What is your favorite IE Gun store?

[lovetosurvey]

Faith Armory & Steelwater great customer service at both.

Turners in San Marcos is usually pretty good.

Don't care for The Shootist, won't get into it. Just a bad experience.... twice!

[ROOS_HAPPENS]

Annie's & Turner's...both in Corona.

[Sleighter]

Bullet barn in Upland for good advice, service and helping me with an online purchase. Even though he wasnt making great money on the deal his service was excellent. He deserves whatever purchases I have coming his way.

[rugerkp]

Second Bullet Barn- did a PPT there, picked up some clay's universal, knowledgeable and straightforward

[Paver_guy]

Annie's get your gun!! Annie's a doll and always helpful no matter my dumb questions.

Mike

[dtjester]

Originally Posted by manuelcardenas77

Annie's get your gun in corona

Is Annie's still open? I've wanted to check them out for a while, but haven't been able to get over there.

[oldtwoar]

Annie's is open. I was just there on Tuesday. Got good advice for a brand new owner. In fact they went out of their way not to sell me anything because they did not have anything in stock suitable for me.

[mvpatriot]

Ann and Jerry are great, +1 to Annies get your gun.

[Your ad here]

I've bought from Annie's a few times. Great service. Warrior One and Turners Corona also have great service.

[coronaman]

I was in Turners week before last and overheard the guy behind the counter tell a customer that was looking to sell a pistol to go to calguns.net versus Turners selling it for a 25% fee.

[xdgregg]

Originally Posted by ROOS_HAPPENS

Annie's & Turner's...both in Corona.

Great customer service at both places.

[the1casey]

Originally Posted by AMGgeek

+1 Ernie from Tin Star Supply in Oak Hill. Had multiple lowers shipped to him and gave me a very fair price. Great email communication.

Also Turners Rancho Cucamonga for their very polite and helpful staff.

Bought an xd9 from turners rancho a cpl years ago and it was fine. The last 4 times I've been there I encountered rude and very unhelpful people behind the gun counter. The last time I was there I was the only one back there and 4 guys ignored me. I finally said excuse me and some dude looked up and said what.

Won't go back.

I love ammo brothers though. They recently got some 9mm ammo, I called and they saved me a box. That's service.

[IamJAd]

Originally Posted by the1casey

Bought an xd9 from turners rancho a cpl years ago and it was fine. The last 4 times I've been there I encountered rude and very unhelpful people behind the gun counter. The last time I was there I was the only one back there and 4 guys ignored me. I finally said excuse me and some dude looked up and said what.

Won't go back.

I love ammo brothers though. They recently got some 9mm ammo, I called and they saved me a box. That's service.

Some of Turner's staff can be arrogant. I guess if you don't life and breathe guns, they look down upon you. That said, there are some real considerate guys that help a relative newbie learn to live and breathe guns.

The two times I was in Ammo Bros, I also was greeted with arrogance. I'm pretty sure most well trafficked gun stores can have those kind of EEs.

[SoCal Gunner]

I appreciate all the opinions given here. One thing I've noticed is that many times it isn't the store, but rather the employees you deal with.

I'll add my 2 cents and say Bright Spot Pawn in Riverside. They are well versed in the rules, and won't hesitate to receive CA non-compliant rifles in parts for you to convert later (again, within the rules) and do so at a cost of legal fees and attorney retainers.

[xdgregg]

Originally Posted by SoCal Gunner

I appreciate all the opinions given here. One thing I've noticed is that many times it isn't the store, but rather the employees you deal with.

I'll add my 2 cents and say Bright Spot Pawn in Riverside. They are well versed in the rules, and won't hesitate to receive CA non-compliant rifles in parts for you to convert later (again, within the rules) and do so at a cost of legal fees and attorney retainers.

Bright Spot was the BEST, but the guy that held their FFL quit and now they don't do any gun sales or transfers. Chris is still there and is a wealth of information, especially when it comes to AR15's.

[SoCal Gunner]

^Thats terrible news, their serviced will be sorely missed. Was it Dan that carried the FFL? Is he (the FFL holder) working elsewhere offering the same services?

