New to Berkeley Area. Help!

[newgun]

I just moved to Berkeley for a new job and wanted to get some input on good ranges or shops in the area.

[M76]

Old West Gun Room in El Cerrito

[Germz]

I just moved to Berkeley...

Get out now while you're still can, the hipster will eat you alive.

[liberallyloaded]

You're going... the wrong way, haha. Welcome, the weather is awesome, the laws... well, you'll see

[sakosf]

The city is very liberal, no gun shops within the city limits, crime is above average, some areas of Berkeley look run down/dirty. The city has good cultural amenities, good selection of restaurants, cafe's, independent bookstores & small businesses, lot of trees, home of the flagship of the UC system, nice weather. There has been a influx of young professionals moving to Berkeley. Many of them likely work in SF and find it too expensive to rent in SF

[Sharp Shooter]

The traffic in Berzerkly sux.

[highpower790]

Frat houses make for noisy neighbors.

[sakosf]

OP, here is a indoor range & gun shop just across the San Rafael Bridge.

http://www.bullseyerange.com/

[dyson]

Elite Arms in Castro Valley
Otherwise you'll want to drive to the concord valley area, South SF area, or south bay for better shops.

[newgun]

Thanks a lot guys I appreciate the help. The good news is ill only be here for 3 months.

[skosh69]

Indoor/outdoor range: San Leandro Rifle and Pistol

Gun Shops? Solar Tactical and J&R Sports in Livermore, City Arms East -Pleasant Hill, Canyon Sports - Martinez. Way too many to list.

Somebody mentioned Old West Gun Room in El Cerrito. Cool place for looking at old stuff. I called them to ask about doing a PPT with them, the answer was a loud sigh and "if we have too, but set aside at least an hour, the PPT takes a lot of time". Ya, ok.

[UBFRAGD]

Get on the road and get up to AAA in Vallejo and Canyon in Martinez, I've bought some pretty cool stuff at those two shops. Berkeley Bowl has a fine section of libations and ciders for enjoying after shooting.

Word of warning, if you have any Trijicon self-illuminating optics, they are subject to confiscation due to Berkeley's' strict anti-nuclear policy.

[4DSJW]

Welcome to Berzerkley! I grew up in Berkeley and still work there, but don't live there, too crowded, too expensive and I can't stand most of the PC'ers who live there. Where do you live in Berkeley?

For Shops-
- City Arms East in Pleasant Hill, great place, good stuff, amazing PPT attitude
- Old West in El Cerrito, old fashioned gun store and owner is "interesting"
- Triple A Sporting Goods in Vallejo, lots of cool stuff, bridge toll to get there.
There are others but these are my go-to shops. There is also a gentleman in Martinez that will do transfers for you at a very good price. I haven't used him but other CalGunners swear by him. A number of other shops and Big 5's, etc..

Ranges-
-Richmond Rod and Gun, close to Berkeley but limited range facilities. Great when you just want to go for a quick practice session. Mostly good patrons but one day I watched a young guy tuck his pistol in his waistband after practicing and walk to his car.

- Chabot Gun Club, member there, my favorite place by far. Great facilities, multiple ranges and a beautiful setting. Downside is that it is 45 minutes from most of Berkeley and EXPECT to get yelled at for some kind of safety violation.

- Davis Street in San Leandro, indoor and outdoor, limited space

- USGI in Concord, very nice facility the last time I was there... which was a while ago.

Enjoy the Bay Area!

[wjc]

I just moved to Berkeley for a new job and wanted to get some input on good ranges or shops in the area.

Buddy, you're in Injun territory.

Better circle the wagons and keep an eye on your scalp!

[GlockTalk9]

I live in a neighboring city of Berkeley. My go to gun ranges are 1) Jackson Arms (South SF) due to the fact they allow controlled rapid fire, 2) San Leandro Rifle Range because its the nearest location AND they allow you to bring your own targets given it does not have a face on it. Then there is 3) Target Masters West in Milpitas because they allow 12ga birdshot on their in-door lanes. I never shot at Chabot Gun Club.

My go to gun shop would have to be Elite Armory because its local and priced reasonably. They run good specials on holidays and their occasion deals. Target Masters seem to have a good selection and decent prices as well. If you're going to be in the South Bay, Reeds in Santa Clara is a nice shop.