I bought a 686 3" on Friday 13th. Service was good I thought but I did notice the gun was really dirty and I said that to the salesman. No scratches that I could tell and it was exactly what I wanted so I got it. When I tried to load the cylinder it was so dirty I couldn't load any rounds because of the grit in the cylinders. I did look at the barrel but I didn't think to look down the cylinder with a light or I could have seen just how dirty it was. It had to of been shot over a hundred times with how dirty it was. It cleaned up ok but that really left a bad taste with me. It was on me and my bad eyes but I expected a new firearm with maybe a couple of test fires but I bought a used gun at full price. read more

Backwater Gun Shop - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Do not spend your hard earned money at this business. Went last weekend bought ammo and a holster. Turns out I already had that holster for that firearm. When I tried to return the holster. I was shown at the bottom of the receipt. Only store credit will be issued for products bought here. No where in the store or on the entry door is this made known before spending your money. It's completely shameful and dishonest. Not to mention a horrific business practice. read more

This is the Gun Shop that has best price for used Guns. I bought a Very Nice S&W M&P 40cal for under $300.00. A Very Nice VZ- 24 Bolt Action 30-06 Rifle with Iron Sites, and Scope ready for under $450.00. Very smooth action and Accurate. A Purple Frame Stainless Steel Slide Taurus G2S 9mm for under $200.00 (It's my wife's Handgun). A Nail Driver, No Malfunctions. Upgrading the Slide Bar and Lock to Stainless Steel. I saw many Handguns like Glocks, Sigs, Springfields Under $500.00 and $400.00. They also have the Best Defense Ammo for Short Barrel Handguns ( HST, Underwood Xtreme Defense, Hornady Critical Defense. They do their best to keep the ammo in stock. If they don't have it more likely it can't be found at other stores. I have a 9mm S&W Shield and 9mm Shield Plus (HST or Hornady Ammo). Also Bersa 380cc, and Bersa TRP 380 Plus( Underwood Ammo). This is the store I go to for Defense Ammo for my Short Barrel Handguns. Otherwise I have to order online. I understand to Job they are doing is fun. BUT sometimes they fall under pressure Selling Guns (ATF and Rude Customers) so be patient. I never had a bad time at Backwater. read more

I've been searching for a particular firearm for months now, only to find it backordered or being place in a waiting list. I walked into Backwater guns in an effort to see if they had it in stock. I was immediately told out a mask on. I politely informed the staff member that I was exempt due to health issues. He made a snide remark under his breath but allowed me into the store. I find that they did indeed have what I've searched for. When I told him I wanted it, he immediately attempted to upsale me to a more expensive package deal. I informed him that I wanted the stock package, again he tried to upsale me. I paid for my purchase and left! I give them zero stars and do not recommend anyone else going to this establishment. read more

Great store Great service Great experience I purchased my first firearm this morning at Backwater, and will definitely be buying my second one there as well! Chris helped me out and made the process easy peasy. read more

Fantastic customer service and knowledgeable personnel. Definitely check this store out when you are in Wilmington.

Never had an issue here, my trusted FFL and have given plenty of business to them over the years... enough to remember when they were in a much smaller place. Glad to see a family run business succeed in an area not too friendly to family run businesses. read more

Rude. Rude. Rude. Called to ask if they can order directly from manufacturer, and was asked "have you checked the news lately". Ummm...yes. Maybe these guys think they're writing laws, but the reality is its still a free country, and we're allowed to buy firearms. But I would never buy one from them. read more

I am a returning customer, having previously purchased several weapons, & ammo from Backwater guns. I called to see about buying a Tikka rifle from them. They placed an order for same. In the meantime, I found that Range Time (a local gun shop), had the same rifle for $57 cheaper. Backwater called me a week later to tell me that the rifle was in. When I went to pick it up, I showed them a printed copy from Range Time listing their price, for the same rifle, $57 cheaper. I asked them if they could match the price. The response from their counter personnel was completely uncalled for, & unprofessional. They couldn't even offer a store credit of $57. They would've actually made $ when I bought more ammo & supplies. Instead, I left their store, & purchased the weapon from Range Time. As a former Infantry Veteran, & retired LEO, you lost a customer for life. The ladies in your store have always been extremely hospitable, & helpful when I've come in. The fellow behind the counter with the glasses, not so much so. I'll gladly wait another week, & drive two hours, again, to pick up this weapon from Range Time. Customer appreciation is a lost art here. read more

if I could give 0 stars I would simply because of the attitude from the gunsmith. The first gentleman we spoke with was nice and asked us if we needed help and when I had a question he handed us off to the other guy who I am assuming is the gunsmith. This is when things took a turn for the worse. I recently acquired a surplus rifle and was trying to get a professionals opinion on quality, function and safety but was only met with incredibly lacking answers. He continuously gave me little information, with short, rude replies to my questions, completely unwilling to inspect the firearm or give me information if someone else in the area who could and didn't give me any indication as to why that was. There were no customer service skills or friendly attitude present, especially considering we were the ONLY customers in the store..... almost made you feel bad for asking questions or acquiring a fire arm, I can understand why so many people can be dissuaded or scared of this hobby, especially coming from a younger generation I know it's important to find people who have real knowledge and advice this experience was condescending and disheartening. as a prior customer I realize now that there is no point in supporting a business that doesn't appreciate its customers, and is unwilling to help them in the future. read more

