I love coming to VC Defense. Professional, friendly service. Extremely knowledgeable staff. The firearm purchasing process is professional and quick. They are so helpful and will answer any questions. Complete opposite of Turners Outdoorsman, which is a complete nightmare. I enjoy walking into VC Defense and continue to be a loyal customer. read more

Very helpful at VC Defense. Great attitude willing to help in anyway necessary to please a customer.

Great location. Very professional employees. FFL of choice. Referred customer. Returning customer.

Was a customer, now a past customer. Price is on the high side; communication is lousy. They hardly answer the phone, and do not return calls. There are shops a few miles away in Camarillo, very friendly staff and worth the drive. read more

Very knowledgeable and dependable team. Do their best to keep inventory which isnt easy right now. Unique relationship with Taran Tactical, so frequently have their hardware. I have gotten great deals there but the hardware is top-shelf. read more

For a small shop they definitely had a great selection to choose from. What they didn't have they ordered for me and I got it in no time. The guys definitely knew what they were talking about and set me up with some awesome optics. They are now my go to shop for any firearm need. read more

Went in to do a PPT - it was quick, efficient, and went exactly according to plan, at a reasonable cost. No clue why some folks have a poor experience here, but I will guess most of that originates with the customer, not with the store itself - give respect, get respect (especially in a gun store). This one is a bit out of my way, but I'll definitely stop in when my travels take me to the area. read more

5/11/2018 VC: sorry to hear of your disappointment. - you came in and had us special order mpx mags for you. PAT - true!~ so much for that. even when i tried to email and cancel the same day. again no response from email. VC: gen 1 mags are no longer produced because they are known for causing persistent failures. so much so that a very well know local competition shooter that keeps everything and uses the mpx... throws them away, considers them trash. PAT - gen 1 mags are the only mags that function in a a gen 1 gun period. also, gen 1 mags aren't produced anymore since they discontinued gen 1 mpx .... duh!!!!! VC: the gen 2 mags are an upgrade to correct the known issues and are compatible with the gen 1 mpx firearms. this despite any information or claim you have to the contrary. PAT - this is not true ... i called and verified with sig customer service. VC: you called us after the magazines were on the way asking if you can cancel because you found some magazines way cheaper, complained about our pricing... gen 1 magazines apparently from an online reseller known for dumping products on the market. PAT - not only did i send an email to whatever person card i had the same day i made purchased. i called the very next day to see if you could cancel since no response from the email. also the ones i ordered for 30 bucks. were gen 1. so i got them anyways. On top of that I had no idea of your no return policy on special order items. Another mistake from your noob friendly employee. VC: it is recommended you only use gen 2 magazines, not the gen 1 mags. if the gen 1s function regularly without issues, you're lucky. PAT - again sig sauer customer service stated do not use gen2 mags in a gen 1 mpx. why? because of documented failures. pretty simple to understand how it works. gen 1 goes to gen 1 gun. gen 2 goes to gen 2 gun. cannot be interchanged. why? known failures.! VC: special orders placed correctly by us are not refundable. PAT: nice policy why no one should order anything from you. VC: you didn't seem to have such a negative reaction while in the store. PAT: cuz you already put me throught hell from the beginning. VC: it's unfortunate you would write such a review. PAT: its unfortunate your store policy is garbage for a storefront in the year 2018 VC: we would appreciate it if you would upgrade or remove the poor review to be accurate. PAT: not happening. if you would like further proof of emails sent the same day of purchase please let me know i have them. It is obvious you did not contact sig sauer. if you want me to call up and make a youtube video of customer service telling me and explaining this ill gladly do so. Again here we go with more bad customer service trying defend themselves when they know deep down they have bad business practices!VC read more

I really liked the employees! However, the owner John is a condescending jackass! I spent a lot of money there and he was rude to my father and he was too busy handling something else to give us the time of day. I suggest you all look around before you give this guy $1.00 there are gun shops in the Conejo Valley are excited to have your business. I told him to take back the guns I purchased and I will happily pay a little more for a shot owner that appreciate my business, and the money I work hard for. PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM!! read more

