Reading a lot of negative reviews, I can see that most are just from people who can't take being told "just a moment" or when an employee simply doesn't smile. I've been to this location twice. I was helped immediately and both my gun purchase and FSC certification were done in less than 10 minutes each. The staff collectively really know their stuff, so I'm never left without answers. I love that other employees will chime into your conversation if it'll help you with what you're looking for. If you want to be treated like a princess and have employees bow at your feet, look elsewhere. These people only have so much time to help whoever they're helping. It's a crowded store because lots of people here wanna check it out. read more

I bought my gun there and their customer service was ass. I do not recommend buying a gun there.

if you want to go this shop, do not talk to the Asian. I think only one Asian in this shop, if you ask him something and he never smile, just like someone wrote a review, just a tad racist, His expression is very impatient. just like i owe his money, but the other white guys are nice to me. read more

Great place to to do business. Good customer service. We recently bought a Ruger 10/22 at City Arms. After bringing it home, I , "California's-Premier-Ruger10/22-rifle-mount-reciever-screw-remover-expert" went to work to remove the screws, and found that they stripped at the head. Of course, I blamed Ruger for their poor quality control! I called City Arms and they told me to bring it in, and they would look at it. I went in with my suppressed righteous indignation, and the guys took it into the back room to look at it, and after a little bit brought it out with the stripped screws removed. Then, in the most tactful and diplomatic way, the wonderful employee informed me that Ruger didn't make a mistake, but that I, "California's-Premier-Ruger10/22-rifle-mount-receiver-screw-remover-expert" did! They went the extra mile for me. I have done Private Party Transfers here, purchases, and Firearm Safety certificate testing , and found the crew to be excellent in their customer service. I highly recommend them, and will do business with them again. read more

First and last visit. Shop is small, disorderly and one staffer was rude where offense was not given. Guy at door seems to think that customers willing to wait an hour in the cold should know they are required to sign up first. Here's an idea: put that on a sign and come out to greet your customers waiting in line. Instead of making them feel unwelcome, start the sales process with them. Throwing customer good will away is not a good idea. Been to a lot of stores since I went to the Academy, this was the worst. read more

If you are desperate, they might be able to offer you something you will SURELY overpay for. I walked in wanting to purchase a couple boxes of ammo and a firearm they advertised on social media... walked out empty handed and will gladly spend my hard earned cash at a different establishment. read more

Made an appointment via email regarding a private party transfer, had to wait about 2 months but the wait was well worth it. Owner served my service very well and didn't make the customer feel like he was forcing information down the throat. Great service, would def make this a go to for my arms needs read more

I'd been to this shop once before a couple months ago to do a private party transfer. It was smooth and simple, but I didn't think it was much to write home about, so I didn't put a review up. Fast forward to about a week ago, I started shopping around for a new pistol (a Kahr K9 Stainless to be exact), and called City Arms for a quote. The person on the phone gave me a pretty good price, but I wasn't in a hurry so I decided to call a few more places to test the water. By the next week, I'd decided I liked the City Arms price the best, so I went in to have the gun ordered (most dealers can order but don't have them in their cases.) I was immediately greeted by two gentlemen (I believe one was the one they call Uncle V, the other I believe his name was Eric.) They were working on something so I went to go poke around and see what else they had, while also chatting with Mark, who is extremely knowledgeable. Once they finished what they were working on, they got started on ordering the Kahr and I mentioned that I called the other day about the same gun. They even asked me what price I was quoted when I called the other day, and were willing to honor that (as long as Uncle V ok'd it, which he did) even when the computer showed them a higher price. At that point, I was already prepared to buy with them, even if I had to pay the higher price. That, to me, is a testament to their top-notch customer service. When I left, they said they'd call me when it came in. Today (on a Saturday), I decided to call in just in case it had come in early (since they close Sunday and Monday) so I could get the paperwork started and have the 10 days started earlier. One of their salesmen answered, and informed me that it had come in the night before, and even apologized for the shop not calling me the previo us night (I just keep finding more reasons their customer service is awesome.) I went in 10 minutes later, and got the paperwork started (Colleen is very nice to talk to, and the young gentleman named Mike is equally friendly and welcoming, and I believe he's the one who apologized over the phone, so plus points for that.) Either way, I am extremely satisfied with the service I received over the past week from City Arms, and will definitely look towards them in the future as a go-to for my shooting needs. Also, will update this post after the 10 days with pictures of my new baby! Edit: Also met Henry when I picked this up, he's a pleasure to talk to and extremely knowledgeable! Can't say enough about their staff. Photos included in this update read more

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Staff was friendly and hilarious at times, first time gun owner and will definitely go back for all my other firearm related needs.

