Great staff they are very friendly and knowledgeable. I have purchased many guns and accessories from there and definitely will purchase more. read more

Enjoyed my short time in the store. Super helpful and they have a very good selection as well. Prices are decent better than SJ area shops.

I don't know about other people's experience but I've had an amazing experience here, my gun purchase and service has been top notch and would recommend getting a gun here or asking for help about guns from the staff here. read more

You know, I've got to thank 711 for running into this place. All I wanted was a slurpee really and this gun shop was conveniently placed next door. The exterior reminds me of a run down tattoo shop but once you step inside, you'll find yourself in an organized, air conditioned, gun shop. I walked in and was immediately greeted by one of the employees there. He asked if I needed any help finding anything and was open to any of questions if I had any. This specific shop sells ammo by bulk. They recently had a special going on for 1000 rounds of 9mm. A bulk of that was 199, but of course was sold out really quick. The old man, Les, was really nice and you could really tell his love for guns by the way he talks. A little more pricer than the other shops I've been to, but hey, when you're the only one in Castro Valley, I guess you can't complain. read more

Friendly staff and they let me take a test without buying anything right away. They gave me some tips and hints as well. Look forward to purchase from them in the near future. read more

Wow really what's with the 1 star reviews? I guess if you please everyone your not doing your job. I would take those reviews with a grain of salt people because they are little confusing and misrepresentations of the facts. John S. - As we explained to you we have spoken to the CA DOJ on several occasions about LEOSA purchasing off roster guns and their answer is NO so our answer is NO. You in the eyes of the State are only a Law enforcement officer on base, period. We are not going too risk our business to make a couple bucks. If you found someone who deals in off roster guns to you I suggest you tap that well until it's dry and boarded up. Thanks for your service to our country but I would expect a lIttle more than 1 Star for a veteran owned business. Frankie 5 - The CA DOJ determined you are ineligible to purchase/own a firearm. Sorry about your loss of money but our store policy which you signed is clear as day. You should have known better. Josh C - Sometimes in life your feelings get hurt. Ever hear the statement "no question is a dumb question?" Well it's not true...and I'm sure Les reminded you of that. Go pout elsewhere. Julius L. - Troll with a capital "T" we have no record of you even shopping at either location. And none of us working here can recall working with a Julius L. Maybe you have us confused with some other business or maybe you work for another business. Who knows? Arthur C. - After getting a hot deal on new toy, we were pretty shocked at the 1 Star review. Sorry if some bad intel was passed along the way but the state has very strict requirements for residency. You were purchasing a firearm not a box of cookies. Getting a great deal and leaving a 1 Star review what more can we say. read more

Just went to Solar Tactical to pick up some parts. Damn, felt like i was in the movie Menace II Society. The guy that rang me up ... [yes you Taylor] was truly on some "hurry up & buy!" shit. Not even trying to bring race into the issue either. He was very respectful, but in a condescending way. Calling me sir every 5 sec with an implied eye roll. There was also a MAGA cap sitting next to the stockroom door, but none of the previously mentioned things really bothered me, they come with the territory when shopping in those kinds of places & i have thick skin. What bothered me was how he was hurrying me out of the store before i could even ask for items. I picked up a kit & asked the price... he rang it up. I'm like damn, i want a price check 1st, "how much is it"? "$50, oh ok, i'll take 2" He hurried up the sale, thanked me, told me to enjoy my day "SIR" & walked away. i wanted to pick up a lot of items. It also seems that this location it the only one in my are that has them in stock. I hate these kinds of dilemmas. i could always continue to shop elsewhere online. but paying for shipping kind of erases the savings. read more

When in there to do a background check on a Glock 17 but $125 down did not pass a background check for some reason I need to look into my paperwork need to wait for the letter but also they did not want to refund me the hundred dollars I know there's a $25 fee for the background check but they told me it was a restocking fee but I never received any merchandise from them so I kept my hundred dollars They told me no refund that's the way it is too bad read more

I came on a super busy day when the whole world decided it was Corona Virus day. Luckily, the two guys who were running the shop were super efficient and knew how to multitask and keep the lines moving. If Solar doesn't have the item you want, Don't bother going down the street to Elite Armory, just order it here. I made that mistake and regretted, and walked out of there empty handed. read more

Just went looking into this spot because of my curiosity first thing don't be alarmed they keep the door locked and someone comes over to let you in. I'm not mad at this at all you can never be to safe once inside I got incredible customer service and the fella talking to me had really good knowledge about the product. Prices looked decent from what I could tell and I will be back to spend some money with them without a doubt. read more

