After a bad experience here 18 years ago I swore I'd never return but I swallowed my pride and went back because they were the only place that had what I wanted in stock. They are not friendly there at all but I realize later that they are often trying to concentrate on intense paperwork for each sale that has to be 100 percent correct for the ATF . You have to take a number when you walk in- it's a bit confusing because I didn't see a sign stating so. No one greets you or says hello & there's a really old guy in there with such a puss on his face that looks like he is sucking on a lemon . Just a condescending- jerk who kept giving me the hairy eye ball. I'm pretty sure it was him from years ago who was such a jerk to my grandson when we're were there to purchase a target gun for his birthday. However a sales man finally looked up from a sale and explained the number thing to me and said he'd help me as soon as he finished up another guys paperwork. Felix was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and understood what I was looking for . He took the time to answer my questions and helped me make the purchase that was right for me. He explained the reasons for different ammo and helped me find what was right for my use. There was another tall guy from Ny who was very helpful with pistols as well. I walked away very happy with my purchases. They carry mace as well so I purchased a bunch as gifts for friends who hike. I will go back there if Felix is working. read more

Incredibly rude old man working there. May be a one off... and I typically don't care if people have a bit of an attitude... but it seemed like the dude was trying to be difficult. Anyway... I'll be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Haven't been here in a while and I remember why. They don't seem very personable. Being a female, I don't feel welcomed when coming into this store. I'm not one of the "boys" and it shows I haven't been here in years, but it's a bummer that they don't offer ladies shoot free on Tuesday any longer. We didn't realize we had to grab a number to be waited on because it's been so long. Walked around the store and stood by the counter for a good 15 minutes before we asked someone how to purchase a gun. Told us what we needed to do but didn't seem like it was worth the wait. The prices are a lot little higher compared to other gun stores I've been to. Not sure if I'll come back. They have a wide range of guns to choose from read more

I Came here to possibly buy a gun. I didn't know that you had to grab a ticket at the counter to be served. After I got a ticket, I waited around for an hour until my number was called. At this time, I got helped by staff. And I purchased a firefly that was on sale for Black Friday. Staff were helpful. I even go a free T-shirt with my purchase. read more

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Wow!!! What was once a great store turned into crappy service and poor attitude with the sales staff. One would see many people there on the weekends, but now they are gone. This may be the fault of the administration. The 'Gun Store' in Waterbury is now my go to store, after many purchases at Hoffman's over the years, read more

Went there on a Sunday to purchase a firearm, easy to get to & a huge selection, but was very disappointed with my salesman. My salesman was an older gentleman that was rude, disrespectful, and uninformative, and you could just tell he didn't want to be there. I held my tongue and went through the entire process on pins and needles , when finished, I asked him politely "roughly how long does it take to arrive, he then proceeded to tell me, and I quote , "it could take a week, a month a year I don't make the firearm, it gets here when he gets here" I walked out feeling very disappointed and upset. After waiting two weeks, I called Hoffman's canceled my order, found another gun dealer where I was treated with respect and had all my questions pleasantly answered and i received my firearm within three days. I personally will not be returning, I'm sure all of the other salesman are much more professional, but that was my experience. read more

I've been going here for probably over 40 years, back to the old building when Mort, Dino, Mike and Scott ran the sales. The past few years it's becoming more painful to deal with them. Today I went in and took a number (#4), they weren't calling numbers and there was no current number on the board. Finally a guy asked if I needed anything and I said yes I was looking for this Ruger pistol; and instead of looking up in his system (they are supposed to be a premier dealer), he just shrugged and said "I have no idea", clearly he was not interested in working. So I left and went to Bass Pro and made the purchase there (my first time buying a gun at Bass Pro). So...... read more

Haven't shopped here in a while . And I now remember why. Everything is overpriced at least 200$ . Why should I have to take a number and wait in line to spend my hard earned money. I am not buying a pound of baloney I am buying a 1700$ gun . The people behind the counter are not helpful or personable. Save your money and energy and go somewhere else!!! read more

Stop in today to pick up my first pistol. Great rental list to pick from. I went in looking for a shield plus luckily I asked and they had a rental even though it wasn't shown on their list. I paid 10 for 10. While in the range after shooting the ROS came over and gave me some tips for shooting. After trying the rental went out to the showroom and made my purchase. Service was great and everyone was friendly. My visit was on a Tuesday around 4:00pm. read more

I bought my first gun there 2 tone gun Smith And Wesson M&P Shiel 9 good prices good service and good prices on emonitions

Best firearms shop in the State! Hands down! Best prices with the biggest selection can't lose here.