Purchased a lower and jig. They gave a fair price and were very knowledgable. Overall it was a much better experience then the places in Simi. read more

This place is a joke. Very small and an absolutely disappointing inventory. More importantly, the guy who I assume is the owner is very rude. He wouldn't speak with me because he was walking around on his cell phone with what sounded like a buddy. Furthermore, his "Sale" prices aren't that great, I'm sure you can get a better deal just about anywhere. Finally, as an avid gun collector myself, and someone who has a little more gun knowledge than the average consumer- I would strongly recommend driving 20 minutes in any direction to Turners, Greta's or just about any other gun store within a 50 mile radius before you visit these guys. read more

I'm new-ish to firearms and I went in to ask some questions in preparation for buying a new rifle. The guy behind the counter was very helpful and informative. I didn't experience any of the surly gun store attitude I've encountered at other places. It's a small shop, but they've got quality stuff and seem to be good at helping you build out exactly what you want. Definitely going back here when it's time to make my next purchase. read more

This is a very good store. I just read a couple of the one star reviews and something seems a little fishy... Everyone knows what documentation is needed to purchase a firearm - especially retired law enforcement. But I digress... I've purchased from VC before and always found the staff to be very accommodating, and easy to talk to. None of the classic "gun store attitude". Its always nice stopping by and seeing what they have. The store is small and the inventory isn't huge (still decent though), but if you don't want to stand in line, or take a number and wait for 45 mins, this is a great place to go. Very conveniently located too. As long as they continue doing what they're doing, I'll continue being a customer. read more

Wow- Very rude. We were initially excited about a firearms store finally opening up in Thousand Oaks but, unfortunately, we will still be driving to Simi Valley and out of the area with our business. I called and had a few questions to ask and was told that the conversation was too long and should have been a 2 minute question rather than a 5 minute question. Well with questions about guns and laws and customer service the business should take their time in answering and explaining. Also-the employee that spoke to me was trying to be helpful and the owner took the phone from him and was somewhat annoyed from the start. As a woman calling I felt like I was "bothering him" (the owner). He spoke down to me and was a pompous ass. Would NOT recommend this gun store if you need any information or want to make an informative decision in reference to gun ownership. Will be buying our guns elsewhere- a REAL gun & ammo business. And one that has a decent inventory. Extremely rude. read more

When I first heard VC defense was making a permanent stay in my city I couldn't have been happier. As a thousand oaks resident I was intrigued to have a establishment like this in the city and was even more impressed when I entered the store and was greeted by the friendly staff Micah and John. My first time there was to simply ask a few questions as a novice enthusiast and the staff behind the counter were patient and willing to answer even my most basic questions. They also helped me find a good instructor to teach me more about the firearm I would be purchasing in the future. When I returned to the shop to purchase my gun I was greeted by the same guys and even though it was busy they did a great job at engaging the customer and making the purchase very pleasant. The prices were good and I was happy to hear they still had a good deal of inventory left as well as accessorie, safes, travel cases and more. My overall impressions are that this is a fantastic business and great experience. I will continue coming back to support this local establishment. Thanks for all your help VC Defense! read more

I have bought 2 Sig's and a Glock from these guys and I could not be happier with the prices and service. You would expect prices to be high from a small local shop but they are actually equal to or better than the bigger chain stores. Service is good. In fact twice I have walked in to buy a specific firearm and asked what else they would suggest I look at and 2 out of 3 times I have liked their suggestion better than my original plan. The store does get busy at times so you may have to be patient but these guys know what they are talking about. I will support a local small business before a big chain whenever I can. Check these guys out if you are in the market to buy a firearm. read more

I recently bought a firearm from VC Defense. The process was quick and easy. No long lines like the other gun shops. They provided great customer service. If they don't have they firearm there you want, they can order it for you. I also had a nice conversation about how to obtain my CCW. I would buy another firearm from this store again. read more

