Wouldnt give this place the time of day much less spend any money there! No respect or manners. I was not the one that urinated in your parking lot. I was defending my father who is elderly. He has some issues with his bladder and is having some cognitive issues. I dont agree with what he did but the situation was made worse by the poor self control and attitude of the employees/owner. I definitely didnt deserve to be spit on. With this pandemic looking into what action I can take on that incident!

I have bought multiple guns from this wonderful gun store over the last several years. Not only are they the friendliest, most knowledgeable gun shop you will find in Eastern NC. But their staff goes above and beyond to help with any question you may have even after a transaction is complete. When you buy from them you don’t feel like a customer, you feel like a family member. Thanks as always!

The service is fantastic and employees are very knowledgeable. THEY KEEP PRODUCTS IN STOCK TOO! This is a fantastic small business that has helped the 2A community in Wilmington and everyone should visit this place if you’re looking for guns, ammo, expertise. Don’t overlook Backwater; I wish I could give more stars!

Backwater is an amazing, family owned business. They have become my go to for pocket knives, guns, and gun safes. Everyone who works there is friendly and knowledgeable. You will be greeted by two fluffy coworkers who make shopping there even more enjoyable! Can’t recommend this place enough!

This place has lots of different inventory and good prices! Josh is who I have dealt with but everybody seems knowledgeable and friendly from what I’ve seen! Highly recommend them for any of your gun needs.

Im not sure why these guys get so much heat in the reviews section. I stopped in today to pick up a few things and didnt experience ANY issues. One guy was willing to help me out with any questions I had the whole time I was there and the whole interaction went SMOOTH. They even let my child use the Employees restroom! Great folks here.

Wonderful, local business!! Great inventory on some nice firearms! And the owners are great as well! Go support this local business if youre in the market for some guns and ammo.

I have been doing business with Backwater since the day they opened their doors 13 plus years ago. I have always had a good buying experience and will always continue to buy from them as they are a family ran business, kind and personable and have always been honest and personable with me.

I bought a gun on line from Daniel Defense and they handled the transfer. The staff was polite and provided amazing service. I will be purchasing more items and completing future transfers through them in the future.

Very good experience, the firearm I purchased was nearly $400 less than a competitor elsewhere in town. No pressure, knowledgeable staff with a wide selection of aftermarket parts and accessories. A few dollars more average for the accessories than you would find online at Brownells or Midway, but that’s the price you pay to support a local business. Would definitely shop again in the future.

All around great service, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. Highly recommend

I purchased a Liberty Gun safe from Backwater Guns today and they were very helpful. Price was fair and delivery price was fair as well. I look forward to taking delivery on the safe next week. I hope to be able to buy enough .38 Special ammunition to completely fill the safe or I am going to be horribly disappointed! ;)

You have to visit the ical celebrities Thor and his brother.

I had an unpleasant experience at this store. However the owners called me and made it a hundred percent. I would definitely shop here again the owners are caring people

Loads of fun stuff.. Ill be back

Stopped by to look into buying 9 mm pistol. I found one I liked and ask to see it. I was looking at it and I asked 2 questions. He replyed that if I would shut up he would tell me what I needed to know. Bit my tongue and put on lay away. Walked around store looking at things for 15 minutes and know one asked if I neede any help. I am going for layaway refund today. I have nothing good to say about back water !

Visited backwater prepared to spend about $1,200 on a couple items and some classes, but the person behind the counter was so unfriendly and unhelpful that I will never step foot in this store again for anything. Go to Jims or Sportsmans if you prefer to be treated with respect and care about customer service.

I cant figure out how to properly warn newer, or curious gun owners, or those with question that they should not patronize this establishment.They work very hard at being bad people, who may even present decent at first - ONLY if they have time and arent busy.EDIT: Solve the perplexation by doing some self reflection. People are not wasting time to post 1-star reviews of a Gun shop for nothing. Read your most recent reviews and try to respond honestly.Integrity?? Ethics?? Not in the DNA of the family running this shop.

Always nice. It is a known fact that workers of gunship counters can come off as passive aggressive D-bags. But Backwater has always had the best of counter workers, and the owners are just great. Some guns like Extar you have to buy directly from them, the have them shipped to a dealer. I only trust Backwater to handle this. They have been flawless and very polite.

