I've used his services for four firearm transfers so far. He's solid, with a dry sense of humor that I enjoy. He handles transfers only, so this is not a gun store and there's no inventory to browse. Service is by appointment only, and since he's a one-man operation, don't show up expecting walk-in service. His fees are lower than any gun store I've used in the Bay Area, and because of that, he's usually booked out. Again, make an appointment and give him time to text you back, if he doesn't respond by the end of the day text him again because he probably forgot to text you back. read more

I have referred some of my best friends to this guy and it was a big mistake. This guy has no regard for people's time and his communication is, at best, child like. He occasionally shows up late or cancels at the last moment and he even threatened to cancel a DROS when my friends called him out for being ridiculous. So, since your hard earned money is good anywhere, don't waste your time with this guy. read more

Dave is super helpful and provided many information to me! He spent lots of time trying to help me locate an H&K firearm, but we had completely no luck! I feel upset that I am unable to work with him to complete a transaction this time! But my enthusiasm of firearm will not end here, and we will finally get something done, Dave! Again, Thank you very much! read more

Dave is the best FFL in the area! I recommend him. But make sure and make an appointment with him via TEXT. He a little slow at responding to phone called and text as well because he gets very busy and it's only him. He's a one man operation. BUT, he's worth the slight hassle. Way better than waiting at Bass Pro for hours for help from someone that's not too familiar with firearms. read more

First time using Farwest as an FFL. Communicated via text with David and made appointment once my order arrived. The whole process went smoothly from start to finish. I will definitely will use Farwest as an FFL again read more

This guy will waste your time. I have sent him 10 emails (not an exaggeration) asking for an appointment, he replies to most but still hasn't given me a date or time. His phone number goes straight to voicemail then it says you can't leave a message because he hasn't set his voicemail up. He's holding my purchase hostage and refuses to give me an appointment. I don't know what his problem is but saving $75 in fees doesn't seem to be worth it when he ignores you. I don't know what to do at this point. He has my firearm and I can't get it from him, do I take this to small claims? EDIT: Today he took the time to reply to the same review I left on google and sent me two emails this morning with a bunch of poor excuses as to why his customer service sucks so bad BUT STILL HASN'T GIVEN ME AN APPOINTMENT. He says he gave me direct access information but when I went to message him using that, I received a message saying he's not on the service. I shouldn't have to figure out how to get in touch with this guy. He's seeing my emails, he responds to almost all of them two days later but still can't seem to muster enough energy to open his appointment book and mark down a time. He says he works two jobs and 18 hours a day but he needs to hire help or retire, this is ridiculous. Next update: So I got another email saying he was going to ship my package back to the seller in Texas. Then a few minutes later he sent another saying he was personally driving it to another local FFL so I can work with them. Got a call from Bullseye Bishop 10 minutes later and I have an appointment with them tomorrow morning, that's customer service Dave. It would have been so much easier to just book an appointment but apparently it's my fault that I lost patients with him. I wouldn't have even cared if it were a week or two out knowing he's super busy but I guess wasting my time with meaningless email replies and then making the effort to drive across town is easier than booking an appointment. Please take the time to look at his one star reviews here and on google. He replies to them all because his ego forces him to and has nothing but excuses. He never asks what he can do to make things right, he never apologizes. There's something wrong with this guy. He can't even tackle simple activities like setting up email filters and gets pissy when you call him out on his horrible service. Every email I sent was from his "contact us" link on HIS webpage but those go to his spam folder, unbelievable. He accused me of threatening him when I mentioned I was going to take him to small clams if he kept ignoring my request for an appointment, what else am I supposed to do, just sit there and suck it up? I'm really sad about this, he came so highly regarded but man does he shut down when faced with anything other than what he wants. He's bitten off more than he can chew with his attempt to run a business while also working a second job. His schedule is not an excuse for such bad service and behavior. Use him if you dare, he's the cheapest FFL in a 100 mile radius but ask yourself if the $75 dollars saved is worth the potential argument and refusal of service. read more

He really helped me today, he even cleaned my gun for me . The best place you can find for Ffl . Great communication, if you text him on WhatsApp he'll respond immediately. Be best place for Ffl in town read more

Dave is very efficient and personable. Makes the whole process fast and friendly. Pro Tip: line-up early

10/10 best ffl dealer in town. Whole transaction was smooth and informative send any new firearms here and you won't regret it. Best prices I could find too. read more

Great price. Good service. Owner is very knowledgeable. I would recommend this FFL to anyone.