I really like this place. I have been a customer here for years. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Prices are terrific. Very good service. There is a gunsmith on staff several days a week. They have a pistol range where you can fire a number of guns before you buy one. I enjoyed going here so much that I have now joined the sales/range staff! read more

I'd like to say this is a 2.5 star review because your experience here will either be stellar or it will be atrocious. They do things that could raise the rating but then it is so easy to counterpoint them to drop the rating. Let's begin. The store is large. It is easy to be overwhelmed if you're new to firearms. It also means that someone like myself enjoys "doing a lap" to see what's new and what is still around. The layout is shopper friendly for the most part; the firearms are organized by manufacturer so if there is one you favor, simply find yourself to where they are. There is a decent selection of accessories and maintenance items such as magazines, cleaning supplies, holsters, range bags and personal protection and ammunition. The negative here is that you won't find the currently popular stuff but a bunch of lower tier branded items. Even though there are options, it seems this store is allergic to keeping current in trends and popularity. They'll tell you they don't mind but then they're consistently raising prices while claiming, "oh it's so tough out there and we're just trying to survive." The firearms selection is fairly healthy. You'll easily find 1,000 guns here. Many are affordable but that is obviously something where individual experience will vary. They definitely price at or just above industry markets. If you're looking for a deal, they are not in common practice here. Maybe you get a sales rep who is willing to work with you, or you get the guy where everything goes wrong. I was trying to avoid getting to this but because this business requires interaction, that means you're gonna talk to someone for pretty much anything. So here we go. If you went to Hoffman's five days in a row, your odds of having 5 great days is exactly as much as your odds of having 5 terrible days. It is entirely on the staff of this business to determine this. There are known dudes here that are going to guarantee you're having a bad time. One is named several times through the reviews here and i have to agree: the old guy named Mike should have been fired years ago and it's a testament to the ownerships reputation to often choose the negative way of handling things because in the end they are still making money. What's worse is that the other employees are so distinctly aware of how bad this guy is but they're equally afraid of stepping out of line, so when you make a complaint about behavior, they try to change the subject or say things like, "haha yeah, old Mike is a character." I have heard this man yell at a customer because the customer was simply indecisive about which firearms he wanted to look at. "What are you doing here? What do you want? Come on, man! You're wasting my time!" Old timer, if you're time is being wasted, carry your geriatric self to the home and play some backgammon. My own experience with him was terrible. Now. Then you get folks like Felix, Peter, John, or the range folks. Super nice. Professional. Friendly. Willing to talk a customer through the process. There are more of them. I think i've seen the owner but i can't be sure. Some guy occasionally walks around like he owns the place but he looks like he failed a casting audition for The Sopranos so it's hard to tell. I'm hoping i'm wrong and that's just some long time customer. The range is nice. Though i have been warned it isn't so during the summer. I'll see this year. It becomes a zoo during the weekend. Be smart, be safe and you'll be fine. Buy their overpriced ammo. OVERPRICED. OVERPRICED. OVERPRICED. At least they're getting more than Blazer these days. I could go on and on(making up rules and claiming "oh it's the law", etc) but i feel like this covers the basics for the new and old to exercising the 2nd Amendment. Do i recommend Hoffman's? Not enthusiastically, no. But i do like going there if i know i can avoid the people and not purchase anything serious. If you can avoid it, definitely do so. Trust me, they won't care, anyway. read more

Cold and disinterested sales people, they make you feel as if they are doing you a favor , wait lines are long and then they yell your number in such a way that you will not hear it and that will result in longer wait times... I am done with them... read more