Drove down from Jacksonville for their Christmas sale. They had exactly what I wanted and at a great sale price. Everyone as helpful as could be. Even other customers trying to help me. Great place to go if you need another weapon. read more

Beat shop and most knowledgeable staff I've ever encountered. Family owned business and it shows. Everyone makes that extra effort because the business is there own. Prices are right on target. The internet has so many make believe offers that can't be trust. At Backwater you will know that you are being treat honestly and sincerely. Hope they are in business for generations to come. I will do business with them forever read more

Wow, I went there today, December 26th, 2019 to look for a handgun and the staff was very informative, welcoming, and took their time to help in any way and explain anything for me. I came in with lots of questions and Kevin was amazing and answered every single one of them and even helped further explain the guns to me and compare a few of them as well. Absolutely loved the experience! Did not treat me any differently for being a woman and will definitely come here again for future purchases. read more

Wow. I just wanted to see if they were interested in trading my gun which was new and in the case and never been fired for the exact same gun with a shorter barrel and was a used gun. First I was told they didn't have what I was looking for. I turned around and in the case behind me was the exact gun I was looking for. I asked why did he tell me they didn't have it, he said we're not a pawn shop, you need to go somewhere else. A few more things were said but these folks were very rude and quite unfriendly. I've been buying guns for 40 years and I was treated just like I would be at any pawn shop. read more

Best gun shop ever!!! They treat you like family! They have the best selection and prices.

I ordered a gun from the gun manufacturer and asked that it be sent to Backwater in Wilmington. You usually pay $15-25 to do this, I then called the store and was told to email their accounting person which I did. I was notified twice by the manufacturer that they had not received a copy of Backwater's FFL. I forwarded both emails to Backwater and sent another of my own to accounting. No response! Finally the manufacturer called me and I told them to ship to another, more reliable shop. Problem solved! read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable. Felt I got honest feedback. Purchased used shotgun, beautiful and great value. Entire staff very helpful. Did not push anything on me just gave me great feedback to help me make my own decision. Definitely will be my go to place. Just moved here read more

Finally I found a good gun store to deal with. Don't waste your time at the megastores. Check them out first. They are straight up guys to deal with. Good selection too. Lots of ARs and self defense guns too. read more

These people are scammers. I visited the shop to use the Silencer Shop kiosk after confirming they charged $30 per person. After I used the Kiosk they told me it was actually $30 per suppressor and not per person so now $60 since I was buying two. I called Silencer Shop to confirm this was the policy and they said no, it's charged per person and that the max price was $40 to use the kiosk. One of silencer shops dealer reps had to reach out to get them to refund my money because they still refused to. When I finally returned to get my refund after silencer shop had set them straight, they would only refund me $20 because "I wasn't buying anything" (and that's also the max amount silencer shop lets them charge for a kiosk visit). After another call to silencer shop explaining they were trying to scam me I finally received my full refund. They treated me like I was some kind of jerk because I called them out on their shady business practices. I figured this shop would have more respect for NFA item owners or any gun owner for that matter. There are much better gun shops in the Wilmington area that appreciate their customers, I suggest you find one. read more

This is the best gun shop in Wilmington IMO! The customer service is excellent and the shop is well stocked with competitive prices. I've done business with these guns why back when they were down on South College near shipyard and have never felt like I was taken advantage of. read more

Great gun shop with a wide selection of accessories and firearms. All the staff is very knowledgeable and remember their customers by first name. Their service goes beyond the sale, which is much appreciated. read more

I have purchased both guns and accessories in this shop with great ease. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable.

C.A.A. here with a follow-up to my previous review concerning my abortive attempt to buy a carbine (short rifle) from Backwater Guns. Shortly after that endeavor, I got an email from an on-line gun seller (whose waiting list I was on) that the carbine I wanted was in. The price was $699., vice the $200+ over MSRP of Backwater's non-negotiable price. Within a week, my carbine arrived and now is paid for, via MasterCard. Is Blackwater this pricey on all its weapons? I'll never know. 9 read more

best shop in town the guys and girls know their stuff.would recommend them to every one I have always been treated like family and taken care of when I go in weather just looking or in the market for a new gun. read more

Decent selection of merchandise however the service and staff have been historically under-par, as local opinion will reflect. I've used them for mostly smithing and they have, on average, taken a week longer than any other shop would have and pad the hours spent on service by an embarrassingly noticeable amount. Worst still is they send away for most service on your firearm which inevitably adds time and money to the finished product. I hate to do it to a local shop, but this is not the place to find a friendly and helpful staff or to have your firearm serviced. As a Marine and hunter, I personally recommend Jim's pawn and guns or Wilmington Guns. read more