buying guns at academy

[texjames]

I buy a lot of firearms at Academy. They have some of the best prices IMO. It never takes me anymore than 15 to 20 minutes.

I highly doubt they farm data from the 4473's.

Same here....Never any problems.They have good prices but i'm retired AF and our BX is better lately and no sales tax.

[gfmun]

I worked the gun bar at an Academy in Fort Worth for a few months. The 4473 was not entered into a computor. Once the nightly inventory was complete it was put in a locked file cabinet.

thanks,
George

[bpet]

Put me down as an Academy fan.

I've purchased multiple firearms at Academy and never had a bad experience. Always prompt, courteous, knowledgeable, and professional in dealing with paperwork.

[JJVP]

Put me down as an Academy fan.

I've purchased multiple firearms at Academy and never had a bad experience. Always prompt, courteous, knowledgeable, and professional in dealing with paperwork.

Same experience here.

[rbrecount]

I've bought three guns at Academy. about twenty to thirty minutes, depending on how quick the manager comes to check the paperwork. Being escorted is kinda funny when you're concealing. The selection is good, the prices competitive, the help is fairly knowledgeable. Some of them own guns too.

I wish they had a greater variety of ammo,tho.

[dalto]

I too, have bought guns at Academy. In the store I go to they don't escort you out the door, they escort you to the register at the front.

My transactions have typically taken 20-30 minutes once I decide what I want. The sales people vary in knowledge but most of them are not that sharp.

The only place I have ever had a transaction take more than an hour was at walmart.

[djwdjw]

Last couple I bought were done in 15min or less. They seem to do a reasonable volume and have the process down pat.

[RiverCity.45]

I like Academy, they usually have fair prices on ammo, camping gear, and clothes. That said, I would NEVER buy a firearm there. From what I heard it takes anywhere from 2 hours to all day to complete a firearms transaction there. I prefer to buy online and do a transfer through a forum member, or use the classifieds on the forum.

I have purchased several guns at Academy. It's never taken me more than 20 mins, once the transaction started. 2 hrs to a day? Someone has been exaggerating a wee bit if that's the story you've heard.

[cbucher]

Like others have stated I have had good experiences as well. It has never taken very long to complete the deal.

[camjr]

I bought a snubbie there about 3 years ago. No worries, no issues, in and out in less than 20 minutes. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Their prices are usually very good on most things. The guy usually behind the counter of my local store has been there forever and is a pleasant gentleman that knows his stuff.

Having said that, I went about 8:30 at night during the week, and had their undivided attention.

Cheers!

[Katygunnut]

I like Academy, they usually have fair prices on ammo, camping gear, and clothes. That said, I would NEVER buy a firearm there. From what I heard it takes anywhere from 2 hours to all day to complete a firearms transaction there. I prefer to buy online and do a transfer through a forum member, or use the classifieds on the forum.

I have purchased several guns at Academy. It's never taken me more than 20 mins, once the transaction started. 2 hrs to a day? Someone has been exaggerating a wee bit if that's the story you've heard.

I read one experience on this forum where someone claimed that it took them several hours. Other than that, I don't think I've seen or heard any claims of the process taking more than 30 minutes or so. Personally, I've bought 9 guns from various Academy locations, and my max wait time was 40 minutes. That was a day when they were absolutely slammed. Typically, its closer to 15-20 minutes.

I also don't really get the complaint about being escorted to the front door. The person walking with you is usually friendly and I have a good conversation in the 5 minute walk.

My only knock on Academy is that most of the folks working their gun counter are not real knowledgable. It's definitely not a good place to do research on guns, but there are plenty of other sources for information that can help you decide what you want. They are also not real knowledgable on golf clubs or anything else. If you need expert advice, go elsewhere. If you know what you want, and are looking for a good price, then Academy is a good choice, IMHO.

[e-bil]

I've had two bad experiences with Academy. Buying my PT-140 took over an hour because the manager was more interested in finding someone else to do it than getting it done. This on top of the perp walk they give you post purchase. The second was when I waited and was ignored in favor of other customers for over 20 minutes to get a couple boxes of Hornady TAPs. These were two different stores as well (Westhiemer and Tomball). The first I could do little about but the second time waiting for ammo was a happy day for the local range since they had them in stock and was only a couple bucks more expensive.

[.45mac.40]

Never purchased a firearm at Academy ... have shopped there, noticed prices are pretty good. BUT....

Yesterday at Cabelas in Buda, I bought a DPMS sporty 7.62X39 ... listed 799. on REDUCED SALE for 729....the Baskin' Robbins wait.. #50 .. I was # 61, I browsed // dodged the masses during my half hour wait.
Picked out said rifle, filled out paper ... went to cashier counter .. and was walked to the front door by a cute little gal. TOTAL time, 30 minutes !

Good experience ... I like Cabelas ... and the Chili, at the upstairs restaurant, isn't too bad .... especially in this crazy, wet / cold weather !
Thanks for being here !

Mac .45 > > >>>> # %%%% #

[Medic218]

I've only bought one gun at Academy but I'd have to say it was pretty painless. In and out in less than half an hr.
As far as being walked to the front by a manager, I couldn't care less. Its their policy and if thats what it takes then thats what it takes and I'm ok with that.

[G.A. Heath]

My issue with being walked to the door is this. I have purchased the item, I have proven that I am legally able to carry a handgun, and yet they will not hand me my property until after I leave the building. Other than that I usually find better deals at other dealers than with Academy. Once I pay for the firearm and the 4473 is completed then its mine, and not theirs. If they don't want me walking past the customer service desk with a cased/boxed handgun, rifle, or shotgun then they need to move the gun counter to a location next to the front door.