[xdgregg]

Originally Posted by SoCal Gunner

^Thats terrible news, their serviced will be sorely missed. Was it Dan that carried the FFL? Is he (the FFL holder) working elsewhere offering the same services?

I believe it was Dan. Don't know where he went...

[dc2integra]

Faith Armory in Temecula they have awesome customer service.

[GinoRP]

+1 for Highland Pawn on thier $35 DROS transfers (usually from BudsPoliceSupply). I drive almost 50 miles back-and-forth twice at 12 mpg and still save money over the other shops charging a minimum of $100 + fees. BTW, All FFLs charge sales tax on out-of-state purchases, but you can't beat the LE (law enforcement) discount on certain manufactures (no, I'm not a cop).

Turners for their Wednesday's Off-the-Hook specials (like them on Facebook) and the weekly ad. I prefer the Rancho store even though the Chino Hills staff are much nicer and close to my office. When my firearm is in-stock and on-sale I prefer to buy it here to support my LGS (local gun shop).

Ammo Brothers for all ammo and any consumables not on sale at Turners. Sure they are arrogant, but I seem to fit in. If you have either big boobs or tactical pants and a Luminox watch they are quite friendly. They should really film a reality show there with all the characters.

The internet to learn about guns. The only time I've learned anything from walking into a gun store was when the Glock rep was there.

Bass Pro Shops to exercise the dog and smile at the newbies (yes they allow dogs).

Crossroads Gun Show to exercise and pick up beef jerky and any onesy-twosy, hard-to-find parts I may need.

[JMcLntk]

Originally Posted by lovetosurvey

Faith Armory & Steelwater great customer service at both.

Turners in San Marcos is usually pretty good.

Don't care for The Shootist, won't get into it. Just a bad experience.... twice!

I agree with your recommendations, except Steelwater. I used to go in there at least twice a week, until I sent my Nephew in to take his HSC test. They said no, that he would have to purchase a handgun , then he could take the test. When I heard this I called them up, and the guy said yes that is our new policy. So bye bye Steelwater no more business from me.

[Foothill Fab]

Norco Armory. Friend them on Facebook and you'll know when there's ammo in stock at reasonable prices too. Not like some of the others gouging. The owner Jeff is a friendly, knowledgeable guy and gunsmith. Small shop but always something cool to check out.

[Socaliente]

Stopped into Ammo Bros. for the first time this past sunday. Really cool place, surprised to see how much ammo was in stock. I like their set up, everything is easy to find.

I like The Shootist, but have heard bad service stories from friends. Ive never had a bad experience but I'm always buying something when I'm there so they probably remember me.

Turners in Corona was my bad experience. I went looking for just a buffer tube and a BCG and the kid behind the counter looked at me like I was speaking chinese. Meanwhile the older guys were telling customers how they needed to buy now because the local Sheriffs were already planning gun confiscation.

[texas_law_dog]

Turner's Chino Hills and Rancho Cucamonga are the best I've been in.
Bass Pro if you're willing to take a number.
Annie's if want to support small business and are willing to spend more.
Turner's Corona as a last resort if you don't mind the bad attitudes.
Ammo Bros never. Take a number, spend more, and bad attitudes. No thanks.

[the real big daddy]

You all have to remember this, these are hard times for purchasing anything gun related. The people who whorl in these stores know, that when their inventory is gone...they are out of a job. As far as price gouging goes......bullseye sports in riverside is the worst, followed by ammo brothers. Turners in corona rarely has anything in stock, always shut down early. Don't go in there within a 1/2 hour before they close, you will get ignored. Fowlers gun room in orange has several guns in stock, expect to pay full retail and then some. These stores do not have any idea when they will be getting more inventory so they really don't care if the sell stuff or not. Ranching turners is usually good, the lady who is the store manager is awesome and will put your knowledge of firearms to the test

[MrElectric03]

Haven't tried warrior one but may need to stop by. This thread is great, found out Ernie at tin star supply is less than two miles from me!

I've always like center fire in riverside and jw guns on Iowa in riverside.

[MrElectric03]

Haven't tried warrior one but may need to stop by. This thread is great, found out Ernie at tin star supply is less than two miles from me!

I've always like center fire in riverside and jw guns on Iowa in riverside...except for his parking lot.

