Not gonna lie, TGT gives me a headache. Timeouts, can't log in half the time, a mobile site that fights you, scammers asking for deposits, and a $15.99 seller fee you only find out about after you write your whole listing.

So 5 days ago I launched texasarmstrader.com on r/TexasGuns. Since then: 100+ users, 33 listings, and two guns already sold. Listings come in everyday and we're just getting started.

I'm a software engineer in San Antonio and I work IT at a shooting sports non-profit. Before I wrote any code, I spent 6 months asking members and coworkers what they hate about buying and selling online. Same answers every time: scammers, surprise fees, and sites that don't work on your phone. So that's what I built around.

This isn't abandonware. Every feature that gets suggested, I build. Here's what came straight out of the comments last week:

- u/Double-Quote3 asked for a way to see more than just their area, so I built ZIP code search with a distance up to 250 miles. They also asked for a back button in the app, so that's in too

- u/eweezy1007 said gun folks put stickers on everything, so I opened a merch store with stickers and shirts

- u/physicalzero pointed out anyone could tap "show number", so phone numbers now only show to signed-in members, I fixed that

- u/Worm_Farmer reported Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Comfort and Bandera were missing, so there's a new Hill Country city group

- u/aramos13222 found a bug in the TGT badge link check

Find a bug and you get a Bug Hunter badge on your profile.

On scammers, since that's the #1 complaint about every gun marketplace:

- every listing and profile pic gets screened by AI the second it goes up

- anything flagged lands in front of a real person, and every report gets read, usually same day

- brand new accounts are limited in who they can message

- a warning shows in your messages if a new account asks for a deposit, Zelle or gift cards

- every profile shows reviews and how long they've been a member, so a 2 day old account asking for money sticks out

The basics:

- free to list, no fee at the end

- signup is instant, no waiting to get approved

- it's an app: open the site on your phone, tap your profile picture, then Get the App, and you get alerts for messages and saved searches

- Sale, Trade, Wanted, OBO, or run it as an auction eBay style

- a forum with boards for every part of Texas

- free bill of sale generator, FFL locator and range directory, zip code search like FB marketplace

The fair question last time was "great, but how are you going to get users? TGT has everybody." Here's my answer: I'm running social media campaigns alongside the site, and the videos are already getting up to 33k views across a bunch of platforms. I'm not building this and hoping people show up. I'm going out and getting the buyers, so when you list here, people actually see it.

Austin, it's still early up your way. Post your stuff and you're the first one people see in your area.

OG badge: make an account AND post a listing by November 20, and you get it automatically. Both steps count, an account alone doesn't get it. After November 20 nobody new can earn it. Everyone who joins in the first year also gets a permanent Founding Member badge.

Tell me what's broken or what you want. I'll build it and come back and tell you when it's live.

texasarmstrader.com

Overnight on November 1st we’ll “Fall Back” an hour.

This is your reminder to check/replace the batteries in your safe’s electronic locks and any firearm sights 😀

Oh, and smoke & CO detectors too. Can’t forget about them.

Me and my brother are in Austin and would like to experience a gun range. I've seen a couple of negative reviews of Range USA, but I'm free to suggestions

Hey everybody!!
Need some recommendations for a reliable/affordable/trustworthy FFL dealer in the Austin area. I’m in South Austin actually pretty close to The Range. Obviously it’s a pretty touristy place but has anybody used their FFL service? Good? Bad?
Also found Zero Whiskey Tactical, good? Bad? For any and all recs including pricing please let me know!
Transferring a 9mm handgun from TX to NY (yes the mags are compliant with NY state).
Thanks everyone!

Looking for a gunsmith/shop that can put together an AK10 competently from the ground up. I’ve ordered all the parts, just looking for someone who won’t botch it. Willing to travel anywhere in Texas.

It's been some years and looking for recommendations for businesses that will give me the best deal/ for my unneeded ammo

Hi everyone!
I’m a long term Texas resident, with a valid work visa (not a green card), a valid Texas hunting, and a valid Texas driving license.

I’d like to purchase a firearm, which I understand I can legally do given my hunting license exception.

I’ve called a couple of shops and they refused to sell to me, which is within their rights, of course.

For people in my situation, where have you bought your firearm? I’ve found a couple of Reddit threads, but they were all 2+ years old.

Trying to track down specifically an LCP Max EHG with the Magpul grip, wanting to feel one to see if the updated Magpul grip module makes it worth carrying as a pocket pistol. Any shops locally that typically get newer stuff from Ruger in stock?

HeroGunShop.com gives 5% off for cash. Come and see us at Leander Gun Show October 24, 25. Send us an email if you are looking for something special so e can try to get it before the show: [hero@herogunshop.com](mailto:hero@herogunshop.com)

And yep - we’re doing cans/sbr/sbs on 4473 now

I was wondering if anyone could recommend any gunsmiths that can help getting my mini kabuto to run , it keeps locking the bolt back after every round and I’m honestly at a loss at what to do. Any help is appreciated as well. TIA

Hello,

I recently purchased a pcc and was trying to research and figure out which red/green dot I wanted to get. Are there any shops that allow you to put the optic on to the host to see how it looks or functions?

I just purchased a show low blackjack omega 9 and was trying to figure out what feels and looks best between holosun aems prox2, evo, or maybe even another red/green dot that i haven't considered.

I have astigmatism and have read that green dots help with that.

Wish I could justify getting the new compact acog 🤪.