Unprofessional and Disrespectful Service at Hoffman's - Never Coming Back I recently had a thoroughly disappointing experience at Hoffman's Guns for the Good Guys in Connecticut, and it's safe to say I'll never be setting foot in this store again. I went in with the intention of selling my precision bolt-action rifle, a Tikka T3x TAC A1 with a mounted Blackhound Genesis 5-25 X scope. What should have been a straightforward interaction quickly turned into a frustrating display of incompetence and downright disrespect from one of the store's so-called Manager. The Manager took one look at my rifle and immediately said he couldn't buy (and later on sell) it because, according to him, it was an "assault rifle." Now, anyone with basic knowledge of firearm laws knows that a bolt-action rifle, even with detachable magazines, a folding stock, and a pistol grip, is not an assault weapon. Even not in CT. I tried to explain this to him, but he wasn't interested in listening. It wasn't until another employee intervened and corrected him that he begrudgingly acknowledged the mistake--but even then, he couldn't bring himself to admit he was wrong outright. His attitude after being corrected was worse. Clearly annoyed, he refused to speak to me directly, and instead barked at the employee to offer me $500 for my rifle (in very good shape, maybe ~500 rounds) and scope, as if I wasn't even there. Not only was this offer an insult, but it was also delivered with such disinterest and lack of professionalism that it left me speechless. Even the employee who was helping me seemed embarrassed by how the Manager handled the situation and offered an apology (I guess for the treatment I received). I didn't expect anywhere near half of what I paid for the rifle and scope, but $500 for both is downright ridiculous. It felt like the Manager was offering the lowest possible price just to get rid of me as quickly as possible, rather than valuing my business or even taking the time to make a fair offer. (Side note: you can look for Tikka T3X TAC A1 at YouTube - most reviews are amazing) I've never experienced such poor customer service, and it's clear this store cares little about treating its customers with respect. I would much rather spend more money at a smaller, friendlier store where my business is actually appreciated. Hoffman's needs to focus on two things: educating their staff (especially this Manager) about basic firearms knowledge and, more importantly, teaching them how to treat people with dignity. You've just lost a customer for life, Hoffman's. One good thing: This was truly a sign that I need to keep this amazing rifle. read more

Everyone we dealt with was so helpful. Tim was great helping us rent and shoot to find out what we wanted. Felix was awesome and very informative regarding our purchases and even gave us a suggestion for a great place to eat. We went back the next day to pick up our guns and John helped us finish the process. Then Felix helped us again explaining the ammo and set us up to shoot our new guns in the range. Everyone there was so helpful and knowledgeable. The place is clean and well equipped. Thank you very much for all your help. read more

I bought a Beretta APX a1 carry got only 1 magazine, and just talked with a person there, today, and told him their website says it comes with 2 magazines. He told me it's a misprint. Cabela's and numerous other companies sell it with 2 magazines. He told me the website says it comes with a 6/8 round magazine, and it means either a 6 or an 8 round magazine. This guy actually sells guns there? I tried telling him that it means a 6 AND an 8 round mag. He got all defensive, so I told him I was done with that place. I paid $20 more 2 WEEKS ago and only got 1 mag, and a sales person that could have easily done something, when he saw from his own website that 2 mags are included. Just lost a continuing customer. read more

"Guns for the Good Guys" is illuminated in red on the front of the building as you pull into their driveway. This was definitely a first tonight. I have never been to a gun center before. (I would call this more of a gun metropolis though.) It was a really interesting experience. I've driven past Hoffman's a million times on the Berlin Turnpike and I had no idea all of the product that they have housed in there. Wow. When you walk in the main door, you enter a long hallway. If you look to the windows on the right, there is a live shooting range. I would like to check this out in the future sometime. At the end of the hallway, we made a small mistake. Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of guns and knives you will see or the bison head that is mounted on the wall. Instead, grab a ticket on the right. This is important. It took a while to realize that you needed a number in order to speak to an associate. By the time we realized it, they were about twenty numbers ahead of us. No one's fault really. They get really busy in the evenings. We decided to come back another day earlier in the afternoon. I'll update on that soon. What I can tell you is this- they have a really huge selections of firearms. The prices ranged from over $250 into the thousands. There were even gun alternatives like pepper spray launchers. They also have new and used products. Tonight's visit was more educational than anything. In terms of the shooting range- it's $30 an hour, $20 for a 1/2 hour. Gun rental is $10 an hour, $5 for a 1/2 hour. There are seven 25 yard lanes open seven days a week. There is a Range Safety Officer in the range at all times. They have over 100 rental guns available and eye and ear protection is always included. They also have silver and gold memberships for the range. As for classes, they focus on education and guidance. They have a calendar available on their website with available dates. Looks like they are booked a couple of months in advance. Book early if you are looking for a certain date. It will meet the safety class requirements necessary for the State of Connecticut's Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers application process. The permit will cover the purchase of rifles, shotguns, magazines and ammunition. Firearms, ammunition, eye/ear protection and a state approved certificate for passing students are all included in the class. Hoffman has a certified, professional team of NRA Instructors that will teach you the basics in a non-intimidating setting. They offer one on one range practice with a NRA Certified Instructor or Range Safety Officer. Classes are Mondays/Wednesdays and Sundays. Eight hours of instruction for $99. Sounds pretty fair to me. The things you learn on a Monday. Happy trails, friends. read more

