I visited their store yesterday and their customer service is awful. As soon as I walked in the door an old man greeted me and asked why I was here. My response was "Oh I am just going browse around and see what you have". He immediately looked me up and down, I am on crutches because of a surgery, and says "we close at 5pm" (Angry and annoyed tone) The time was I believe 4:50pm and I understand that you are about to close but I am a potential paying customer who was given grief because I wanted to look around right before they closed. To say the least they will not be getting my business from here on and I will tell all my friends not to even bother going to their store. read more

Are you an older wealthy white gentlemen? Then this place is probably for you. Otherwise, you will likely receive subpar treatment and seemingly uninterested attitudes. On top of that, every employee in your vicinity will watch you like a hawk, even follow you, expecting you to steal something. People who work at gun shops tend to have fairly brazen attitudes, I'm used to that, but these guys were flat out assholes. I will never give them another cent of my money, even if it means paying higher prices. I will be taking my business somewhere that it is appreciated, I suggest you do the same. read more

I had to sell a bunch of coins last year when a relative died. I went to McBride's and they were probably the most honest and nicest people I had ever met. As I understand it, the father ran the gun side of the business and the daughters ran (and I think still run) the coin side of it. They also purchase gold, jewelry and other items. I don't do guns, but they looked like they have an extensive section. They really do business the old fashioned way... meaning it is honest and straightforward without any games where your word means something. Lemme put it this way. It's a place Hank Hill would be proud to patronize. read more

Extensive collection of new and used rifles, shotguns, handguns and accessories. McBride's boasts an admirable collection of firearms, as well as knives, a bit of survival gear and also collectible coins, for some reason. They've also got an honest-to-god gunsmith upstairs. Not the cheapest place in town for new guns or ammo, but they do have a decent selection of well-priced used guns. Buy your ammo at the gun show. If you are new to firearms, or have questions, they have a knowledgeable staff who are eager to answer questions. read more

COIN SHOP at McBrides review: next to the gun shop of which I have no experience with, is an affiliated collectible coin/gold/silver shop. I am so happy I found them. Of 3 shops I visited in town they were the most professional, patient, and trustworthy. I can prove their trustworthiness as they paid $600 for a rare note that other shops said was less than $200. Joan even explained how they mark stuff up which made me very comfortable. Example: she will sell that note for $700. That is very fair and I expected them to want a bigger cut. Oh and they are super knowledgeable about all kinds of old money. Fun to learn what a lot of the old stuff I had was. So happy with this honest dealer. read more

Well looks like lots of sensitive, insecure and highbrow folks just didn't think the got the attention they thought was due them while in the store. If you are an impatient, tire kicker then best go to Academy and let them listen to your whining arse. This is the oldest, the best and the most knowledgeable staff in Central Texas and if you don't think they treat you right then walk your arse right out the door and go cry on Yelp or FB or Twitter - they don't need your sniveling, crybaby cupcake business anyway read more

Terrible service! I had a shotgun go down and was looking for parts to fix it asap because I was going on a hunting trip in a couple day. The gunsmith I talked to was a strait up D!$%. There are way too many gun shops and gunsmiths around to put up with crappy service. read more

Didn't spend too long in here but funny & helpful staff. Multiple makers of 45.70 government rounds there which is rare. Wish there were more long guns instead of handguns but I guess that's probably the market. Don't forget to check out the Ernest Hemingway photo on the wall! read more

David is awesome. I just bought my first handgun at McBride's today, and was helped by David who was patient and very helpful. My fella was with me, so he was helping a noob and an expert simultaneously, and we both thought David's customer service skills were excellent. Since I hadn't done any shooting recently, he recommended a trip to Red's to try out the guns I was considering (he spent a good 30 minutes recommending guns and letting me handle them). I did, and then came back to McBrides to make my purchase. We've been in McBrides about three times in the past two years -- once for a gun sale, and twice for shopping. It's hit or miss as far as the staff go, and if you're of a more liberal bent (I am), you'll be happiest if you avoid bringing up politics -- basically, I just talk to them like I talk to my conservative relatives in west Texas. When my fella went in to sell a couple handguns, he made the mistake of mentioning Clinton's restrictions on magazines (which he agreed with) and was treated to a diatribe on liberals (of which he is one). There's also a few blowhards who are kind of show-boaty. I'll make sure to ask for David by name the next time we go. read more

