I think a lot of the negative reviews were from a few years ago. I would agree, that previous owner needed to go. Nowadays, things are different. I've bought one gun (as funds permit), and some other ammo and other items from this store. Just a straight up mom-and-pop local gun shop. I've always been treated promptly and courteously. The staff and the store do not have the abrasive, hamfisted "2nd amendment down your throat" feel. There are no disorganized lumps of camo, or other such battlefield paraphernalia. I wouldn't feel uncomfortable bringing in my mom into the store. I wish them the best in these trying times. read more

I purchased a pistol online in March 2025 and had it sent to Far West to pick up and complete the California paperwork. I have had several satisfactory experiences with Far West over the years. I met with Daniel in late March and paid almost $200 to take care of registration etc. I was to pick up the pistol in early April but apparently he has abandoned the business as there is no one in the shop whenever I go by and no answer to phone or emails. I am out over $700 now and have no idea where Daniel or my pistol have gone. I have filed a report of theft with SBPD and recommend others do the same if they have property stuck at Far West. Good Luck! read more

Beware! Do not use this place as your FFL. They have abandoned the store. Multiple UPS/FedEx tickets pile up on the door regularly. I purchased a Henry .22 from here back in March 2025 and still haven't received it. He doesn't answer phone calls, is never open and has just completely disappeared. I had to take him to small claims court. Stay away from this business. read more

Horrible experience. Ordered a gun here, and took over 2 months of chasing this guy around to ever pick it up. When I finally did? I was sympathetic to his position, and still he was rude and stand offish. Shops never open during business hours. No phone to call. Place has zero stock, and looks more like a run down store of stuff you'd never want or need from 1999. Not a 1-time thing either, dozens of other angry customers, some who haven't received items 3,4,5 months along. Trust me take your business elsewhere or you're wasting your time. read more

I chose this ffl because it was the closest to my house. Horrible mistake. The guy is rude, got attitude for absolutely no reason. His shop has been closed for nearly 2 weeks while I had to pick up my new toy from there a week ago. I still don't know when he'll be back to the shop if any, as his shop has been closed for 2 weeks with my property being in there. read more

I have used Daniel's FFL business in the past for two firearm tranfers. Daniel was professional, helpful, kind and patient. I was a brand new gun owner. He took his time with me and also explained everything about my firearms to me and gave me some great direction. He showed me how to take them apart, clean them and put them back together. I just purchased another firearm and I am using Daniel as FFL again. He is my go to. I trust him. I will go through him as long as he is in business. I refer everyone to him. read more

Unwelcoming and gave misinformed information and refused service. Overall poor experience.

Daniel, the owner, is a great guy. Always friendly, professional, and helpful. Highly recommend the shop. My go-to.

The staff at Far West Guns is friendly, welcoming and takes the time to help and educate. I only go there. read more

Went in to buy a shield. Needed to retake my FSC. Right off the bat I got attitude from the owner. So I figured he was having a bad day. After the rudeness for 10 minutes I told him he had some serious attitude issues and left. Been an active owner since I was 9 now 60 and I never experienced an owner not want to do business this badly. read more

Wonderful first firearm buying experience. I got Yelp specifically to make this review. The owner was extremely friendly and informed us of all the information we needed for both our FSC and purchasing. He went out of his way to help us. They have lots of good products in store and if you don't find what your are looking for you can have it shipped. Great locally owned business. read more

I had recently sold a Ruger Mini 14 and all ammo. That was before COVID-19, and the emergence of petty tyrants everywhere. Newsom among the worst. So, for me, it seems prudent to arm up again. Hoping it doesn't go too sideways, but better to be prepared. Far West has been helpful in arranging transfer of on line purchased weapons and ammo from Bud's Guns and Target Sports (suggested by Daniel). If you don't know, weapons and ammo are in high demand with many "out of stock" notices. When I dropped by, there was no one in the store other than Daniel and other fellow. They keep the door locked and only allow one person in at a time right now, so you might want to call ahead and make an appointment. They say they are super busy with paperwork facilitating transfers. They aren't glad-hand types, but rather straight shooters, if you'll excuse the pun. read more

I believe Daniel assisted me. He knows his stuff and was very gracious and accommodating. If and when I purchase another weapon, I will probably come here. read more

Dan over at far west sold me 2 guns - easy going took the time to explain to me what I was buying. I will be back in the future.

