Gun Stores In Virginia

[taurusfan]

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David's father is Jim Jarrett who used to be at the gun shows he was just as pleasant to me as David (Darksun) always is.

 

[peter nap]

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glockfan wrote:

David's father is Jim Jarrett who used to be at the gun shows he was just as pleasant to me as David (Darksun) always is.

Well, Jim Jarett is pleasant anyway, Maybe the boy has an evil twin I keep meeting.

 

[emcsqrd]

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I bought my wife a Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Compact from Darksun on Saturday at the gun show in Norfolk. It surprises me to read the responses on here after the fact because the blond guy was extremely helpful to my wife and I. He even worked it out so that she can get two addititional mags from S&W at no cost. As far as the sweeping incidents go, he did speak to an attendee pretty brisk for sweeping he and his wife with a rifle that the attendee was looking at, soI know that he knows it is definitely not cool to do so.They handled the sale, service, and background check very efficiently as far as I am concerned. I'd buy from him again.

 

[peter nap]

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emcsqrd wrote:

I bought my wife a Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Compact from Darksun on Saturday at the gun show in Norfolk. It surprises me to read the responses on here after the fact because the blond guy was extremely helpful to my wife and I. He even worked it out so that she can get two addititional mags from S&W at no cost. As far as the sweeping incidents go, he did speak to an attendee pretty brisk for sweeping he and his wife with a rifle that the attendee was looking at, soI know that he knows it is definitely not cool to do so.They handled the sale, service, and background check very efficiently as far as I am concerned. I'd buy from him again.

People seem to be pretty divided on them. From what I understand, one on one in private, they are decent to be around. Out in public though, it's a coin toss. ALL MY CONTACTS with them have been bad.
It was like they deliberately wanted to PO me ...and it worked. I've walked away from a couple of purchases because of the attitude.

Then there's the General...that really made me mad and was probably the last straw.

I'll give an example:

A few months ago, I wa looking for a magazine for something. I was walking around looking at the tables, not the signs and came to one that had the guns out so I stood around waiting to be helped. After a few minutes and no help, a pretty clean cut fellow walked by (That in itself is unusual for them) and I said "excuse me. Do you have a magazine for...." he said "How would I know, I just do background checks".

Then I aw the Dark Sun sign.... That explained it. On to someone that wants the business.

 

[hometheaterman]

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Does anyone know of any good gun stores in VA that sell Federal Fusion ammo at good prices? As in under $30 a box? Looking for 30-06 150 grain ammo.

 

[cmbf117]

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I've always had a pleasant experience at Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas, off of 29. Nice folks, good selection, OC friendly.

I avoid Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly. People are OK, but the selection is weak, the place kinda feels sketchy, and the range is of a lower quality than the NRA HQ range. I will only go here if I have friends in tow that don't want to pay more at the NRA HQ.

 

[Regular_Joe]

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I am a new handgun owner, and I have found four gun shops that were excellent:

1. Dominion Shooting Range (Richmond) - http://www.dominionshootingrange.com
Dominion was the first gun shop/range I visited. I was searching for a range that my 12-year-old and I could go and try out a few different guns. For my son, it was a birthday present (he had a *great* time there!) and for me, I wanted to try out a few 9mm's and .45's before I made my decision. The gents at the shop were patient and even though they were really busy and knew I wasn't ready to make a gun purchase, they took time to explain how the range worked, what kind of rental guns were available, how each of the guns operated and suggested training options. For my first gun shop/range visit, these guys set a high standard!

2. Grayghost Tactical, Inc (Culpeper) - http://grayghosttactical.com/home.html
Grayghost is my local gun shop. I had been advised that the gun I wanted (S&W M&P 9mm) would be available cheaper on the Internet, but once I visited Grayghost, I decided I needed to support my local gun shop. These guys didn't spend time trying to sell me a gun. Instead, they asked me a set of questions to try to help me understand what I wanted. As they were local, they were also able to suggest nearby basic firearm classes. I liked the no-nonsense and friendly attitude. By the way, the 10% sale price on guns and accessories brought the overall price down to very near the cheapest Internet price I had found.

