7 Best Online Gun Stores [2026]: Compared on Shipping, Returns, and Layaway

Is buying a gun online legal? Does it ship to your house? What happens if something goes wrong? Fair questions, especially if this is your first time ordering a gun online.

Yes, it’s legal, and no, it won’t land on your porch. The gun ships to a local FFL (federal firearms licensee), a licensed dealer near you. You fill out the paperwork there and pass the same federal background check you would if you bought it off the shelf.

The thing to watch is the return policy. At several of the stores below, once the FFL completes the transfer, the gun counts as used or can’t be returned. So pick the store carefully before you check out.

We’ve bought from every store on this list. The short answer: GrabAGun is our top pick for popular guns, Palmetto State Armory is the place for budget ARs and house-brand value, Bud’s Gun Shop ships guns free to the lower 48, and Kentucky Gun Company is our layaway pick.

EXPERT TIP: Compare the exact gun before you pick a store. Gun Made is our own price-comparison tool, not one of the ranked retailers below. It compares prices for the same firearm across stores and shows stores that list it in stock, from 4,200+ dealers with live inventory. You can also find local gun stores. A nearby shop that has the gun can save you shipping and the wait. Whichever store you choose, add shipping, your FFL’s transfer fee, taxes, and any restocking fee to the listed price.

Policies checked October 4, 2026. Policies and fees change, so confirm them at checkout. “None listed” means we could not find the option on the store’s own help pages.

1. GrabAGun: Best overall for popular guns

GrabAGun is our best overall pick for popular guns. It posts clear return, shipping, and financing policies, so you know the rules before checkout.

GrabAGun is a practical starting point when you already know the model you want. We’ve seen others rank it first in their own list of online gun stores, citing great pricing, an extensive FFL database, and guns that are usually in stock.

Its fine print is clear, and it is worth reading before you buy. GrabAGun’s returns and cancellations policy says non-defective returns carry a 15% restocking fee, with a $15 minimum. Once a firearm has been transferred, GrabAGun considers it used, even if it has not been fired. A defective or blemished firearm has to be dealt with before the transfer.

Most orders ship within three business days, though GrabAGun says peak periods can take five to seven. It ships only to the contiguous 48 states and does not offer expedited shipping.

GrabAGun also offers Credova financing, including a pay-in-four option for eligible purchases. Financing can make the checkout number look smaller, so compare the full repayment cost before you use it.

What other buyers report: Repeat buyers praise fair prices and smooth purchases and FFL transfers. The complaints focus on orders cancelled or stuck in processing after the item showed in stock, plus support that is hard to reach.

Skip GrabAGun if: you are shopping for a niche firearm, need Alaska or Hawaii shipping, or want a forgiving return policy after transfer.

2. Palmetto State Armory: Best for budget ARs and house-brand value

Palmetto State Armory is the pick for budget ARs and house-brand value. Expect some inventory swings and a strict return policy on firearms.

CAT Outdoors’ buying guide ties PSA’s value to its house brand: the store makes much of its own gear. That does not mean every item is the lowest price, so still compare the exact model. For more on the category, see our guide to AR-15s under $1,000.

PSA’s inventory is large, with good sales and beginner-friendly options. The same source calls availability “hit and miss” and says PSA does not always carry high-end or older guns.

PSA’s terms say transferred firearms are final sale. If PSA does accept a return of a non-defective gun, it charges a $40 restocking fee per gun, up to $80 per order.

What other buyers report: Buyers praise the wide selection, quick shipping on standard orders, and helpful customer service. Complaints mention unexplained cancellations, plus warranty and account problems when phone support is hard to reach.

Skip PSA if: you need a rare older model, want guaranteed availability, or are not ready to commit before the FFL transfer.

3. Bud’s Gun Shop: Best for free firearm shipping and price protection

Bud’s Gun Shop is the pick if you want free firearm shipping to the lower 48 and a posted price-protection policy.

Bud’s shipping and payment page says firearm shipping is free to the lower 48 states. Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories are excluded from that offer. The store also lists 30-day price protection of up to $100, with a maximum of two claims per 365 days.

The tradeoff is processing time. Bud’s says orders process and ship within three to seven business days after it receives full payment and valid FFL information. That is processing time, not a promise that the gun reaches your dealer within that window.

Bud’s offers 90-day layaway with a 25% down payment, plus Credova financing. Its policy lists a 15% restocking fee for an incorrect order or a failed background check, and there are no returns after the transfer. Confirm the exact model and configuration before checkout.

Bud’s also runs retail stores in Kentucky and Tennessee, two of them with indoor ranges.

What other buyers report: Buyers praise easy ordering, good prices, payment flexibility, and fast delivery. Complaints involve cancellations, price or layaway disputes, and slow support for returns.