If one thing can be said about McBride's guns, it is that they stand by their word. I called in for a hard to find item, on a whim. Amazingly, they had one in stock, I got the price and thanked them. After thinking about it, I called back cause the price seemed low, they confirmed it again, so I had them hold it for me and headed in. To make a long story short, the actual price was 100 more than I was quoted on the phone. Needless to say, I was not happy about this. After about an hour, they were able to confirm I had been misquoted, and they apologized. Now, this is why I give them 5 stars: they honored the price! From a big box store, I would expect that. From a small specialty store, it was a wonderful surprise, and has made me a loyal repeat customer for sure! read more

Had what I came for. I called around and the range that was closer was clueless when I showed up and didn't have it in stock even after quoting me a price on the same day. This store is well stocked and a lot of help. As busy as it was I thought I'd be waiting ten minutes, instead just 90 seconds. Price was competitive against the online brokers. Fast transaction too. It would be five stars if it wasn't for parking. But hey, it's Austin in the 30th block so what are you going to do. (P.S. to those having difficulty getting assistance. It probably helps if you look like you know what you came to buy and what you are there to do. It's not a jewelry store where they are going to pull out the entire showcase and try to talk you up to a more expensive ring, all the while making idle chit chat about how you are going to pop the question.) read more

Exceptionally unprofessional staff. I like Mom & Pop stores & don't mind paying more for better service. However this place gives Mom & Pop stores a bad name. I saw A salesman walk away from a customer without explanation. The customer just rolled his eyes and left. I heard them trying to steer a guy into buying a more expensive and less reliable gun than what the customer originally asked for. The sales staff is taciturn, unhelpful and sometimes openly contemptuous of customers. This store makes money because it's the only gun store in central Austin, not because they're good at what they do. This old store represents the worst of what Austin used to be back in the day. read more

Ps hadn't read other reviews until now.. Wow! Where did you people go? Not a creepy vibe at all... U r in Texas and a gun store... really? Plus, they seemed to have ( after checking several other places) the best prices! read more

McBride's has the best selection, decent prices and knowledgeable sales staff period. Bad comments are by people that either don't know what to buy, are uninformed or just plain stupid.......Forrest Gump applies. My brother and I walked in a couple weeks ago and found several rifles to our taste and looked at some Cowboy guns and stayed about an hour. If you know what to ask you get immediate responses. We actually only bought some ammo, yes they do have some of the hard to find ammo like .22 and .223. We went to Cabelas to see what they had and Cabelas didn't stock the tactical type weapons we were after and actually told us they wouldn't order any more. We bought some small items and went back to McBride's. We bought the guns and looked on the net for some pricing and theirs was good. They helped us on the federal forms and then we walked out with two nice Sigs. No drama, no problems but we will be back. Randy in Spicewood. read more

I'm really surprised to see people write about having such negative experiences at McBrides. I went in one afternoon with my sister-in-law, and had a fantastically educational discussion with one of the guys behind the counter. He was able to answer all our questions about a variety of handguns and long guns, as well as giving us direction with hunting licenses, and general help with gun laws. They sell weapons, not cars. You _should_ have to put a little effort into buying one. read more

I got fantastic service-no pressure, just help-from Brian when I went in for a purchase. Everything was clean, easy, and honest the whole way through. The staff I dealt with were kind and got everything I needed taken care of without any hitch. Will definitely purchase at McBride's again. read more

I have never owned or purchased a gun before. Walked in to McBride's with an internet print-out of the gun I wanted, they special ordered it, it came in a couple weeks later, filled out some paperwork, and now I'm a gun owner. My entire transaction process was similar to special ordering anything from any other retail store. The guys behind the counter all seem very knowledgeable if you have questions and were friendly enough both times I was in there. They may not be as "bubbly" as your local barista, but everyone is nice. Honestly, the more serious demeanor is appreciated, because they're selling weapons, this should be a serious transaction. The only con is that there isn't a good queue system when all the guys are busy with customers, which can be a little confusing if it's your first time in there (it was for me). A great overall experience, would not hesitate to continue doing business with them. read more