I used to live there. I did go there and yes! They are pretty knowledgeable about everything I asked for. I'd suggest them to anyone. I pretty much left after the Gooberment or State Nazi's? shut them down on some bull ! I heard they opened back up. Some of my family had been in there. So the next time. I went with them. I'm still a happy camper. Although. With today's Nazi environment? I'm also cautious about exposing identity on line. Or being exposed or my privacy being invaded with the invasion of my privacy that isn't any of their business! Period! That is my belief from my experience and what I see and hear. So if you disagree? We agree to disagree.You'll not change my mind. I believe in my God given rights! I also believe in my 2A rights! I assert them. Just like my right to defend myself! I've been told I don't have any rights! By cops and a want to be lawyer. I had to get lawyers. In which I told them cops told me I had no rights to defend myself. My lawyers told me bull ! I did get off for self defense. Yes! I can defend myself! I did. Not with a gun. Physical self defense. Disarm and punish the fools. It irritates me. That I'm the guy who goes to jail. For being attacked. Or assaulted first! We live in Bizarro World!" Luckily. I haven't had to use a gun. I do have insurance just in case I have to one day? Especially. When I'm nit able to defend myself anymore? The older I get. I'm in my 70's. I'm still not doing to bad for self defense. Too much experience. I suppose? Just like ammo? You never have enough! read more

Check this one out. If you don't believe me, go check for yourself - or save your time and go somewhere else. I walked in for a G19 Gen3, but was shocked to see it priced at $1,099!!!!! I ask about the price and they defend it firmly, saying the gun is hard to find. I politely leave and drive to Peninsula Guns in San Bruno, who sells them for $649!!! WTF Solar Tactical!!!!! read more

The staff was polite, but they are price gouging on popular firearms and especially ammo. There's a reason, like others have stated why they still have lots of ammo and guns. I could never recommend this business in good conscience to anyone because of this. When I went in to buy some ammo, they wanted $500 for 400 rounds of federal 556 with the ammo can. Usually that specific brand and ammo sells for $300 on the high end. If you need ammo call around this place should be a last resort. read more

UPDATE: I came today on 4/28/17 after being informed that my slide was ready on 4/27/17. There, I was handed my slide looking all done up and completed. I will update this review after using my gun to see how the work holds up. They were apologetic after informing me of why it took so long and explaining that they switched vendors who performed the cerakoting. Going as far to refunding me back $50 who was approved by Mike (Who i guess owns the company). They also tried to tell me that it wasn't all their fault since they reminded me that they send out slides in batches. I reminded Jeff that it was him who told me my slide would be enough to fulfil their quota. I brought my own sights tall enough to cowitness the RMR in so they could install it and they didn't scratch the Cerakote. Nicely done. I was getting ready to install my optic when they informed me the RMR cuts they perform require a less than normal thread that apparently is dubbed "Jardine threads." Jeff claims the vendor who cuts the slides didn't bring them the screws and he quotes "I'll bring it on Monday." To sum it up, it means i can't use my RMR. In my eyes, this is practically delivering an uncompleted job. I mean it's just a well cut slide with a slot for RMR which i can't even use because of some proprietary screws they only will thread to. They claim the owner Mike has stopped offering slide cuts till they get everything straightened out. Going as far as saying their own vendors didn't give them updates "we are in the dark just like you". Even claimed Mike is shelling out money for a new CNC machine to avoid doing middleman stuff. I'm really disappointed the way they handled this. If they would have just updated me and said your original quoted time isn't going to work out. I would have accepted it. Never called me, not even once. TL;DR: Sales side of business? They got it, I'd for sure buy a another gun and/or accessories from them. Top notch and knowledgeable Service side of business? Needs work, Lots of work. Don't even think of leaving any gun for service let alone parts until they solve their service side. read more

After many years of waiting I finally purchased my first rifle, not really a fully assembled one but in the process. I came in a few months previously to check out their selection. I've been in the market for a new piece but not sure which route to go. Talked to a few individuals and noticed the sales on a few. Real laid back and not too judgmental. Most guys are hands on and give a full breakdown of your weapon before you walk out the store. Very knowledgeable of the weapons and laws, particularly the new ones going into effect on the 1st. Today I picked up an AR 15 lower receiver, since the rush to beat the deadline I had purchased it 10 days previous and made it in just in time. The selection was scarce so I picked up one of the last remaining. The paperwork was seamless and and after waiting in line Cory walked me through and had me in and out within a fairly short time. Before leaving got the breakdown of the rules and when to register my rifle. Overall the service was excellent so I will definitely be back in for my next purchase. read more

