I wasn't a huge fan of firearms and coming in here for the first time made me slightly uncomfortable, just because I don't know much about handguns, yet that is what I am here to look at. Make sure you grab a number as you enter, because it is busy on the weekends, and they do go by the number system/first come first serve. My overall impression was that the staff here is super nice and super helpful. Even if you don't really know what you are looking for/at, they are knowledgeable enough to explain the mechanics to you and give you their recommendations. The whole fear and discomfort quickly disappeared after interacting with the staff here. read more

Came here a few days ago...store was pretty empty, I can't say limited but empty of most hands guns. This is very understandable seeing as we are in a pandemic and everyone wants to stay safe. Dropping this review for a heads up Incase you go store doesn't have much to offer at the moment. Staff was very friendly and what they did have left they gave me the game on and also where to purchase since they were out. So again, heads up before you go store doesn't have much currently!!! read more

I use to like this place but now I don't, some of the people working here are unprofessional, they don't answer the phone, their waiting system sucks, I believe they over priced some things taking advantage of COVID-19. I think their customer service is poor due to some unexperienced people working there. read more

I love the guys at Elite (especially Popeye). I purchased my first handgun from them and my husband now owns rifles and handguns purchased here. We stop in for ammo, cleaning tools, targets, whatever. They're small, but have everything you need at good prices. Next on the shopping list... Henry Gold Boy.... time to save $ read more

Been there 4 - 5 times; always satisfied. Great staff. Very professional, helpful, and will spend time to explain their inventory

I went to Elite Armory today and I'll never go again. They are so disorganized that it's a miracle they're still in business. There were 5-6 people behind the counter but only two and a half of them were actually doing anything while people waited in horrific lines, just to find out they were actually sold out of items they swore they had over the phone moments before (I called from the line). To put this in perspective, I was at Solar Tactical down the street yesterday and there were only two people working but they were multitasking their butts off and working quickly and diligently to help everyone in an expeditious manner. Don't waste your time, just go to Solar. read more

They may be elite but they aren't elitist. Friendly staff who are very knowledgeable. Good place to buy a first gun. And they have good covid safety protocols so you know they aren't chide! read more

Very professional and courteous staff here.... Highly recommended. Went here to purchase a stripped lower for an AR build and they were very helpful in helping me make my choice of which one to purchase. There are pretty much every option here regarding firearm choices and I'm sure if they don't have what you want they can get it... There are customer resales as well as new stock... Everything from small handguns to assault style and hunting rifles not to mention all the accessories you'll need. Why go to a big box store with regular employees when you can buy and learn from actual weapon enthusiasts?! Check this place out first. read more

My new favorite local firearms retailer. Picked up a Ruger Gunsite Scout from these folks today and I have to say, I wish these folks would teach their customer service skills to some of the other local businesses. I regret that I didn't get any names, but the gentlemen here were nothing but informative, patient, and courteous as I asked questions about my potential purchases. I especially appreciate that the guy who was helping me preview different rifles in 308 did not automatically push me to buy the much more expensive M1A and instead kept my own personal needs and requests in mind in his recommendation. It's become increasingly difficult to be a decent, law-abiding gun owner in the SF Bay Area, and I have always maintained that (outside of our ludicrous laws, of course) a large reason for that is the oftentimes elitist, rude, and condescending nature of many of the gun store employees and owners I've met in the area. If this shop is any indication, maybe there's hope yet of welcoming new shooters, sportspeople, and defense practitioners into the fold. Only by expanding the tent can we potentially fight back against the infringement of our rights. Thanks Elite Armory. I'm definitely coming back! read more

Agree with the other reviewers....great customer service. They take time to answer any questions and very friendly. I had some upgrades that I needed to my handgun and had to leave but paid in advance. When I came to pick up my gun the they me a partial refund because it was not as difficult as they had thought. Great to be offered a refund without even knowing I should get one. Very honest people and will continue to use them for all my gun and ammo needs. read more

This place has the worst service ever! Went yesterday and literally waited 15 minutes while three guys went from the front to back room doing nothing and when I asked if we could get help one said he was helping a customer..really three people walking around aimlessly helping one customer or intentionally avoiding us because of the color of my friends' skin? Despicable and clearly not appreciative of what could have been paying customers read more