Edit: Owner, Kirt took time out his day to professionally address the issue via an ultra pleasant phone call this afternoon. Thx!MADE my day.

Amazing service, Kirk absolutely exceeded my expectations from start to finish. Very patient and willing to problem solve. I highly recommend Backwater to any new, old, out of state buyer. Great experience!

Dishonest, deceptive business practices... for sure don’t buy anything online from them (gunbroker.com)... show one thing, ship another, claim stock photos, no returns... distasteful... strange other sellers use stock photos from companies that honestly reflect the product you’re buying, however this company shows you stock photos of a more desirable item than what they ship... think twice and buy elsewhere, especially when there are so many other places to buy from...

Friendly employees, great service

Read my review on Jim’s Pawn. Read every review on Jim’s Pawn. This place will get ALL my business from here on out. I have been in several times and staff have ALWAYS been attentive. I have asked several minutes of questions with no frustration showing me firearms I have been interested in. I have used them for FFL before with no hassle. Many friends have used them to purchase guns with no negative experiences. DO NOT expect this at Jim’s

Nothing but good experiences here. Have bought both guns and had some work done to my AR without issue and done very quickly.

Great shop, helpful employees. Was able to get my rifle serviced very quickly and even able to special order some unique ammo I wanted. Amazing place.

I was in there the other day and was going to buy some night sights and ask the guy if he would put them on. he said that i would have to, leave the gun. i told him that i had to drive a hour to get here and he told me he dont care if i drove from heaven. this guy was not nice. i will do my business some where else

They sold me a revolver requiring 38 special ammunition. I was able to buy one box of ammunition. I am unable to find anymore. I went back to the store and was told manufacturers are making 9 mm instead and 38 special is very hard to find. They sold me the pistol knowing that I couldn’t find ammunition. Shame on them. This could have been avoided if I was told of the shortage. I would have bought a 9mm instead. I was offered 50% of the cost in credit for a weapon bought less than a week ago.

Absolutely great gun shop. Very friendly people to work with. Nice to know there is such a thing as customer service where you can talk to a person who treats you the way you would want to be treated. If you are looking for something. ....look no further, they will take care of you!!You wont be sorry !

I love coming to this store everyone is so nice and helpful. me and my father have bought a bunch of guns from here and I recommend this shop to all my friends. great prices and great people.

While the firearm selection here is plentiful, the over the phone and in store customer service is horrible. Every time I’ve ever called to ask a question or gone in to browse it seems no one is willing to take time out of their oh so busy day to serve a customer. I would suggest shopping elsewhere if you want to feel like a valued customer.

The staff at Backwater is very knowledgeable and extremely polite. The have a tremendous selection of firearms both new and used. It is one of the only places in Wilmington that has ammo at a fair price. You can look elsewhere but you cant beat the customer service or prices.

Super selection.Great prices for your next firearm.Purchased Ruger Mark III Hunter pistol, good addition to my collection.Perfect small side arm for hunter or excellent plinking weapon.Saleman was spot on with reduced pricing.Will return in a few weeks to pickup a AR or two.Enjoyed browsing huge showroom.I you havent checked /his shop out, put it on your bucket list.

Best gun shop around. The store is always full of quality items and the staff are beyond knowledgeable and friendly. Great daily supply of ammunition, holsters, safes, fire arms, apparel, knives.... you name...they have it!! Affordable prices and superb quality firearms. Our family always buys at Backwater!

Hands down the most knowledgeable, inventoried, and professional firearms store I have been to. For a mom and pop shop they make the big box stores look silly. There has never been a situation where they didn’t have what I was looking for or knew how to get it for me. I trust these folks with tremendously. If you are looking for a family atmosphere would give them a try!

Great place... excellent selection...very knowledgeable staff. Best place in town to purchase all your firearm needs.

Very nice and very helpful people!!Thank you for your expertise!!

This is a great store with lots of selection not just in guns. Lots of other things. I went to look at hand gun sights and left with coffee and a new gun bag.

I purchased a gun safe with them and had it delivered, the two gentlemen who delivered it were great but the delivery fee was a bit out of line in my opinion. It said delivery charge @ 100 dollars out of town delivery 400 dollars. I live in Kings Grant. I have a Wilmington address. I have bought a number of guns and accessories from them because I like to support local businesses but this definitely left a bad impression on me.