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Love the store and easy to find layout but as another yelped stated I walked around the store five times and noone asked if I needed help finding something which I felt was odd considering it wasn't busy at all . The services they provide are at a good price and the merchandise as well . They sell all types of guns and the tickets on them are written so you can understand the type of gun it is . They sell knives,safes, holsters ,amo and more . They have a gun range as soon as you walk in you can see it . read more

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I've been there several times most of the sales people are nice , if you ever get an old dude named Mike just don't answer your number and wait for the next guy . He'll ruin your day read more

Biggest Gun shop in Connecticut. At least I think so. Excellent and clean shooting range. Friendly staff and knowledgeable FFL personal.

Nice store... lots of guns... higher prices than other stores in the state. The help is questionable... some of the guys seemed nice... but the guy who helped me should retire... oldtimer with 50 cal. Pen and turquoise ring.. I had a big budget to spend... but limited my purchase because of this guy's attitude... and the way he talked to me.. Someone needs to talk to him or let him go... Totally unprofessional.. I own a business and if one of my employees talked to customers this way..... I would fire him/her on the spot.. I know it is hard to find good help... the only reason I didn't tell this guy to eat shit is because of respect for the other customers around me.. read more

The customer service was great The shooting range was excellent good people this is where I took my permit class I really recommend it

Went to shoot at the range, but there was an issue and it was closed unexpectedly. I looked around and ended up buying a firearm and was offered some free range time with the purchase for the inconvenience. Associate who helped me was nice as well read more

I have purchased several guns over the years from Hoffmans. Level of service really depends on who you get. Some very good...some not so much. Today I brought in my Ruger Red Label under/over shotgun for appraisal and possible trade. I waited over an hour to be serviced with several employees standing around not waiting on anyone. Finally as older guy comes to appraise my gun. I have already been to another FFL dealer and received and offer of $1226 for the gun which I thought was resonable, but I wanted a 2nd opinion. After looking over the gun he gets on his computer to look up value. He states they are all over the place. OK...I'm aware, depends on condition etc. He says I can give you around $800 for it. I said, sorry thats not in the ball park. He says fine. I say I will show you why. I hold out my written offer and before he even looks at it say...that means nothing! Really...I have in hand a written offer from another licensed FFL dealer and it means nothing. I understand if you cant match an offer. Not my place to determine what you think is fair value and what you can sell it for...but dont act like a jerk and be condesending and tell me basically I don't know what Im talking about without even looking at what I am showing you. I have purchased 7 or 8 guns from Hoffmans over the last 10 yrs....after this experience...probably never again. read more

Very rude definitely the worst sales floor in a gun store I've ever been in. Felt like he couldn't be bothered I felt like I was a nuisance. I'll never go back. Whoever is managing this place must be new or doesn't know what he's doing. Terrible vibes not one smile in the whole place. Their prices are terrible as well. read more

It's hard to believe this place is in Connecticut! Huge selection at good prices. There's even a range inside.

I am very new to this and was hopeful someone would be interested in helping me. After making four rounds around the store with only 5-7 other customers not one person asked if I needed help. I finally approached a young man, told him what I was looking for and received the much needed assistance and few pointers. Perhaps this being the kind of store that it is service is different. As I get better I will get more comfortable in this new environment. read more

Hoffman's Gun Center - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Newington, Connecticut

My husband and I went shooting the other night at the gun range. The Range officers were all very kind and helpful. The store also looks a lot large inside than it does on the outside. Fair pricing, despite what I have heard from others before. I would definitely come back to use their indoor range again in the future! read more

I'm a first time pistol owner. I read the reviews of Hoffman's they weren't great. Well, I decided why not get a gun from mean people. When I walked in i immediately talked to two chill customers that were waiting. They showed me the ins and outs of not only pistols but some crazy shot guns too. Once I was called, Felix was my salesperson. He was great, attentive to detail and made sure everything went smoothly. From stories of Devine meatloaf to spontaneous mass choreographed dancing, my guy Felix really made time fly and my first time buying a firearm a great experience. This was a solid place to be if you want awesome customer interactions, hilarious and honest employees, and a large gun selection. Thanks again Felix. read more