Every time I enter this place I'm treated with the utmost courtesy. Huge sale on Ammo and found some great prices on a couple of needed holsters. Highly recommend!! read more

this place may be a little pricey but they had what I needed for a fishing trip. Thanks read more

Just went in to retrieve the serial numbers from a previously purchased gun that got stolen. The guy that handles "research", a grumpy old guy named Clayton rudely asked if I'd had the sense to write it down with pen and paper. Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn't have driven here to get it. I Explained that it was stolen, after which he sauntered off to the back room with my ID, then returned with a printout, which he handed to me. "Thanks" I said, to which he faintly muttered "Yep" with a frown. I guess polite customer service isn't on the menu here. It leaves one wondering how many more guns they'd sell if McBride's employees could pull the stick out of their a** and not act as if their job is a laborious punishment with every customer as a nuisance. read more

A Texas legend. Great family owned business and great inventory. Best gunsmiths in Texas. Highly recommended read more

Wow... This place has it all from guns, fishing to coin collection goods. If you ever need anything fishing related ask for Jay. Jay is super helpful and very knowledgeable. The whole store felt very welcoming as if I was apart of the family that owns it. read more

Great place for sporting goods, fishing supplies, knives, and guns! If you need help finding anything ask for Jay, he's the man! Cheers read more

Wonderful place full of lots of very good people. Great supply of guns, amo and other supplies and always good customer service. Also a very nice location. read more

Yea it seems some business have done well enough for so long, they forget the customer, and while I'm not one to generally complain, I had to on this one. The question was simple and via their contact page. The answer was rude, and the question never answered. The people of Texas are amazing, but looking back now at some of the other comments here, it seems I am not alone. End story is I purchased a beautiful shotgun from Elite near my house, with great support, and a staff more like family than anything else. I couldn't be happier. read more

I'm an area native, so for years, this place has been good for hard to get stuff, but of course you pay for it. In all honesty, they have their mix of awesome people and ass wipes but here is what gets me. So I had an SKS shipped there. I forgot that they charge like $90 for the background check/receiving "service". I go up there and let them know tracking said it was there and ready for me. They politely told me to go home and wait for a call. I asked, "Is it possible that I will get the call on the way home?" They said yes. So.... I just said OK and sat down in the lobby. The two kids up front, didn't know why I was there. I struck up a conversation about something else and they eventually asked.. the rifle was sitting there with paperwork attached to it the whole time. So we took it to the register so I could give them $90 (1/3 the cost of the rifle). What a service... for $90 that's a deal! Almost as good as the time I special ordered a rifle from them and asked about break in. Answer. "Shoot the shit out of it"... followed by the typical slack jaw stare (non verbal communication indicating superior intelligence). If you go in there, demand service that matches the prices. They don't have to kiss your ass, just at least demand service similar to a pawn shop.. That would normalize things. read more

Very Helpful and had very competitive prices. The staff was wonderful.

I went to McBrides a couple weeks ago and purchased a handgun. They ran my background check while I looked around a bit. Then the guy comes out and ushers me to the checkout to pay for my gun BEFORE telling me the background check was delayed. Guess he wanted to make sure he got the sale in the bag before telling me I would not recieve what I had just dropped 600 bucks on. Anyway, they told me they would call me when it went through and I could pick it up the following week. 2 weeks later they still hadnt called so I called them to check on it. It was completed and was sitting there ready to pick up. Of course no one bothered to call me and let me know. Who knows how long it had been ready. I also watched one of the salespeople condescend another customer because the guy didnt know how to operate a particular model of handgun. Maybe they think its good business practice to show off how "smart" they are about guns by making inexperienced people feel stupid. Who knows? I felt bad for the guy though and I'm surprised he didnt get angry about it. Just a lack of professionalism all around. Seems like a bunch of know-it-all rednecks sitting around selling guns at a flea market or something. They just dont seem to care much about customer service. There are many competitors in town that will make an effort to take better care of you. Some businesses do still care about customer service. My recomendation is to look elsewhere and find one of them if you can. read more

