I recently visited Fred's Outdoors to purchase a firearm for the first time in Maryland, having only purchased in Florida before. I explained this to the man behind the counter, and he immediately understood my concerns about the differences in laws and procedures. He took the time to walk me through the entire process, answered all of my questions clearly, and remained patient and helpful as I looked at multiple options. The cashier was also friendly and efficient, which made the rest of the experience smooth and hassle-free. That said, I want to acknowledge that months ago, I stopped by to ask some general questions and had a very different experience. The women working the back counter at the time were rude and unhelpful, which left a bad impression. So I understand why some of the negative reviews exist and I'd also be cautious of overly glowing reviews from other users with no review history. In short, Fred's may be hit or miss depending on who helps you, but this visit when I was ready to make a purchase was quick, painless, and left me with no complaints. Based on this latest experience, I will return for additional purchases. read more

My uncle and I come here several times a year to shoot - his crossbow, my recurve. The space is intimate, but never crowded. The same guy is always upstairs working, and when white patrons come upstairs, he is friendly and attentive. When we, two black people, speak to him, he's short, and gives only the bare minimum. He never asks if we need help like he does the white patrons. He never cracks a joke or even smiles like he does with the white patrons. It's so frustrating that it's ALWAYS him and never one of the nicer folks downstairs - they're ALWAYS kind and personable. read more

Fred's Outdoors - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

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I called on Friday, 2/13 at 10:40 am to schedule an appt for finger printing for concealed carry. The young lady who made my appt and took my payment was rude, unprofessional and very short..AND hung up in my face after the appointment was made. I'm not sure what her problem was, but she definitely should not work with the public read more

I recently received my HQL (handgun qualification license) so my instructor took myself and a couple other classmates to Fred's for a little field practice with actual handguns. Prior to any type of shooting, you must view a 10 minute safety instructional video. I'm not sure of all the logistics, but I do know you can switch out weapons you want to shoot with. For instance, let's say you start off with one type of gun and realize it's a little too heavy for you, you can switch it out after your rounds to try another gun of your choice. Pretty cool option. Our instructor brought his own guns, so that's what we used. We were already familiar with those anyway. Located on Route 301 in Waldorf, Fred's Outdoors sells weapons, ammunition, gloves, targets, has a shooting range and so much more for the shooting enthusiast. Employed with several knowledgeable staff members, they were all eager to assist and explain anything that was unclear to us. At the time we came, only 4 lanes could be used to practice shooting, but 8 lanes are in total that can usually be used. Eye protection and ear protection MUST be used while shooting. You can bring your own, or some are provided for you. An actual safety monitor is posted up in the back by the lanes to insure your safety. My first experience was a pretty overwhelming experience, to say the least. It's loud, it can be a bit intimidating and it's a rush of adrenaline. After you get your first shots off, you get the hang of it, but again, IT's LOUD! Along with other documents completed, in order to purchase a weapon, you will need your fingerprints done. I believe the fingerprint person is onsite on Wednesday's to have that completed. All and all, my first experience here was pretty awesome. Not sure of the prices or the amount of time you're allowed to spend in the lane once arrived, so I advise you to inquire within. Due to the renovation to the other 4 lanes, it was a 30 minute wait, so I would wait until the renovation has been completed which should be after this Friday. Other than that, we didn't have any issues. Now that I'm correctly trained I have one thing to say, "Make My Day!" read more

Fred's Outdoors - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

If I could put 0 stars I would. To all those FAKE 5 star reviews go F**K yourself. If you want the absolute WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIECE AND TO WASTE YOUR MONEY at this establishment then go ahead. The worst experience I have ever had with the most RUDE staff in the entire location. Not even one person said hello while I walked in or asked me if I needed any help. Absolutely AWEFUL don't know how this place is still running. read more

They are very informative with knowledge pertaining to the various items they sell. From firearms to fishing, they are good!

As a new gun owner and member of Fred's Outdoors and I must say I appreciate the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe. The staff have a calm but firm demeanor which makes me feel like they have everything under control no matter what may pop off. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about all of the products and services they provide and though they get pretty busy, I've never felt rushed or felt as though I didn't have their undivided attention. Special shout out to Shanda, the lady at the front desk! I interact with her every time I go in there and she is always professional, helpful and friendly. Thank you! The only CON I have is during my practice time, it gets really LOUD in the shooting area. I double up on ear protection and it's still a lot. If they had separate lanes for the high caliber guns, maybe it wouldn't be so loud? I don't know but other than that, I really enjoy my time at Fred's and will continue to patronize this establishment. read more

Great Staff! Great Customer Service! If need help with Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Archery and Self Protection!