Best gun store in N.C.! Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Awesome selection of guns, optics, safes, and ammo. They have just what I’m looking for every time I stop by. If not it’s ordered and arrives in a few days. Can’t say enough!

I have purchased 3 guns from Backwater in the last 6 weeks. 2 rifles and 1 pistol along with tons of ammo, magazines, etc. On my last rifle purchase I realized I was given a different version of the gun I had chosen when I got home. I was worried because they have a strict “all gun sales are final” return policy which is stated on the receipt. The next morning I called and talked to Mellisa the owner. I explained the situation and she immediately apologized, gathered up the correct gun, and told me to come by at my earliest convenience to get it corrected. That night I went by and everything was easily sorted out. She even gave me some ammo for my troubles. Definitely check them out if you are in the market for a firearm. The guys in the back are very knowledgeable and helpful. And thank you Mellisa for the polite service!

Would give 0 stars if possible, just within the past month I have spent over a $1000 at this store and I wanted to return a $40 magazine I had bought for my gun but instead of giving me my money back like I asked they gave me the run around and tried to offer me store credit when I just wanted my money back. If they were decent people and cared about their customers they would have taken my request into consideration. I ended up getting smart remarks made to me and threatened to be trespassed. The owner was very belligerent and yelled at me the whole time. Save your breath you won’t have to worry about me coming back. Very immature, unprofessional, and greedy people.

I called and inquired about a pistol and the guy that answered the phone was very rude!!!!!! And I have bought from this store before. I dont want to edit my review. So please keep it posted.

Great place lots in stock a bit pricey But overall very nice shop

These guys are real pros! They have a massive selection, and they are extremely educated on that selection. With Backwater you can trust you’re getting high quality at a great price, with awesome customer service to match. I won’t take my business anywhere else.

Friendly people. I cant remember the ladies name but she was immediately helpful to my wife and a ladies need for concealed carry. Jason and Kevin were more than helpful. We also had custom concealed holsters made in less than 30 minutes. I call that outstanding service!

Hands down the best gun shop in NC!! A huge selection and the staff is second to none, super knowledgeable and extremely friendly and helpful!! Always feel like family every time I walk in! Couldn’t give this shop enough praise! They do it right!

Family owned and operated, everybody is very knowledgeable and helpful. The store is always packed with the latest and greatest gear. Staff has always provided great information and recommendations, its my go-to store and I highly recommend to all friends and family.

Th best firearm store in the area! Great selection of new and used firearms and all the accessories you can imagine. Super friendly staff that are always willing to help. I have been a customer for many years and will keep shopping at backwater for many years to come.

Best gun store I’ve ever been in... always friendly and helpful... really professional.. I would recommend them for all of your gun needs

Like every gun dealer they all are gouging customers for high demand products that could be purchased with more availability in war time! Excuses but the consumer knows what is going on. Not just you guys. Its a concerted retailer move.

I gave backwater an extra star for the very very few employees who care to assist customers. I’ve spent plenty of money at this local gun store only to be greeted over and over and over again by rude employees. Calling for questions is a complete nightmare, they seem as if it’s a bother for you to ask them to do their job. They want to take your money and get you out the door while doing as little work as possible. I’d shop everywhere else before returning here.

Best gun store in Wilmington and surrounding area! Been going there for years and won’t go anywhere else! Super knowledgeable staff and the best selection in the area! Highly recommend!

Backwater is the pre-eminent gun shop in Wilmington,NC. The owners are top rate, first class people whom I have been doing business for many years. Their staff is knowledgeable, attentive and courteous, which is a rare combination in today’s world. Their selection of firearms, accessories, ammunition is second to none. It is a pleasure to walk into a gun shop and be asked if you need help, as opposed to being ignored, as is the case in another large competitor.I very highly recommend that you shop for your firearms and accessories at Backwater, you’ll be happy you didMarty MillerWilmington,NC

Ive never been disappointed with any of my purchases. They have the biggest selection in town and the staff is very knowledgeable/attentive. No need to go anywhere else.

I love a good family run business... The folks at Backwater are so nice, helpful, knowledgeable and fun. Im glad they took the time to listen to what I was thinking I wanted, but then told me what it was I actually needed. Great group of people here, big selection and then theres Thor, the most beautiful dog on the planet that aids in the check out process.