Bought my Rock Island 1911 from here 2 weeks ago. My friend bought his M&P Shield from here as well. I have all my friends follow them on Instagram and you should too! These guys get guns! They can get what you want, just not sure when, due to this time we are in. But the stock they have is dope! I love my 1911! Service is fun! Matt is very knowledgeable and treated my friend well as it was his first time buying a gun. The 2 older Russian guys are hilarious and make you feel welcome! I'm definitely coming back to buy more stuff! When you have customer service like here. You don't need advertising. I recommend spending your time an money here l. It's great! Just don't use your phone inside! HA! read more

I bought my first gun at this place since it was the closest to me. The staff who helped me was fairly helpful in the beginning as I told him that I was a newbie. However, once the gun was sold, I asked him if he could show me how to maintain it. The attitude suddenly changed to "Go watch some YouTube video". Well, that was my first and last time I spent my money there. Customer service is important to me. If I am treated like dirt, I would go out of my way to give my business somewhere else. Oh boy.. I drove an extra hour and spent way more. read more

Great place. Great people. (I would say ignore any of the negative reviews.) Employees are knowledgeable and extraordinarily patient. John, who guards the door, has a tough job and yet is very personable. Demand is so high now. IF YOU ARE FIRST TIME BUYER, please, please learn all you can online about buying firearms and ammunition in California BEFORE you go into any gun store. There is a lot to know, and I imagine it's very tiresome for them to have to repeat information over and over. At the very least, research: Documents to prove your California residency. Mandatory waiting periods. Firearms certificate test you will have to take. Also, it's a seller's market right now. Don't assume you will be able to buy exactly what you want. Don't expect them to answer questions about inventory over the phone, via email or Facebook. You need to go down there, and go early because lines to get in can sometimes be long. Also please don't get upset at gun shops for the waiting periods, all the paperwork, etc. Those things are due to laws, not the particular store you are at. Peace out. read more

Have been to City Arms a few times and it's always been decent, but we just had the best experience there with Kevin. He was very friendly, knew his stuff and answered all my questions (and I had MANY). read more

scum bags !! doj sent me a undetermined dros sending me a letter that dealer will be notified and may deliver the firearm at their discretion !!. of course this ffl said no !! then charged me 50.00 dollar restocking fee !.!. do not deal with these scum bags !!!! i'm 52 no criminal history i work for department of homeland security and still they would not release my firearm !! they steal your money !! i have called different ffl's in redwood city told me to they would never charge for restocking it's the doj that's playing politics !! what a mistake for dealing with these scum bags !!! read more

I was able to take my fsc here and purchase my first firearm. The guys here are not just professional but very helpful. A lot of paperwork is required to purchase a gun in 2020 in CA, and they spend all day here making sure that these requirements are met for their customers. Thankful for their help and well worth the wait. read more

I purchased my Glock here. Those guys are straightforward about everything. I got my handgun last month and boy there was a lot of people waiting. I had invested a good amount of time, like 3-4 hrs in line. I didn't really care much of the brand so i pretty quick once i got inside. I came back after 10 days and thank God i got cleared on that date. Even though you go there on date you pick up your handgun IT DOESN'T MEAN you get the clearance. A lot were turned away coz they weren't cleared ~ DOJ/ Sacramento was backed up because so many people are buying guns. Bullets are reasonable - got regular and hollow points. I would come back here. read more

Been here a few times to buy Ammo. Bad customer service, take your money somewhere else. Won't be going back anymore.