Solar Tactical - Mag tactical stripped lower - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I don't have a Yelp account but I use Yelp often to determine businesses I would like to shop at. I was so f'ing annoyed after my phone call with this place I made an account to write a review. With school and stuff, I'm extremely busy. With some down time right now, I thought I pick up a P226 MK25. I decided to call this place to ask about inventory. This guy on the phone decided to give me attitude. Saying stuff like, "You know there is a pandemic, right?" "You know there is riots, right?" "You know people that hate guns that want guns, right?" This guy could just told me "No. And check back in a few months." What's with the attitude? You don't want business? You want to lose more business during this time - well - you just lost my business. read more

Ended up stopping by randomly for a few questions 2 years ago after the other idi*ts from the other local gun store were useless. And ive been coming here ever since! Adam & Les are the best and actually are helpful. Great selection and if they dont have it sometimes they can order it. read more

Hi! Not only did we wait in line for 2 hours outside, the employees were very rude and then guns were extremely overpriced... definitely wouldn't tell anyone to buy here. read more

First purchase of a weapon in California. I was helped by Michael when I first visited the store and he helped me through the process to get the necessary documents (DMV Documentation and Proof of Residency). The time he took was essential for me to have a SMOOTH time at the DMV which is a rare FEAT to achieve. Any and ALL questions I had Solar Tactical answered professionally and kindly. If you are contemplating purchasing from this location PLEASE do so. They deserve the business and have a wide range of new & used armaments. They also provide pistol and rifle courses. I'll be taking a pistol course soon and I will update this review when I do so. read more

2nd time visiting this shop and both times were very positive. Friendly & knowledgeable staff. Les helped my husband this time and let him look at several hand guns, giving his honest and professional opinion. He was very patient and answered all of my husband's questions. They have a good selection here with reasonable prices. My husband appreciated that Les encouraged him to take his time in making his decision about which gun to purchase. We'll definitely be back when he finally decides. read more

This gun shop was the perfect choice. They helped me decide, no pressure. Great selection. Very polite, respectable and professional. I won't go anywhere else, ever! Thanks Solar Tactical..... read more

My experience here was great! They staff was friendly and chill. They made the gun permit test and purchasing process easy. Also, I did have to wait that long to be served. I understand that everyone is adapting to COVID regulations. The guns were a bit pricey though, but other than that, my experience was perfect. read more

I went to solar tactical to buy an ar-15. The guy working there, Benjamin, didn't seem very knowledgeable. He told me the ar-15 didn't come with the scope. It did. There is an 8.5x11 sign that outlines the fees to pay, including the DROS. The amount for the DROS, according to that sign, was under $40. He charged us $49.99. This is in violation of California's gun sales law. He told me that the sign was out of date. When asked if they had any bullets for the firearm, he told me that they had a box of 20 bullets for $25 but I had to pay cash. They had bigger boxes that I could buy with a credit card, but not the little box. read more

Stopped by here because the "other place" never seems to have anything in stock. Solar did and the guy was totally cool. I'm a firearms neophyte and he knew it yet he still treated me like a man. Dumb questions are OK here. They have a well stocked inventory: ammo, parts, optics, etc. I will be back. read more

Great place and the service was excellent. They gave me my license on the spot and the price was on $25. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone trying to get there fun license and make a purchase. read more

My new go-to place. Just some really cool and friendly guys that run the shop. Very helpful with any questions you may have. Thought I was going to go in to just do some window shopping but they had what I wanted. Liked the experience so much I didn't even do any comparing anywhere else. Highly recommend this shop. Plus they have quite the selection. read more

I walked in here after a horrible experience from another place. My expectations were low but I was pleasantly surprised. Rob I think was my sales guy. He gave me the best explanation between Ar15s vs. aks. I was able to make a very informed purchase and I will also be signing up for their tactical classes soon. plus, a great selection of everything. If you are novice or even in the service, this is your goto place. The sales guys are all knowledgeable and few have been in the service with real experiences. two thumbs up, Highly recommend! read more

Good guys, very knowledgeable and honest. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy a new gun, accessories or ammo. Straight shooters! read more

I was referred to this place by a friend and it lived up to the hype my friend gave it . Checked out a few other spots but decided to buy my first gun here . Sam made this process a breeze. I highly recommend and will definitely be buying from here again in the future read more