I'm a big fan of this store and was pretty surprised to see the negative reviews. In my opinion, their selection is the best in the area. The staff can be a little hard to get a hold of, but it's usually because they're outnumbered 3:1 on busy days-- that's not to say they're understaffed, just really busy. I would never go on a weekend if I'm doing anything other than buying ammo. I've never had trouble during the week, but you can't be scared to belly up and ask questions. Great Filson collection too. read more

I have not purchased a gun due to their high prices but I had some work done by their gunsmith. Firstly the gun functions properly. Besides that their work is slow and my gun has scratches on the screw and the side of the gun. I think that it took a long time to get to the gunsmiths bench and a 10 minute job was not cheap. Can't recommend them for gunsmith work. read more

Very rude ... I should have know when I initially called and was spoke down too by the person who answered the phone ... you lost my business from the initial contact. read more

I've purchased maybe six firearms from McBrides beginning in the late 80's when their prices and service couldn't be beat. Sometime during the early-mid 90's they got into focusing on law enforcement and all others were treated like crap and prices without a law enforcement discount were outrageous. I didn't return to McBrides for over 10 years. I'm an active collector so McBrides easily lost $10,000 in potential purchases from me. I returned on a whim last year and found their selection to be wonderful and their attitudes much improved -- prices were in line with other shops around Austin. Last week I returned and experienced the attitude return again. Must have something to do with the rush to buy guns and ammo taking place but I experienced the same dissmissive attitude others report. As a gun store they could be one of the greatest in the country if they would just act like the customer had value. read more

McBride's is old school Austin and is worth the visit alone to see a piece of Austin history. Great gun selection but the service can be really bad if they don't know you. But, if you ask good questions and are genuinely interested in buying a firearm they will take care of you. read more

I purchased and sold multiple guns to McBrides. They do an amazing job of working with me. I have read the reviews and really. It is not a car dealership, or a franchise or some high pressure sales that to make you buy on the spot. They sell a product that is constantly in high demand and higher since the patriot act. Guns are used from self defense to hunting to collectors, to nut jobs and enthusists. So when you go in have a reason even if it is just to kill an hour and look at the different guns to learn a little bit more about them. When I started to buy guns I knew more then most, which turned out to be not a whole lot. If you are going in for the first time tell them. They are there to assist and to help give some practical advise. Other practical advise is take a gun class and shoot different calibers, and different models of calibers before you decide what to buy. Many shooting ranges offer weapons for around twelve dollars to rent so you can get the feel. Also, take the time to learn about the care each gun will take like cleaning, handling, storage. Then when you go in you will see that these people are straight forward, and take care of you. sometimes not making the sell for an impulse buy is the best sell that can be made. read more

Fantastic selection, I would definitely recommend this place. The guy I talked to was knowledgeable but not pushy (some gun shop workers will argue with you about their preferred brand). Their selection was fantastic, with a good selection of new and used handguns as well as rifles and shotguns. Definitely would recommend. No matter which direction you are coming from, I would definitely get on San Gabriel St going north to get there. North Lamar Blvd can be difficult to navigate with the traffic and the parking lot entrance is difficult to access from North Lamar. read more

Not what I was expecting. This is the South, where people in small businesses are supposed to be nice and welcoming. I got the get F'd treatment while inquiring about a flashlight. They had a lot of products to choose from but do not expect nice attitudes. read more

This place seems to be staffed by people who (at best) just don't care or (at worst) hate you. Nobody seemed to be interested in answering my questions or selling me anything. I wanted to buy a mid-priced shotgun, and the place was moderately busy, so I guess someone interested in a pricier gun might have warranted better service. I resent but understand that sort of thing, and that's pretty much what's saving them from one-star in my book, but it's still a pretty piss-poor way to run a business. Those old rich guys are great, you know, until they die, then you might have to deal the fact that you ran off that younger guy who wanted a starter skeet gun and some advice and now would rather just drive to cabela's. Oh - and when someone deigns to assist you, it is apparently much more fun for them to point out your ignorance than to help alleviate it by answering a question or providing a bit of education. I've been to gun shops, and I've bought a few guns, but I'm not rambo. I've actually learned quite a bit by talking to gun-shop guys. I was really hoping to build up a relationship like that here (spend some money, learn some stuff, repeat...) This place prefers the "spend some money, shut up, piss off" approach. I have been back (grudgingly) to buy some cleaning supplies. They have a good stock of that sort of thing and the location is convenient. Just avoid eye contact. read more