I need to remove a Knight's Armament Company (KAC) URX 3.1 Free Floating Handguard but don't have access to my gear. Does anyone in or around the Austin area have a URX barrel nut wrench I could borrow for 20 minutes, or would someone be willing to do the removal for me?

good morning y'all. Purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 380 shield EZ yesterday. It's my first handgun. I've only shot a few times with a handgun and I have some basic experience with a shotgun. I'm looking for an instructor or a class where I can learn the basics with an emphasis on self-defense and get time on the range. I need to get started ASAP. Female instructor would be cool but I'm not exclusively looking for that. I'm in Central Austin but I'm willing to travel a bit. TIA for your recommendations 🙏

Looking for a good gunsmith in the central Texas area that can help me install a CGW pro trigger pack into my shadow 2 carry? Any recommendations? Both liberty gunsmith in downtown Austin and GUN FXR in cedar park sounded pretty confident. Black Jack guns said they could do it but offered the highest rate they seem to have a lot of positive Google reviews but some people here on the forum seem to have bad experiences.

Hey guys, just wanted to get some feedback and hear your opinions.
My first handgun, when the time comes, will be after I turn 21+. I’m currently 19, and I’m pretty sure I want to go with a Glock. I’ve been looking at the Glock 17 Gen 6 and Glock 19 Gen 6, and the main thing I’m debating is which one would be better for me.
The Glock 17 holds 17 rounds in the magazine, while the Glock 19 holds 15 rounds. I’m planning on eventually carrying my handgun concealed, so I’m wondering how much the difference in size between the two actually affects concealment and comfort.
I don’t want to sacrifice too much size just for a couple of extra rounds. To me, if I’m carrying a handgun, the most important thing is being accurate and making every shot count. At the same time, I understand that real-life situations can be unpredictable, and having those extra rounds could potentially make a difference.
I know I can always carry an extra magazine, so I’m mainly interested in hearing from people who have actually owned or carried a Glock 17 or Glock 19.
For those who own or have owned a Glock 17 or Glock 19 Gen 6:
How has your experience been?
How comfortable is it to conceal carry?
Do you notice a significant difference in size/weight between the two?
Which one did you choose and why?
On a scale of 0–10, how would you rate yours?
I’d appreciate hearing both positive and negative experiences. Thanks!

My dad has always been my shooting partner. He's getting older (mid 70s). He can't handle the heat very well, eyes aren't what they used to be, etc. I'm sad to say that my shooting buddy won't be able to go with me much longer due to health issues.

None of my friends are really into shooting. I'd love to find some buddies to go to the range with. I shoot pistol and carbine, no shotgun (yet). My main joys besides ARs (basic bitch) are my Steyr AUG and Walther pistols.

I used to shoot IDPA many moons ago (15-20 yrs) and would like to try out USPSA or give IDPA another go.

I usually go to Range USA in Round Rock or Lonestar in Florence, but I'm open to checking out some place new. I've taken a few courses at KR Training (great place). Really want to go to one of the longer-range places in Burnet.

I am taking an Appleseed course in December. I am also very interested in taking some carbine/AR courses for intermediate range (>100 yards) shooting.

I'm around Northwest Austin. If anyone is feeling friendly or is also in a similar spot, looking for new friends, let me know.

I want to get a side rail installed on an AK 47and was wanting recommendations for a gunsmith. Saddle rock armory had recommended Krebsbach Arms  which is small home based business in Georgetown. I also did call Blackjack guns and they said they could install one for 120. Any recommendations would be great. I want to have the slide rail install so I can install an RS regulate mount.

hey y’all, I want to drill and tap my m38 receiver for adding an original scope mount, anyone can suggest me a talented gunsmith in ATX area that has experience with milling ? a few that I know refused to do this service.. TY!

Hi guys, I'm in Austin for a project and I'll probably will visit regularly until next February so I decided to learn how to shoot.I know that shooting a rental gun is going to be more expensive than simply owning a gun and using own ammo but as I am not from the US I can't buy a gun. I don't know anything about local pricing but I've been at shady oaks twice, and at Lone star once and it seems like if you don't own a gun you have to spend quite a lot of money to shoot, since I don't like the idea of calling a ceasefire to change a target and also ammo is ~50% more expensive in lone star it seems like Shady oaks is the logical choice?

I've been wondering if there are any better deals than Shady-Oaks (22$ for ammo + 20$ for renting + 15$ for a lane (if i remember correctly))

I have lived and shot in Austin for a while. I used to be a member at Austin Rifle Club, then shot at Best of the West, have been to Eagle Peak and RPR and for some years now have been a member of a private range that has what I want, but membership is limited. I know folks who shoot at Range USA and the Range. Red's south has closed, Red's north is still open. Every time I go to a gun store I see a lot of people buying guns. Where do all these people shoot? Seems there is a lot more demand for guns than there are ranges. Do people buy them and not shoot them much?

EDIT: thanks to everyone telling me where they shoot. But my point is there seem to be a lot more people buying guns than shooting them, there's lots of busy gun stores, a big secondary market on TGT, but a fairly limited amount of ranges within a 1-2 hour drive., unless I am missing something.

I’m looking to learn handgun shooting from scratch and would appreciate some local recommendations.

I have basically zero experience with firearms and want to do this the right way — safety, handling, fundamentals, range etiquette, etc. I’m eventually interested in range shooting, home defense, and possibly concealed carry, but right now I mainly want a good first-time class or instructor.

I’m in the Round Rock area but don’t mind driving 45-60 minutes for a really good instructor.

I’ve seen Range USA Round Rock, Shady Oaks, and The Range at Austin mentioned. Has anyone taken a beginner handgun class or private lesson at any of these? Any particular instructor you’d recommend?

I’d also like somewhere I could continue going regularly afterward and rent a few different handguns before deciding what to buy.

Thanks — especially interested in recommendations from people who started with little or no experience.

I was going to see about getting an AK clone but she kept staring me down.

Need someone who could do some machining on a short steel barrel. Small job, but requires good tooling (mill, 3 axis, etc.) so it's not necessarily something a regular gunsmith would do.