I love this place! Specifically upon my visit, I was especially pleased with Kevin and Uncle V who helped me out. From the broad variety of goods City Arms offers and the excellent customer service, this place is amazing! You can easily tell how knowledgeable and confident the staff is, and they were able to help me decide exactly what I was looking for! I highly recommend City Arms! I can't stop raving about them to my family and friends, and I am so looking forward to my next visit! (: read more

I've been to many gun shows and ranges, but I felt it was time for myself to purchase my first gun. Aside from the long lines, the staff were professional and made me feel secure in my purchase. Would definitely recommend purchasing from them. read more

My go to gun shop in all the Bay Area . Special shout out to Austin that works the front counter and seems to do all the paperwork there which makes it a breeze and so easy . Not to mention the guy is always there hahaha . All the staff that I've encountered are super friendly and always willing to help . So many gun shops I have visited and always have I spent a long time standing there before an associate will approach and ask if I needed to see something . These guys and gal that work there always ask almost instantaneously when I walk in if there was anything I was looking for . And if they don't have it they could order it . read more

Awesome place everyone very friendly and always helpful and very knowledgeable. I get all my guns at City Arms. Lots of free parking in front of the store 10 to 15 minute drive From San Francisco if no traffic Thank you City Arms See you soon read more

Stay away!!! These guys are rude, unprofessional and biased towards clients. They take very little time and make you feel as tough you own them, when it comes time to answering your questions. On top, they are gouging the prices. Tried to sell me a Remington 870 for $750 from the back of the store, when it only costs about $500+ on the open market. After doing my research and refusing to take a delivery of the shotgun, they gave me a run around and withheld $50 for restocking when the shotgun was unboxed to begin with. When I tried to make the case about it, they pretty much showed me the door. There are other gun brokers in the area. If you want to drive a bid further, nothing will beat Bass Pro Shop when it comes to customer service. Horrible experience overall!!! read more

Did a private party transfer at the shop and it was smooth and easy thanks to Stuart. Paperwork was straight forward and pick up 10 days later was just as smooth and easy. And it was good to see that good guys like Stuart (formerly of Jackson Arms before they closed) were there continuing to do a great job. read more

Came here to do a ppt. One transaction ahead of me. Was told that I should look for another spot to do the ppt because the process takes 1hour. (Mind you they're already in process of the transaction) 3 other workers standing around not doing anything. Attitudes all around. This place sucks. read more

These guys have a great selection and moreover a great attitude. I am a new found fan! read more

My go to gun store in the bay area Uncle V, Dimitri and the entire staff at the store are very customer service friendly, knowledgeable and respectful of their customers. They will help you in any way they could, will tell you what you need and tell you how to use it! Keep up the good work guys and thank you for all of your help when I purchased my Beretta PX4 Storm (full size). read more

They have my business for as long as I live in the area. Great service. Super knowledgeable. And they were a complete pleasure to work with. They have my business and recommendation. read more

I come in to do a PPT. There's one customer who was doing DROS, and two employees (two younger men.) I ask to do the PPT, and they say that they are too "understaffed" to do it, even though one of the guys was literally just standing around. Just looking for any excuse not to do it. I've bought a bunch of (overpriced) stuff from them before, so this is disappointing. Won't anymore. read more

Nice clean store. My only complaint is at lunch time, they are too busy. Purchase and pickup went smoothly, staff was very helpful, and did not try to up sale, or add on anything, in other words: stress free, easy purchase. They have a good selection of pistols and rifles. They even had the specific pistol I wanted (Dan Weeson commander/cbob). Paid full MSRP, which was about 150 over an online seller, which was OK for supporting a local business and having what I wanted in stock. I will definitely be back for my next purchase. read more