I've found that it all depends on who you happen to talk to. I was in there on a busy Saturday, I told the guy who helped me I was a newbie on the type of firearm I was interested in and that I was exploring ideas and he was very patient and friendly and happily explained things. Very impressed with this guy, couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. A separate time recently on a Monday I called for availability on a $250 item (a variant of what I saw in their display case the Saturday before) and was told, yep in stock. I called back 5 minutes later to get the exact price and a different person answered and said that it wasn't in stock and couldn't find the guy I talked to (I didn't get his name). In a small store like that, he "couldn't find" the guy I had talked to 5 minutes earlier. I pressed the issue, I told him the guy I talked to was very sure of himself and knew exactly what I was talking about because he asked me intelligent questions that only someone who knew about it could ask. Nope, not in stock. I called back a couple days later and same story from yet a different guy, not in stock. I explained that there was one in the case on display just the other day and he said it's not in there. Oh, you sold it? Yes he said curtly, and that I had to go to the store and order in person if I wanted one. So I go to the store on that Thursday and sure enough it was still in the case (I knew it would be). So I after about 8 or 10 minutes (a short wait by McBride's standards) I said to the guy who approached me I would like to order one of these, pointing to the item. He turned around right there and instantly pulled out 2 boxes of at least 6 of the very item I wanted and I selected one of them. Moral of the story, it's a very mixed bag at McBrides. Some of them are clueless and arrogant, at least one is great. Try to find a guy you've had good luck with and don't believe a word anyone says on the phone. Mr. McBride is one of those old curmudgeons who refuse to change (not all old guys are like this). If he knew what a computer was and found his way to this site he would learn that he is a complete idiot who would rather leave hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on the table from dissatisfied customers who refuse to go back and who tell the world how much he sucks. read more

This is regarding several trips to McBrides over the last couple years including two purchases. (((Never again))) They may know everything there is to know about guns but you'll never find out because they hate you. Seriously, I know its a strong word but it feels like these guys hate customers. First its like pulling teeth to get one of their attention and when they do you get the same attitude you do from the computer support staff when you get a virus or something. Your ignorance isn't worth their time. Just the other day I was looking at a $500 scope and comparing another more expensive one. Sure they guy got em out for me n stuck nearby to ensure I didnt run off w em but when I tried to ask anything about the two the guy looked as if he just wanted to be anywhere but helping me. Literally turned his back on me. But MCBrides problems go deeper and much more sinister than that... I felt like I was an expert on the two models of medium range rifle scopes I was looking at and became confused when one of a lesser breed seemed so much better than the big name major brand scope I walked in to check out. The off name was more expensive. Here's something funny, when I went back home and painstakingly researched every last detail on the two it turns out they had the two together which were of slightly different widths with the off name brand one having a larger tube appearing superior over the name brand one when looked through. Of course the off brand one was $800 which seemed worth it at the time. NO... Not at all. Its the old bait n hook trick. The off brand was the newer model with superior characteristics sure, but what they didn't mention was that they were asking DOUBLE what you can get it anywhere else. They made the off brand scope look like it was worth more by placing it next to a once superior model of a popular name brand scope and gouged the price. I feel sorry for whoever buys the Nikon African Safari scope from them because the new Leopolds in that same price range also have the better 30mm main tube. I'm never going back because they practice DECEITFUL merchandising AND act like they HATE customers. Which makes me wonder; How in the world are these guys still in business!? read more

I forgot to update my experience. I gave them 48 hours to respond to my message. They never did. So i disputed the charge online with my credit card company. Lo and behold, I got a letter in the mail 2 days later from McBride's with a copy of the cancellation. Never again read more