This review will be done with some anonymity. It will also probably be quite long. Some of the employees there might be able to figure out who I am, but oh well. So. I have been a long time customer of this store. I've been going to shore since I was a child. Long before they had a range I was a customer. I know all the current staff, Angela, Chris, Dan, Doc, Ian, John, Myles, Nick, Roy, Tom, and the owner Steve very well, having spent quite likely over 100 hours there. I've taken dozens of hours of classes and training with both Dan and the stores training partner Eric. I did my CCL with Drew and Daniel through Davad Defense. The employees are less reserved around me than they probably would or should be with someone they wouldn't know. Ive had beers with them in the training center after work. I'm going to give my impressions on the place and the employees. Take them with a grain of salt as this is a personal opinion and review. The store is definitely on the older side. It's sort of dingy and dark and the outside does not scream gun store. The range is pretty dirty and "rustic". They maintain it pretty well but, I bet the employees there have to get their lead levels checked because their is often smoke hanging about for long times and lead dust on everything. I like the gunsmiths Nick and Dan. They have a great rapport and are very knowledgeable and honest about what they're selling. They charge a high price for a lot of what they sell, anywhere from 20%-50% more than what you'd find online. The gunsmithing services are similarly priced to others in the Chicagoland area, but the head gunsmith Dan can be kind of slow at getting stuff done and staying in touch with customers. Dan is my go to AR guy since he is an AR armorer. Nick knows a lot but can often seem uninterested in what someone is saying to him. He can come off unfriendly at first but like dan knows his stuff. Give him a second to warm up to you. I think he's maybe a bit shy or apprehensive about new people. Roy and John are often there to act as doormen. They're older retired cops and their personality is certainly shaped by their years on the force. They are constantly on the lookout for straw purchases and shady dealings. Roy can be kind of gruff but is also very generous with his time and knowledge. John is incredibly friendly and approachable. If I didn't know he used to be a cop I'd think he was in the Grateful Dead at some point. Ian is the guy that often handles my paperwork unless it's at night, then Dan or Myles is there. The paperwork is all computerized so some knowledge of a touch screen is necessary. The longest part of this review will be on the general manager, Myles, who on the other hand is very rude and abrupt. I've had very few actual interactions with him myself, but they've all be contentious and belittling. I've also seen how he talks to other customers many times. He kind of talks to you as if you're stupid and is snotty. He is the GM of the store which I think is the stores biggest disadvantage or mistake. I've heard some of employees, say out loud, in front of me and other customers, bad things about Myles. Even some of the training partners have bad things to say about him. He gets easily aggressive and aggravated with his co workers and customers. I have 4 friends that shoot with me on occasion and most of them will only go on a Thursday evening when he's not there. One of them now outright refuses to go to the store if he's there. He sort of has a napoleon complex. He loves to tell people that he's in charge. I once heard one of the guys there make a joke and he responded with a straight and serious face "I'm your boss, I'm in charge of you." It must be awful to have it to deal with him during your job. He's a good example of everything that is wrong with this industry. Acts like he knows everything and if you have a differing opinion, he's rude and acts superior to you. He's often outright incorrect about what he saying. Misleading first time buyers makes buying a firearm just as bad as buying a car. People can be easily intimidated in this kind of environment, he is the wrong person to be dealing with when buying or selling a gun. Sam and Doc are a couple of older dudes. They're both polite and doc is a good training resource for some of the intro level training. Sam is friendly and once helped with how to properly clean a new gun. It is very busy on the weekends, weekdays you're probably okay. In the summer it's scorching because they don't cool it and in the winter it's scorching because they blast the heat. Head to the range in the mid spring or fall. I would say that it's a store that succeeds because of some of the employees. The owner is not in it to be apart of the gun community. He's there solely to make money, which is his prerogative. Just don't go there thinking you've found a place that you'll feel comfortable talking 2A stuff. read more