[Socaliente]

Warrior One is a cool shop but they are very high on their prices. Guys were nice and they love LE/Military. But be prepared to dish out more cash.

[Bones98]

Originally Posted by manuelcardenas77

Annie's get your gun in corona

This. A small mom n' pop shop that don't try to sell you anything you don't need. Jerry is very knowledgeable and isn't a brand fanboy by trying to steer you away from what you came in to purchase.
Good selection, reasonable prices, and super friendly.

[rugersigkimber]

In the Temecula/Murrieta area, Faith Armory has never let me down. They are planning a move, but haven't heard when...but just around the corner from where they currently are.

I'm disappointed in Steelwater...some people are good, others aren't. Their prices are very high, and the fees are higher than most. Their policies are not consistent with other stores. I won't be going back.

The Shootist is ok. Some of the guys are crusty. Others are nice.

[Holydude13]

Rancho turners and ammo bros

[oso grande]

I kinda like 7th St Pawn in Victorville. Not too many guns, but a lot of tools and stuff.

[BoltActionBranden]

Went to Steelwater today to do a PPT. Last time I step foot in that joint.

Buyer forgot his registration and they wanted to cancel the transfer. Luckily his wife had hers and her HSC. Funny because I just got home from DROS'ing a G19 at Turners and they said bring it when I pick it up which I've done pretty much every time I've bought a handgun.

Then they made him buy a new lock when the gun I sold (XD) had a factory lock. Another first in my experience.

Total PPT time.....drumroll please.....1 1/2 hours

Just for poops and giggles.....223/5.56-1$/round .45-$1/round 9mm-$.70/round

[BigStudent]

I hate to jump on the negatives of some of the places already mentioned, but someone said something about "weed out the lookie-lou's and the wannaguns."

Is there something to that? I mean, is this why I've gotten strange attitude, huffy service as if I came to bother them, been ignored by a squad of counter-salesmen whilst they were an angry tiki mask expression on their face?

This has interested me for quite some time. I once purchased a handgun at a store and I only got what I consider to be good service after I told them I wanted to walkaway from the purchasing process.

Is this the only industry that has horrible service for big ticket items? We are dropping ~$400-$2000 at a time and yet, I keep seeing the kind of customer service that spells disaster for most business.

If it weren't so damn hard to deal with FFL licensing and gun zoning I'd have a mind to open an outdoor shop, just to teach these places lesson. A place where people can ask questions and feel comfortable looking around, learn something. A place that engenders good upbeat attitudes about purchasing a firearm and other outdoor things without a sense that you are doing something wrong or taking up space. All the places mentioned except a couple of the boutique shops quite frankly, SUCK! And in any other scenario I would say they are as#!@les behind the counter and clueless managers. This an elastic industry and is growing exponentially. They have a fixed customer base that keeps coming back regardless. I have multiple firearm purchases because I am an enthusiast and unfortunately, I will continue to buy whether people are Dicks or not. This should change.

Positive note:
Bullseye Sports - Those people are salt of the earth. Last time I was there I felt they were going to invite me to eat with them. That is how nice, cheerful, and friendly they were. Doesn't have to be overweening and exaggerated customer service just upbeat and attentive.
I've also heard some good things about some of the other smaller outfits. I hate to call this one out, but I gave one positive and now I will offer up a negative (this is the Old Testament goat): I have never had a good experience at a Turners anywhere in the Inland Empire or LA county and I have been to a few.

[xdgregg]

Originally Posted by BigStudent

I hate to jump on the negatives of some of the places already mentioned, but someone said something about "weed out the lookie-lou's and the wannaguns."

Is there something to that? I mean, is this why I've gotten strange attitude, huffy service as if I came to bother them, been ignored by a squad of counter-salesmen whilst they were an angry tiki mask expression on their face?

This has interested me for quite some time. I once purchased a handgun at a store and I only got what I consider to be good service after I told them I wanted to walkaway from the purchasing process.

Is this the only industry that has horrible service for big ticket items? We are dropping ~$400-$2000 at a time and yet, I keep seeing the kind of customer service that spells disaster for most business.