If you are new to guns, had a bad experience at another gun store, or just like guns and great customer service - definitely check out the guys at Elite Armory. Great selection, decent prices (maybe a touch more than you'd pay in the Central Valley), but absolutely first rate customer service! A few other reviewers have touched on this, but I think it bears repeating: The staff here are actually knowledgeable and helpful, not looking for the first opportunity to tell you that you don't know what you're talking about. That seems like it should be par for the course...but anyone who has been to more than one gun store knows what I'm talking about. Going to a gun store can be a painful experience that leaves me thinking "You guys get that I'm a customer, right? Don't talk down to me if you want my money!" The Elite Armory guys get it. They've shown me gun after gun, answered all my questions, never given me any crap for coming in to look at several guns, several times before finally buying something. As a result, I've purchased multiple pistols and long guns here, and I intend to keep doing so as long as they maintain their standard of customer service. Check them out, it'll be fun - any you might just learn something! read more

So I just want to start off by saying these guys have a customer for life. I went in with the intentions to get a lower receiver shipped here to changing my mind and purchasing not one but 2 firearms. Pierre, Andrew and Owen you guys rock. These guys are very friendly and will walk you through everything. It shows they know how it feels to be on the other side of the counter. If your new to purchasing a gun or wanting to find out what best suits you In your situation, they are the guys to talk to. Pierre made it such a fun experience with my girlfriend. That I came back the next day they were open to put down the deposit on the guns that he had showed my girlfriend and I. Many thanks guys. I definitely will be back soon for future purchases. read more

Elite Armory - Stag arms and Mossberg 500 flex - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I have yet to purchase a firearm from Elite - but I have picked up accessories and called to ask them questions, since they are my local gun store and I prefer to keep it local. And I can tell you, from those visits and calls, I am very impressed and will always attempt to buy from here from here on out. They have always been patient, helpful. knowledgeable, and they hear your question - I mean they listen, imagine that. They aren't judgmental, they ask good questions, and again, they are friendly. Nothing is more annoying than someone too cool for school telling you why "what you want is garbage and that you need to like what they like" - this is too common at gun shops - and has NEVER happened here at Elite. See you all soon! read more

Best Staff in the business at both CV and Tracy! Whether your a novice or a pro, they are very helpful.

I have made a number of substantial purchases here, and the in-store experience was positive for all of them. The guys behind the counter are friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. Some have more technical and historical knowledge than others. I like that when they don't know the answer to a question, they don't act like they do. I've regularly seen them work together to dispense accurate information, and good advice. That's great. The store is very small, and sometimes the lines get very long. I've been impressed by how they usually say hello, using my name, as I enter the store, even though it will be a while before I get to actually talk to them. That's also great. Make sure you grab a number as you enter. They'll get to you eventually. The only bummer was when they went dark around November of 2016. No answered calls, no returned messages. I was trying to arrange a transfer and I wasn't able to visit in person. I was in a bind with the seller of the item I wished to purchase, and I hoped I could rely on this store that I had done so much business with. Unfortunately I had to go elsewhere as a result. I attribute it to the hectic market around that time, they were probably just swapped. But that is the reason for the 4 stars. A call back, or an answering machine message to say "sorry, we're maxed out right now' would have been nice. Some people complained about prices. Hmmm. Small parts and accessories might be 15% more than an internet 'sale' price, but that's normal for a brick and mortar store. When it came to items behind the counter that cost real money, their prices weren't any higher than the next best option. read more

Need info on firearms?, need to talk with very knowledgeable people about firearms?, very friendly and welcoming people?, well I've been to lots of firearms stores in the last 20 years and I can honestly say that Elite Armory has been the best thus far, I highly recommend this firearms shop and I am very picky about who I write good reviews on. read more

Great guys. Good service. knowledgeable about firearms, and stoic in the face of all the BS the state of California throws up to make it difficult to purchase them. Their shop is a long drive from my house, but worth the effort. I wish there were more shops like this. read more