Great selection and knowledgeable staff

This is a wonderful family owned company that i love. Jessica takes a lot of pride in her work and assists you in making the right decision on your gun purchase. She ensures that you’re taken care of in the best way, is calm and collected. Backwater is my new favorite gun store and has one of the best varieties I’ve ever seen. If I am purchasing a gun - I will always go to backwater guns now! Thank you for the excellent customer service!

I am blown away by the selection available here and even more blown away by the team. They take the time to inform, educate and develop a relationship with their patrons. 10/10 recommend and if you stop in, Josh is my favorite!

As many others before me have said as well. The customer service here is definitely hit or miss. If your knowledgeable in guns, know what you want, and know what prices to look for you should have no problem shopping at Backwater Guns. My first time at their location was my first time purchasing a pistol. Josh, I believe his name is, one of the owners kids/owner himself assisted me with every step of purchasing my first pistol and gave me good information along the way and looked like he enjoyed it. I walked out completely satisfied and felt like I had the knowledge I needed to get started. However upon my next trip to purchase an AR 15, 2 people looked at me with complete disinterest in being helpful, clearly sensing my lack of knowledge of AR 15s. Finally someone who recognized us from the first time we shopped here came and assisted us and did a well enough job. I would advise being helped by someone who actually has stake in the company as they seem to be the most helpful.

Great selections. Large parts inventory.

Extremely knowledgeable, honest and an insanely huge selection of not only firearms but also optics, safes, suppressors, ammo etc.... I have done business with Backwater guns for a few years now and have not a single complaint. I’m very particular about my firearms and they have had nothing but patience and understanding for my wants and concerns. A HUGE THANKS TO THE FOLKS AT BACKWATER GUNS!!God Bless!-Bill

Very friendly and helpful staff and a very good selection

Have been shopping for Guns with these guys for several years they have always been honest and helpful in picking out the best firearms for me and my family.I would always recommend them to any new shooter or any one wanting an honest shopping experience.as always thanks Josh and Melissa for your help.

An awesome family-owned business with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Wouldn’t shop guns/accessories anywhere else. Love Backwater!

If you are looking for a gun shop around for prices they got me for $100 more than all other gun shops around there area its my fault for not looking around and Ive never seen a price difference that much between different shops lesson learned wont buy nothing else there and Ive spent alot of money there bet they wont get me again....

Nice place, Very professional people to help you. Look forward to going back again.

I have to echo the same sentiments of the numerous other people who found the selection good but the staff extremely rude. I am new to the whole firearm/personal protection scene so I do not possess much knowledge of handguns. In my position you hope someone at a gun shop will take some time to help educate you. What I got was someone who sensed my ignorance and felt I was a waste of his time. He made no response as I made remarks in an attempt to get feedback. He took the one firearm he pulled out for me back and promptly walked away.

Great FFL. Kirk and the guys are definitely one of the better customer service focused FFLs ive worked with.

Place is amazing,owners are very friendly and staff is extremely knowledgeable, selection is great, always find what I need here the best in Wilmington

Most of if not all of the folks there are very pleasant but there is on fellow who is short with black hair wis ears black t shirt a lot who seems to be worn out from the recent boom in the business. Not helpful beyond the basic of buy but don’t ask me to do much because i have a attitude. This guy needs to take a break. I was looki9ng for some info on a big purchase and he was short and seemed disgusted on helping

They were very knowledgeable and very sweet. They answered every question and even helped weigh in on pros and cons of certain guns before we made any decisions. They also gave me a chair to sit in when I asked if they had anywhere to sit since Im 7 months pregnant. We definitely plan on coming back

Been in here a few times and was pleased by the friendly staff, very helpful to answer your questions. Im in the process in buying a Sig P320 or a Sig p220. well I finally purchased a p220 and the staff Chris and Josh were very helpful in answering my questions. and the ladies up front where a big help also. Been about a year since Ive been going here and in that time Ive gotten several firearms and a Safe, and have to say they are the best and if you need anything they can get it for you like my last firearm

Walked through the store browsing and saw a revolver Id been looking for for three years. The condition and price were exceptional! I came back a week later and was able to put the gun on a lay-a-way program. Picked it up Christmas Eve and couldnt stop smiling. The price was less than any Id found on the internet for the same gun. Highly recommend!

Very knowledgeable about products

Love my 9mm I got from Curtis!