I've been doing business with Dave for a couple of years now. He's provides good customer service and is pretty friendly. His prices are low and will help when needed. To the other person who complained about him being not in office, yes I had that issue as well, but the guy is busy and he always updates his status on facebook. There are other places to go if you're ready to pay, but I'm sticking with Dave. read more

People who has given this guy a 1 star are idiots and fault him for their mistakes. Dave is a one man store, and I have never seen someone care so much about his customers. This guy works 7 days a week, and he even works before and after his store hours just so he can please everyone. He will post on his facebook page updates about himself and the store to give people a heads up and what might go on. For example, if he has a doctor's appointment scheduled, he will update that on his facebook page. I really don't understand the complaints the people have. People don't seem to understand how busy Dave is and how stressful his position can be. If he missed your shipment delivery, he will go to UPS/Fedex/USPS to pick up your shipment before he opens. Who does that? He is a genuinely nice guy. He made my first gun purchase a very pleasant experience. I mentioned to him also how hard it was to find ammo, and he called one of his friends who owns a gun store and even asked if they had the ammo I was looking for in stock, which they did and I rushed over there before they closed. Dave is great. He is by far the best FFL dealer I have dealt with when I was looking around for one. I will definitely keep coming back to him. Thank you for everything Dave! read more

Dave is a one man show, he may not answer emails or phone messages, due to massive amount of customers, especially first time gun owners. Here are something to keep in mind: 1) Cash only, he has ATM machine but may run out due to overuse. 2) make sure online out of state transfers have SKU# matching the California Approved Handgun roster, or you will not be able to start DROS paperwork. 9% CA tax collected and $48 for DROS is a super good deal! Grabagun.com has his FFL on file. 3) Sat he opens a bit later around 12:45-1pm even though website lists noon. Tues office closed. 4) face mask is required and 6ft social distance while waiting in line. 5) PPT is Sundays only, for now. 6) lowest paperwork prices in entire Bay Area! Absolute kind and hard working gentleman that provides excellent and affordable 2A services. Refreshing not to wait 2-3 hrs like other local San Bruno, Burlingame shops. The current shop entrance is on 2nd floor, the right side outside staircase next to dumpster, he has a shared office space with other companies so suggested to wait at the bottom of the stairs and not by the door. read more

A calguns member called to setup an appointment Friday the 15th of May. He was told first come first serve and they open at 1pm. We both show up at 12:30 to get ahead of the croud. After waiting for an hour (1:30) another shop owner in the building sees us all waiting for the business to open and laughs. He says this happens all the time. By the time I left there were at least 10 others waiting. I drove 60 miles one way, waited over 2 hours and the owner never showed. Don't waste half a day and $40.00 in gas like I did. Find another FFL. read more

Farwest Photography - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Santa Clara, California

First time purchasing a firearm online from out of state, so I definitely had some concerns about having my newly purchased revolver sent to some stranger. I will say that communication with David at Farwest was a little challenging at first, but that is because he's a one man shop, and is completely slammed right now. I relied on reviews I had read, and still selected Farwest Photography as my FFL, and I'm glad I did. I only mention the communication challenges for complete disclosure, and not as a complaint. Following Farwest Photography on Facebook was my best move, and everything smoothed out from there. Once I set my DROS paperwork filling out appointment everything was smooth sailing from then on. I really appreciated David's knowledge, and after mentioning a couple semi-automatic pistols I was considering next, he pulled a couple from his own stock and let me feel them. That was great, and very helpful! So, bottom line, I'm very glad I chose Farwest Photography, and will most definitely use them again. The communication issues at first were 100% attributed to these crazy COVID-19 days. Farwest Photography will be my go to FFL from now on. read more