Had a great first time buying experience here! They didnt have exactly what I was looking for in stock due to gun shortage (not their fault) and politely asked if i'd like to be put on a waiting list. I (being nervous about new stricter California regulations) decided i'd rather settle with something I liked in the mean time instead of waiting for something that could potentially take a while to get it. Took about an hour of paperwork and just waiting on my background to clear! Overall, really happy with the customer service especially for a first time buyer which can be a little nerve wracking. Nice Job Elite Armory team! read more

I came here today take my FSC test. I was done with the test in about 15 minutes and passed! Andrew was the guy that helped me today. He was patient with me and educated me about the types of handguns. Overall, very friendly and seems like a great person that you could hang out with. My experience here far exceeded my expectations and eventually led me to purchasing my first handgun on the same day. Now I can't wait to pick it up! If you're a newbie like I am, don't be worried like I was about coming into a shop and feeling embarrassed because you're not knowledgeable on guns. These guys will guide you in the right direction. As for the shop, they have a wide range of selections. Out of all the shops that I've been to, they have had the biggest selection...so I definitely plan to come back for future purchases. P.S. to the older gentleman that was helping me before Andrew, I'm sorry that you nicked your hand while showing me the CZ. I hope you're okay dude... read more

Just recently bought an Ak-47 from these guys at today's Daily City Gun Show. I wanted to wait to write my review until I got my rifle (after 10 days) but I decided to write one now! Why? BECAUSE THESE GUYS ARE LEGIT! The customer service, the help they offered and knowledge of their firearms were 110%! These guys are really awesome people. They know what they're talking about and they're willing to actually sit down and talk to you about what you're buying to make sure you know WHAT YOURE BUYING. Most gun shop workers are uptight douchebags that don't care about the customer... excuse my language. But these guys are great. Great prices, especially for being a California Gun Shop! Can't wait to pick up my new rifle in 10 days! I will definitely be coming back for a new addition! read more

Elite Armory - Elite Armory AK line up. - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Castro Valley, California

All staff is knowledgeable and understanding. Pretty good selection. Store small af so it can get packed when busy.

Great service got my 870 tactical from them right when I turned 18. Very helpful guys there. Did take a month to get my gun to arrive but I ain't tripping. Looking forward to come back when I turn 21 to get my handgun from them! read more

My experience with guys at this shop both over the phone and in person have been second to none. As busy as the store was they were eager to help and extremely patient with any questions I had. Went in for a PPL as well as a gun purchase and both transactions were seamless and effortless. Would definitely do business with them again and recommend anyone in the area to do so as well. Thank you guys for your great service and my new MC Operator ...as for David D. with the the three star review below; no one likes a sensative whiny little b!tch yet here you are ;) read more

Had to come back and show these guys some love. Great service, reasonable pricing and a decent selection. Picked up my first HK P2000.

It's like walking into my own home. You may be put off by the home style front door at first, but inside is something better than home. It's heaven. Great selection of firearms, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Just took my FSC test here. Was in and out in less than 30 minutes. Andrew, I believe it was, set me up, answered any questions I had and made me feel at home. Will be making my first purchase from these fellas. Support your local business and stop by. This place is a gem. read more

Very bad! Even though I ordered rifle from an online store and had it shipped to them, they refused to do the transfer even though my DROS came back clear. They are racist! The owner seemed nice at first, but he is very fake. Don't go here, bad for our economy and bad for our people. read more

In my opinion BEST SHOP IN THE BAY, was treated like a friend from day one of meeting the guys who work here, they had alot of info and i had alot of questions that they were happy to answer, they're inventory may not be very big BUT the quality is amazing and the fire arms in there range from modern cool looking guns to old and beautiful guns, i love this shop and cant wait for any of my next transactions with it read more

Cool little store, completely remodeled from the old Andreotti Firearms. It's much cleaner and no longer smells like smoke and piss and whatever other crap smells were going on there. These guys are knowledgeable, pleasant to deal with and treated me like a real customer, what a difference from the old regime. Times are pretty tough right now for firearms and ammunition inventories as it is really slim pickiins for what is available from the manufacturers and the distributors, but Elite manages to keep firearms on the shelf and has at least a little bit of ammo available. I see a review here from David A. Please do yourself a favor and ignore this review. He is the previous owner of this store and is nothing more than a little butt hurt BIEOACH. read more