The servers was very good I was inquiring about optics and wanted to get some more information...I received information and training far beyond what I was expecting. The shop has a small selection, but a good focus on quality optics and scopes. Each customer seemed to be welcomed and an honored guest. I would recommend new people and first timers to come tot his store to receive an education on a item with out the sales pitch. Would do business with again. read more

The place just looks and feels like a prison, and is located in an atrocious parking location that took me 10 minutes of maneuvering just to back my truck out of. Went to the door, lights on, customers inside, but the door was locked. Open signs on. Went back to my truck and waited a few minutes, tried again, same thing. Nobody came to the door no signs on the door to knock and wait, nothing. After the drive out to the place to buy a pistol, and going through the hassle of just trying to park there, then to go to a locked door with no response twice, I left and won't be returning. If you're going to be open and leave your doors locked, at least post further instructions on the door. Terrible vibe to the place and I didn't even get inside. Maybe for the best, a more welcoming situation and location deserves my money more, especially after reading they're charging 1,100 for Glocks.. yeah maybe it's better they keep the doors closed and locked! read more

This is hands down the best gun shop in the Bay Area. They have a wide selection of pretty much any mags you could want, for any gun and if they don't have it they are prompt to order it for you. They also keep a large selection of triggers, upper receivers, furniture and optics. They also keep a large selection of Bulk ammo for the best prices. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend this place to any gun enthusiast and new gun owners alike. read more

First time gun buyer and I can say from the time I called to ask questions to the point of making a purchase I felt that I was being given great customer service and the people that helped me were knowledgeable I appreciate you guys. read more

Excellent selection and very well stocked with everything you can think of. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!!

Just happened to check reviews after going here for my certification and then to purchase, no issues or problems at all. In other reviews, I seen a neg comment or two about Les , well , Les was the person who helped me both times and have to say , Les is not the issue- in fact , I would like to say Thank you Les for your service especially since I had not been into a gun store in 40 years. read more

Still pretty new to firearms, came in and asked what was probably a bunch of stupid questions. The guy was incredibly friendly and welcoming and helped provided great service. These guys can show the other gun stores in the area how customer service should be handled! They will be getting all my business in the future read more

Knowledgeable and friendly staff, by far, hands down, the best gun shop in the Bay. Due to the recent gun laws here in CA, I just recently got into AR 15s. Jeff and the folks at Solar Tactical are the most professional, knowledgeable, and PATIENT gun guys I've met. They answered every dumb question I had about ARs, handguns, and how the new laws would effect me. They never talked down to me because I was new. They told me their thoughts and experiences with certain guns. Since I worked customer service in a previous life, the awesome customer service Jeff and guys had at Solar Tactical was remarkable. Because of this experience, I purchased a couple gun to work on. read more

Zero customer service. Came to this place to buy a rifle and do a transfer at 10am, as they asked; transfers are done between 10am and 11am. I get to the store and wait in a small line. First, one guy comes out and asks if anyone is buying ammo. He takes a few people in. At 10:30, another guy comes out and asks if there any transfers. I raised my hand and he responds, "You're not going to make it, we do transfers between..." I responded to let him know we came on time and we drove from Sacramento and San Francisco.... he then responds, "I don't care!" This is the type of customer we had back under the soviet union. Funny enough, just the day before, when I asked if we needed to buy a gun in order to take an exam, the guys remarked "we're not communists, man. We know good customer service." Ha! I spent $500 here the first day and I was going to order three rifles through these guys. I will never buy from this place ever again! read more

I went to visit Solar Tactical to research 9 mm semi-auto handguns. Without asking about what purpose I want the gun for or what I will use it for, the salesman immediately directed me towards what he decided I should have. When I asked about a couple of other models, he dismissed it as if I should not care about those. I'm the customer and I get to decide what I want. After looking at a couple of Glocks and a Smith & Wesson, I asked him how much they cost. He quoted me a price that was a $500 markup on each gun over what both of them are listed at my local sporting goods stores. I scoffed. I then asked about ammo and he was charging $1.50 per round. They were stocked pretty well and had a good selection but their prices are astronomical. I would not recommend them. I went and bought the piece that I wanted at a sporting good store for $500 cheaper than what they were offering me. Good luck everyone and I wish you all the best. read more

The place was slammed today for obvious reasons but the staff was fast, efficient and courteous. They were even answering their phones despite how crazy it was. I actually chose to go here because they picked up my call when I had a question before I went in. read more