These guys are AWESOME! I went in last week, and was greeted by Henry, who (as he put it) was serving as my "tailor" for the next 20 or so minutes in helping me find a handgun. After getting the money together, my vehicle registration (per CA residency requirement law), further educating myself on the absurd laws here, etc, I walked back in this week, so I could buy my Sig Sauer P226 from Henry (while he didn't remember my name, he remembered the gun I came for!). After one final handling of it (had considered the 229, (think I had them confused!) which did not fit my hand!) -- which fit like a glove (Henry said, "That's the gun for you dude."), I said "Let's do it!". He proceeded to pack it up, lock it up, scan it, give me my HSC test, then I hopped over to Colleen to fill out the paperwork, and now I just have to wait 10 long days!
If you're interested in personal protection or home defense, want a great selection to choose from (whether you're an avid hunter, pro competitor, or complete novice like myself looking to secure the right to protect yourself before it disappears here in Kalifornia), fantastic staff (Henry is an absolute gentleman -- he's there Fridays and Saturdays! Colleen is a sweetheart, Dmitri (interacted with him in getting my HSC certificate and on a paperwork snafu) is very knowledgeable. Whoever you interact with there, you're bound to come away feeling listened to and cared for!), and reasonable prices -- don't even think about looking elsewhere.
Whether it's an "Accord" S&W M&P Shield, or a "Mercedes-Benz" Sig 226, or anything in between -- these guys have it. Guns, knives, and the necessary ammunition and accessories -- you can find it all here at City Arms!
These guys are incredible, very small-town feel in the shop environment (which I dig), will do right by you in order for you to exercise your 2nd Amendment rights, and won't make you feel stupid -- it can be an intimidating thing, especially for newbies, to walk into a store of professionals. These guys get it. Go here.
UPDATE: Picked up my firearm, took it home, did some dry firing, practiced stripping it -- decocking lever spring popped off, would not get back where it belonged (kept flying away)! Called SIG, they said they'd send a new spring. I happened upon Henry on the street, told him what happened, and he told me to bring it back to the store and see what they could do. Seriously impressed with the level of customer care!
UPDATE: Took my beautiful handgun in a few days later, talked to Mark -- just like Henry said, he was the guy to go to! Took a bit of work, but he was able to hand me back a fully functioning weapon!
UPDATE: After a successful trip to Jackson to at last try out my beautiful firearm, I dropped back in to pick up more ammunition, and pay my dear friend Henry a visit. He asked if I'd gotten squared away, was glad to hear I did. I walked in, asked for 3 more boxes of ammo. He felt bad about the snafu, so he tossed in a 4th box free, and even discounted the 3 he charged me for! He even engaged me in some small talk from when I had seen him.. 2 weeks ago -- I had completely forgotten, but he remembered! I thanked him, ("You guys take good care of me, that's why I come back!") headed for the door, and said goodbye to Colleen (who remembered my name from over a MONTH ago (I don't recall seeing her last time I went in -- and at any rate, I likely didn't interact with her beyond a "hi/bye"!)), who gave me a friendly "goodbye" back!
Cannot rave enough about these guys.
Can you get ammo & cleaning supplies for a few bucks less at MidwayUSA?
Yes.
Is City Arms the Home Depot of firearms, with every cleaner, etc imaginable available?
No -- TW25B, for instance, you'll have to get at Midway. If you're looking to get into reloading, I don't think you'll find even necessary accessories here (with the possible exception of brass). So for that, go to Midway.
If you'd rather pay a few bucks less, wait 3-10 days, and not support your local economy, stick with Midway. But can you get what IS available instantly in your hands, with friendly, personal service? No. If that sort of thing matters to you -- and to any gun owner, supporting your local shops if and when you can SHOULD be -- go here! read more