Being my first experience in a gun store, I am extremely impressed. I visited a couple other stores around, and none of them met the standards Elite Armory has set for me. I went in there knowing the general direction I wanted to go in, but the guys there were more than happy to help me narrow it down. I never felt like I was being judged for my lack of knowledge, but more of a you want to learn, we'll teach you as much as we can. I visited four separate times before purchasing and each time I walked away with more knowledge and a lasting impression. Definitely recommend for anyone that is just getting into the firearms world. I'll be coming back for any future purchases. read more

The person that helped me out (a chill Asian dude name Bryan) was extremely helpful with a great attitude. If possible try to ask for him but I imagine he is usually qued up with customers. Elite Armory had a great selection of firearms, if it wasn't for all these restrictive California gun control laws I would be making a lot more purchases here! read more

I used to eat at Dino's quite a bit and always wanted to check out the old gun store, but it always looked like it was closed. Now that it has become Elite Armory it's very inviting for anyone to come in and take a look at what they have. They are also very good about keeping you updated on what they have that's "just in" if you "like" them on facebook. Very cool guys. I don't think you will ever see a gun store staff as diverse as theirs. An asian guy, a mexican guy, Santa Claus and two dogs. read more

Castro Valley is probably one of the only cities that has a couple of guns shops and ammo places around San Leandro area that's convient for me to hit up when I'm back in town. So as I was checking out the places around town, I sound Elite Armory. First impressions were great. I had great conversations with the entire staff and they were all extremely helpful. I was trying to pick up a Springfield 1911 Operator and they didn't have any in stock, but instead offered me some options: 1. Put your name down on their WISH LIST with your number and they'll contact you as soon as they get something in. 2. There was this sweet, brand new, 1911 Sig Sau. that came with three mags they had for about 1k. I'm not a fan of the Sig's but that baby was looking pretty sweet at the counter. I took option one and headed out. I came back the following week and some more times, and still no Operator. But they did remember me and the gun and ammos conversations went on. The staff were all very knowledge about everything from different types and talking about their own experiences. They're not judgmental, especially since I'm a female looking into guns. They praised me on my exceptional taste in 1911s- which means a lot! I decided to pick up the 1911 Sig Sau. I didn't have all my paperwork with me, but I was ensured that the gun would still be there, no need for holds. So update you on that when I bring in my paperwork and my baby home. But the store itself is extremely clean. Everything is organized and easy to spot. They have the two most adorable and sweetest dogs inside the store, but they stay in the back when customers come in. Easy to find, located inside an old plaza behind the Dinos and lots of parking. They're always opened as long as the sign is out. Closed Suns/Mons though. AND the gun wait for pick up is only 10 days vs Target Masters which is 11 days. read more

I love this establishment. As a younger female who is just getting into firearms, there are a lot of stores that will try to sell you a line (or several) of BS. This store is not one of them. After calling every store in the bay area looking for a Beretta and having no luck I went into Elite. Not only did he offer to take my name and number, he actually did call, and only 3 days later! With the current firearms market I expected it to take at least a couple weeks. The best part is the store down the street (I will not name it because I have received excellent service there in the past) tried to sell me the same gun in used condition for only $50 less than I purchased the new one for. The store is bright, clean and there is a lot of great stuff on display (mostly rifles) and there are dogs to play with while you wait. Plus the people are friendly, helpful, and don't give off that creepy backwoods survivalist vibe. :) I'll be back in 10 days to pick up my newest acquisition. These guys are my new go-to store. read more

The people here are super nice and helpful. That's not the reasoning for my 3 stars. Location is great for me and variety of pieces is awesome they always have a lot of handguns to look at. Prices are, for lack of a better word. CRAZY. I've been here, cash in hand at least 3 times over the last few years and had to walk out and take my business else where. Lower receivers almost $50-$80 more than many stores in the Bay Area. Some, not all handguns priced way above even places like bass pro too. They won't give a price over the phone either so to check things out u gotta waste a drive. Today I walked in to have a lower receiver built. $65 plus anywhere from a 3-4 week wait? What? I dipped, and took my parts to Bay Area Gun Vault. $25 bucks and it was done in 45mins. It's worth the drive and I promise you this. If you don't mind spending sometimes close to double what things are worth stop in. Like I said staff are super knowledgeable and the DROS are all done on laptops so it's quick and easy for sales and transfers. Plus "Popeye" the dog in there is the cutest little bastard in Castro Valley. read more