I was a bit shy just looking when I went in. Was greeted less than 3 minutes in the store by a friendly salesmen Demetrie ( owner). Looking for my first 9mm . No pressure sales spent 20 minutes narrowing down models. I bought a new Sig Sauer 9mm double single action. I did research and knew this was a high quality and safe gun. I noticed there were several customers who seemed to know the workers and were also friendly telling me I bought a great gun. A police officer from a neighboring city came in to buy ammo. I noticed his sidearm was the same I just bought. It was a way cool friendly joking environment unlike some other gun stores in the Bay Area who make you feel stupid if your not a gun guy. I noticed it was a melting pot of customers who were picking up their guns after waiting period. Black , white , Asian. Hispanic. Two hot Asian girls came in to look and bought an AR15. I didn't know it was a very soft recoil shooting gun . Think that's my next gun Daniel Defense brand. I was shocked could only buy one gun a month....I recommend this store to any newbie. They were way cool to do business. read more

Ripoff prices. YES, YELP I DID SHOP HERE. I HAVE A RECEIPT TO PROVE IT.,WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO POST MY RECEIPT TO PROVE IT? 25-40% markups easily on arms. Sure others are over charging but these guys are the absolute worst of them all. Dont believe the paid for "hype" . Sorry Yelp this isnt facebook you dont get to censor unhappy customers who have actual sales receipts to prove their PRICE GOUGING. read more

Good gun shop! They've got some out of bore paste and kroil in stock which you don't usually find in some local gun shops in the bay area. Bought a consigned firearm from them and had no issues with the transaction. Super nice and friendly staff all around. read more

These guys know their guns. They are very knowledgeable, extremely accommodating and always a pleasure to talk to. Whether you are a beginner, hunting expert, LE or military, they have what you need. Good to know there are still good gun stores left in the Bay Area. read more

I made a $1,000+ purchase from City Arms a few years ago, and was satisfied with both the product and the service. The place was crowded, but the staff handled everything efficiently and with good humor. Had I written a review at the time, I probably would have given them four stars. During the great ammo shortage of 2013, I stopped in a few times. They were rationing ammo (everyone else was doing the same), but they didn't raise their prices (everyone else was price gouging). That showed a lot of restraint and smarts. Unlike most of their competition, they had the good sense to realize that the shortage wouldn't last forever, and that people have long memories (especially when they've been taken advantage of). At the time I would have given them five stars. Recently I returned to City Arms to purchase a rifle. I came in with a full description of a stock item, including the model number. The rifle is commonly available, but usually has to be ordered. Uncle V instructed a staff member to take my information, so that he could contact me when the rifle came in. A week later, I called them because nobody had called me. I left a detailed voice mail, asking if the rifle had come in, or if not, approximately when they thought it might. I did not receive a call back. Almost a week after that, I called again, was promptly put on hold, and after ten minutes, disconnected. I've since taken my business elsewhere. It's a shame, because I liked these guys. Four stars for the first experience, five for the second, and one for the most recent. That's 10 divided by three, so my cumulative rating is three stars. read more

For a while, the peninsula was physically out of blank HSCs... I called Jackson Arms, I called Tabors, both were apologetic and told me to keep checking back... But there were a few WTS on calguns that I was interested in and wanted my HSC in hand if I wanted to pull the trigger, no pun intended... So next in line was City Arms. I asked the punk who answered if they have any HSCs and his reply was "what do you need it for?" I told them it's california law to get an HSC before you can purchase handguns... Punk-ass replies "yeah, i know, but we reserve our HSCs for people who are ready to buy from us." Screw you...................... Btw thanks to Tabors who got them in first and got one to me without any hassles. read more

"....the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." City Arms is a great gun shop! For one, No "tough guy" attitude... I can't stand going into a shop, and there is someone behind the counter belittling your intelligence! The staff are courteous and very help to ones needs! One time I was here, and there was a young female who inquired about wanting to take a gun safety coarse, and wanted a pistol for her protection. The gentlemen behind the counter gave her his full attention!! He was spoke to her for about an hour, advising her where to go and what to do..I was amazed!! I continued to browsed, but I kept an eye & earn on their conversation.. City Arms is well stocked with various kinds of pistols, rifles, accessories, cleaning supplies and whatever you may need! They also sell used arms, and also do consignments. The prices of the arms are very fair and reasonable! You will notice in these times that prices are drastically inflated... Sad!! I usually take a day, and hit up all of the guns shops far North as City Arm, all the down to the 408. I'm one who will usually buy a item even if its $5 bucks, because I am a supporter! Support small businesses, and your 2nd Amendment right to bear arms! read more

