If you want to buy your first gun I would recommend going here, you can park easily and the staff will unload knowledge upon you regardless of what you come in looking for. Location is great, near city but still a scenic drive and they carry the best brands like S & W. If you bought a gun online and are having a gun delivered to an FFL dealer this would be a great spot if you live in or near SF. read more

Vladimir is marvelous! He has been very helpful to me, as well as Colleen and Demetrius. They have a very nice selection of arms and have helped me make some great selections. They are very direct and honest and I like doing business with people like that. Also, it's really fun to shop there! read more

What I like best about this shop is that when you need to ask a "stupid question", they don't treat you as such. It is very typical for an arms dealer to expect that you know everything about what you're looking to buy or that you should know the history of everything you own. Well, these gents are willing to help the newbies and keep a great attitude about it. We actually spent around two hours trying to decide between two handguns a couple of weeks ago and they never got impatient the entire time. Way to go, City Arms! read more

Probably the nicest (Customer Service) firearms store in the bay area to visit and buy stuff from. They only didn't get a 5 star rating from me because they wouldn't even bother to give me a price for a rifle I wanted to order through them. How is that supposed to help their business? I can understand somewhat since many people call just to compare prices. But they could've just given me a price and told me that they would match any local price! If you visit them they will keep you entertained with their sarcastic European wit and knowledge of firearms. "So my firend, are you going to buy this today or are you going to keep drooling on the thing??!!" LOL! They're the only shop that I've found the pink (yes pink) and blue pistols (forgot which brand/model). read more

The people there are really helpful and nice. Although, they can try putting in a little more effort with providing information. Good selection of guns, rifles, just wish they had more knives. Pricing is a little high read more

City Arms is great for a bay area arms dealer. Having said that I feel like their rating is inflated. While I'm stoked on my shotgun I feel like this shop is just a-ok. read more

Thank You Colleen, Vladimir ( Uncle V) for a Great Experience on Shopping here at City Arms I Got My first Hand Gun Here in California Thanks to Them for making it possible. I Bought a S&W M&P 45. I Be back to make another purchase for another Handgun Soon ...Thank you Colleen, Uncle V.... for the great Customer Service..... Rick M. read more

Seems to be less and less gun shops around now. However; since 911 sales of guns has been going up. This is one of the shops that remain. Their inventory is limited and their location is horrible for those that don't live around the area. Their shop is tiny but their prices are not. read more

I keep coming back to City Arms so that says something. What I have found is the guys working here are helpful, patient, and willing to discuss any questions you might have. The store has a nice selection and is well-stocked. On a positive note, the woman who does the paperwork could not be nicer and more organized. One negative, the ammo prices seem a little bit high compared to other locations I've been to. Overall great experience and I plan on going back. read more

After reading the reviews I finally decided to visit this place. The place was big and open. Firearms are all visible against the wall or in the cases. Tags and prices were all neatly and visibly displayed (I only mention this cuz some gun shops don't even display prices or make it very hard to). There was a great selection of accessories to choose from. Prices seem moderate to good. I didn't get too much help from the russian guys at the time (they were busy), but I have to give major high marks to Bob (I think that's his name; the retired law enforcement guy). Bob provided extremely great customer service to me. He spent a great deal of time explaining things to a noob like myself. He was very patient and detailed in answering my questions. He also displayed strict rules when handling their guns yet didn't give a bad attitude about it. I haven't bought anything from this store yet as I'm still visiting all the other shops before I make a decision. Overall I give high marks for this place. Bob provided a level of customer service that I haven't experienced yet at any of the other gun shops I visited thus far. read more

My first visit here was ok, and my second visit here was fairly unpleasant mainly due to an older gentlemen who "helped" me out. I'll have to agree with one of the reviews here when a yelper described him to be "surly"; I'll just leave it at that. BUT! I will still give this place 4 stars, since the end result of my visits yielded a positive experience. Dimitri was a pleasure to deal with. He took care of my out of state transfer, and the process was a breeze! **EDIT** Visited City Arms several more times, and I've decided to bump up my rating to 5 stars! Keep up the good work! read more