Love this place, I've been coming here for over 25 years. I would like to see the bloodworm prices decrease but Freds isn't in charge of that. read more

This was was first time visiting Fred's Outdoors. I was there to possibly purchase a rifle. I see they have a pull tab next customer numbering system for busy days. They weren't busy, so I was helped right away. I don't recall the gentleman's name whom assisted me. I chose a rifle, filled out the paperwork, got a few accessories and was out of the store in less then 30 mins. I was impressed with the overall service and hearing other employees interacting with other customers. I have been back a few times since my first visit. read more

All personal are friendly and highly experienced. If you're looking for a top notch range...This is it !!! Good prices and selection on ammunition and firearms. Outstanding training classes. Worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

I had a class there to get my concealed weapon license and the instructor Douglass was one of the rudest, cussing instructors I've ever experienced in my life. He do not know how to talk to people when they make mistakes or while teaching people he don't like and he claims to be a christian. SMH HE NEED TRAINING HIMSELF ON HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE!! I would never refer people to Fred's Outdoors for classes again. The staff there are very professional, but I don't know where they got him from. I will continue going there for my needs of ammo and other product and the range but that's it. No Referring anyone for training. read more

The white girl at the front counter never smiles extremely nasty attitude! she is always at the counter to the right when you walk in. 90% of people who shop there know who I am referring to. Also they are way over priced! read more

Service comes across very rude. Almost racist . I got my bow and paid for the arrow to get fixed, took it home Monday the cable broke. I came back Wednesday the guy fixed it and try to charge me again . No discount or anything. I have spent 1000s of dollars in this store and they showed no love. I hope that everyone who reads this never come back to this store again. If you are white you will be alright but they act funny towards black people. read more

Fred's Outdoors - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

Very happy with Fred's. I had a bad/wrong BCG on my AR15 and called to ask if they sold them. Brad told me they did and seemed to know exactly what was wrong with my AR over the phone. I got there and Joe told me in Laymens terms what I needed and what he would get. I followed his advice and it worked. Thank you very much! Will be back. read more

Retraction- found missing gun case! I have been going to Fred's for years now and I have always been very satisfied! Recently Kevin was most helpful to me. read more

Won't be back. It takes little to no effort to update your "temporary hours" on Yelp. I checked the website and Yelp, they both said the store closes at 6 PM. Waze even said it closed at 6 PM. I get in my car and drive a half hour to the store and I'm turned away at the door because they are only open for shooting. Then I see this flimsy hand written sign on the door that says "temporary hours." How are consumers supposed to know the store has temporary hours if its only posted on some flimsy piece of paper? Newsflash, people check Yelp and websites for this type of information so they dont waste their gas, time or effort. This store obviously doesn't respect the time and effort their customers put into shopping at their store. I can get what I need elsewhere. I won't be back. read more

Fred's Outdoors - Yelp says they close at 6 pm, I was turned away at 5:40 PM because they said they were only open for shooting. - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

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Dropped brand new 1911 SA off for some up grades early April. Trigger,sites, ambi safety, magwell,grips. TODAY I got back a an "inoperable" gun with no front site. NewTrigger won't reset. They Broke the front site I supplied. They Ordered me a new one so I waited only to be advised they can't install it. Not only that they can't install the ambi safety. The only consolation is that they suggested a gunsmith who at this point I almost have no choice but to use because of the issues with the gun. I waited 2 months and paid $30 for them to install grips and a magwell on a gun I can't even use now. I'm not one to submit these types of reviews but it's not like they didn't know they gave it back to me like this. Like taking your car to jiffy lube , them messing it up and then suggest you take it to the dealer right after they give you a bill. Not one more cent of my money and saying "Fred's Outdoors" will trigger a retelling of this story every chance I get. read more

worst gun purchasing experience. purchased a firearm & began waiting my 7 days. instead of contacting me and let me know there was a filing issue they waited until I came expecting my firearm to tell me that they will not be able to give it to me. will never purchase another firearm from them. Realco/ Maryland Small Arms/ or just simply never there again. read more

Great spot to get your hammers , The whole team is very knowledgeable with understanding the customers needs.

