"Frankly, being a liberal in a niche that's filled with conservatives, I always feel a bit like the person who shows up to a Disney Hall piano concerto wearing short pants."
Euroarms in Alhambra has a familiar story. In this age of Big Box stores, it's that small local shop that has stood the test of time, managing to escape the insatiable jaws of heartless chain stores. Like a leftover crumb that was missed at a Weight Watchers convention (sorry), Euroarms sits in plain view waiting to be snatched. Similar surviving independent shops have had their lives spared only because they sit just beyond arms reach to make it worth the effort for competitors. So there, in an odd corner of San Gabriel on West Valley Blvd., sits Euroarms. A place where slick new items share space with dusty relics who stand ready to serve their unique task.
Regarding pricing, the numbers are what one would expect from a small specialty store. That means close to manufacturers retail price for new items, and somewhat flexible prices for used. Regarding selection, they carry guns that are current and trendy, such as Glocks and anything with a composite stock, but they also carry some collectibles and customized items; a major reason why I have followed them through two locations and years of customer loyalty. Regarding service, that's my Reason #2, and the group love that we all have for small specialty stores. Great customer service. Lastly, regarding knowledge, let's talk about that critical element a bit deeper.
According to Google maps, Euroarms is 10.8 miles and 26 minutes from my home. Turner Outdoor's, a chain shop that I visit for essentials, is only 5.7 miles, or almost half the distance. My point is that I gladly travel farther because of this last point, Euroarms' knowledge. When it comes to purchasing guns, you don't want someone who's being paid low wages to be spilling canned knowledge. More importantly, you don't want to be dissed if you ask a seemingly dumb question. Although I'm experienced, I feel for newbies who I see at chain stores asking perfectly reasonable questions, but are snubbed with a snooty answer delivered from a guy who wears his insecurity on his shoulder. Not respectful or smart. Euroarms is the antithesis to this. For a new gun owner, patience, understanding, and safety should be the order of the day. For me, I appreciate their deep knowledge about the very latest Federal and State laws. Euroarms' owner will literally cite and share documents about specific laws that ultimately help me decide about modifications or purchases. Think, local hardware store vs. Home Depot.
Frankly, being a liberal in a niche that's filled with conservatives, I always feel a bit like the person who shows up to Disney Hall piano concerto wearing short pants. I can walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk, but others can see that I don't quite fit. Euroarms, on the other hand, could care less. They welcome everyone and serve astounding knowledge. Oh. And drive a mile east for great Pho afterwards. read more