Selection: This place has everything you could really want in a gun, for the first time buyer and experienced owners. 20+ 1911's, 20+ Glock/SA/Ruger variant, multiple Revolvers, High End Noveske ARs, Saigas some Aresenal and other AKs in 762 223 12GA. Shotguns from Benelli to Mossberg and others. SAFE's get them here! Prices: Extremely fair and better than most in the area. Of course not an online deal but this isnt exactly a 'Free State' either. Staff: Colleen and Uncle V. are always receptive when I come in, might be the Army Uniform I wear for work :) but they are always good with conversation. I've never been told to hurry and make a decision and I am encouraged to hold and get a feel for the weapons. Sales: Super simple, they do everything on the computer and it makes everything easy. Buy a lot of stuff and ask for a deal. Business is business. read more

I spent over an hour in the with Dan, all of my questions and concerns were answered. Thet spent plenty of time with me and were very helpful, I had plenty of time with each piece and was well taken care of. I will be returning to purchase my new firearm next week and could not have had a better experience. I am thrilled with my time in the shop as I was told I would. read more

A+A+A+A+A+ City Arms in Pacifica ranks high . My third visit to this store,I've observe staff treating everyone with top notch respect and superior customer experience. Friendly men working behind the counters,the lovely and patient lady assisting me with paperwork. You have a heart for people,no matter what's their skin color. I stood back watching your staff engaging customers. City Arms,you made me feel like a very close friend. From my heart,will do business with you again. Semper Fi. read more

I buy all of my guns and most of my Ammo here. Dmitri is great, always willing to make a deal. I am a certified firearms instructor, and I've bought more than my share of guns with the closing of all stores left in San Francisco. City Arms is the closest store to where I live. My only request is that they open on Sunday and/or have longer hours on Saturday. read more

City arms is great went in with a friend to look at saiga rifles we both got one Colleen was a great help she helped with all the paper work great selection of rifles if you like black rifles..I do proud saiga 7.62x39 owner Dimitri is crazy and loud ..thats why i loved this place he is russian and loves selling russian guns say somthing about benelli in there see what happens..lol Overall great experience loved the staff great selection fair price will be back for my next gun..saiga shotgun? read more

The team here put my gun on consignment and got it done in about 30 days no fuss. Everyone is friendly and will happily answer any questions you have about their offerings. Uncle V seems grumpy but is very fair. read more

Man, first time i went in here it was just amazing. It was like a fully stocked armory, superb selection, rifles and shotguns covering the entire wall, pistols lining the glass enclosures. The selection was just incredible. Anyhow, i went in to purchase an OLL and they had just what I wanted. great selection and if it wasn't in stock they would be able to order it. Ordered a Stag Lower, however it was a little more than the MSRP on the company website, but no problem. Anyhow, knowledgeable and friendly staff, great store, superior collection. My next rifle is going to be a Steyr Mannlicher Scout, fortunately I can go to these guys instead of all the way to san jose just to get one. Anyways, cool place and it was fun checking that shop out. definitely returning their again for the hard to get firearm goods. read more

This is the best resource in the Bay Area for AR lowers. Love the ads these guys put on the radio. Gun and rifle selection: Great Ammo: mediocre Accessories for the shooter: Mediocre read more

