Bay Area - Which shop has the cheapest guns and ammo?

[waikikisneakie]

Hi Folks,

Just moved back to California. Used to shop at Traders in Oakland as they always had the best prices for guns and ammo. I see they are closed. Any opinions on the cheapest shop for guns and ammo nowadays in the Bay Area? Thanks.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

As much as I prefer to support LGS, I have found that Sportsman's Warehouse to have the best prices, as in they sell at retail. Most other LGS I have been to still have their prices raised significantly and are gouging customers. I would prefer to shop at LGS, but there's no way I would continue to deal with disgruntled and crappy store employees while paying more than retail.

I was purchasing from a few differnt LGS, but the last 5 or so have been from Sportsman's. Their system isn't perfect, and they do have some "interesting" employees, but in most cases it's been a very seamless and somewhat quick transaction both on the day I've purchased and picked up, unless there's a line and they are overwhelmed.

I was at another LGS this weekend while attending a CCW class and noticed all their handguns were marked up $50-$150 more than suggested retail. No thanks.

As far as ammo, it all depends. Sometimes Sportsman's has good sales, otherwise I'll order from out of state and have it shipped to an FFL that charges $21 ($20 for their fee and the $1 fee for the state background check). If the price for 1,000 rounds is a good deal with free shipping, ordering this way in bulk is cheaper than buying locally.

[aca72]

Bass Pro Shops in San Jose is another option.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Bass Pro Shops in San Jose is another option.

Just don't ever do a PPT there. Literally took HOURS and it wasn't any fault of my own or the seller. We both had all of our documents in order.

Also, compared to SPortsman's, I've noticed Bass Pro also slightly make up their firearms.

[SkyHawk]

Hi Folks,

Just moved back to California. Used to shop at Traders in Oakland as they always had the best prices for guns and ammo. I see they are closed. Any opinions on the cheapest shop for guns and ammo nowadays in the Bay Area? Thanks.

Now you know what happens to "cheap" shops in the Bay Area: they close.

Cheap + gun store + bay area is not a formula for success. At this point, just be grateful if you can find any gun store there at all - and do what you can to support them.

[9Cal_OC]

Cheap + gun store + bay area is not a formula for success.

This.

OPs request is an oxymoron. (Also, nice first post — welcome?)

Drive out and find less oppressed FFLs that you can develop a relationship with.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Now you know what happens to "cheap" shops in the Bay Area: they close.

Cheap + gun store + bay area is not a formula for success. At this point, just be grateful if you can find any gun store there at all - and do what you can to support them.

As much as. agree with this, in some cases I now avoid most LGS because of the ****ty staff and inflated prices. If their customer service was exceptional I actually wouldn't mind paying more to support an LGS. But crappy customer service AND inflated prices? No thanks.

Also, the way many of these shops treated customers during the pandemic drove people away from coming back to those shops.

[shooter556]

Now you know what happens to "cheap" shops in the Bay Area: they close.

Cheap + gun store + bay area is not a formula for success. At this point, just be grateful if you can find any gun store there at all - and do what you can to support them.

Meh, for me it is more about customer service.

Because I don't mind supporting a LGS even if prices as higher as long as i'm treated well. Most LGS have horrible HORRIBLE customer service. Some I haven't even stepped foot in because of bad yelp reviews **cough** SJ Gun Exchange **cough**

Also, the PPT dilemma is another factor. I get it that during Covid PPTs were a nightmare, but it's not 2020 anymore. There should be no excuse. PPTs should be prioritized, get us out as fast as you can and we will leave. Plus, when we come back to pick up the firearm, we may just buy one from your shop.

I don't get it, good customer service is not hard to do.

[My600]

Lokey Firearms in Morgan Hill is good small shop. Price is fair and service is outstanding.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Lokey Firearms in Morgan Hill is good small shop. Price is fair and service is outstanding.

I've had great customer service from City Arms in Pacifica, Hook Line & Sinker in Oakley and 29 Outdoor Gear in American Canyon.

Shops I avoid because of horrible customer service are Canyon Sports in Martinez and Coyote Point Armory in Burlingame.

[peregrine1220]

The Traders was definitely the best store around!

As for where to shop now, my last few guns came from Alquist Arms in Turkock.

[BigPimping]

Traders was amazing. It was in San Leandro not Oakland. I believe at one point, Traders was responsible for a huge amount of the guns that were used in crime that were picked up by law-enforcement. Nevertheless, they had an insane selection and really cool stuff.

Siegles Guns was the shop in Oakland. It was located at Telegraph Avenue and West Grand Ave. Right next-door to Doggie Diner.

[recpark99]

Imbert and Smithers in San Carlos has new, excellent staff, very friendly, not too salesy, very PPT friendly. Their prices are definitely higher than Sportsman's and BP, but I gladly support them and hope they stay in business for many years to come.

[peregrine1220]

Traders was amazing. It was in San Leandro not Oakland. I believe at one point, Traders was responsible for a huge amount of the guns that were used in crime that were picked up by law-enforcement. Nevertheless, they had an insane selection and really cool stuff.

Siegles Guns was the shop in Oakland. It was located at Telegraph Avenue and West Grand Ave. Right next-door to Doggie Diner.

Remember when the SF Chronicle used to print The Traders sales advertisement in the sports section every Thursday. The horror!

[Romeo_alpha01]

Lots of great suggestions above. Sportsman Supply in Campbell and Sportsman Arms in Petaluma is good too, albeit there will be some sort of markup on goods. Service in both places were outstanding with me, and damn good consignment.