Great prices and customer service from VC defense. Despite being extremely busy as all shops are now, they are very attentive to everyone who walks in. They have a large selection of Parts and accessories for such a small shop. Call to make an appointment for personal one on one service. read more

You guys are awesome! The staff was helpful and kind. If you were closer to my residence, I would go there very often. Very Very happy with my purchase. Shout out's to Mikey? or Micah? You know who i'm talking about. Thanks my man! read more

I was looking all over ventura county for a gun part to complete a build I wanted to do on my day off. I went to two different turners( oxanard and receda) but they did not have the item that they said they had in stock. I called every gun store in ventura county. I was not having any luck but then I called these awesome guys and they had it in stock. When I got there they had the item already on the counter ready to go. They got a customer for life. Great prices,great selection and even better, great staff. If you ask a question they don't look at you like a idiot. Leave the other places and come to VC defense! read more

VC Defense opened recently in Thousand Oaks, and is the only gun store in town. John is the owner, a really great guy. I made a few purchases so far, and plan to give him all my business. very helpful and attentive customer service. The prices are great and no attitude!! Very helpful. Thanks for the sales. read more

The staff was amazing and knowledgeable. Took all the pressure and intimidation out of a first gun purchase. I would recommend them highly for any type of fire arm purchase. read more

I love this shop! I have been in here a few times now and each time John and Micah are both very friendly and knowledgable. If they don't have what you want in stock they will do what the can to order it for you. I will gladly buy more from them. Thank you for bringing a gun shop into our town. read more

Biggest little shop I have ever seen. Good selection and fair prices. Good gun smithing. John is very knowledgeable. Such a handsome fella too. Highly recommended. read more

They had everything I needed in 1 shop. I try and support local business as much as I can. Small yes, but they had what the other guys didn't. I will continue to give them business, as the employees were very friendly and helpful. Thanks guys and keep up the good work! read more

Guys are the best. Good variety and a ton of add on features available. Been to plenty of gun stores but I think I found my number 1!! Thanks Once again read more

I've not yet made a purchase here but I suspect I will at some point. I stumbled up on this shop while getting my car serviced nearby. Since I was thinking of getting another gun, I stopped in and checked it out. They have a pretty good inventory of guns I like and the salesman was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. The place has a good vibe. I will keep it on my list of gun shops when I'm in the market again. read more

Not sure why all the bad reviews, I have always had good experiences in the shop. A lot of times it's really busy, but that's not anyones fault, things are crazy at most gun shops these days... The owner has always been really helpful. I am so glad a shop opened in Thousand Oaks, we needed one badly! They have a very extensive selection of AR parts and accessories, much better than most other shops in VC. read more

I went into the VC Defense today and met up with the owner John to purchased my third handgun. The last time I was there, I had another good experience. However, when I went to look up their website, I saw some negative feedback from those who apparently were complaining about the service or the attitude in which they were greeted. So when I walked in today, I was especially sensitive to see whether or not such a claim had any merit. Owner John could not have been more accommodating in trying to match me up with the right gun that I was looking to purchase for carrying with a CCW permit. John was polite, calm, patient and understanding. Since I do not have a lot of experience with handguns, he made the process much less intimidating each time. His employee there was also very kind, as he recognized me from before and greeted me with a smile and a hello. I believe their prices are fair, their service superb, their location convenient and their attitudes above par. If you are thinking about purchasing a handgun or accessory, I would definitely give them a chance. Mark read more

I bought my very first pistol here in VC and i should say the experience is quite more on a positive note.The store owner John helped me decide on what to get and explain everyhting on why he prefer one piece over the other.And Thomas was also very accomodating and helpful when i picked up my piece.Kudos for John and Thomas of vc def. read more