I've had money in my pocket waiting to buy multiple items at this gun shop (looking at you AK). Triumph the insult comic dog at the front door runs his mouth and I just have to walk away. He knows things will sell regardless of what he says. That's great. But customers have a memory. Why spend over $1000+ at a store where you get treated with abuse? Although I live in Pacifica and frequent the shopping center, I don't come by at all anymore. I'd rather drive over to Peninsula Guns where they will sell you ammo (though rationed) or Coyote Point Armory where they are always pleasant. Current score is 2 Glocks, 1 KSG purchased at Coyote Point and 1 AR15 and multiple boxes of ammo purchased at Peninsula Guns. (I do weekly ammo runs at Peninsula Guns now ) City Arms is zero and they are the closest and most convenient for me! I literally buy sushi around the corner, grocery shop at Oceana Market and buy boba tea next door!! City Arms has yet to earn my business and with the look of things, sadly never will. I'd rather drive to Fairfield to pickup an AK rather than shop here. They can enjoy this time where they can ignore what should be an unbreakable commandment in retail: respect the customer. The pandemic will eventually subside and things will get back to normal. Eventually, I will go to the Boba shop next door to find a closed for business sign at this gun shop. To quote Thanos, its inevitable. read more

-Great Selection -Staff Ok, (a little impatient)(may be suspicious but then very friendly) -Good Prices (they might offer the more expensive product) -Owners Have Strong Accent -Wont Give HSC w/o a Purchase P.S. I can see why some might find them as sometimes rude and impatient, fact is, they have the best selection, prices, and are the closest shop for SF other then the one on Mission if Mission shop still exists. I bought Ruger SP 101 .357 Magnum (3 in. barrel) read more

i have this really bad habit when i drive. i tend to zone out and drive on autopilot. one such day while driving home from work, i missed my exit by about 10 miles (note my commute is usually 3 miles). holy shit im at pacifica pier? meh. ive been meaning to stop by city arms for a bit now so this looks like a good of a time to stop by then any other. the place is new and stocks a good variety of things. the guys behind the coutner seem pretty friendly. actually, i found their interactions with the customers pretty funny. one of the guys asks me, " so hey, what are you looking for young man?" ive been meaning to pick up some wilson combat magazines for my kimber so i ask for those. "hey, this young mans looking for magazines for his kimber, can you help him" the guy says to another man on the other side of the store. he informs me that they dont have any wilson combats in stock but they just got some kimber tactical magazines. the spring seemed fine, its an 8 round magazine, nice little butt plate.. sure why they heel not. ill give it a try.... during this time, im paying attention to the way these guys interact with everyone there. very friendly. infact, so much so i forget that most gun shops, the staff is usually a bit condescending about your firearm/ammo selection, some places, the staff are just down right rude.... these guys, it feels like a neighborhood bar. i walked in blind, and these guys were great. you gotta wonder how they treat the regulars. though i will not be purchasing any more firearms, im sure i will need supplies. i found a place near home thats a good option. read more

I was highly disappointed with this place. I was in the area and decided to check out some guns. I found a gun that caught my eye. . I was really interested in the gun but they were really rude and not very helpful. They were pushy and wanted a quick sale. Even though I wasn't going to buy the gun right on the spot, I would of came back and bought it a week later. Since they were rude and disrespectful, I'm not coming back to do business with them. I know I'm not the only person who they pushed away with there horrible service. read more

Bought my first gun here. Bought my second gun here. Bought my third gun here. Bought my 4th gun here!!! Why? No better place in the bay area that treats customers! I always shop around for the best deal when it comes to purchasing a new gun. I've visited many places but these guys and gal are always extremely helpful and honest. If they don't have a gun I was looking, for they can order it no hassle. Class act establishment. read more

Had some spare time and dropped into City Arms. They were busy with other customers, but took the time to greet me. 1 sales person was helping a group of three, who started discussing something between themselves so the sales person excused himself and came over to help me. Extremely friendly staff. I have been in other bay area gun stores where they either ignore you or talk to you like you are an idiot. Not the case here. I wil definitely be returning! read more

