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The Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) is urging consumers to exercise caution when dealing with Defense Depot, a firearms and accessories retailer based in Mattoon, Illinois. Multiple consumers have reported to BBB that the business failed to deliver purchased items, did not issue promised refunds, and provided poor customer service.
Defense Depot currently holds an “F” rating — the lowest on BBB’s scale — due to a pattern of unanswered complaints. The business also has received negative customer reviews. Although the company operates a storefront in Mattoon, all complaints received by BBB were from online transactions.
Examples of reported incidents to BBB:
- A Berwyn, Nebraska, man reported paying $1,864 for a scope in May 2025 and has received no updates or responses from the company.
- A Whiteville, North Carolina, customer said that he paid $396 for a pistol and was promised a refund in June 2025, which has yet to be received.
- A Melbourne, Florida, man wrote he paid $500 for a firearm and was told there was a warehouse error. He has not heard back since.
Some customers had previously purchased from Defense Depot without issue, while others were first-time buyers drawn by competitive pricing.
Business background:
According to Illinois Secretary of State records, the business is registered as Illinois Outdoor Sports, LLC, with Matthew David Harden and Ryan Cline Fultz listed as managers.
Defense Depot is constructing a new facility at 2885 East County Road 800N.
Despite repeated attempts, Defense Depot has not responded to BBB inquiries regarding its complaint history. A BBB investigator also attempted to reach Fultz via phone and email but received no reply. A person BBB contacted at the local Chamber of Commerce reported some Defense Depot customers had contacted it about troubles they were having with the business and that the business said it was having computer issues, which was leading to a delay in orders being filled
BBB tips for safe online shopping:
- Research businesses and owners before purchasing. Visit BBB.org or call 888-996-3887.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Review terms and conditions, including delivery timelines and refund policies.
- Use credit cards for added protection in case of disputes.
- Check for “https://” and a padlock icon to verify website security.
If you’ve experienced issues with Defense Depot or similar retailers, file a complaint at BBB.org and contact your state attorney general’s office.
BBB St. Louis contributed this warning.