3. Clark's Gun Shop, Inc (Warrenton) - http://www.clarkbrosguns.com/home.html
Once I bought my gun I wanted to find a local range. Clark's is located on my route to work, so I stopped in one day to check out the outdoor range. Once the guy at the counter found out that I was a new gun owner, he stepped out and took me on a tour of the shop and range. He explained how to use the range and answered all my questions. He also suggested a basic firearm class - he didn't push the course that his shop offered, he just recommended training. I recognized the instructor's name so I signed up for their training a few days later. I really like the guys that run the range - they are all NRA instructors and enjoy giving free guidance. On my next visit I asked about range vs. carry ammo - again, I got a detailed introduction on the different kinds of ammo I could use.

4. Blue Ridge Arsenal (Chantilly) - http://www.blueridgearsenal.com/
This shop/range is located near where I work. I stopped in for a few minutes to get information about their range and to ask about OC vs CC holsters, and they spent about 30 minutes taking me on a holster tour. They each showed me what holsters they used and why, and even after letting them know that I wasn't ready to buy another holster, one gentleman walked me through all the holsters in the shop to help me make an informed decision later. This initial experience will be why I return. I haven't used the range, but it does look impressive.

One common factor in each of these shops isn't necessarily an impressive brick and mortar presence or even the inventory; instead it was the patient, friendly and knowledgeable level of customer service. These folks recognized someone new to the community and spent their time teaching me the basics. Thanks, guys!

 

[DonTreadOnMe]

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Regarding Bob's Gun Shop, Norfolk.... I have heard mixed reviews and comments in the pasted from other people. I can say I heard one of the older guys, not bob, rapping up explaining va laws requirements to buy a gun in va by someone military stationed in va by saying, "....and You can conceal carry with a permit in va, or you can opencarry." The lack of judgment in his voice regarding modes of carry was nice. Just matter of fact, now you should take our conceal carry class so you can carry or such crap some places would tell people. On a funny note, the navy guy replyed, "that is opencarry?" Now you have to understand I was at the gun shop with a friend of mine that was brand new to carrying and was infact borrowing a firearm for the day from me to shoot at the range. My friend looks over at the navy guy and with a friendly smile points at his own hip and says, "This is opencarry". Not bad for a guy that had just popped his own cherry carring!

 

[darthmord]

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DonTreadOnMe wrote:

Regarding Bob's Gun Shop, Norfolk.... I have heard mixed reviews and comments in the pasted from other people. I can say I heard one of the older guys, not bob, rapping up explaining va laws requirements to buy a gun in va by someone military stationed in va by saying, "....and You can conceal carry with a permit in va, or you can opencarry." The lack of judgment in his voice regarding modes of carry was nice. Just matter of fact, now you should take our conceal carry class so you can carry or such crap some places would tell people. On a funny note, the navy guy replyed, "that is opencarry?" Now you have to understand I was at the gun shop with a friend of mine that was brand new to carrying and was infact borrowing a firearm for the day from me to shoot at the range. My friend looks over at the navy guy and with a friendly smile points at his own hip and says, "This is opencarry". Not bad for a guy that had just popped his own cherry carring!

It really depends on who you get at Bob's. Scotty is really good and knowledgeable. He'll answer any question you have. No question is stupid in his opinion.

The tall gentleman who usually mans the range (has a mustache; name escapes me) is also a very good guy when it comes to firearms advice and guidance.

There's a younger guy (used to be in theMarines) who will help you any way he can.

The guy who teaches the CHP classes (Mr. Dowd) can answer just about anything you want and if he doesn't know the answer off the top of his head, he knows where to find it. I asked him a question a while back and he not only answered the question but also guided to me where to read the specific area of code for further guidance. He also stresses reading the latest publishings of code as sometimes it changes and everyone should read up on applicable code.

Debi from the ammo floor is a gem. She's a real treat and knows her stuff.

Bob himself, he's a business owner. He runs the show. He's not as personable to me (IME) as some of his employees but he works well for the advanced firearms owner. He's got a wealth of knowledge and is a good person to go to for those who know what they want but have specific questions regarding it.

I did have on individual who gave me a load of grief about OC but have since avoided dealing with him. He apparently understands that we have a difference of opinion and neither of us are going to change the other's mind. He keeps his anti-OC opinions to himself and leaves me alone. Win-Win IMO.

The rest of the folks there I've had little to no interaction with as there have been some new hires during my last few visits.