I am so glad I came here with my Dad because after years of military service and growing up in the wilderness of northern MN, he really knows his guns. I came in generally knowing what I wanted - through internet research, talking with my Dad and experience shooting various calibers of guns. Even though I came in with an idea - it will all depend on what they have in stock. Stocks are really low on certain calibers/brands everywhere so its better to come in with an open mind and not dead set on a certain gun. They can do special orders for you if you are absolutely certain but I recommend feeling the weight of the gun in your hand, testing the trigger pull and grip (although this can be altered) before making a decision. It is a small shop so you may have to wait a few minutes for someone to be able to help you. Dimitri was very helpful and patient with me as I tried to figure out which gun felt right. Thank you City Arms. read more

First off, LMAO to all the people who walked out of this store butt-hurt at the owners attitude. You people either have no sense of humor, or are way to entitled. The owner of this shop doesn't have to sell you anything, they also couldn't care less if you buy or not, because there are 5 other people waiting to buy that gun that you passed on because of "bad attitude". I have been to this store many times, and i get the same "bad attitude", to which i will laugh and give them some sh*t. After this kind of adult exchange they are very cool. Get over yourselves, this is the gun market, these things sell themselves, put away your attitude and expectations of "excellent customer service" and just talk to these guys. I guarantee you will have the same experience as those other yelpers here who rated City Arms 4+ stars. read more

Ive gone here twice already, the 2nd visit was to take my handgun safety certificate test and purchase my first handgun/firearm. The first time I went, I was really intimated when walking through the doors cus it was my first time in a place like this and I didn't know how they'd receive newbie customers like me. There were several customers being helped, asking questions and perusing the inventory already there. I took it that it was a first come, first served basis so I knew to not yell out at the top of my lungs for some service as I saw that every staff member was busy and patiently waited until a staff member approached me. After maybe about 8-10 minutes of just looking at the guns and other stuff myself, I was helped by a gentleman named Paul who was very accommodating and knowledgeable. He helped me look at a revolver, then at a shotgun and recommended a semi auto pistol when I asked for his advice for a good home defense firearm within my price range. Unfortunately my bro who came with me had a time constraint and had to leave right when I was about to pay part of the cost for the semi auto and take the HSC test (to get the paperwork started and pay the rest later after the 10 day waiting period) so we left them hanging and I felt bad. I asked Paul if he worked on commission so I could come back and give him the sale but they apparently dont do that. Then I went back the very next day by myself to get that gun but it was sold already (I was warned that people are almost in a state of panic with firearms and ammo cus of Obama...invisible hand of economics at work). I waited behind 2 customers before me purchasing and doing paperwork for handguns and then was helped by a gray/white haired, partly balding Russian fellow (dunno name) who was quite helpful and can have funny conversations with customers. I asked for his expert opinion on things like whether a 9 or .40 was better for a beginner like me and how 2 similarly priced guns compared, etc. He was great. I can't wait to go back next week to get my handgun and a few other items. From my visits, I saw that they have many HK guns, some Kimber, some S&W, Glock, Springfield and Ruger. I didn't see any CZ or cheaper Kel-Tec. The gun I initially wanted to get was the FNP 9 but was sold so I got the Springfield XD 9. Not a bad consolation. Only bad thing is that I wish they didn't close on Sundays. BTW, I went to a place in Mtn View called Bay Area Gun Vault that was a good place and everyone was nice but I noticed my Springfield XD9 costed more there. Its the only one I compared price on so I cant say about anything else. Also, that place had a wealth of CZ guns. Too dam dark in there though....I have perfect vision and I had to squint to look at the guns and the tag names and prices. read more

I have been to City Arms several times. It really depends on who you get to help you. A few times I got a BIGGER gentleman to help me. He was kinda rude and seemed annoyed/impatient with answering my questions (BTW..I don''t consider myself a novice regarding firearms either). The other times that I went, I had a skinner guy with glasses. He was very helpful and showed me all the guns I asked to see. Needless to say, I ended up making a couple of purchases through him. Great store, lots of selection, 50/50 on staff. read more