If you look up Bud’s Gun Shop lately, you can’t miss the chatter. Is Bud’s quitting? Are they closing their doors for good? Let’s get right to it because rumors seem to travel faster than clear updates.
A quick realistic answer: Bud’s Gun Shop is **not going out of business in 2025**. The real story is a lot less dramatic than the headlines make it sound. We’ve looked at what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why so many people seem convinced there’s trouble — even when there’s not.
So, Where Did the Rumors Come From?
Every year or so, someone on Reddit, in a forum, or even on YouTube fires up a new thread about Bud’s supposedly closing down. Sometimes, it’s tied to a shipping delay. Other times, it’s a change in the website or a shipment that didn’t go as planned.
The noise picked up again in late 2024 after a few gun YouTubers stopped working with Bud’s. Then it snowballed from there, like it always does online. Mix in any kind of ownership news, and suddenly you have speculation turning into “news” that simply isn’t accurate.
Ownership and Leadership: What’s Actually Changed?
Here’s what’s real: Bud’s Gun Shop got a new owner recently. Joe Murphy stepped in as CEO. Whenever there’s a change up top, it makes regulars and employees a little curious.
Some folks figured this was a sign of something bigger, like a quiet bankruptcy or the store being on its last legs. But that’s not what’s happening.
Joe Murphy isn’t closing shop. He’s actually talking about growing the business — not shrinking it. That includes keeping and improving the stores in Kentucky and Tennessee, which are the main locations everyone thinks of when they picture Bud’s.
If you actually drive by their Lexington or Sevierville stores right now, you’ll see parking lots with customers, employees on shift, and business as usual.
When new management comes in, there might be new policies, updates to staff, or different ways of doing things. But in this case, all signs point to a plan for continued growth, not a winding down.
Physical Stores: Still Open in Kentucky and Tennessee
There’s nothing vague about the situation in Kentucky or Tennessee. Walk into any Bud’s Gun Shop in those states and you’ll see the store is open, stocked, and staffed.
Some stores have even run local sales events and training classes, much like they always have. If you talk to employees, they’ll tell you they’ve heard the rumors online too, and sometimes they get calls from anxious customers who just want some clarity.
When it comes down to it, both retail locations are running day-to-day operations without break. Nothing’s shuttered, and you won’t find big “going out of business” flyers on the window.
So, no — if you’re near Kentucky or Tennessee, Bud’s Gun Shop is not closing its doors. You can still browse in person, get advice from the staff, or pick up your orders like always.
Online Sales: No Pause or Disruption
For a lot of people, Bud’s means the website, not just the physical stores. That’s where most of the rumors seem to buzz, especially with how much business Bud’s moves through online sales.
Go to the Bud’s Gun Shop website right now, and you get the full experience: updated inventory, live support, and the same interface as always. They’re still shipping out firearms, accessories, ammo — the works.
Some customers worried that maybe the website would go quietly offline, as sometimes happens when a company is on the ropes. That just hasn’t happened. From orders to live chat to payment processing, the site is working as it should. None of the normal digital red flags are there.
So, if your concern was about your pending order or Bud’s ability to keep up in 2025, the reality is you’re going to get the same service and offerings you’ve come to expect.
What About Financial Trouble Or Lawsuits?
Companies can get into real trouble with lawsuits, tax issues, or big financial mistakes. That’s usually what brings a business down fast.
So, are there any smoking guns here? Public records and news outlets haven’t found lawsuits or bankruptcy filings against Bud’s Gun Shop. There’s no sudden layoff news, no “closed until further notice” posts, or anything that would hint at court-ordered closure.
A few smaller lawsuits and customer disagreements exist, as with any big retailer — but there’s no huge legal showdown looming over the business.
Financially, Bud’s is still moving product and showing solid sales volume, especially in the online firearm space, which is competitive and fast-moving.
If there was real trouble, it’d be hard to hide. But all available signs show the business is functioning, not faltering.
Customer Experience: Satisfied, But Not Always Happy
Here’s something that probably feeds the rumor mill: online reviews. It’s true, some folks have been frustrated with Bud’s Gun Shop customer service at times.
You’ll see complaints about shipping times, communications, and occasional misunderstandings. A few long-time customers mention they “don’t think the new management is as good as the old,” which tends to happen anytime there’s a change at the top.
But these are one-off stories, not patterns showing widespread failure. There’s a difference between getting a slow refund and seeing store windows get papered over for good.
This is the reality for big online retailers, especially with something as heavily regulated as firearms. It’s not always a smooth ride, and customer service isn’t perfect anywhere.
Most of Bud’s regulars tell you the buying experience is about the same as it’s been for years. You order, you wait a bit (sometimes longer than you’d like), and your items show up as promised.
Influencers and Sponsorships: Some Moves, Not a Mass Exodus
Back to those rumors about influencers. Maybe you noticed channels like Hickok45 no longer naming Bud’s as a sponsor recently.
Influencer partnerships change all the time, sometimes for business, sometimes for personal reasons. When a big name in the firearm world moves on, fans start speculating.
Some folks assumed these breakups meant Bud’s was failing or couldn’t afford deals anymore. But there’s no evidence missing sponsorships seriously dented Bud’s brand or cash flow. Most other promotional activities, discounts, and community events seem to be moving forward as usual.
The bottom line here: influencer marketing moves have not signaled a shutdown or even a substantial pullback in business activity.
Online Talk vs. Reality
Rumors catch on when people are looking for stories, not just information. If your last gun order was slow, you might hop onto a forum to vent, and someone else will echo that frustration.
But take a step back and look at the big picture. Bud’s employees are still clocking in. Guns are still hitting mailboxes and counters. Policies are being updated, but the shop is not shuttered. That’s the actual story, not the viral one.
If you’re tracking reliable news or even looking at trusted business analysis sites like Serabusiness, you’ll see there’s simply no sign of Bud’s Gun Shop folding.
So, Should You Worry About Shopping at Bud’s Gun Shop in 2025?
Let’s be direct: no, you don’t need to worry about Bud’s Gun Shop disappearing tomorrow.
Of course, every business faces some risk — especially in retail, where rules and tastes can change. But right now? All the details point to a store that’s staying put, with plans to grow, even if the face at the top has changed.
If you want to call up the store and ask, you’ll probably get a friendly voice who’s heard your question before — and they’ll say the same thing: business as usual.
Rumors will always bounce around online, especially with so many people relying on fast info. But as of summer 2025, Bud’s Gun Shop is stable, open for business, and serving customers both locally and across the country, just as it did last year.
Final Word: Look at the Facts, Not Just the Forums
It’s smart to be cautious before making big online purchases these days. And it makes sense to wonder if the stores you like will stick around.
But for Bud’s Gun Shop, the doomsday rumors don’t match up with everyday reality. The stores are running, people are buying, and “closed for business” signs are nowhere in sight.
As always, stay up to date, pay attention to official channels, and ask if you’re unsure. For now, Bud’s Gun Shop is sticking around, regardless of what the comment section thinks.