What a comfortable Range! Our Instructor Lee uses this Range for practice and compared to other Ranges, it feels very comfortable here. You must view an online video prior to using the Range and from the moment you enter the area to check-in to the Range, you feel safe. The female who does the Range check-in is absolutely excellent and she assures that all rules are being adhered to in a way that you can only feel safe. She is extremely organized, attentive and personable. I highly recommend this Range. read more

The lady at the front desk is very rude!!! She has to understand that without customers, you have no paycheck. My husband and son went to Fred's particularly the shooting range. She was very nasty and doesn't know who to speak to people. This has happened on multiple occasions. I will be taking my services to an establishment that exudes good customer service and I recommend everyone else does too! read more

CouchCritic review on Fred's Outdoors Waldorf. Really can say anything bad about this spot except for the cost. Came to shoot on the range and before leaving my card got raped for $147 dollars only 2 people. There is a policy that you must rent a lane per person even just to shoot one pistol. So a couple must pay for 2 lanes even if your only using one. ?????? Then the rounds which is really not they're fault cost $50 for 50. What happened to target rounds, BLANKS! If it wasn't for the cost the establishment was very professional and looked we kept. All the employees seemed knowledgeable and responsible. The lady who was in charge of the range moved people through flawlessly. Felt safe at all times. Now I wish they had 2 separate ranges for the people with high calibers because some nut was ringing my ears with a .44 mag. What can I say, if you don't care about spending $147 in 10mins Fred's is for ya. If they cannot come down on the prices this will probably be my 3rd or 4th option. Price fix #1 for sure. read more

Fred's Outdoors - Firing Range. - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

Cody and Jordan are the archery peeps whom have helped me very much in the multiple times I have gone there for my new obsession of archery. They are honest, skilled, informative and friendly. I appreciate all the help and advice as well as the upkeep of my bows and the products they have to entice me for more bows and arrows and other equipment to keep me sated! Go upstairs to check out the offerings and their nice practice target range! read more

I recently received my HQL late 2020 and decided to purchase my FIRST Fire arm from this location. I Put the special order in January 2021. Its March 8 , 2021 and still have not received it. On top of the fact this location was burglarized recently and I find that very ironic. Nonetheless the customer service is worst than Shaq at the free throw line. If your are in the Waldorf/southern md area and its your first time purchasing I do not recommend getting Freds to ( SPECIAL ORDER ) anything for you. No updates no info and no idea on anything just " WE'll call you " TERRIBLE. Like their doing you a favor read more

I recently went through all of the training, etc., to purchase a gun from Fred's Outdoors. I wish I could give it 5 stars, because the sales people were knowledgeable and helped me with what I needed, however, it is always busy and you are pretty much dealt with and then excused...... Here's my real issue.... Businesses taking advantage of customers! When it came time to taking possession of the firearm, the sales person told me that I "HAD TO" purchase a lock for the gun before I could walk out of the store.... he stated that even tho it comes with it's own lock in the box with the gun, you MUST purchase this lock and he brought out a barrel lock (photo below). So I now have 2 locks, the barrel lock cost me $24.99 (THE ONE I HAD TO PURCHASE)! They stated that I didn't even need to use it or put it in the gun at that time to walk out of the store, but that Maryland law requires this purchase. So then why do I HAVE to purchase a lock I do not need to use when exiting your store??? The second problem is, IT DOESN'T FIT MY GUN... so they made me purchase a lock and the lock doesn't work on my gun! This is just wrong and I want to ask around if anyone else has had this happen. This store basically told me that if I don't purchase this lock, I will not be able to take possession of the gun. read more

Fred's Outdoors - Lock that came in the box with the gun. - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

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Decent inventory but they price gouge pretty badly. Almost anything ammo and gun related they sale you can find significantly cheaper elsewhere, whether online (gunbroker.com, gun.deals) or at other gun shops. FFL transfer fees are also obscenely pricey at $75 for regulated handguns where some places charge as low as $35 (All Pawn and Guns in Whitefield) Feels as if they're taking advantage of new panic buyers and their lack of knowing what constitutes reasonable prices, even with this current economy. Go here only if you're willing to pay a premium for ok driving distance in P.G. County for viable stock. Otherwise do your research and take your business elsewhere or you'll likely regret buying something there only to find it SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper somewhere else later read more

Great experience buying my first gun! Went in on Saturday to look at what they had in stock and ask some questions. Was greeted at the door and at the gun counter when I walked up. I was up in the air between 2 types of guns I wanted to buy and the gentleman was very kind, knowledgable and had great points of view to help me decide. He gave me several things to go home and think about which I liked. Did not try to hard sell me on what he thought just answered my questions and made several suggestions. Ultimately I went back the next day and made my purchase. Sadly the gentleman was not there but the sales associate that helped me was just as nice and answered any follow up questions I had. Was able to purchase the gun I choose and was on my way in 30 minutes! Background and everything. Now that is great service! If I could add one more thing. I have seen a couple reviews insinuating that they didn't get the service they expected because they were "woman" never did I feel anyone had an issue with me either day or actually anytime I have been there looking. Everyone was great to the ladies who greeted me at the door and rang me up for my purchase to the guys at the counter. Looking forward to taking their HQL course and buying my handgun this summer! read more