I was going to give them 4 stars, but after dealing with them for the past 2 weeks, they're getting five. Pros: - the first gun store you'll ever go into where you'll get good customer service - the first gun store you'll ever go into where you know more than two of the employees' names (Dario: Santa Claus, Gabriel: Hispanic, Ronnie: Asian) - All 3 are very knowledgeable, yet not cocky, and very helpful - a VERY GOOD selection of firearms, considering that their floor is 15' x 10' - fair pricing on all goods Cons: - the place is REALLY popular, so once you get more than three customers inside, it gets crowded and stuffy - If they had more space, I wish they could carry some more accessories like vests, clothing, boots, etc. - They don't give price quotes over the phone. Understandable, they want as much customer traffic as possible. - the chihuahua-pitbull mix got very... um... excited, and had... reproductive fluid dribbling out of one of his orifices experience: I came here on a whim with a friend. I normally don't do anything in Castro Valley, but he wanted me to come along. I'd been wanting a Glock-21, and they had a gently used one (Dario: "So you wanna fondle that Glock again?"). Lo and behold, I'd forgotten my Handgun Safety Certificate and my secondary Proof of residence. They let me buy the Glock, then come back the next day with my secondary proof of residence and HSC in hand to fill out the paperwork. I come back two weeks later, and they're still as people friendly as when I went in two weeks before. They forgot to get me the holster that came with the Glock, so I called them saying I would pick it up the day after. Well, I had free time, so I came in the day before. Ronnie acknowledged me as soon I as came through the door, and I was out of there. Bottom line: Forget other stores in the East Bay! I'm coming here from now on. If the people whom you work with can't give you their names, they're probably too afraid to take responsibility of or pride in anything they do. read more

Might be the closest gun store near my area. Very friendly and happy to answer any questions. I came in looking for a Glock, but couldn't decide on one. After checking out a few I noticed they didn't feel comfortable in my hand, so they recommended the 17 which they didn't have. One of the workers, his name escapes me as I write this, brought out his personal one and let me check it out. Having lived out of state until recently, they were very informative about whats compliant in CA. They also clued me in on a variety of red dot sights since I was in the market for one. If this isn't superb customer service, then I don't know what is. Needless to say they made a returning customer out of me and I recommend this place to anyone. read more

Highly, highly recommended. The whole staff at Elite Armory is cool, calm, collected, and educated. They're ready to answer any questions you may have and don't treat you like some sort of outcast if you ask a "newbie" question. The prices are extremely fair and they have quite a bit in stock. The store is very well organized, well lit, and super clean. You feel comfortable and confident that you will be able to get what you came in for or find the answer you need. This is hands down, the best gun shop in the Bay Area. Do not hesitate to make your next purchase here! read more

This rating is purely based on my conversation with them when I called today. I live quite a ways from them but I was interested in calling them because I read good things on Yelp. I live about 40 miles away and don't mind driving for a good deal. But they won't quote prices over the phone. And they don't offer any kind of a discount program for First Responders. Probably for cops, but not for paramedics. I'll go somewhere where I'm appreciated. read more

I always try to support local gun shops especially since they are scarce in Alameda county. This shop is small, clean and has a decent selection. They cater heavily to the AR folks. From what I understand they have been in the gun show business for years and have now opened a store. They recently got their FFL so their stock of guns isn't the biggest but they carry a lot of the stuff in demand like Glock, Sig, S&W and Remington. I'm sure the recent panic buying has more to do with their low stock than anything. Seems like every time I check them out they have more stuff. In time they will probably be my go to shop. The guys are young and super chill. Unlike the usual grumpy old timers you normally see in a gun shop. If I was a new shooter I would feel very comfortable shopping here. Staff is friendly and knowledgable. And if you go in the middle of the day they will have time to answer all your questions with no rush. Their dros system is computerized and efficient unlike that big store in Milpitas. read more