I bought a gun online and VC defense did the FFL transaction. I also took my handgun safety test with them. The transactions went very smooth. I received a call from their staff as soon as they received my order. Staff is very friendly. They should issue handgun cards that are actually cards, not bond paper printout. read more

Used them for a ppt, which I know can be kind of a pain for a ffl especially with rifles as they take up a lot of safe space. They were able to accommodate us before hours even! They were very professional and friendly. Good price for the ppt and competitive prices on inventory. They also had a petition table!!! Extra bonus!!! They will get my return business. God bless any ffl in commiefornia. read more

It's a decent store, something the area desperately needed. The prices are fair and comparable to most places in Ventura County. The only reason I'm not giving five stars is their customer service. Actually the service itself wasn't all that bad. But the owner seemed a bit grumpy that day. Not sure if it was due to a long day, bad customer or whatever but he didn't seem like he wanted to be there. He got the job done but I have to deduct a star for disposition. read more

I was referred to VC defense by a friend. I've been to all the local gun shops in Simi but decided to head over to VC defense to check them out. The guy that helped me was super friendly. Although the shop is smaller than other shops in Simi they were able to order the handgun that I wanted and had it delivered to their shop in 4 days. It was also cheaper than any price that I was quoted at any other stores! I picked up my new handgun a few days ago and John the owner was also very friendly during pick up. I will definitely use them again in future! read more

Gun store on a pedestrian-friendly street..... ABOUT DAMN TIME. I looked around and pleasurably killed an hour while getting new tires across the street. Money may have even changed hands here. FINALLY a decent gun store with knowledgeable and helpful people. Aren't you sick of anti-gun nuts trying to shove gun stores out in the sticks with tattoo joints and massage parlors? I am. Be an American. Check out a decent little neighborhood gun store with good prices. (Edited 7/5/16- changed from 4 to 5 stars for being more helpful than bigger stores.) read more

I came in here as a new shooter to make a first gun purchase. Thomas spent a ton of time with me, walked me through all the paperwork, and helped me select my first pistol. I ended up having a problem with the order that was 100% MY FAULT, but John still worked with me to resolve it. He was WAY more helpful than he needed to be, and it was really appreciated. These guys give great customer service, and I'll definitely be back. read more

Wow! I called to simply verify stock of an item before I made the drive over there and got all kinds of attitude from whomever answered the phone. I WAS ready to buy, and pay his asking price, for multiple AR15 lowers, but his attitude forced me to go elsewhere. Once the crazy gun grabbing calms down, I'm sure he won't be able to keep the doors open for long. Customer service is the most important aspect of business, whether you're selling tampons or guns, and it's time that this guy figures that out. Don't believe the fake reviews you read on here, go ahead and call the shop and you will see what I mean. read more

I recently stopped in for the first time. Based on the reviews I was expecting a completely different environment. Basically, from the minute I and my son arrived we were treated like we were bothering the store rep. My son asked a few questions and the rep (with a beard) was about as friendly as someone that disliked his job...or us. Every phrase he uttered was short and pretty negative in tone. My son is a Marine and I a first responder for over 30 years, so we're not novices. We were merely new to this store. I'm a pretty easy going guy, and merely expect a little common courtesy when I shop. That's all...and we were there to shop. Here's my advice to the staff: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression...and he made an impression. The bottom line is, I have no reason to ever go back. read more

Called and talked with one of the salesman, even though they were not able to help me. They gave me advice and spent his time talking with me on what was needed to be done and persons of interest to contact for more information. That was a lot of help after being on the phone all day with other dealers who would tell me we don't do that work and would hang up. Thank you so much for the info now I can get my old guns working again. Dr Rick read more

I have purchased guns for years for personal use and collecting. BUYERS BEWARE. These guys may have once run some operation out of their apartment but they have no business being in retail. They are rude to the point of actually insulting me to my face. They do not know their business. There are many actual retail shops in Simi, just up the freeway and the extra 20 minute drive will guarantee you knowledgable customer service, friendly service, and no back talking attitude. read more