What's wrong with people being stupid these days? I went with a friend two days ago to this dumb place. I just went because my buddy wanted someone to roll with him. Once we were in the store my friend sought out an employee to talk to about a gun in particular. I never said a word, and was just standing next to my friend looking at the display case. All of a sudden the employee says I stink like I've been smoking something other than tobacco and tells me to leave. WTF?? If I was the guy trying to purchase a firearm, maybe I can understand him trying to be the best little detective in Pacifica. But for him to single me out and boot me from the store because he wants to feel powerful or something isn't good business practice. To top it off, I leave the store with no problem but the jerk keeps running his mouth about me to my friend behind my back. That's when I decided he deserved this review. How rude! Get some manners and don't be such a jerk for no reason, Mr employee at some random gun shop. Better yet, get some balls and come and talk trash to my face, outside in the parking lot where I was standing. It's not my fault your life hasn't turned out that great, or whatever excuse you believe you have for being such a jerk. Sincerely, Someone who will never purchase anything from your store again Jake K. read more

I was interested in buying a PX4 Storm from these guys. I got there during the busiest time, but was patient and waited until it was my turn which was approximately 10 minutes. One dude was just holding things up with some stupid questions. I have no issues with people that don't know much about something and are trying to gather information to learn, but this guy was acting as if he knew everything. Anyways. The store finally dies down and this other guy and I were the only ones left. One of the older guys behind the counter had to do some paperwork and he was writing this and that and looked busy, so I left him alone. A new guy walks in and he looks up and asks if he needs any help. Wait! Wasn't I just standing right there looking at him waiting for help? There was this younger guy in there that knew I was waiting there a long time, but he was already helping someone else and he still tried to help as best he could without pissing the other customer off. If I go back there, it would be because of him, selection and prices. Update: I ended up picking up a PX4 at the Gun Show held at the Cow Palace, so yes, they did just lose a gun sale. read more

First time ever going to this place. Was looking to buy a pistol so I wanted to check out they're inventory. I was excited to see they had alot of selections. The man that was helping me had a slight accent and was pushy. Seems like he only cared about was making a quick sale. So he helped with about 2 guns, after I thought it didn't suit me well and he walked away and said" is there anyone in here looking to spend money?" That made me feel I was wasting his time, TRYING to find a gun that will suitable for me.... so i walked out after driving from san francisco richmind district and I spent my money else where...High Bridge arms to be exact. Never will I spend my money here even if I know it'll be cheaper than other places. read more

I went into the store today to begin the process of buying a gun. I'm new to this and was hoping to get some guidance and am a bit nervous. One of the clerks was helpful and I looked forward to discussing a possible purchase. However, another customer came in and out of politeness I told the clerk to go handle the other customer while looked around. Around about then another clerk, Large, barrel chest came into the store and I thought I heard him say: Only people who are buying belong in the the store, the rest should go out side. Hmm. not very friendly and kinda intimidating and did not make my nervousness any less. Also, there are pictures of Hitler on the wall as well as derogatory and possibly racist images of Obama. While I did not vote for him I must say this did not add to my comfort level. I left and will see if I go back. I see from other reviews there are other stores I can try and I will check these out. I suppose if you know exactly what you want and have cash this may be the place to go (or not - see other reviews). As a newbie, I'm going to a firing range first and try some guns and see from there. I may give these guys another try, but also, if you notice, from other reviews, their attitude seems kinda common. Maybe this is accepted attitude in a gun shop? IDK it was my first. It does remind me of a music store I used to frequent - huge selection but high pressure tactics and not at all pleasant to browse. BUT, if you knew what you wanted and had cash and were ready to buy, they were the place to go. In reading the other reviews there does seem to be a pattern of late. Seems it is crucial who you get to help you. read more

Did a PPT for 2 long guns. Made a mistake on the forms twice and the nice lady helped me out without giving me an attitude. Great service and attitude! read more

Best place to buy guns!!! Everyone is nice and willing to answer your questions and if they don't have what you looking for they can order it for you!! read more