During the recent ammo shortage, I contacted Far West about handling the required state / federal paperwork for an ammo shipment. They were amazing to work with - stored the shipment for a week or so until I could get down there, handled the paperwork efficiently making sure every t was crossed and i was dotted and charged me $17 total. Even though they are 90 minutes away from my house, I will use them for any of my gun or ammo needs in the future. read more

Awesome store....low-key with great finds. The staff is wonderful, highly knowledgeable and treat their customers with respect and gratitude. read more

If you can't pick up the phone to take may calls during business hours, I can't afford to give you business. That's as straight forward as I can make it. If you want to know if this review is legit, I'm the gentleman who was interested in the shorty S&W 500. read more

Two times I've walked into this store shopping, and asking for insight. I'm a hunter (though I don't look the part!) and this past weekend I walked in with a friend to purchase our hunting licenses for this year as well as upland game bird stamp and some shotgun shells. We asked the gentleman at the count for any input he might have on what direction from Santa Barbara we should head for Dove hunting. ie: toward Los Padres over the hill, or if it wouldn't be worth our time and we should head to the Central Valley where dove is more popular. The guy's answer... "I don't know a thing about hunting"... I asked if the other guy knew anything about hunting who was working at the same time, he said maybe call the national forest service. Honestly, I've NEVER heard of a gun store where the people working there didn't know ANYTHING about hunting. I've shopped for a gun here and with the idea of me spending over $1,000 I did receive customer service, but I come in looking to spend under $100 and nothing... just some bs about not knowing anything about hunting. Sorry guys... you work at a gun store. Even if you don't hunt, we come in and like to talk shop. I don't buy it. read more

I have been going to Far West for years and the guys that work there have always been enthusiasts. They have always been able to help me out with whatever and as it seems, educate me on lots of things that I didn't know..... which is always good with firearms. What kind of cleaning supplies, different kinds of rounds etc etc. They also have some good self defense stuff there - I got my wife her pepper spray there on a whim which is great. This is a good shop with people who work there that actually care about what they are doing. Check it out. read more

Hole in the wall gun store with amazing finds. I've found some world class firearms here for my collection, just sitting there in the case. The employees are knowledgeable and friendly. read more

It's understandable that there are no 'good' reviews recently. I walked in during the middle of the day. The only person on the floor took a while to even acknowledge me but he was with another customer so I get it. I came in to look at pistols, specifically the M&P Shield in 9mm. They had one AND an H&K VP9. After seeing it I was actually very interested in the H&K and was clearly looking at it from every possible direction...in the glass case. The employee couldn't be bothered to show it to me. He was too interested in talking to the previous customer, who'd already completed their purchase for some gun cleaner, about Etsy or Ebay, I wasn't paying too much attention other than waiting for him to offer some service to a clearly interested party. At any rate, after being in the shop for about 10 minutes and being effectively ignored, I left. Not even a goodbye as I walked out the door. Sad thing is, I've been waiting for the M&P to be in stock at Goleta Valley Gun. In other words, I was ready to buy...though now I'm going to go with the H&K, so thanks! I'll get it on GunBroker.com and have it shipped to Goodland Guns since their transfer fees are cheap and they don't ignore me. read more

Unless you are buddies with the guys working there, they are rude, condescending and unhelpful. I've spent way more money than I care to admit, but I will not be returning. The owner also constantly smokes a pipe (clearly illegal, but enough current and former uniforms shop there so no one cares). On this last experience I went in ready to purchase a $2k rifle. I asked to quickly double check the purchase with my fiance by phone and stepped outside to make a call. When I came back in 3 minutes later they instantly got rude and then claimed they had put the gun on hold for a caller and I could no longer purchase it. I literally had money in hand. For a gun I'd been looking at for about 15 minutes. Their prices are quite high anyway (as tiny gun stores usually are), but my desire to shop locally has been superseded by my desire to be treated like an adult customer. What jerks. read more

I like to bring my business to this place. The employees are friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have about firearms. I bought my first handgun about a year ago and they we great about helping me through the paper work. In the beginning of this year I bought my second firearm from them which was a shotgun. Before I purchased it I came back a few times to try out different ones and they were willing to be patient with while I was looking at them. I would recommend them if anyone is looking into getting a firearm. read more

Far West Guns - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I've lived in SB for 16+ years and I do not know why I even go in there. Most of the employee's in there are so rude. It's a bunch of old guys that don't seem to care about their customers. I called them one time to ask about how to legally transfer a rifle into my name from a dead relative and guy on the phone (Dwaine) was again rude and hung up on me because he said I was asking to many questions. I would not recommend them for anything. Plus their gun prices are more expensive then most stores and they have a lot of out of date items. read more

Helpful, friendly, and relatively painless (it's still CA...) process to purchase. The staff were great and answered questions in a helpful way. Can't say the same about other gun stores in the area. Thanks guys! read more

It's so refreshing to deal with the professional, courteous and knowledgeable staff at Far West. Daniel really listens to your needs and offers good suggestions every time. I highly recommend going there for any of your guns or ammo. Even if you're not ready to buy something they are happy to explain whatever's needed to navigate the complex regulations. read more

Just picked up my first gun from Far West Guns on State Street. Daniel, the proprietor, was extremely kind and very helpful. He made the process very easy. It's a small, laid back place, and I was always greeted right away and rarely had to wait to be helped. If you like personal attention, and are worried about having to deal with jerks with attitude problems, please go here. Any negative reviews must have been about someone else. I won't go anywhere else. The prices are reasonable. He ordered what I wanted for me, and took the time to help me familiarize myself with my new tool. So conveniently located too. I've found my gun shop! Thanks Daniel! read more

Based on how I was just treated on the phone, I can understand why people opt to drive to any one of the gun shops in Ventura County. Wow. Update: I understand the business was purchased from the prior ownership, so you might reconsider a visit now and post your own, updated experience. I've moved out of state so can't provide my own, thanks. read more