Skip Bud’s if: you live outside the lower 48, or you need the gun at your FFL fast and a 3 to 7 day processing window is too long.

4. MidwayUSA: Best for one cart with gear, ammo, and a gun

MidwayUSA is the best fit when you want a firearm, ammunition, and shooting gear in one order. Read its gun return and shipping rules before you add the gun to the cart.

The case for MidwayUSA is the rest of the cart. You can add ammunition, range gear, and cleaning supplies to a gun order instead of splitting the purchase across several stores, and most non-gun products have a 90-day return window.

The gun is a different story. MidwayUSA’s returns policy says plainly that guns cannot be returned to MidwayUSA. Factory-new firearms go to the manufacturer for warranty service, and used or surplus firearms are sold as-is. If your FFL refuses the transfer or the background check fails, a 10% restocking fee applies.

Shipping can change the total. MidwayUSA lists a $15 charge for select handguns under $500 and $10 for select rifles, shotguns, or actions under $500. A $20 remote-location surcharge can apply outside the lower 48. MidwayUSA also offers Credova financing.

Some caution that MidwayUSA’s pricing might not always be the lowest, so compare the exact gun before you commit.

What other buyers report: Complaints center on orders sitting for days after a shipping label is created, wrong items, and chatbot-only support. Some long-time customers report fast, accurate orders on in-stock items.

Skip MidwayUSA if: your main goal is the lowest delivered price on the gun, or you want the option to return the gun to the retailer after transfer.

5. Kentucky Gun Company: Best for layaway

Kentucky Gun Company is our pick for firearm layaway. It offers a 90-day plan with a 30% down payment, but that deposit is non-refundable.

KYGUNCO’s terms and conditions lay out the layaway plan clearly. It covers firearms only, lasts up to 90 days, and requires a 30% non-refundable down payment. You must pick up the firearm within 30 days after payoff.

That flexibility comes with a real obligation. Do not put a gun on layaway if you are still unsure about it. If you back out, you do not get the down payment back.

KYGUNCO also accepts Credova financing. The two are different products: with layaway you pay the retailer over time before you take the gun, while financing goes through a separate payment provider and may include interest or other charges.

The terms say returns must start within seven days of receipt, and KYGUNCO’s shipping policy says a gun counts as used and is not returnable once the transfer is accepted. Sale prices and promo codes do not apply to partner-fulfilled items. Others also note that some prices require an email request.

What other buyers report: Buyers praise fast shipping with tracking and competitive pricing. Complaints mention slow processing, long phone holds, slow email replies, and items listed but not available.

Skip KYGUNCO if: you need a refundable deposit, dislike short return windows, or want a simple all-at-once purchase.

6. Sportsman’s Warehouse: Best for buy online, pick up in store

Sportsman’s Warehouse is the right pick when you live near one of its stores. Buy the gun online and pick it up there, today or tomorrow if that store has it in stock.

The buy online, pick up in store page says a firearm can be picked up today or tomorrow when the local store has it in stock. If the local store does not have the gun, Sportsman’s can ship it to the store for free. For areas without a store, it has a partner FFL program.

This advantage depends almost entirely on where you live. A buyer near a store may save time and avoid arranging a transfer with a third-party dealer. A buyer several hours away loses most of the benefit.

Partner FFLs charge a processing fee. Ask the receiving dealer for the current amount and the full transfer cost before you order.

Before you count on same-day or next-day pickup, confirm that the exact firearm is at the location you plan to use.

What other buyers report: A common complaint about online orders is a gun shown as in stock and then cancelled, followed by a slow refund. Buyers also report support that is hard to reach.

Skip Sportsman’s Warehouse if: there is no convenient store near you, or local pickup does not lower your total cost.

7. Brownells: Best for parts and build gear with your gun

Brownells is the best fit when your gun order also includes parts, tools, optics, or build equipment. Its standard return window does not cover firearms, so know that going in.

Brownells makes sense when one order includes a firearm plus a sling, optic mount, cleaning gear, or other parts for the build.

The key distinction is in the returns policy. Most items can be returned within 120 days, but firearms and FFL purchases fall under the manufacturer’s warranty instead. A 15% restocking fee may apply when an item is not resalable, and Brownells lists a $9.99 return label fee. FFL transfer fees are non-refundable.

Brownells lists free standard shipping for members of its Edge program. That can matter on a parts-heavy order, but weigh the membership cost and compare the delivered total against other stores.

Some have called Brownells a go-to shop for accessories and parts but warn that its gun inventory can be limited.

What other buyers report: Buyers praise fast, well-packed delivery. Complaints mention promotional or backordered orders cancelled after purchase, return fees, slow refunds, and high shipping and hazmat charges on small orders.