Went to do a FFL at RMB and tried to do a PPT, got rejected for PPT because it was "too little money." Found David here by mistake, actually found the guys downstairs who were closed but David was open. Took me in, did the PPT in under 30 minutes and that was with one person in the office at a time. Line did start forming outside so I got lucky, apparently on the weekends it's crazy here so come here on off-times during weekday to skip the lines, especially during this virus chaos. Had Purrell to clean hands after touching pens, he even had a whole bag of new pens for you if you'd like. David himself was wearing a respirator to prevent possible transmission. Now that I look back at it, I could've shipped my FFL from GunPrime directly here, I only picked RMB because GunPrime had a copy of their FFL license already. Prices here seem to be cheaper too! Plus this is right at the heart of Silicon Valley and right by my house so I will be coming back. read more

Super nice and professional. Great service. Highly recommend! You can schedule an appointment ahead of time on Signal or other messaging apps. Was very prompt and helped me right away. Very responsive as well. read more

Dave was very easy to communicate with. Explained all steps. Got my first AR and did not me feel more dumb than I already did and explained how it all worked. 5 stars across the board and would definitely do business again. read more

Poor communication. Zero effort to help. Will not be using again. Didn't show up when he said he would be at the office. I know things are crazy right now so I am not basing this review off of delays normally expected resulting from COVID. read more

Needed to find a Canon charger and had no luck in flagstaff. Guess what? These guys had it and were very helpful. Spent 1/2 hour helping us. Great guys. read more

Dave is a great guy who truly goes above and beyond to help his customers out. He's swamped right now with transfers, phone calls, and emails but he still makes an effort to help everyone. Prices are very reasonable (best price in the Bay Area) and he's willing to work with you to find a solution to any problems that arise. read more

Fantastic FFL! I just got 1000 rounds online shipped to Dave, I was in and out really quickly and getting an appointment was easy through WhatsApp. Fantastic guy, will be using Dave's services from now on read more

Great service, I appreciate how he posts updates about hours. Will definitely come back read more

Dave is a gem for the Bay Area. My go to FFL for anything and goes above and beyond. He's a one man operation so please be patient. Keep up with him on Facebook to receive any notifications regarding his hours. We have a shortage of good FFLs in the Bay Area, most local gun shops know this and take advantage, so I'm definitely glad Dave is in the Bay Area! read more

David is extremely kind and helpful! His prices are very reasonable. I've used him many times, and I couldn't be any happier with his service. He is truly one of a kind, and we are lucky to have him. read more

See all

Got my first gun (Glock 19) shipped and picked up here. Dave is very easy to deal with and provides great service. He is busy most of the time with all the new buyer requests, but just have patience and he'll get back to you. My experience was smooth sailing - just follow instructions and local laws and all will be fine. I also had ammo shipped here and it was very easy to pick up as well. His prices are very affordable and reasonable. Usually, there will be a long time outside his office, but he'll try to make accommodations to serve everyone and I think it's worth the wait! Awesome guy. Once I'm ready for a new piece, I'll be back! thanks Dave! read more

Dave and Farwest may be the only FFL that is actually serving the south bay, what I mean by that is, he is actually doing everything every other FFL should be but won't during this pandemic. He is a 1 man show, he does online transfers, ppts... yes ppts! Bear in mind that since he is doing this all by himself the days for ppts are sundays for now and yes you may have to wait a bit, but he will get to you. As someone who has been using Dave as his FFL for years now, I 100% appreciate him and what he is doing for us gun owners. One other thing is I recommend following farwest photography on facebook as he updates there on real time, when he is in the box. Again thank you Dave for being a rock solid FFL in the south bay! read more

Dave is awesome. Period. No attitude, very easy to work with (not like many other gun shops these days. You all know what I'm talking about.) All the reviews online are true. Before I met Dave, I was in doubts why so many people gave him 5 star reviews, while he seems to be late on replying pings and emails. The answer is simple, his place is a one man show, and he's trying help all of us out. No markups in fees, great service. I'll for sure do my business with him again! There's always one dress short in wife's closet, and many guns short in my safe. ;) read more