Nice gun selection, terrible customer service. I will spend my hard earned money with a company that atleast acts like they want you in the store.

Staff always goes above and beyond and their selection is the best in town.

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Traded one pistol and later bought another outright. The salesperson both times were super nice and very knowledgeable. They took their time and didn’t rush or pressure me. If you just want to browse the general merchandise or gaze at the vast array of weapons they allow you the space to do so!! Very good place to do business !!

Great staff with a fantastic selection of firearms and accessories I would highly recommend checking their shop out. Fair prices when buying and selling!

I won a bid for a pistol they have for sale. I call and spoke to Jessica and she took the time to go over everything I needed to do the purchase. We drove from Raleigh NC to Wilmington NC, 2.5 hours and upon arriving they treat us wonderful. The prices are competitive and the two gentlemen we spoke to took the time to help my wife go over the different weapons we could purchase. I have recommended them to my family and friends and will be doing business with them in the future. My brother purchase the same weapon I did from them and they live in Florida, they transition was flawless and with no problems. Thanks for all you do!! Keep it up.

One of the best gun shops Ive ever visited. The staff is most helpful, and well versed in this wonderful past time. The selection is excellent. They must have had 25 different AR type rifles, at a time when most stores have none. They even had 9mm and .22 ammo, which almost impossible to get. I have visited the other stores in Wilmington, and this one, by far, has the best selection, the best staff, and great prices. Im from Jacksonville, and none of the stores there have anything for sale. This was my first visit to Backwater Guns, but it wont be my last! Thanks for a wonderful experience.

This is my go-to shop for anything I need. The staff is very friendly, and I have always felt comfortable walking in and asking questions. I buy all of my firearms, ammo, and range gear here.

Great selection and good prices on guns. This is the better of the gun stores in Wilmington. They have a knowledgeable staff and are very friendly. Also, they had a great selection of ammo and magazines too. I will be coming back to this store for sure.

Great staff. Always eager and willing to help. They go above and beyond. They are the only gun shop that I go to. In my opinion they are the best in town! Thank you guys for being so Great!

Great people. Helpful as could be. Had everything I wanted. The place to go.

Guy named Chris is the gunsmith here at Backwater. Came for him to fit a handguard for an AK. Outstanding service and friendly dude. He also fixed some tightment issues relating to the stock even though I didnt even mention it. Highly recommend this place.

Great place, excellent service & prices. I will definitely go back.

Excellent service and great selection.

Purchased my first gun here! Definitely the best selection in town. And I did my fair share of searching. I was not an expert on purchasing guns but the guys here were great and very knowledgeable. I didnt come into the store experienced but they knew their stuff and made me feel prepared to own my weapon by the time I left. Very impressed!

Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Gave great advice when going throughout the entire gun purchase

One of the best firearms shops/outfitters in the Southeast! They have a great selection of quality firearms and tactical/shooting accessories - not the usual second-rate crap that most gun stores in the area push. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and reliable and are a pleasure to do business with. I have purchased many firearms and related items from them and look forward to giving them more of my business in the future.

Wilmington’s premier gun shop!!! Family owned, excellent customer service, and the best selection in town.

Excellent selection and customer service. Very helpful for a first time gun owner for me and my wife. Helped explain ammo selection and will be back for ammo, and future purchases.

Phenomenal service! Kelly, I believe was the associates name, extremely helpful and very knowledgeable! Beyond satisfied with my trip and will return for another purchase in the future.

Very, friendly and knowledgable staff. A well stocked shop that left me very impressed. Ill be back.

Super knowledgable and very helpfull. Great inventory and selection

Needed a rear sight removed from my XD, in and out in less than 10 minutes. Great service, happy to answer questions, and not pushy. They will have my business if they have the item in stock.

I Went into the store to buy a specific handgun. It was a new gun and hard to find. This store had 2 in the counter. They were marked $100 over msrp (price gouging). I really wanted the handgun so I was willing to pay. Cash in hand I asked for the gun so I could purchase it, I was told no and that those were for online auction purchase only. I understand they can make more money on the online sale but it was in the case to be seen by customers and not in a back room. So since they could make more money online they refused to sell a customer in their shop a firearm, one they had in stock and in the glass case to be seen. I Will not shop someplace that is more concerned about online sales more than their local customers. Please find yourself another place to do business with.