Skip Brownells if: you mainly want a wide choice of guns in stock, or you want the 120-day return window to cover the firearm itself.

GunBroker is a marketplace and auction platform with tons of sellers. You buy from individual sellers, so read each seller’s terms, shipping charges, payment methods, condition notes, and transfer instructions before you bid. Condition and return terms depend on the listing. You can also browse used guns on Gun Made.

For deal watching, r/gundeals can surface promotions, but verify the retailer and read its current terms before you pay.

If the gun you want is out of stock: Contact the retailer and ask when it expects the gun back in stock. Check the other stores on this list, since stock varies from store to store. Gun Made’s search shows which stores currently list the gun in stock, both online and at local gun stores.

1. Choose the firearm and the receiving FFL. A gun bought online generally cannot ship to your home. It ships to a local FFL, where you complete the transfer and background check. Start with our legal guide to buying a gun online.
2. Call the FFL before you order. Confirm that the dealer accepts transfers and ask for the fee. Fees vary by shop. Kentucky Gun Company’s terms, for example, list a $30 inbound transfer fee for a non-NFA gun, but your local dealer can charge a different amount.
3. Check state and local rules. A handgun generally must go to an FFL in your state of residence. Long guns can follow different rules. Confirm the details for your location in the legal guide above before checkout.
4. Place the order. Give the retailer the receiving FFL information it asks for. Some stores already have the dealer’s license on file. Others may need the FFL to send it.
5. Wait for processing and shipment. This takes days, not hours. GrabAGun says most orders ship within three business days, with five to seven possible during peak periods. Bud’s says orders process and ship within three to seven business days after full payment and valid FFL information.
6. Inspect the gun before you accept the transfer. At the FFL, check the gun for damage or defects and confirm it is the model you ordered before you sign for it. Once you accept the transfer, several stores on this list treat the gun as used and will not take it back. If you find a problem, do not accept the transfer. Kentucky Gun Company’s policy says it will have the gun shipped back at its expense and offer a replacement or full refund.
7. Complete the transfer in person. Bring valid ID, complete the federal paperwork, and pass the background check before you take the gun.

The Gun Control Act of 1968 governs important parts of firearm sales and transfers.

Tax rules vary by state. California buyers, for example, can review the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration guidance. Do not assume an out-of-state order is tax-free; check your own state’s rules.

Finally, treat a price far below every comparable listing as a warning sign, especially on a site you do not know. Check the store’s contact details and its FFL process, pay by credit card where you can, and never send money through a channel you cannot verify.

The better choice depends on whether you want more selection or to handle the gun first.

Online makes sense when:

• You want more selection or an easy way to compare prices for the same gun across stores.
• You want free gun shipping. Bud’s Gun Shop ships guns free to the lower 48, and Kentucky Gun Company says most guns ship free.
• You can wait for processing and shipping, pay your FFL’s transfer fee separately, and accept that you cannot hold the gun before buying it.

Your local store makes sense when:

• You want to handle the gun and ask questions before paying.
• You want to skip the shipping wait and separate transfer fee.
• You want your money to stay with a local shop.

Before ordering online, check whether a store near you lists the gun in stock. Gun Made shows local in-stock inventory from 4,200+ dealers with live inventory.

We started with retailers that we’ve ordered from ourselves and ones that are commonly covered in online gun-buying guides. We then reviewed each store’s available return, shipping, layaway, and financing information on October 4, 2026.

We also read recent public customer reviews of each store on October 4, 2026, to see where other buyers report problems. Review sites tend to lean negative because unhappy buyers post more often, so read these themes as a guide to what can go wrong rather than a verdict on every order.

The “best for” labels are editorial judgments tied to a specific strength, such as free shipping, layaway, pickup, or parts selection. They do not mean a store wins every price or service category. Policies change, so confirm the current terms and the total delivered cost before checkout.

Some links may earn Gun Made a commission. Gun Made’s price search is our own product. Neither affiliate relationships nor the search tool changed the order of the list.

Pick the store by what matters most for this purchase:

• Best overall for popular guns: GrabAGun
• Budget AR or house-brand value: Palmetto State Armory
• Free firearm shipping and price protection: Bud’s Gun Shop
• Gun, ammo, and gear in one cart: MidwayUSA
• Layaway: Kentucky Gun Company
• Pickup today or tomorrow near a store: Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Parts and build gear with a firearm: Brownells

Before you order, compare the exact model on Gun Made, check the retailer’s current terms, and call your receiving FFL for its transfer fee. Then add shipping, taxes, processing time, and any restocking charge that could apply.

If you also need ammunition, see our guide to the best places to buy ammo online.