I purchased a rifle here a few months ago and just bought a new pistol here today. The level of service I received both times was outstanding. I've come in a few other times just to look around and the staff has always been quick to help me and they're very knowledgeable about the firearms they carry. Their prices are a little bit higher than what you might find at some other big chain stores, but I don't mind paying extra for the great service and knowledgeable staff. Very happy with this shop and will definitely continue to buy here. read more

i've known and respected dimitry for many years he is very knowledgeable especially regards soviet collectibles.my Last purchase was a stainless star PK 3 years ago it is a rare item very few imported before clinton's interfered in 1993.I sold a rare book by famous soviet gun illustrator named Bug that he was happy to get.I live hours away otherwise would visit more often always busy as prices are fair. read more

Was told they couldn't help me because someone had called in sick.. seriously??? Worst costumer service I have ever experienced. Will never set foot in this joke of a business again read more

Let me start by saying I am a first time gun owner, and still have a lot to learn. I also almost never use Yelp because I think to many people have negative and harmful opinions on places and people that are unfounded and baseless. That said, I have been to City arms a few times for different resins and every time has been bad. The first time I went I want to start the process of buying a hand gun. I asked the gentleman at the counter What would be involved in buying a hand gun. He had no interest in helping me out at all and just said "you fill out a form, you take a test, and pay for the gun." Wow thanks for that insight! I went over to Jackson Arms, and the lady at the desk was very helpful, explained the whole process of buying a hand gun to me, and gave me my HSC hand book. It seams to me that if you are a gun shop it would be in your best interest to be helpful to all gun owners, especially the "wana be" gun owners. Why would anyone want to spend money in your shop if you snap at them and refuse to give any real help? Wouldn't a gun shop that is "up holding past traditions," and "preserving Americas future" want to encourage potentially new gun owners to become involved in fire arms by helping them learn how to purchase and operate fire arms? The second time I dealt with with City Arms I was trying to find an FFL to transfer a gun from Atlantic Firearms for me. The guy who picked up the phone had no idea what I was talking about, even after I spent at least 6 minutes explaining to him what I was trying to do. He was, ones again, snappy and rude. I recommend avoiding this place, that is unless you speak Russian, and like to deal with people who constantly seam like they are trying to stare you down (mad dog you). It really is to bad. I feel if this place had friendlier more helpful people working in it it would be one of the best, if not the best, gun shops in the Bay Area. I think "Russian service," as the other Yelper put it, really raps this place up well. read more

My first visit to City Arms was a bit confusing. First time I have been to a gun store in CA and I wasn't sure what the requirements were and how to proceed. I had purchased a shotgun online, so I paid my $70.00 transfer fee and then was walked through the form requirements. Like the selection of firearms and ended up purchasing a 9mm H&K also. The staff is helpful and cool. Russians. I would have probably ordered a Walther online but these guys allowed me to handle many handguns and I thought the H&K was for me. I do most of my business online because of time concerns so it would be helpful if they put product inventory on their modest website. I recommend this shop for novice and veteran alike. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. Every person who works here is incredibly knowledgeable about every single product they sell and even ones they don't have. My fiancée has purchased multiple hand guns from here and the process is smooth and quick and they don't overlook a single detail. I also love that they don't try and convince you to buy any additional items at time of purchase as some other shops do. We were in and out within 45min yesterday, So for those upset about lines and wait times-You need to remember that they need to follow county, state and federal protocol and can only allow a few persons in at a time due to how small the shop is and you can tell they try their hardest to move things along but you cannot rush the purchase of firearms nor those applying for safety certification and such. I also notice a lot of negativity towards their preference to regular customers and law enforcement- We have been coming here for years and my fiancée is an LEO and aside from them recognizing our faces/names I have never felt like we were being treated any way different than other shoppers in the store. read more