I recently purchased a shotgun from here and on the 3rd round fired a piece of metal jammed in the trigger assembly and locked up the trigger. When I called them they didn't seem too concerned so I YouTubed how to disassemble the gun and found the broken part which I replaced for $20. My next purchase was a pair of ear muffs which after opening the package and trying them on at the range didn't fit well. When I brought them back un-used with receipt and original package, the owner Jerry said he couldn't take them back because the package was opened and they were un-sellable. Of course I had opened them to try them on! With this kind of customer service in a small town like Santa Barbara, no wonder he can't afford to accept returns. I will shop at places with better customer service and so should you. read more

New ownership since the beginning of this year and Far West is much improved! Having grown up a few blocks away from here I know very well the complaints people had with the previous ownership. Not only is the new staff more personable and very knowledgeable but the shop is a lot cleaner and the layout much easier on the eyes. Looking forward to seeing these guys around for years to come! read more

Love this place. It can be intimidating walking in as a woman but all the guys are very sweet and kind (ask for Ricardo!) and they do their best in explaining how everything works and make suggestions on what I may like. Definitely going back! read more

Far West Gun & Supply is the best gun shop in Santa Barbara! As a greenhorn with a lot of questions the guys here always had time and patience for me. I was treated well at the other shops in town as well but these guys are a little more laid back which is a great fit for me. Originally I had inherited some guns from a dead relative. The guys at the shop were great in helping me get the cases that I would need to transport them. Once home they were great about going through the guns with me to make sure that the guns were safe, the ammunition was safe and that I had a good understanding of the care & maintenance of each gun. I've read the other reviews here that were less than glowing. I'm thinking that if you put out good energy you get back good energy. If you act like a "douche" you'll probably get treated like one. These guys are gun enthusiasts - not high testosterone militia junkies. read more

Far West Guns is my favorite gun store in SANTA Barbara. I bought a couple very nice used guns there. The staff was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They answered all my questions, walked me through the process, administered my safety test, handled the background check, and gave me clear instructions for waiting periods, pick up requirements, etc. In short- they offer a complete service and do it professionally and efficiently. No BS. I'll be back for sure. read more

Unbelievably, the clerk continuously swept me with the pistol he was handling, and while securing the trigger lock, kept the gun pointed directly at me. read more

Far west gun & supply has always been a top notch gun store, at least for me. All questions were answered and long interesting conversations have been good and amicable. I never had to apologize to Jerry and always ready to help me. For those that have experienced smirks and rudeness from Jerry, sorry. If this store was not right for you, you did the right thing by patronizing elsewhere. As for me, Jerry has always had the courtesy in sharing his knowledge and experience. Thank you, Jerry. Miguel read more

I went in to buy some very specific home loading parts, they didn't have them in stock but the member of staff rooted through the shelves and then jumped on the phone to nearby competitor stores to ask them if they could assist instead- I think that's pretty good customer service myself. Thanks guys! read more

Like so many other reviewers of this store, I have, unfortunately, done business with these folks for over 20 years. I've bought at least (5) guns from them, and every time I go in, they treat me with condescension and arrogance. I cannot believe they continue in business. They are rude, snotty, unhelpful, and basically a lot of grumpy old men who really shouldn't be dealing with the public. And those are their good points. I am not a problem customer, and if anything, tend to be over apologetic. Save yourself the frustration and abuse, and go somewhere your business is wanted. I will never set foot in their store again, and am amazed they continue in business. It is mainly because of the political climate, and the inelastic demand for guns, so they can, for the time being, sport their HORRIBLE attitude. Trust me on this one. read more

Buyers beware. I recently bought a used glock 19 from them. They tried to represent it as a stock glock. It had a very obvious grip reduction, custom extended aluminum mag release, extended slide relese and a trigger that felt like it had some work done to it. This was obviously not a stock handgun. When I pointed this out to the clerk he seemed unconvinced. His first reaction was to say the grip reduction was just grip tape. When I showed him the fill he just looked confused. I asked if I could look at the internals and he said yes. They look stock but didn't feel like it. The clerk swore up and down that the only thing that had been done to the trigger was polishing. I wasn't convinced but I thought whatever and bought the Glock. Once I put the first few rounds through it I realized something was wrong. At home I started poking around and realized that not only was the trigger not stock but it was not safe. Is had 25% sear engagement, the safety plunger was fully depressed all the time and the striker could be made to fire with out pulling the trigger. This was the most unsafe gun I have ever seen. For it to be this bad it's obvious they made no attempt to inspect the Glock before selling it or have no idea what they are doing. Call me crazy but I think a gun shop should be able to tell the difference between a stock glock and a race gun. I also think they should take at least a few minutes to put a gun through a basic safety test. But at your own risk. read more

My first and only experience here has been all positive. Daniel (the manager) and the rest of the staff are knowledgable, helpful, and professional. Great little shop with a diverse inventory. read more

Friendly staff and had all the ammo types I needed. It may not be the biggest gun store I've been to but they get the job done.