other places who did not take me seriously. I will always take my business there first. |