McBride’s Guns - Austin, TX

[mritter]

I visited McBride’s recently. It had been a while since I stopped in, maybe a year. Was very surprised to see the shelves and gun racks fairly bare. My usual contact behind the counter said the business was for sale and prospects didn’t look good.

I was born and raised in Austin. My dad went to school with Joe McBride. I honestly don’t know how many guns I’ve bought/sold/traded there over the years. Too many to count.

I’m sure business took a hit when Cabela’s and Bass Pro came to town years ago. And of course, there’s the internet. Still, I know McBride’s had a loyal customer base in Central Texas.

Just sad to see an old part of Austin lost. Unfortunately, too common here anymore.

 

[DocHolliday]

Austin is not the town it used to be.

 

[cash_tx]

It saddens me to hear this. I grew up in San Marcos during the 80s, and made regular pilgrimages to McBride's Guns. My father and I always loved talking with Joe and Jackie. I still have a Browning Safari Grade and a Winchester Model 70 Lightweight that we bought there in the late 80s.

I guess with the changes in Austin and the market in general, this was probably a matter of time; but still sad to see the ending of an era.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

In 2023 (when I visited Austin), @Red Leg recommended I go to McBride’s Guns in order to get an M-16 extractor retrofitted on my .375 Holland & Holland Magnum Remington Model 700 Kevlar Stock Custom. I was in a bit of a hurry, since I would be leaving off to Tanzania in a few weeks for my hippo-on-land Safari. Indeed, McBride’s Guns were the right people for the job. The gentlemen at the shop were extremely friendly & easygoing. They were able to fit the M16 extractor to the rifle within a couple of days. And I was all clear.

I’m really sad that the business is for sale. You would think that in a pro gun, pro hunting state like Texas… that their business would flourish more.

 

[Red Leg]

Ah jeez. First I had heard. Purchased two nice rifles and a lovely double from them over the last few years. Great folks and Joe knew a thing or two about fine guns. Those sales usually took place from his office.

 

[cash_tx]

In 2023 (when I visited Austin), @Red Leg recommended I go to McBride’s Guns in order to get an M-16 extractor retrofitted on my .375 Holland & Holland Magnum Remington Model 700 Kevlar Stock Custom. I was in a bit of a hurry, since I would be leaving off to Tanzania in a few weeks for my hippo-on-land Safari. Indeed, McBride’s Guns were the right people for the job. The gentlemen at the shop were extremely friendly & easygoing. They were able to fit the M16 extractor to the rifle within a couple of days. And I was all clear.

I’m really sad that the business is for sale. You would think that in a pro gun, pro hunting state like Texas… that their business would flourish more.

There is Texas, and then there is Austin... ;-)

 

[wesheltonj]

News to me too. McBride's was the place to buy firearm in Austin for years. Sorry to see it close. Old Austin just keeps disappearing. Long live the Armadillo and long live McBride's.

 

[deewayne2003]

Ah jeez. First I had heard. Purchased two nice rifles and a lovely double from them over the last few years. Great folks and Joe knew a thing or two about fine guns. Those sales usually took place from his office.

Agreed, I bought several guns out of that back office including my .470ne

When I lived there the Saturday morning ritual was breakfast at Juan in a Million and stop by McBrides to see what had come in that week.

 

[jeanes]

Really sorry to hear this. I bought many guns from them over the years, including my 16ga LC Smith. Their truck load shotshell sale at the start of hunting season was something to look forward to each year. End of an era.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

There is Texas, and then there is Austin... ;-)

You got that right!!

 

[sgtsabai]

I hate to hear that. I visited McBrides way back in around 1970 as a long haired ranking member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Poor wasn't the name for it and it was drool time. There was a 1895 (correct date?) model Winchester in 405 that I really admired. It was unfortunately just drool time as I could barely feed my son and myself. Wonderful place, polite even to us, and I've always wanted to return when I had money. Got money now, but most goes to keeping me alive with this damn Agent Orange throat cancer. I hope something happens to turn business around for them, iconic place.