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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Gun Shop Review: Tri-Cities Gun Depot, Elizabethton, TN

Today, I thought I would write my first review, and as my subject, I have chosen a local gun shop.  Before I begin, however, let me make a couple of things clear:  first, the following comments are my opinion only.  I do not hold myself out to be an expert in this field, I am simply sharing my experiences at this particular establishment.  Second, my commentary is based solely upon my own experience with this particular dealer.  I make no guarantees as to how your own experience may relate.  Caveat Emptor.

Now that the disclaimers are out of the way, let's talk gun shops.  I love gun shops.  I like few things more than to walk into a gun shop, peer into the glass cases at the polished steel of revolvers, handle a quality 1911, and stare longingly at the racks of rifles and shotguns hanging on the walls.  I can spend hours perusing accessories:  lasers, spare magazines, replacement grips, cleaning supplies, etc.  If I could design my own air freshener, it would smell like Hoppes #9.  I like hanging around other gun people, discussing things only other gun people care about, like twist rates, drop-in replacement hammers, or how much IMR 4350 to put behind that Barnes 168 grain Triple Shok X boattail.

But when I am shopping, I am also concerned about such things as customer service, a good selection of quality items, and competitive prices.  I am not a high-maintenance shopper:  I do not require someone to hold my hand and walk me around the store to find certain items.  However, I do not want to be ignored, either.  Recently, I spent ten minutes standing at a counter waiting for a sales rep to assist me, while the employees were busy talking to one another about their previous evening's exploits.  This is unacceptable behavior (and will be discussed in a forthcoming review).  When I find a store that has what I am looking for, in terms of service and selection, I will continue to send them my business.  And I am willing to drive a bit farther down the road in order to patronize a shop that has these qualities.

Tri-Cities Gun Depot, in Elizabethton, TN, is just such a place.  TCGD is locally owned and operated by two great guys, Tom and Brian, who really know their guns.  They are friendly, and are always helpful.  Not once have I felt as though I was being ignored, and in fact, most times I have been in the shop, the guys have gone out of their way to make sure I was getting the information I needed.  What is more, it seems like they have personal experience with just about every type of firearm in the shop, which is useful when you are comparing similar firearms.

The shop boasts a great selection of firearms and ammunition, and they offer a number of accessories as well, such as Blackhawk and Uncle Mike holsters, optics, cleaning kits, and even OC sprays and stun guns.  Gun brands include Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Glock, Kahr, Kel-Tec, Taurus, Kimber, Springfield, Walther, Remington, Savage, DPMS, Rossi, H&R, and many more.  Pistols and revolvers, rifles and shotguns, this store has it all...  and if they do not have it in stock, they can probably get it.  Want a stripped lower to do your own AR build?  They got it.  And the complete parts kit to build that lower, as well.  Or, if you are not so mechanically inclined, you can get an AR, already assembled and ready to go to the range.  Or perhaps you reside in the AK state of mind...  they got you covered as well.  870 with adjustable stock and heat shield?  Yeah, they've got that.  Too pedestrian for your tastes?  What about a Saiga 12?  Check.  With the drum.  Oh yeah, now we're talking...

What is more, you get all of the above, along with very good prices to boot.  TCGD is usually within just a few dollars of the lowest prices I have seen on comparable guns for this area.  And to be honest, I am more than willing to spend a little more for gas to drive a few miles out of my way for the good service, especially since I know I will be making up the difference with the lower prices.

To date, I have bought five firearms from TCGD, and that includes the last four firearms I have purchased.  And while I still go to other gun shops, I doubt seriously that I will buy firearms from anyone other than the Gun Depot.  I highly recommend this dealer to anyone who is looking to make a firearms purchase.  Stop by and talk to Tom and Brian, and see what the Tri-Cities Gun Depot has to offer.  I do not think you will be disappointed.

Tri-Cities Gun Depot
1760 West Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 543-ARMS

11 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree more1 Tom and Brian are great! They have allways done me right, I won't shop for a firearm anywhere else. They treat you like your important to them, and go out of their way to make you happy. Unlike an over priced, stuck up boutique in J.C. where you must check your gun at the door, and then if you can get someones attention, they peer down their noses at you like your not worth their time! Not to mention any names, but it sounds like Baloney's, which better suits them anyway. But Tom and Brian treat you right, so stop in to Tri Citys Gun Depot if you haven't, you wont be dissapointed!!

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  2. Wow. Quite a commentary. This is what every gun store and every retail establishment for that matter should strive for. They are obviously doing things right.

    Makes me wish I were closer to check them out, but the drive from Nashvillle would be a tad bit out of my way. However, should I ever find msyself in the ir area, I will stop in.

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  3. cannot find their business hours ?

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  4. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Saturday and Sunday. Once Fall gets here, they may open back up on Saturdays.

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    1. Are they friendly and welcoming to all not just the locals..some work to be done me thinks

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    2. Sorry if you had a bad experience... but then, it is hard to tell from the limited information provided in your comment. I have never had a bad experience at TCGD, even before I was a regular customer. A more detailed response might have helped prospective customers understand what issue you may have had with the service, though.

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  5. stop n and see these guys best around here thats for sure.I have bought 4or5 from them and hope ican buy 4or5 more....Just dont let brian try and convince you that when the zombies attack all you need is a .22cal. 5.56 baby!!!! Nothing else unless it's a 12gaugeslug!!!!

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  6. I've bought several Gun's from Brian and Tom. Never a bad experience. I have always been able to beat the competitors price here. Great service. Keep it up Guys.

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  7. I go there and other places and they have all ways give me a better price and help me out just gt the bersa bp 9 and took it apart and had probles with it putting it back and brian took30 min to a hour fix what i broke so i think they are good guys.

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  8. ive been there twice bought 2 guns they were very helpful didn't wait will continue shopping there great bunch of guys

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  9. Best gun store period..Great guys always treated me right.

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