DO NOT SHOP HERE IF YOU ARE A FIRST TIME BUYER! The staff is SO rude. I've stopped in Shore Galleries 3 times in the last couple of months to browse and ask questions as I was going through the process of applying for my FOID card. I admitted that I was a novice and had no idea what I wanted but mostly just looked around and asked a few minor questions (if there's a range, what do you need to participate in range, etc). Nothing too obnoxious or lengthy. There's a guy that works there (white guy, beard, maybe a backwards hat?). What a piece of work. Incredibly rude and unhelpful. 2 times I went there, he scoffed and rolled his eyes at almost EVERYTHING I asked. The first time we (my fiance and I) went to check the place out, he was the only one there and we walked away STUNNED at how rude and useless he was. I finally got my FOID card and happened to be in the area today so decided to do some more window shopping but was leaning towards making a purchase. Sam was AMAZING! He made me feel very comfortable and walked me through some of his personal favorites all while giving me advice about what to look for when buying your first firearm. There was another guy there (blue shirt) who seemed nice. He saw me looking up one of the models that Sam had recommended on my phone. He politely informed me that I couldn't have my phone out and I immediately apologized and put it away. I turn to find the bundle of joy who I had the displeasure of talking to the last 2 times I came in. I asked him if I could borrow a pen and have a piece of paper. He was visibly annoyed but graced me with the privilege to use a pen. I was eternally grateful but he had forgotten about the paper. When I asked for the piece of paper, he scoffed and asked me why I needed it (as if it's actually necessary at this point to wonder why I need a piece of paper to go with the writing utensil you just handed me). I explained to him that I was just informed that I couldn't use my phone to look something up so I wanted to write down a model number to do some research on it when I got home. He than stood there and GLARED at me while I folded the paper and then followed me to see what I was writing on it. I don't know what this guy's problem is but he made me feel very uncomfortable every time I've been in there. Lastly, I asked Sam if they offered classes for beginners (they do) and wrote down the info for that. A question that I asked "sunshine" during my first visit with my fiance and he just danced around the question and didn't really say yes or no. He just said that there's "some guy who does them" but couldn't give us any information about it. Hey, maybe this guy knows everything about firearms and seeing a complete noob ruffles his feathers. That's fine. But being in a retail environment and seeing his temperament and frustration in response to my incredibly mild and simple questions leads me to wonder if this is the kind of person that should even be AROUND firearms to begin with. Anyway, you won't be seeing me ever again. Definitely won't be going here and I highly recommend you do the same. Shout out to Sam though, he was awesome read more

If you are in Law Enforcement, an experienced shooter or even just a beginner or enthusiast, Shore Galleries is a fantastic resource that's as close to the city as the Home Depot in Lincolnwood for anyone looking to purchase a gun rent a gun or shoot a gun in a safe and controlled environment. In my first visit to Shore Galleries, I was very pleased at the great inventory of used and vintage firearms and rifles. They carry a great variety of new firearms in virtually every caliber and style. And if they don't have it they can source it. If you are a SIG SAUER fan - this is the place for you. However it's the consistent service and support I've received from the Staff at Shore Galleries that prompted me to become of Range Member. I purchased a used but pristine Browning from Nick The process was seamless, his knowledge was solid and attention was OUTSTANDING. And their range is excellent. It's not fancy and all hyped up but it's got everything you need: It's well lit, extremely well ventilated and they are very attentive. The lanes have always worked are well equipped. Plus I've always run into other shooters who are friendly and most importantly safe. You don't have to purchase a gun from them to get prompt attention. I've used them for FFL transfer purchases and they take very good care of your purchase until you take possession. Chris handled an FFL transfer purchase of a new hard to find 9mm and he was OUTSTANDING. I've been in the store for extended periods of time and I've never seen anyone that wasn't treated with respect. I haven't read a negative review yet that was truthful. Bottom line is - after the first visit to Shore I was greeted promptly, my questions were answered thoroughly and they have a great facility. Pricing for my purchases was right in line with the market. And NO they don't charge $15.00 for a paper target. One thing I would encourage them to do is talk more about Memberships! As for the naysayers and low raters for Shore - I can't relate to any of the negatives presented. Nothing but great things to say about Shore Galleries. I'm definitely getting my CCL there as well. Keep up the good work. read more

I had a bad experience at this establishment in Lincolnwood. I went in to purchase ammunition. The worker declined to sell it to me. They lost me as a customer. I decided I will no longer visit them or purchase from them again. Their counter worker did agree to sell me one caliber of ammunition, the initial caliber which I had asked for. Of course I showed my FOID card. He then asked me if there was anything else I wanted to purchase. When I asked for two other common calibers, he declined to sell them to me. He told me that it was because he was suspicious of me, that we were on video camera by the authorities, and that he thought I was buying ammunition for someone else instead of for myself. He shared with me that what added to his cause, was that while I was in their store, I was looking into my smart phone, which prompted him to think I was receiving a text message from someone else, for whom he thought I was buying for. I think I am pro second amendment rights, but I also appreciate that there should be rules around who can possess ammunition. I believe that if anyone is to possess ammunition, that he or she should be FOID approved. Other stores in Illinois have sold me ammunition of a few varied and different calibers, on the same day's visit. It turns out I have a few different calibers of firearms. When I visit a range, I sometimes go with family members, and we use anywhere between 2-6 different calibers, from our grandparents old hunting rifles, to today's modern handgun brands. If the worker at Shore Galleries would have explained himself better, shared their policies, and come off as fairer, I might have taken it differently. I was left dissatisfied, confused, and wondering why this store, or why he operated differently. Something did not feel right. I will not mind traveling much further to another store, where I feel treated more fairly, more respectfully, bringing my family, and spending there instead. read more

