Have driven by here dozens of times and never stopped because it doesn't look like much from the outside. Today I was in no big hurry to get home so I stopped... I walk in and the guy asked what I was looking for, I said I was just looking. He stuck his hand out to shake and I said "I done shaking hands for the rest of my life- Covid you know, don't be offended, nothing personal" He acted offended. Covid is STILL VERY REAL! And touching strangers unnecessarily IS STUPID!!! I was the only customer in here. I looked around the very tiny shop and saw a few Turkish shotguns, some cheap handguns and some OVERPRICED Glocks. I bought a Glock 19 Gen 5 for $500 at Britton's last year, and this guy was asking $679.00 !!! Most of his ammo was overpriced, same with mags. The guy (owner I'm guessing) stared at me the entire 5 minutes I was in the store and I left without buying anything. There are too many GOOD gun shops around Tampa Bay to waste time in a crappy place like this. read more

The owner is rude and disrespectful to me. Already bought one gun from him, coming in a month later to buy another. Even though there was just him and I in the store, he totally ignored me. I said hi when I came in and he said hi back. Waited while he tinkered behind the counter. I figured 15 minute wait was enough and I left. Read the other reviews, I am not the only one having a problem with this rude individual. Apparently the more money you're willing to spend with this jerk the more disdain he has for you. Well, let's make him real happy and not frequent his establishment at all! You want to buy guns and equipment I recommend Coles, Take Aim Guns and Safes, Shoot Straight, Castle Keep, Fire Arms Fred...ANYWHERE else is preferable to dealing with rude Paul at Arms for defense. read more

Joe the Ace man. Wow what a great gun store ..Paul is the owner and is hands on with my purchase and helping me with questions going above and beyond with everything . If u haven't check out this family gun store u need to so relaxed and awsome . Was a great experience I would never go anywhere else and u should check it . You'll be amazed how great Paul is .. Thnks for everything u do. Joseph read more

Paid for a concealed carry class and they straight up stole my money and refused to give me a different class or my money back, despite how they sound this is not an honest business and they over price their items DO NOT SHOP HERE THERE ARE WAY BETTER OPTIONS these guys are scum bags read more

I really wanted to express my sincere appreciation with Paul at Arm's for Defense. This gun shop is a class act and they really know their stuff! I came in to try a few things out and they pointed me in the right direction and even showed me several options that would fit my needs. Paul seems like he only deals in the top brands (Glock, Springfield, S&W, etc). From my first visit to subsequent visits, he is nothing but professional and SAFE when handling firearms to show you. This is what was important to me the most. Dealing with firearms is serious business and it was reflected in the experience I had. In addition to the professional and safe experience I had, I was also offered a cup of coffee while I shop around and they really let me take my time and I was never pressured to buying right away. In addition to firearms, he also has a lot of top end accessories as well. Holsters, belts, sights, etc he offers. I also checked out their selection of mini-safes as well. Really cool place to come check out. The shop dog is also really nice and will greet you at the door too! Thanks Paul! It was a pleasure doing business with you. Can't wait to come back! read more

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I attended the CWL class that Paul taught. It was concise and to the point and covered a lot in 2 hours. Every question I had was addressed and came away with a tremendous amount of knowledge. After the class he went above board to answer my further questions. read more

Everything you need. The owner is also very knowledgeable on the ins and outs of guns laws and new/proposed legislation and what possible action a gun owner will need to take. Registrations, Stamps, etc. All the deadlines/dates associated with all of the above. I don't shop anywhere else. read more

I usually don't write reviews, but I had to break my silence to give my highest praise to Paul from Arm's for Defense. He is a welcoming owner who genuinely cares about his clients. Paul took the time to educate me and make the buying experience easy and quick. I felt very welcomed and was treated like a member of the family. There is a tremendous value to personal service and focus on details. Consider me sold. Thank you Paul, and keep the coffee pot on, I will be back soon read more

I have had two bad interactions with this business. If Paul (the owner) is behind the counter and works there during the day, he is one of the rudest people I have ever dealt with. If it is not Paul and it is an employee, he hires poor customer friendly employees. The first day I went there, the front door was locked but it sounded like two huge mean, barking & growling dogs were at the door so I waited for a good two minutes, thinking he was putting the dogs away to open the door. When I tried the door again, the dogs were still there so I yelled in, asking if I should go in yet and his response was "What do you think?" This was rude and not customer friendly. The second interaction was over the phone. I called and did not get anyone so I had to leave a message. I asked if they had any 20 guage shells for sale, gave my name and number and asked that they return the call to let me know. A bit later, I received a call from someone there and I asked him again. I could not understand his response so I asked him if he said he did have them or if he did not. His response to me was "Why would I be calling you back if I didn't?!" My mouth dropped open at his rudeness. I guess he wouldn't have bothered calling me if he didn't have any (even though I asked him to let me know one way or the other). It was a rude remark again. The good reviews he has had must be buddies because he is very very rude. I will do everything possible to sway people away from his business. read more

I've been going here for about a year. Great spot, the owner Paul and his associates are very knowledgeable and honest.

