HDC HuntStore and Gunsmithing

Let me first say that I am not one to typically write negative reviews, it has to be a REALLY poor experience for me to do so. Also, this is pertaining to just one aspect of their business...gunsmithing.

The good is that the staff members are very friendly. With the lack of a good gun store/gunsmith in the area, I was glad to find HDC and really wanted to have a good experience, but I just haven’t so far. A little over six weeks ago, I dropped off four guns, three just needed the muzzle breaks changed and one shotgun I wanted Cerakoted. After my calling a couple times, it took roughly a month to have the muzzle breaks swapped, which is about a 5-10 minute process for each rifle. I was charged for an hour of work, but that wasn't what bothered me, it’s just how long it took to get it done from the time I dropped it off. There was no timing needed on the breaks being installed, just simply unscrew one, and thread on the other. One of the rifles has a scratch on the barrel from the process. After it taking so long, I wasn’t going to bother bringing it up. I just paid and left.

When I dropped off the shotgun, I let them know that I needed the gun for a quail trip to GA on 3/13/20. They initially said that was far enough out that it shouldn’t be a problem at all. Every time I’ve called or went by the store, neither of the two gunsmiths were in, yet I’m told that there are many guns waiting to be serviced. On one occasion I was told that the person I was speaking with on the phone was the only one working, and the second person that was suppose to be there was a “no show” and he couldn’t leave the front to even check on the status of my gun in the back. Called back several hours later...same story. On an in person visit two weeks ago I was told, “I’m sure they’ll get around to it this week or next.” Here it is the day before my trip, and the job hasn’t even been started.

I’ve asked numerous times to be called with an estimate of how much longer this would take... ultimately never receiving a call. They did offer to let me come get the gun to use on my trip, and they would save my place in line for service work. Unfortunately, after my experience thus far, I’m not inclined to continue to try. It seems that most of the negative reviews on this business are centered around gunsmithing, which is a shame. I had high hopes, but was sadly let down. I will be picking up my gun today, and I’ll take my gunsmithing business elsewhere. Maybe I’ll try them for a purchase or FFL transfer at a later time. For now, the store had promise, but failed on execution.

* picked it up today... one person working and still no gunsmith on site. Per their website they claim to be the ”Largest Gunsmithing machine shop in the state.” Thats great, but what good is having the biggest shop if there’s no one there?

***Update: 7/19/22***
I decided to give HDC another shot at gunsmith work. After visiting the store many times for non-gunsmith related purchases, all with positive experiences, I inquired about cerakote turn around times. I was reassured that they’ve been much better on getting these jobs out the door in a timely manner. I was quoted 4 weeks (because their Cerakote person was on vacation for two weeks, and it would take two weeks to catch up on his return). Four weeks later, I got a call that the job was done. The gun looks great! Happy to improve my rating from 1-star to 4-star.

Great service! Good products. I like to find ammo there that other stores don't have. They answered all of my questions and helped my dear friend order an item on their website. Real folks, no robots.