Butter-nut Sport Shop, a long-time North side business: Guns and motorcycle parts

Written by David Lassman - Syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y. -- Tucked into a modest building at 1103 Lodi St. the Butternut Sport Shop is a go-to place for guns and motorcycle parts.

The shop was originally opened on Butternut St. in 1953 by William Greene after he served with the Marines in Korea where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. On his return stateside he was placed in charge of an armory where his interest in firearms began.

The shop moved to its present location in 1969.

The shop is packed floor to ceiling with all types of firearms. Many on display are rare collector items dating back to the Civil War. It's known as the place to locate hard-to-find ammunition. Firearm safety training is another feature of the business.

In a sort of odd combination, the shop also repairs motorcycles and sells parts for motorcycles.

Repair work on guns and motorcycles is done in the back shop which is equipped with lathes and other machine tools. Thousands of motorcycle parts dating back to the 1960's are part of the inventory.

Greene's son-in-law, retired Syracuse Police officer Mike Serrao and Serrao's son (also named Mike) are taking on more of the day to day operation under Greene's guidance. The Butternut Sport Shop is open [Wednesday 12:00pm-6:00pm, Thursday & Friday 10:00am-4:30pm].