If it weren't so damn hard to deal with FFL licensing and gun zoning I'd have a mind to open an outdoor shop, just to teach these places lesson. A place where people can ask questions and feel comfortable looking around, learn something. A place that engenders good upbeat attitudes about purchasing a firearm and other outdoor things without a sense that you are doing something wrong or taking up space. All the places mentioned except a couple of the boutique shops quite frankly, SUCK! And in any other scenario I would say they are as#!@les behind the counter and clueless managers. This an elastic industry and is growing exponentially. They have a fixed customer base that keeps coming back regardless. I have multiple firearm purchases because I am an enthusiast and unfortunately, I will continue to buy whether people are Dicks or not. This should change.

Positive note:
Bullseye Sports - Those people are salt of the earth. Last time I was there I felt they were going to invite me to eat with them. That is how nice, cheerful, and friendly they were. Doesn't have to be overweening and exaggerated customer service just upbeat and attentive.
I've also heard some good things about some of the other smaller outfits. I hate to call this one out, but I gave one positive and now I will offer up a negative (this is the Old Testament goat): I have never had a good experience at a Turners anywhere in the Inland Empire or LA county and I have been to a few.

If you haven't had a good experience at a Turners, you obviously haven't been to the stores in Corona, Chino Hills, Covina and San Marcos. All good people.

[BigStudent]

Originally Posted by xdgregg

If you haven't had a good experience at a Turners, you obviously haven't been to the stores in Corona, Chino Hills, Covina and San Marcos. All good people.

You are right I have not been to those particular store. Perhaps you are right that they are "good people."
Corporate really needs to turn around their rep on a whole.

[xdgregg]

Originally Posted by BigStudent

You are right I have not been to those particular store. Perhaps you are right that they are "good people."
Corporate really needs to turn around their rep on a whole.

Just like any large corporation, you're going to find a few bad apples. About five years ago another Calgunner and myself tried to do a PPT at the Turners in Orange and were told they couldn't do it because the state's compurters were down, although we noticed they were getting through for their sales. There was also a cranky old man there telling everyone you could only do one PPT every ten days.

[BigStudent]

This is a superfluous point. Sure, large corporation and a few bad employees. I get that, pretty easy. You see that in life in general, but an adequate excuse for 5 bad stores, it is not. Again, Turners is not the only curmudgeonly store.

The sheer assh#$lery you get from the few is enough to make any CEO or COO take immediate action. I think that an alternate to excusing the behavior of the few it is best to take the following turn of phrase related to the first. "A few bad apples spoils the bunch." This is of course assuming that it is a few.

I like to support local business, but I also keep in mind that when I go to purchase something the salesmen is not doing me a favor. Again, the force of my disdain for a few stores shouldn't be misconstrued to imply that I want some kind of special treatment or groveling, rather just regular old customer service. Don't scowl, ignore, avoid, huff, nod or belittle questions. That's all. I think Google has a nice pithy mission statement. "Don't be evil." I'd say we can adopt similar for gun vendors. "Don't be an assh@)3."

I go to sports stores where people are, well, nice. They greet you. Look you in the eye. Ask what you are looking for. Don't mind answering questions.
I have to say, my experience at a popular Ontario shop Ma Brooms (anagram) was horrid. Really bad. I couldn't even directly communicate with the gentleman that initiated the internet sale. He kept sending a young kid, with zero confidence who mumbled and only gave furtive looks. It was very very frustrating. I almost canned the sale. Then a big brown guy finished up the paperwork. He had excellent customer service. Asked me if I wanted to see anything else. Was polite, fast, and very helpful. They should thank the big guy.

[go4kil]

any of these stores do SSE? or sells Gen4 glock?

[Javi]

Man, this thread reminds me I need to branch out of Turners & Ammo Bros. Best customer service is definitely at "Annie's Get Your Gun". Great place to look for c&r's and if I remember correctly, nice selection of 1911's. I don't mind paying a bit more there. Got a good price on my revolver there too I think I will check out Norco Armory, Warrior One & especially Bullet Barn since I have known that place for a few months now. I knew of "HIT Armory" but I don't think they're around anymore.

[SOAR79]

HIT is still around. A few blocks down from Bullet Barn Guns