I typically visit Shore once or twice a month. From the first time I walked in to have a hunting rifle transferred 4 years ago to my visit last week I have never had a bad experience. Nor have I ever been unsatisfied with the service. There has never been any pretense or rudeness just a friendly willingness to help. If they don't have something or have an answer to a question they will do what they can to get it or find out for you. Some folks have commented recently on how bare they've been goods-wise. Well, I stopped by this past week (March 2016) and they had a ton of new stuff from HK, Walther, Glock and more. There were also new holsters, pocket knives, flash lights and related goods. There is, I was told, "more on the way." Which is awesome, because I would rather support a local, family-owned business than a big-box or internet giant. As a former retail salesperson you really cannot begin to imagine how hard retail can be, much less the consideration it takes to sell firearms. Contrary to the experience of a few reviewers, my experience there has always been outstanding. Yes, maybe on a busy day, i have to a wait a bit, but I get the best service when its my turn. Furthermore, firearms and ammunition are not toys and must be treated with respect and awareness--not everyone gets this. Once or twice I've witnessed a rude, impatient, ignorant customer treat a staff member poorly or improperly handle a firearm and I was impressed how they handled it--with grace, style and cognizance. For me, though, the most important reason to go to Shore is trust. I trust Brian, Mitch, Steve and Char. They have always taken care of me and gone out of their way for me. Whether you are new to firearms or very experienced I strongly recommend you give Shore Galleries a shot. read more

DO NOT GO THERE I Walked in with my husband, and since everything is closed due to CoVID19 they wanted everything to match such as my address on my foid card and the address I put on the billing purchase! So I'm supposed to wait 5 years for the world to reopen to change the address, that's bs. Long story short it's not nor their fault or mine because I requested for a new address change and a new foid card in January of this year they take like 3 months to send out a new foid card and 3 weeks for the new ID. but they were racist as *** me and my husband are respectful people, we said good morning how are you, they were intimidated the moment we came in because we were black, looks can be deceiving I'm polish, Native American and 20% black but my skin is light w/ a little darkness and my accent sounds as if I'm African American, they told us rudely to get back and don't much what you can't buy... like wtf and we both have a foid card and we heard people shooting in the gun range but they basically rushed us out talking about some bs two line chicken **** we wanted to do one at a time, they didn't suggest one at a time they were bogus. Chris and his colleagues were so nervous to see Black people in the neighborhood they were like new to helping us, this world is huge, let them tell it that they'll been working as a FFL dealer for 10-15 years funny as *** but you never had any interactions with colored people **** out of here. It took a lot outta me to not snap off! You don't treat people rudely no matter what color, the **** is petty NOPE NEVER AGAIN read more

HAD A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!! Went in here today to look for a concealed to carry weapon for MYSELF. I was with my fiancé for his advice only. He was NOT touching any gun nor did he ask to see a gun. When the store manager came to assist us my fiancé was standing BEHIND me and I was trying to talk to the manager. I asked to see a gun (ONLY ME), but the store manager rudely asked my fiancé to see his FOID card also. My fiancé let him know that he wasn't interested in looking at any weapons he was here for me. But the store manager was persistent, he was rude and unprofessional. Someone we knew came in to the store also, and the manager turned to him and said, "Tell your boy to calm down." We were calm.. I was so shocked and offended. He THEN proceeded to unzip his jacket and brandished his concealed firearm. And asked for the card again! I could not believe how he was acting. He even said with an attitude, "You could be purchasing a weapon and selling it to him illegally (and pointed behind me)." I was so offended.. I told him that I was buying it for myself! We purchased weapons here before and NEVER experienced this. My fiancé is an African American police officer for the CPD who came came in civilian clothes. He knows if he's isn't looking at any weapons he doesn't need to show his card. I truly believe he was making assumptions based off of the color of his skin! read more