I enjoy doing business with Dave, he's a great guy and easy to relate to. Yes his office is small, but that is how he able to keep his overhead cost down and pass that savings on to his customers. I send all of my on-line ammo orders to him because he charges a more than reasonable flat rate for doing so and he likes to talk guns. read more

I just went to Dave and did a PPT. Other places weren't doing any or were scheduled far out. Called up Dave and luckily he was able to fit me in next day. Day of had to wait a little to be let into the building but during these times I am glad to have someone like him available. It was quick and painless once it was my turn. Dave is a one man show that does his best for his customers. Make sure to check facebook for schedule updates. I already have something else on the way to him. Looking forward to doing more business with him. read more

Quick and easy PPT. I was able to get an appointment with him within 3 days. Reasonable prices too.

David is great. He is very friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. During these current events of COVID-19 David is doing a great job with staying sanitary while giving his clients a peace of mind that their fire arm is in good hands. He truly makes it easy for a buyer/seller to do business with. Thanks David! -Jonathan L. read more

Dave is a great guy to work with and not at all condescending for first timers and has carried the business amiably during a very crazy couple of months. #2020 read more

There are many things out of any one's control recently. David is one of the few that is still able to help people at this particular time. It may happen that sometimes directly reaching out may fail because unforeseeable reasons. But David always update his Facebook page about the business status. Really appreciate all the help David has been providing. read more

First time using this FFL. Website states to call and make appt. Called 1 week before requested date. Was told no appt. necessary, just come in (contradicts website instructions). Show up Saturday at 1pm, door locked and no one at business. Called business number - heard phone ringing in the office on the other side of the door. Phone call transferred to VM, message stated "Sorry I worked late at my other job and didn't get off shift until 8:30 a.m., im tired and need to get some sleep. So you'll understand if I don't come in today. I might be in later but not sure. Thanks". Really, this is how you run a business? Avoid doing any business with this place if your time means anything to you! read more

Let me get this out of the way, he is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY. More over, EVERY FFL is busy. Before walking into his office, I was all like "god, I have to call a couple times, no instant service, maybe I'll try another FFL later". The moment I meet this guy I realized I'll stick with him. Why? Because he's doing what he loves. He genuinely loves his craft and does it well. Despite how busy and overwhelming things are he'll try to fit you in. This is a ONE MAN operation. You gotta call him either on the day of or a day ahead. He does this essential service while charging some of the lowest fee in the area and work to get your special piece in. 5/5 recommended. And honestly, if you read a low rating because of WAIT time or how DIFFICULT it is to get to him, honestly it's like that everywhere. read more

Like how basically everyone else has said, it's only a one man show so you have to be patient with response times to phone calls and emails. Dave is one of the few FFL's still operating during this pandemic, and he's doing all he can to get everyone in. Just remember to call for an appointment, and wait in your car until he calls you up. He's also one of the few non-gun store FFL's that don't charge exorbitant prices for transfers so there's that as well. read more

I've done a couple transfers here and have always had a good experience. Dave really knows his stuff and is a nice and friendly guy to do work with. I called ahead both times to insure I didn't have to wait. read more

Dave, Thanks for the training and history on AR15 and the fundamentals of assembly of my first Anderson lower receiver. I would recommend FarWest (Dave) to anyone looking for a reliable, trusting and honest FFL for your first purchase to the experienced gun enthusiast. Best in Class when it comes to customer service! Jeremy Bubenicek read more

Dave is the best FFL I've worked with. Dave knows his stuff, his price can't be beat and the guy bends over backwards to help the 2A community. During the rush Dave was regularly staying 3-4 hrs past his closing time so folks could complete their transfers prior to the 1/1/17 deadline. My only caveat is Dave's office is a little cramped and can get a bit stuffy, kind of like a dorm room, so call ahead to see how packed it is! read more