 

[All American Nightmare]

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MSC 45ACP wrote:

vrwmiller wrote:

Well...went to the Fredericksburg Gun Show today for the sole purpose of finding and buying a Ruger LCP. There were only 2 vendors selling them...Dark Sun and the other vendor's name escapes me, but his prices were way too high. Dark Sun's price wasn't great, but considering I was having a difficult time finding this pistol locally, I decided to buy it from them (and apparently, so did every other person that was buying something from them). Anyway...I was totally turned off by Dark Sun and will not ever buy another firearm from them again. Here's how it all went down...

After I've scowered every vendor at the show and found only the two, I decide to go to Dark Sun. It was quite a busy day, so the fact that they took their sweet time actually getting to buying customers didn't bother me too much, but once I got someone's attention, I was catered to pretty efficiently.

Anyway, after walking around for a bit, I come back to wait for my background check to come back on my purchase and me and my son are looking around their table at other merchandise and what not. When all of a sudden, I start seeing one of the employees begin handling his firearm behind the table showing people the weapon, etc. Not that big of a deal, really. He seemed to be mostly safe with it. I go about my business and continue looking at the merchandise and I look up and he whips out a *loaded* magazine flops it down on the table and takes his firearm out of his holster and sweeps both me and my son!!!! I immediately grab my son and move on down to the other end of the table.

We're at the end of the table watching him put firearms in holsters on either side of his body and pulling them as if he were practicing a double draw, but treating the firearms as if they were toys. Well, I was so livid at the blatant disregard and lack of respect for people around him that I *almost* requested my identification back so that I could take my business elsewhere. It was at that point when my background check was done and the sale was now in progress. Well, since I had already waited this long for it, I decided I would go ahead and buy the pistol. However, I am vowing never to spend another dollar at Dark Sun. I was extremely disappointed in the behavior of this employee.

Has anyone ever had a similar experience with Dark Sun?

I didn't have an "unsafe" experience with Dark Sun at the recent Hampton Gun show, but I did have a salesman that wasnearly as rude as Ron Hess. (I went in Hess' gun store a LONG time ago when he first opened. He has ALWAYS been an @$$hole. I guess some things never change).

If the priceat Dark Sunfor my daughter's Glock 21SF hadn't been so good and the fact I haven't seen very many of them around, I wouldn't have given them my business. The "salesman" was very rude for the whole transaction and when I returned an hour later (at the time he suggested returning) to see if my paperwork was complete, he said "You don't see it here, do you?" I couldn't tell the difference between my VA DL and everyone elses from a distance of 10', so I guess I need glasses. :banghead: When I came back after another hour, I was fortunate to have a more polite salesman. I was very close to dragging the other @$$hole across the table. I didn't want to have to pay for all of them when they landed on the floor, though...

:what:

Dark Sun is great for prices however they can be quite rude at gun shows. I have bought two guns from him the first one at a gun show and the second I went to his house. When i bought the second one he was very polite , talkative and just as nice as he could be.

 

[Wangmuf]

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+1 for Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas. I went in today looking for a new holster, after having been to 2 other shops already. I was also searching for an Emerson CQC-7A, which neither of the other stores would even chck to see if they could get.

After Andrew went thru 20 minutes of attempting to check with their knife supplier, I decided to go ahead and special order a serpa (left hand, they had a ton of rightys in stock) from them, even though Gilberts is about 6 miles from my house. They also came back with a hell of a price on the knife, $158, unfortunately it's sold out at the moment.

 

[Joed757]

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well its about that time for me to get a 2nd weapon. Im a true Glock fan I cant see myself with anything else. I have the Glock 21 sf right now the 3rd generation. I went to Bobs to buy a different holster but now Im thinking of getting the 2nd. I was looking at shotguns as well but I have never shot one in my life nor do I know how to work one. I would not mind the open carry family helping me select my next weapon of choice. I do not want to spend more than $600 for anything so shot guns, AR's and handguns are all options as of now. I will either get it from the gun show or Bob's Gun Shop in Norfolk they have been nothing but nice to me...:celebrate:celebrate

 

[Joed757]

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[Thundar]

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Ron Hess was not at all friendly to me either. I wanted to buy a Swedish Mauser for my collection, but he was a total creep. Rude and almost mocking me. I left and didn't buy anything.