I generally don't use Yelp, like previously mentioned I believe it's the domain of those with to much time on their hands and more often than not, a chip on their shoulder. Unfortunately, at this time, I happen to have to much time on my hands, but this review has been a long time coming. I liked working with Roman, Colleen, Vladimir and Bob. In all my working career, I've never worked retail and it was underneath their supervision that I was able to grow as a "Purveyor of Firearms", I liked the challenge and the camaraderie. They were a pleasure to work with. Though my time was cut short due to a firearm being pointed at me, it wasn't due to some armed thief or an uninitiated ( no knowledge of firearm safety ) newbie looking to buy their first firearm, it was done by someone who should have known better. Dimitri has been in the firearm business for quite sometime and unfortunately he thought it was hilarious that pointing a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 upon my chest was funny, even going so far as to center the crimson trace laser dot upon my sternum three times while grinning and laughing like an idiot. I warned him the first time, the second and third time while doing my duties around the shop was when I had enough. All my life and through the Army, I've been taught to never point a firearm at anything you don't plan to shoot, let alone kill/destroy. To always remain cautious while holding a firearm be it loaded or unloaded and generally being mindful of my surroundings until the firearm is unloaded safely and stored in a secured and locked container. Perhaps my Grandfather, BSA ( Boy Scouts of America ), USAR ( United States Army ) and a whole slew of others well trained in the use of firearms have taught me wrong, apparently I can point a firearm at someone, center the laser upon their chest and laugh, while showing a client how "neat" the firearm is. I can not, under any circumstances promote, let alone suggest to anyone to spend their time and money here. You're better off looking elsewhere, trust me. It pains me to write this, I liked working with Roman, Colleen, Vladimir and Bob. It was Dimitri in his infantile idiocy that caused me to write this, a firearm is a tool that can cause great harm if not used and treated with the respect that it deserves, not a toy, never a toy. Support the Second Amendment in California, but do it through people that you'd be proud to support. I can not condone, let alone support City Arms in Pacifica. By Dimitri's actions, it would seem he doesn't have the best interests for those who work with him, let alone the right for Californian's to own firearms due to his idiocy through improper handling which simply adds fuel to the arguments of people who want to strip an American's inherent right out of their hands. Ultimately, in the end, actions speak louder than words. This is my story, this is my truth. I'm sorry Uncle V. read more

Fantastic firearms store. For prices and attitude, I'd say it's the best in the Bay Area. They don't necessarily have the widest selection in inventory, but they do carry the most popular items and many of the best all-around firearms as well as some collectors' pieces. As with all gun shops I've run into, they can order most things still in production from their suppliers. Although they didn't have the S&W snubnose .38 Special revolver with the factory-installed laser sights that I wanted (which is hardly surprising), they had no problem ordering it for me and giving me a price almost $100 below MSRP and lower than I could get anywhere else. One note for those who haven't done much shopping for firearms before--it generally pays to do some research beforehand. There are many websites with forums where thousands of gun owners talk about the reliability, utility, and feel of their firearms, and it pays to read what they have to say before deciding what you want. And it can be useful to go to a shooting range to see if the ergonomics are right. The folks in the store are knowledgeable, but they only represent one viewpoint, and there are undoubtedly many folks with differing viewpoints. If something like 70-90% of people online say the same thing (e.g., that Glocks are incredibly reliable or Kel-Tec has quality control issues), there's a good chance they're right. For each category and sub-category of firearms there is a wide range to choose from, with a wide range in quality, so it pays to do some research before heading down the store to put your money down. It's also probably important to note that with the recent bill on micro-stamping being passed (as of this writing, California is now the only state that will require semi-automatic pistols to stamp an unique identification code on cartridges that are fired), there will probably be more selection before January 1, 2010, when the requirement sets in. As has happened in the past with the imposition of previous requirements, manufacturers may decide not to sell a particular model in California instead of going through the expense of modifying it specifically for California. read more

There is not much to say besides great things about this store, it's selection, and the helpful staff. This is the store for any gun owner looking for a hard to find gun/riffle at a great price. read more