Lacking in customer service which is a big problem. People who have never experienced firearms and are interested in gaining protection, especially with CT'S recent anti-citizen legislation, it is impertinent that gun stores have a genuine, kind, and helpful staff. I don't feel like I am welcome here when you walk in. I drive by a lot but from past experiences I tend to not stop. There is also a condescension coming from employees that makes this place even more uninviting. I hope things change in the future because it does carry much SIG equipment which I prefer, but I can still go elsewhere to get my SIG gear. Even my brother has said that their customer service has flopped. I've spent a lot of money elsewhere which might have been spent here if it wasn't for their horrific bed side manner. read more

Everyone is well versed in the weapons, ammo, and products they carry. Their Service is fantastic and they offer a great value on new or pre-owned weapons. Yes, you may have to wait for assistance due to amount of clients they are working with. But worth the wait! read more

This is the worst firearms sales floor in central CT and it is the first that every new license holder runs to the minute they get their license. The salesmen are cold and distant and judgmental. Read the other reviews - They make the experience purchasing your first firearm intimidating and stressful. The manager of Hoffmans sold me a rifle with a defect. (most likely from the factory) His own employees pointed out the defect for me the day after the sale when I had brought it back in to show them the issue. The customers in the showroom and several Hoffmans employees agreed there was a major issue. The manager was called (he was also the individual that sold me the firearm the day prior) looked down at the gun and told me "We won't be taking any returns or exchanges. If you want, I'll buy it back at 50% what you paid" I explained to him that the manufacturer themselves asked me to bring it back to the retailer to initiate a return authorization. He refused to help in any regard. To this day, the customer service email will not reply. Try it for yourself. They don't care. This is the last place I would recommend to new license holders and it's the last place I would recommend to a friend or family member. read more

What happened to Hoffmans?? I went asked a few questions, the salesman was nice enough, but seemed to know nothing about firearms?? I paid for one cleaning item. Behind me was a group of three customers that smelled like they had been smoking weed for a while. What were they paying for?? Gun rental and range time...WTF. I would not go near that range. read more

What a couple of guns had a very good experience knowledgeable sales people courteous and always willing to help

I haven't been shooting very long, and I always appreciate any advice I can get from experts. I was lucky that Glenn was the RSO on hand, and that I picked a time when I was the only shooter on the range. Glenn gave me fantastic advice with respect to my grip, stance and recoil anticipation. In just this session, I could see a definite improvement in my grouping. Practice is key to good shooting as in almost anything worth doing. So, I definitely need to come back soon so that I don't forget the lessons I learned today. Pre-Covid, Hoffmans will only let you shoot on their range with ammo you buy from them. Now with the ammunition shortage you will need to bring your own with you. Thanks again Glenn! read more

This business is in it for themselves and will screw you over if you are desperate and need to sell your firearm. Not a reasonable offer but a complete I'm doing you a favor and I'm going to rip you off. From me to anyone out there, go to a different gun store if you're buying but definitely if you're selling. The owner is disgustingly rich and he will take advantage of you if given the opportunity read more

20 years a customer with this establishment I go to get a copy of the paperwork to register my other they charge me 25 dollars for a 7 cent copy which I reluctantly had to pay ,but insult to injury was taxing it to almost 27 dollars ,if it's one thing I can't stand is a establishment who puts greed above they're loyal customers I won't ever buy anything there again ,and I recommend no one else does. read more

CT law requires you to have your permit before you can handle their firearms. Sucks, but that's CT for ya. So don't go window shopping, because it's just a waste of time. Vote in some politicians that are for the 2nd!! read more

Went there knowing that I wanted a Glock 19. John "The Aussie" introduced me to the 19C and I'm now a proud owner. John was super polite, knowledgeable and helpful (took 8 Glocks out for me to inspect without complaint). He even laughed at my lame dad gun jokes. Took my new Glock fora test drive on their range & forgot to give John my post range review (as I had promised him I would do). For John (& anyone else that cares), the Glock 19C is poetry in pew-pew, comfortable in the hand, smooth to shoot & looks better than my prom date. 10/10 would HIGHLY recommend! read more