 

[Wangmuf]

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+1 for Quantico Arms in Woodbridge. I got there about 4 minutes before their poted closing time, and they still let me come in and browse around. Also gave me a 10% discount, which made the holster cheaper than the one I ordered. I'm guessing it's a LEO/military discount, even tho they knew I'm neither due to a conversation i had with a man I assume was the manager about their OTF auto's.


They had several left-hand holsters in-stock, a few different brands. I found a serpa for $2.00 more than i ordered one for @ Guns and Ammo warehouse, so I picked it up since Guns and Ammo didn't know how long it would take to get in. Now I won't have to swap between belt and paddle options, and I can carry NOW instead of in 2-3 weeks.

They also have a pretty decent selection of Benchmade knives, including at least 4 OTF autos, one of which I really want but can't purchase.

 

[MSC 45ACP]

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Joed757 wrote:

well its about that time for me to get a 2nd weapon. Im a true Glock fan I cant see myself with anything else. I have the Glock 21 sf right now the 3rd generation. I went to Bobs to buy a different holster but now Im thinking of getting the 2nd. I was looking at shotguns as well but I have never shot one in my life nor do I know how to work one. I would not mind the open carry family helping me select my next weapon of choice. I do not want to spend more than $600 for anything so shot guns, AR's and handguns are all options as of now. I will either get it from the gun show or Bob's Gun Shop in Norfolk they have been nothing but nice to me...:celebrate:celebrate

Joed;

I'm also a Glock fan (I bought one for my oldest daughter for her a 21SF for her18th birthday). I spent 22 years in the service and have a bit of experience with rifles, pistols and shotguns. You've already got a G-21SF, so you don't really need another Glock, do you?

Shotguns: IMHO, Mossbergs aren't the best built out there. Benelli (made by Beretta) are VERY nice, but you're also going to PAY $$$ for them. We had Mossberg 500's when I first joined the military and went to the Remington 870 family shortly thereafter. I'm a big fan of the model 870. They're very reliable and well built.

You probably can't pick up a decent AR for $600, unless its heavily used or "old & busted". I picked up a RomanianAK-clone called a WASR. Its a good shooter and quite reliable. My next purchase is going to be a match-grade AR. Most likely a Rock River National Match with a Wylde chamber.

Bob's is a great place and they've been in Norfolk forever. I grew up in Norfolk and they've always been reliable and friendly. Their prices are a bit high, but you're paying for fullservice and professional staff. If you're military, the Marine Corps Exchange at Camp Allen has the BEST prices in town.

I've been a small arms instructor since 1987. If you would like to furtheryour marksmanship education, send me a PM.

Semper Paratus!

Mike

 

[darthmord]

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MSC 45ACP wrote:

If you're military, the Marine Corps Exchange at Camp Allen has the BEST prices in town.

The Marine Corps Exchange sells firearms? I was unaware of that. I may have to swing by since that is but a mile or two from my house.

 

[MSC 45ACP]

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darthmord wrote:

MSC 45ACP wrote:

If you're military, the Marine Corps Exchange at Camp Allen has the BEST prices in town.

The Marine Corps Exchange sells firearms? I was unaware of that. I may have to swing by since that is but a mile or two from my house.

Also remember that you pay NO TAX, either. I don't remember getting any FFL fees there, either. What was on the tags of the AK and H&K USP is what I paid.

 

[darthmord]

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MSC 45ACP wrote:

darthmord wrote:

MSC 45ACP wrote:

If you're military, the Marine Corps Exchange at Camp Allen has the BEST prices in town.

The Marine Corps Exchange sells firearms? I was unaware of that. I may have to swing by since that is but a mile or two from my house.

Also remember that you pay NO TAX, either. I don't remember getting any FFL fees there, either. What was on the tags of the AK and H&K USP is what I paid.

That is a very good point. 5% sales tax adds up fast on purchases that involve a comma.

 

[ODA 226]

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Thundar wrote:

Ron Hess was not at all friendly to me either. I wanted to buy a Swedish Mauser for my collection, but he was a total creep. Rude and almost mocking me. I left and didn't buy anything.

RON HESS IS A HORSE'S ASS!!!!!