Online order from Bud's

I bought from them several times without any problems and then got my CC snatched and used from their system being hacked after my last order. That was my last transaction with Bud's, period. Oh, they sent me an e-mail letting me know, but I expect more security than that out of an online gun dealer. Didn't really cost me anything other than inconvenience, but Bud's didn't seem to care one way or another. They're pretty good about that. God forbid you have any problems with your new gun, because I'm pretty sure you're on your own after delivery and gun shipping can get expensive, whereas your local FFL will probably take care of all of it for you, so there is a little added value for the local guy. Plus, I like to take my warranty problems to a smiling face whenever possible.

Also, Bud's posted prices are misleading, because most people will never get to buy a gun at their posted prices, unless they're willing to wait a while for their gun to be shipped. You can add 3% for CC processing, along with another 1% for insurance that never made any sense to me. If they really think I wouldn't contest a charge with my CC company, if my order get's lost or stolen, they've got another think coming. Although, I'm not sure I'd have a leg to stand on, because of their disclaimer. IMHO, Bud's is somewhat deceitful in their pricing practices, however I will say that the truth is fully disclosed at the time of purchase. 4% of a high dollar gun is significant to me and with another $25-30 just to piss off my friendly local FFL, half the time I can do just about as well locally.

When ever you try to sell a used gun, the first thing knowledgeable gun buyers will do is quote Bud's advertised prices, without regard for the additional $45-50 a $500 gun will actually cost you. At first, I though I had found a hidden treasure in Bud's, but have found it's not quite all that great. I think I can live just fine without their services in the future.

I don't know about Dick's SG, but I do know Academy goes above and beyond on warranty issues. I would expect Dick's to, too.

I know of guns that have been back for warranty service 3 times or more and Academy took care of all the expenses. That's worth a good bit, IMHO.

Additionally, some of the major manufacturers are great about send a prepaid shipping label. S&W and Ruger come to mind, but I'm sure many others will, as well.

With Bud's, I believe their disclaimer states that any warranty issues are strictly between you and the manufacturer. For a tried and true gun, that may be OK, but it's a little scarry when buying a brand new model. There are reason's Bud's seems so cheap. The main ones being no store front rent and little to no customer service. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Bud's, because they do have their place and do help keep the other dealers honest, but there are trade offs. I was disappointed with the CC fiasco, but I know a time will come when the only place I can find a gun I want will be Bud's and I'll have to deal with them again. I'm sure I will, too, but I'll worry about it for a few months afterward.

As far as the lowest price goes, check Bud's sister company, Jet Guns. They are usually even cheaper than Bud's by $20 or so. Another online vendor I have had good luck with is Davidson's Gun Genie. Even if you don't buy through them, you'll get a more realistic price from them to use as ammunition with your local dealer. Most of them can't match Bud's prices, but can either match Gun Genie's or use them to place the order to their shop for you. With them, your FFL is kept happy and you're taken good care of, along with getting a lifetime warranty through Davidson's.

I knew that, but it isn't quite the same as your neighborhood dealer paying high rent in a strip mall and struggling to sell enough guns to cover the rent. I would imagine that if you dealt with one of their stores, they'd probably also ship a defective gun back for you, however that doesn't do us much good down here. At any rate, Bud's couldn't afford to maintain the inventory they have on the income from their brick and mortar stores. Bud's claim to fame is warehousing and internet sales, and I have to admit, they are king of the hill in that arena.

Actually, they don't even have to maintain that much warehouse space, because a good many of their orders come shipped directly from the distributor to your FFL. They have to have very special relationships with their distributors, because most dealers around here say they can't even buy the guns from their distros for what Bud's sells them for. Makes it tough for the small town dealers. Bud's is kind of like the Walmart of the gun world.