Biggest selection of hunting rifles in the Bay Area?

[SteelMcCoy]

I'm trying to settle on a first hunting rifle, and I need to handle as many as I can so I can find out which models fit me best. Anyone have suggestions on how to go about that? Are there any places in the Bay Area that have a huge selection of hunting rifles on site?

[Gringo Bandito]

Guns fishing and other stuff has a pretty good selection.

[wilit]

Bass Pro probably has the biggest selection. Though, after buying a shotgun there earlier this month, I don't know that I'll be buying another firearm there again. Go to test out at Bass Pro, buy elsewhere.

[Fifty226]

Bass Pro probably has the biggest selection. Though, after buying a shotgun there earlier this month, I don't know that I'll be buying another firearm there again. Go to test out at Bass Pro, buy elsewhere.

what makes you say this? what did Bass pro shop do wrong?

[MPTORN]

what makes you say this? what did Bass pro shop do wrong?

Can't speak for him but it took me 6 trips (final one was yesterday) and I purchased the weapon 12/26/15 to be done with them. I've spent OVER 12hrs (not including driving 84 miles round trip with each visit) dealing with that place just to buy a pistol. Not my first purchase and won't be my last, it's just that that place is a complete cluster ****. I picked it up 23 days after purchase because of them but they still ****ed up the paperwork so I had to go back again yesterday.

Best part though, they didn't want to sell me a gun in the first place. The fat **** at the counter said it was "too busy" and "today is like a grand opening" when I asked for the pistol. I asked if he could look in the back, he said no. I asked if he could order it, he said it was too busy. I go up front and tell the store manager I am ready to roll, pick credit card or cash cause I'm ready to buy but your guy doesn't want to order it for me. He got the dept. manager who went in the stock room and walked out with what I wanted. I knew at that point it was going to be less than pleasant so I kept the cash in my pocket and swiped the visa instead. If I would have known it was going to be such a pain in the *** I would have been more than willing to pay double the price elsewhere.

[Whiterabbit]

If I were in the south bay, for the largest selection, I would go to, in this order, Reeds, Bay Area Gun Vault, Bass Pro, then Castellos. I would plan to buy from Castello or Reeds. Their products are most in line with what I like, it's just heavily subject to availability.

If I was getting traction NOWHERE, then I'd go to Kerleys. I have a hard time getting out there.

[sarbiker]

If you're over in Manteca, drive over the fwy on the Main Street bridge and just over the bridge on the right is Elite Arms and Supply. Small shop great prices.

[fuzz415]

Dicks, bass pro, are good ones.

honestly i would go there try the fit and look you want, research online, then go to your local gunstore and request a special order.

price range will help too.

[Axeman08]

do not go to guns fishin and other stuff......jerks and way over priced.....

[Litespeeds]

I would avoid all the big chain sporting goods stores. My recommendation is to go to Triple A Sports in Vallejo. They are very knowledgeable and have a lot of inventory so you can handle each rifle to see what you like best.

[Whiterabbit]

I always avoid big chains. It's not technically by choice. Sure, they have nothing I want to see, it's all plain jane ho-hum rifles and glocks, but the real reason is you take a number, your number is 75, and the clock says number 7. Waiting around to kick a tire waste's both our times.

Local shops tend to specialize a little bit, have a "more fun" selection, assuming they have the category you are after. And better chance of having a free moment they can give you.

[lewdogg21]

It's an old OP but Schneels in Sparks has a huge selection and (hold your head so your ears don't explode) the long guns aren't kept behind a counter. You just walk around and pick up and shoulder what you want. The long guns have trigger locks on them now but still.

I 2nd and 3rd the Bass Pro for your best wide selection in the bay area probably. However their prices are usually quite high so figure on what you want then shop the local gun stores.

[freescopesdad]

I was looking for a Ruger Mini 14 Ranch and I actually bought it at Big 5. They had the best price (it was on sale last week) and a knowledgeable sales clerk. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.