I bought a pistol at Cabella's and had Shore do the FFL transfer since they are the closest to Chicago. Staff is friendly and not pushy, I usually deal with Nick. go in there to pick up some ammo and to have specialized ammo transferred in. I am not in law enforcement and I know they cater to law enforcement more, but I have never felt as if I was mistreated by them, treatment has always been fair. I decided to purchase an AR that they had from them, even though their prices can be beat by places like Bass Pro or Cabella's I decided to give Shore my business because it is close to home and they are a good bunch of guys. On the day I made my purchase, there was another gentleman at Shore that had purchased his first AR online and sent it to Shore to do the transfer. Nick was taking care of him and I noticed that Nick started giving this guy a rundown on cleaning and disassembling his new rifle, even though he didn't purchase it from Shore, I though that was nice, the extra mile they go through. I have not seen anyone at Cabella's or Bass Pro walk a customer through maintenance and cleaning of their guns. right now they are going through renovation with building up the range, so the store is in disarray, but thay should have that cleared up by the end of the month. read more

Almost the worst customer service that I have ever received from an establishment. I signed up for the CCW class 3 weeks ago at which time payment was rendered and I was given a class date. Physically walked into the establishment the week prior to the class to confirm that the class was still scheduled and was advised that the class was still scheduled. The day of the class I checked the website to see if the class was still scheduled and it was. Arrived for the class, along with 3 other people, and no one from Shore Galleries was there. We waited in the baking sun for 40 minutes before one of us decides to inquire. Shore Gallery had NO IDEA THAT A CLASS WAS EVEN SCHEDULED and had failed to notify anyone that the class was cancelled costing me time any money. When I requested a refund because of the extremely poor customer service, I was advised that they were unable to facilitate a refund. read more

The owner or manager (or whoever he is) is a complete arrogant a-hole! He is a disrespectful and annoying P.O.S. (Also as a human being, you can tell). He was rude to all the customers, had signs up for no cell phones, yet was constantly on his. Also, signs up for masks, but none of the employees wore masks. Also, they were all smoking cigars, and the store stunk with tons of smoke in it. I had to wait in a long line as the incompetent and super slow employees fumbled through each customer. Then later when I came to pick up, I had to wait as they couldn't find the gun. What an embarrassment these people... but again, the idiot owner was the crown jewel. What a fat-head this guy was. He looked inflamed and constipated too...just overall the most annoying person. I'll never go there again... what a mistake. Also, pricey... I'll never send anyone there, period! read more

STAY AWAY! Just do yourself a favor and read "ALL" of the reviews! The business owner does NOT care about your concerns, reviews, or letters sent to the gun store. Their employees are rude, unclassy, and unprofessional and many of their employees wear a public safety uniform, Chicago Police Dept and they treat customers like sh*t~! To the point of even kicking you out if you file a complaint "EXTERNALLY" against one of their part-time employees a certain female employee! Instead of obtaining facts they choose sides because this certain individual wears a badge and for some reason believes she's above the LAW!!! This "nameless" female employee has a terrible attitude problem, lies, and makes false statements to the staff in order to make herself like a victim! STAY AWAY!!! This is my second review...! TERRIBLE this place should have their license pulled! read more

This place is pretty good. Right next to the city so it's gonna be the closest range and store for most of the city. All the reviews calling them racists or whatever seem ignorant when it comes to the gun industry, and some undoubtedly are people who are entitled and pissed that there are COVID restrictions in an what is an EXTREMELY regulated industry. Nick and Roy are both hilarious and they're also probably the most brutally honest. Saturday's are the busiest so there may be a wait to use the range. Convenience has a cost so expect to pay a little premium on ammo or firearms. There are no appointments or long wait to be served. They typically have most ammo in stock and they have a nice stock of guns as well. 10/10 would shoot again. read more

When I walked in it was a very clean place. One employee said "hi" I saw he was busy helping someone. Another employee came from the back and started staring at me . So I awkwardly asked about a price on a WW2 rifle. He said it was $2600 , I ask what year was it and what made this one speacial. He said he didn't know the year and it was put together from a bunch of rifles. I asked him I like to see it..... He told me " it's over there and that is where it will stay."...Awkward again! I reluctantly said. "at least I tried to see it" did a fake laugh and walked out...I would advise if you go there don't ask any questions and don't ask to see anything. read more

SHOOT The COONAN AT SHORE!! Great place! Great people! Beautiful new range and showroom. Waited for this location to open and the wait was worth it. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and go out of their way to make sure customers are satisfied. The range is state of the art and the location can't be beat. Shore Galleries had a Coonan Classic 1911 chambered in .357mag in their rental case and I had to try it, after reading so much about it I needed to give it a try and was it cool. There is nothing like seeing a halo of fire. I recommend trying it and will be buying one in the near future. read more