What's wrong with these guys at Solar Tactical, Castro Valley?

[mict2000]

Been there twice and experienced the same thing both times. I don't know anyone there and have never purchased anything or tried to purchase anything so I have no history with them at all. First time I was there about 3 years ago I walked in, patiently waited my turn and they looked right past me and helped someone else who clearly came after me (an African American man). Today I walked in with my Dad. A Latino gentleman looked at us and buzzed us in. Then another Latino man after us. We waited, looking at the guns, talking quietly with each other, and the Latino employee (I'm only mentioning he was Latino so he is not confused with the Asian employee and I don't know their names), so the Latino employee looked right at us and helped the Latino man who clearly had come in after us. When he was done with that customer I politely told him that we were here before that individual and his response was "well I'm here now, what do you need" and just glared at me like "so what, fool". My Dad even said when we walked in that he didn't feel welcomed. The entire time we waited, nobody looked at us, said "we'll be with you shortly, these guys were here first" etc. No courtesy or professionalism whatsoever. Twice now I have been ignored and pased over to assist someone else. They've made me and my Dad feel obviously unwelcome so spend your hard-earned money elsewhere with people who DON'T treat people like sh*+ based on their appearance alone or whatever reason they have for ignoring people. We weren't MAGA guys or loud or obnoxious or anything. My Dad is a Navy veteran and I work in private security so we have nothing but respect and patience everywhere we go, especially in gun stores but these guys don't want our business and probably don't need our business so I will never shop here or recommend them.

[42ndDR]

My personal experience in the 30 or so shops I have visited is similar in about half. The other half were on the other end of the spectrum towards pro and courteous. There was not much in between.

Some shops have toxic culture.

[newshooter650]

I would try Elite Armory in Castro Valley. I've done business with their Tracy branch numerous times and they are also helpful and professional. They get a pretty mixed clientele in there too and I did not see any favoritism/discrimination happening there at all.

I have not been to the Castro Valley Elite Armory personally but it is the same ownership group so I would assume it is a similar vibe as the Tracy store.

[recpark99]

I'm a huge fan of Solar Tactical in Castro Valley, they have always been very courteous to me and always helpful. I live on the peninsula and I actually prefer to go across the Bay to them as opposed to the shops on the peninsula. Too bad you had a negative experience there, I know it happens, especially in gun shops for some reason.

[karsk]

trained response mostly. over-correction against "implicit bias" and "systemic racism". same with the police, according to these studies conducted by harvard and elsewhere, cops are more hesitant to shoot blacks, and tend to go out of their way to avoid appearing racist:

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/fryer/files/empirical_analysis_tables_figures.pdf

https://www.police1.com/use-of-force/articles/new-washington-state-university-study-even-tired-cops-are-more-hesitant-to-shoot-black-suspects-VsQPXHtPEhHhCOjZ/

whites tend to be law abiding, composed, and polite. there's no threat of violence or litigation if they are overlooked, hence in an environment where other racial groups are incentivized and rewarded for claiming victim-hood, it is safer to be biased against white people.

[Lonewhitestar620]

I have not gone to them yet but can vouch for Elite Armory at Castro valley. Bought stuff there and transfer as the guys there are very knowledgeable and friendly all the time. No complaints

[C.Bronson]

Have been to Solar a few times and delt with the young guys you described. Always polite and professional. Sounds like you had the opposite experience.
Sorry to hear that.
I recommend them

[mict2000]

I agree about Elite. Those guys are always friendly and professional. Some guys turn into a-holes around guns. I think that's who I experienced at that other dump. Guns, Hunting, and Other Stuff in Dublin is also 1st class. Ask for Mike Dapper if you need anything.

[hechmen70]

[b18bturboek9]

I look at it this way when going to most shops that they see a lot of window shoppers that they kind of let you look around sometimes or if its busy you get in line. I've had no issues with most shops, but they do tend to have that one rude annoying employee. I prefer the Livermore Solar tactical over Castro Valley only because the Castro Valley shop is small and doesn't carry as much. I've found a few that get me in and out with ease and are good at what they do. UG Imports and Glaser Arms will get me business whenever I'm looking to buy. Straight to the point no BS and I'm in and out in no time at all. Both those shops are good guys working with you and always treated me good plus good prices on most firearms.

[DaMunchies]

My experience with solar tactical in Castro valley was very good but elite armory was pretty bad that I wouldn’t go back, all 3 people that day was on a power trip. Elite armory in Tracy has been cool the 3 times I went there

[Wred201406]

I went to ST in castro valley multiple times now and had a good time i can’t complain. All transaction went smooth like in and out. I went to ST in livermore and liked them too but they charge me more than i thought it would be, i PPT 4 rifles there and i was surprised and paid this (see attached pics). The PPT went smooth just a bit slow compare to ST in castro valley, even then i don’t think i’m going back there again. I was gonna buy ammo as well the same day but i change my mind. I still thank them though for doing the transfer.