Helm's in Santa Rosa closed?

[jbt56]

Does anyone know the status of Helm's Guns in Santa Rosa? I went by there yesterday to take the CA handgun test () inpreperation to getting a wheel gun. The place appeared to be gutted- remodleing? Closed by the economy? I couldn't tell. I guess we have to go to Bullseye to buy guns, now...?

[audiophil2]

It was a dump anyway. Go to Merkell's on mark West Springs road or Sportsmans Arms in Petaluma. Tell Gabe I said hi.

[yoteassasin]

good the same guys that sucked at northbay firearms sucked at helms try some of the friendly gun stores in petaluma i think you have 3 to choose from

[halifax]

Rumor has it that it has been sold.

[timdps]

Sold and reopening in a new location. Phone number is the same.

http://www.northbayshooters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=852

tim

[zinfull]

Do not be sad be happy. Helms was the only gun store I would not go back to for any reason. They change their mind on which laws to go by and would not even consider them self in error. If you bought a gun on consignment Better hope it is good, no field stripping no guarantee if anything works. The prices were more than over the top. Nope this is good.

jerry

[GillaFunk]

Yeah, its been sold and is moving more towards the 101. You should be able to see it from the hwy. I dont nkow when its opening.

But yes, Markell Inc. is where I do ALL my gun related shopping. HANDS DOWN

[edward]

Thank god, maybe I'll actually be able to go in there now.
The fact that I had a well stocked gun shop 10 minutes from home that I simply couldn't go to because of the people working there has frustrated me to no end.
Look forward to checking this new place out.

[jbt56]

I bought my Ruger P944 there back in '02. Been in a few times since, but never could afford another one until recently. The one guy with the beard always treated me well; no attitudes, really.
I'll definitely be checking out Markell, though, just because!

[doc1buc]

See my sig line. Sportsman Arms is a great store in the area. Gabe is a great owner and a truly nice guy.

[tankerman]

Helm's ran all their customers off, rude, condescending behavior.

Go to;
Independence Armory
1270 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma - (707) 773-4867

Nicest guy around.

[BigDogatPlay]

+1 on Gabe at Sportsmens.

Also when in Petaluma, for all your EBR, and many gunsmith, needs is ....

Independence Armory
1270 Petaluma Boulevard North, Suite A
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707.773.4867
Fax: 707.773.4865

[yoteassasin]

ha the dude that worked at Montana hawks/ northbay firearms bought it. my advice stay away the guy is an uber tool and FUD monster. huge attitude problem with any one semi knowledgeable about firearms. he preys on the weak and sells garbage at garbage prices... all the guys in petaluma are class acts try them out and you will be happy if your flavor is old guns and reloading go to petaluma reloading and if you want some black rifles? sportsmans and independence have you covered. and if you are looking into something used sportsmans and petaluma reloading both have a big slelection of "pre-owed" guns

[BigDogatPlay]

FWIW... the guy buying the shop is formerly from North Bay and was the best they had there, IMO. He is the only person at Helm's who isn't a complete douche.

My hope is that he breaks the cycle of FUD and ridiculous, capricious policy and pricing that that has been the hallmark of Helms. If not, then he won't last. There are enough quality FFLs who understand customer service and realistic pricing models in the county, and that number is growing.

[pigman]

Yep, Skinny Beard guy was Really a good person to deal with, very nice. Always had a good service with him, but I never handled a gun in that shop, just little stuff..... Same Phone number is nice!