I went to Fred's for the first time in years yesterday. I had gone up to MSAR to fire my new Sig and the place had a huge line going out the door... I went back and stopped at Fred's to buy some targets then go to Myrtle Grove. Then, I decided to review the range rules and price and was pleasantly surprised! They changed policy and now allow folks to bring thier own ammo (for personal weapons) and they also give Military (AD and retired) discounts. I decided to try it out... Wow, the range manager was a very nice helpful guy. The target carriages are computerized w/touch screens state of art features. As soon as I was done my brass was being swept out. The lady that checked me in was very nice. Not what I expected from Fred's of the past.. I will be back, for sure. read more

I visit the store for my first time over here in about it for years, and I found the staff very friendly. I found the shooting range extremely safe, and I appreciate their in our community. read more

Valerie was awesome... she has such an AMAZING personality and great customer service. We were first timers and was able to answer every question.... The Gentlemen in the range area was also very very helpful. He was very patient with demonstrating and explaining the firearms. Thank you guys so much. We had such an amazing time read more

Convenient for me but prices are high! Also not open on Tuesday and Thursdays. Customer service....

My first time visiting this Establishment. One of my friends and I decided to try our hand at Archery and were told Fred's offered 1 hour of "free" Archery shooting sessions. We enjoyed ourselves on our visit, but found the Staff unfriendly. read more

This is my favorite outdoor sports shop for sure. Family owned and run business, when I first considered purchasing my firearm at Fred's! I had read reviews about this place and they were horrible. My experience here was completely different, from the 1st call I made to Kevin whom was very professional, prompt, patient, and knowledgeable. Kevin made the entire process a pleasant one from helping me understand laws, maintenance, and most in important SAFETY when owning or handling firearms. I filled out my paperwork for my background and mental health status 2 days later I received a call that I was approved. The moment I entered the store I was first greeted by Madison who works as a cashier by the front door entrance, she was very polite, friendly and helpful. Madison directed me to Kevin whom assisted me with my purchase. After my purchase I was congratulated by the staff, welcomed as if I was part of the family and given a weekend lane pass to come shoot my firearm. I highly recommend this place for any outdoor sports or Home Defense(Fishing,Archery,Firearms,Airsoft) read more

Fred's Outdoors - Range Info - Archery Near Me - Waldorf, Maryland

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If you want a truly bad experience purchasing a handgun, go to Fred's Outdoors. If you like being treated like an inconvenience to them when you call - asking for an update on your paperwork and learn that there was a "problem" in submitting it, then go to Fred's. If you like being treated curtly and hung up on, you should patronize Fred's. I "was" a personal friend of Fred. I'm afraid this was lost when he hung up on me. If you think that I'm a troll, please look me up on Facebook or contact me on Messenger. I will give you the entire horror story. Johnyedlowski@yahoo.com read more

Took them five days to replace a string silencer on my bow that failed 50 arrows later. They didn't even reserve my cables as I asked nor laser my bow. All in all one silencer costed 20$ that took 5 days to put on. I will never go back read more

Freaking awesome! Went in with my wife as a birthday activity, the staff were nice and helpful, and the pricing for the range was better than what was around. Would love to go back! read more

I love Fred's Outdoors they are family oriented and all with the exception of one are Friendly. They have a great selection of firearms and also provide layaway if you really like something. I have been going there for a couple of years and would not consider going anywhere else to purchase a firearm. I have recommended Fred's to friends and they love it and I will continue to recommend this location. read more

Fred's Outdoors, have a very professional staff and their gun range area is very clean. The staff there is very knowledgeable of all kinds of weapons and they give great pointers on improving your shooting. I really recommend this place to shoot on a gun range. read more

Worst gun store I have ever been to. It took them three days to check in my lower receiver. They did not call me like they said they would when it finally got checked in. Their gun and ammo prices are ridiculously high. The guy I did my transfer with was rude. Finally, when I go to check out, the transfer fee is $75!!! The lady at the counter said the fee is high because all they do is transfers. How about you lower your prices, have better inventory and customer service and you would get less transfers. You couldn't pay me to step foot back in that store read more