Not open when they say they are. Supposed to be open till 330 today... closed at 2:50. Inconsiderate.. Waste of time. Not coming back

Tucked away in a strip mall on US Hwy 19 S in Clearwater, Arms for Defense is an unassuming shop. It exists for one reason...to provide you with arms for self-defense (or hunting, etc.) and the knowledge needed for safe use. Paul is a very nice guy and does not rush anything. You are free to browse all you want and he is more than willing to assist you and answer any questions you may have. His prices when I visited were quite reasonable and the pistol I wanted happened to be marked down on sale, so that was a nice bonus. I also grabbed some ammo for my new baby, along with a concealment holster, a locking metal case, and, what the hell, one of his tee-shirts...I liked the design. :-) Will definitely be back. And, BTW, if you need a conceal carry, he conducts classes. read more

Paul is absolutely amazing. Very humble and will answer any question you have. He has some of the best prices in town. Whatever you need he can get. Very understanding if you aren't sure about something. Best gun store around town read more

My first experience with Paul was his Concealed Weapons class. There were quite a few people in the class with different levels of experience and confidence with guns. Paul was very patient and respectful with us and assumed nothing. His goal was to make sure we could safely manage our guns. As part of his class he took us to a local range to practice shooting. He helped us pick out the gun most appropriate for us. As it happened, S & W recalled my gun. Paul notified me right away. He was very helpful with the process and even boxed it up for me. I am very happy to know he is there for all of my questions. I highly recommend Arms for Defense if you're looking to buy a gun. read more

Helped Me with my first gun. Made it easy and enjoyable, Looking forward to my concealed weapon certification classes. Thanks Paul !!!

So couple of things. I walked in and spoke to Paul, he was very kind & gave me a ton of information about different handguns and what might fit better for me based on body size & level of comfort. My wife & I live in NY & will be moving down here within the year, Paul explained the entire process & made me so comfortable that I could move to Orlando & still want to come here to shop for a firearm. Very nice selection & my wife liked him (& she's not a big people person) read more

Paul made buying my first gun a fantastic experience. They were all patient and understanding. Most of all they make you feel like family. Since that purchase I have bought another gun, holsters, accessories and my ammo through them. Fair and honest they cannot be beat. read more

Let me start off by saying, Arms for Defense does it right! Paul, the owner, as well as Pete, not only possess in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry to which they represent, they understand and deliver an exceptional customer service experience you would expect! For example, during my very first visit to Paul's shop, I was greeted immediately upon entry by both Paul and Peter, with handshakes and welcoming smiles; not always the case in many gun stores I've visited. Shortly thereafter, I was offered a choice of water, a cup of coffee or a soda. To which I accepted a hot cup of coffee. These two gentlemen are very professional and approachable to everyone who enters their establishment. I witness this first hand every time I visit and purchase merchandise. This now brings me to why you are reading this review and why you should shop here: 1. Merchandise: Great selection of guns, from all the top Brands you would expect to find: Glock, Springfield, Taurus, and Ruger, just to name a few. Paul also offers a variety of all the latest AR rifle platforms, shotguns at an amazing price! Additionally, Paul carries an assortment of ammunition, lots of apparel, (Including ladies gun apparel), holsters, sights, UTG range bags and rifle holders, etc. 2. Location: Paul outgrew the old location on Main Street (580). They recently moved just north to: 29176 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33761. Spacious store, with plenty of well lit display / showroom cases. 3. Pricing: Paul's pricing, in my opinion, are the best in the area, and I won't purchase my weapons from anyone else. I have since become a loyal customer. An example is my recent purchase of a Glock 19, which was $50.00 cheaper than some of the larger retail gun stores in the area. 4. Training: Paul also offers CCW classes. He is thorough, and delivers relevant and important information one can deliver in the allotted time. This is NOT the basic of basic courses offered at most Gun shows. You'll learn some important facts and go to a real gun range. Not just shoot one in a barrel.. So stop in and check out the new store and experience it for yourself. Good luck, I hope this review helps. Cheers! Rob read more

Very helpful and approachable. Provided me with a lot of information and able to have a conversation without being pushy or trying to make a sale. read more

My husband, son and I stopped in to purchase a firearm. Paul, the owner, was extremely helpful and patient. I tried a few different ones before I found the one I wanted. My husband and I are already talking about what firearm we can purchase from him again. I will definitely be recommending him to friends and family. read more

I went to Arm's for Defense looking for a carry and conceal gun for my wife. It was learned that the wife has a physical impairment that just will not allow her to pull a trigger, rack the slide or even pull a hammer back without extraordinary effort. Nonetheless, Paul took extra time working with my wife for a work around. He treated us like royalty and displayed patience above and beyond. I couldn't make a purchase at this time, but I have no hesitation to recommend Arm's for Defense for your firearms and firearms supplies. If my wife can recover from her disability I will surely be back at Arm's for Defense! read more

Great shop! The owner Paul was very professional and knowledgeable on all the guns he sells and current laws and regulations. Made a great deal with us on what we bought. Will definitely work with again. read more

thank you, paul for your friendly customer service and extensive knowledge of all things related to firearms. upon taking the cwp course, and basic gun safety, i feel much more confident with my firearm. your professionalism, and appreciation for my prior military experience was refreshing. you have won yourself a customer, and i look forward to being a loyal customer!! read more