
Rural King might be known for farming supplies and outdoor gear, but a lot of folks are discovering it’s also a great place to buy firearms. Whether you’re walking into one of their stores or browsing Rural King Guns, also known as RKGuns.com (their online shop), Rural King offers a wide selection of handguns, rifles, and shotguns at prices that can compete with some of the bigger names in the business.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying guns from Rural King—including store policies, layaway options, shipping times, and more. I’ve had my share of experiences with them, and I’ll share some tips to help you decide if Rural King is right for your next firearm purchase.
Rural King Guns vs. RKGuns: What’s the Difference?
Here’s where it can get a little confusing: Rural King and RKGuns are technically the same company, but the experience is slightly different.
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Rural King is the retail store, where you can walk in, browse guns in person, and buy on the spot.
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RKGuns is their online firearms store—you can order a gun online and have it shipped to your nearest Rural King store.
Shipping and Transfers:
- Free FFL Transfer when shipping to a Rural King store.
When you purchase a firearm at RKGuns.com and it is shipped to your local Rural King store, we do not charge a transfer fee. However, some states charge a nominal fee for the background check, and you will be required to pay that fee. The states that charge a fee for the background check, along with the amount of the fee, are listed below.
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- Florida: $8.00
- Illinois: $2.00
- Pennsylvania: $2.00
- Tennessee: $10.00
- Virginia: $2.00 for residents and $5.00 for non-residents
How to Buy a Gun at Rural King (Step-by-Step)
In-Store Purchase:
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Browse the selection at your local Rural King store.
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Choose your firearm and complete the background check paperwork.
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Pay and wait for the background check approval (time varies by state).
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Take your gun home (or return when approved if there’s a waiting period).
Online Purchase via RKGuns:
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Go to RKGuns.com and find the gun you want.
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Add it to your cart and check out.
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Select your local Rural King store for delivery.
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Complete the purchase and wait for confirmation.
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Once it arrives, head to the store to complete the transfer and background check.
🔔 Tip: If you’re not near a Rural King, other online retailers might offer more flexible shipping options. (Affiliate-ready spot)
Does Rural King Have Layaway for Guns?
Yes, they do—and it’s pretty straightforward.
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10% down payment is required.
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You have 60 days to fully pay for your firearm.
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Payments are due every 30 days.
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There’s a $10 service charge if you cancel or miss the deadline.
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You can only have 2 guns on layaway at a time.
Rural King’s FFL Transfer Policy (Updated)
As of 2021, Rural King made a key change: they no longer ship guns to outside FFL dealers. All firearms purchased online must be shipped to a Rural King store for pickup.
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Flat $12.99 shipping on all firearms.
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Free transfer fee when shipping to Rural King stores.
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No transfers accepted from other dealers—only RKGuns sales.
Price Matching: Does Rural King Offer the Best Deal?
Rural King does have a price match policy, but there are some rules:
Acceptable:
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Must be the exact same item (brand, size, model).
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Must be a local competitor’s ad.
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Includes local online retailers (not national ones like Amazon or eBay).
Not Accepted:
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Clearance or closeout items.
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3rd party sellers like eBay, Amazon Marketplace, GunBroker.
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Competitors outside their market area.
💡 Note: It’s worth comparing prices. Some buyers have found better deals at places like Palmetto State Armory or Brownells, depending on the gun.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Gun at Rural King?
Rural King follows all federal and state firearm laws when it comes to age requirements. Here’s a quick overview:
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To buy a long gun (rifle or shotgun): You must be at least 18 years old
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To buy a handgun: You must be at least 21 years old
These rules apply whether you’re buying in-store or ordering through RK Guns for in-store pickup. Some states may have stricter age laws or additional requirements, so it’s always smart to check your local regulations before making a purchase.
💡 Need help finding your state’s gun laws? Check out our full guide to Gun Laws & Regulations
Where Are Rural King Gun Stores Located?
Rural King has over 120 stores in 13 states. Here’s a quick overview of which states they are in:
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Alabama
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Florida
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Kentucky
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Michigan
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Missouri
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North Carolina
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Ohio
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Pennsylvania
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Tennessee
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Virginia
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West Virginia
You can check their store locator for the nearest Rural King near you.
FAQs About Rural King Guns
1. Does Rural King Sell Guns In-Store?
Yes. Most stores have a firearm section with pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
2. Can You Buy Guns Online at RKGuns?
Yes, but you have to pick them up at a Rural King store.
3. Does Rural King Sell Ammo?
They carry a wide selection of ammo, both online and in-store.
4. Does Rural King Price Match Firearms?
Yes, under specific conditions.
5. Does Rural King Sell Guns on Sunday?
6. Is there a Rural King in Texas?
No, as of this writing, Rural King does not have a store in Texas.
Yes, their stores are open 7 AM–7 PM Monday – Saturday, Sundays 8 AM–5 PM *Check with each store location before visiting .
My Experience Buying from Rural King
I’ve bought a few guns from Rural King and RKGuns. Pricing has been solid, and the selection is decent for a retail chain. One thing to note: shipping can be hit or miss. Some of my orders arrived in a few days, others took weeks. Customer service at the store can also vary, depending on the location. If you’re in a rush or need flexibility with FFL transfers, consider checking out other online options. But overall, Rural King offers solid value.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Guns from Rural King?
Rural King is a great option if you’re looking for a decent deal on a firearm and have a store nearby. Their layaway program can help if you want to pay over time, and their price match policy might save you a few bucks. Just be aware of their FFL transfer restrictions and shipping timelines.
If you want more flexibility or faster shipping, it’s worth comparing prices at other online retailers. But for in-store purchases, Rural King is hard to beat.