First off, this place is right at home... if it was in the deep south. Seriously, HGTV can do a show on fixing up this place! But on with the review.... The good: 1. They actually got some rather interesting items there... the store is you typical the-one-on-the-counter-is-it small business. So if you does see something you want, Put some money down for layaway - asap. 2. Pretty knowledgeable on firearms.. especially on long guns. The bad: 1. The mates works there are as Cali red neck as this side south of Redding and north of Fresno. Not a problem with me, but might not be with some ppl. 2. Again, their customer service might not win them any BBB awards. But this is YMMV. 3. Little bit over price on items sold. But that is expected. But transfering fee is fair if you don't want to deal with the independents FFL holders. The Ugly: 1. If you acts like you are noob, a tourist-ish type or just don't have the look, expect to get a cold shoulder. (see #2 above) Although nowhere nearer as bad as the snobs at Reed's gunshop. 2. The place might need benefit from a makeover... better lighting, more space for the clients. Anyway, I am only giving them a 3 stars, But I will continually use them as my secondary go-to for firearms stuff. I haven't used their transfer service yet, but will do so soon -- as soon as impactgun of UT. have that stainless Cz compact restocked. read more

this place sucks now. go to buy ammo and they have it in unmarked bags. seems no FFL anymore either so no guns. charge for background checks (since when does anyone do that). can we do no stars? read more

As my girlfriends and I walked in we were immediately greeted by two of the employees. I was looking for some pepper spray. One of the employees talked to me about the pepper sprays and said that they were better than the police grade. I bought a pink one. The guy who rung me up was very nice, and he showed me how to properly use the pepper spray. I am looking to get my handgun safety card, and I am glad that they offer the test here too. The service was good, but this place loses one star because of the serious clutter inside the store. It is absolutely ridiculous. read more

This place is a dump. I called and asked if they had ammo is stock, was told yes. I asked how much and the owner wouldn't tell me. I drove 30 minutes to get there, the owner was rude and his ammo was WAY over priced. I tried to support a small business in challenging times. This guys is the reason people go to big box stores read more

One of the best sources of CA-legal AR type rifles in the Bay Area (one of the only ones in San Jose), they've always got everything you need to put together an off-list rifle (see calguns.net for info on that). Prices are a bit steep, especially after Obama became POTUS, but again they've got parts that usually incur a six-month wait if you buy them from a vendor online. The owner Mike is hard of hearing so he yells a lot and I guess that turns people off but he's always gotten me the gun I was looking for and they do military discounts. A lot of the staff there are younger and since I look younger I don't get treated like crap like I do from older gun salesmen at places like Reeds. I also like Mike's dogs. read more

Being a noobie to the gun buying experience, I will admit I was a tad intimidated walking into a gun shop. I walked in and was greeted by a gentleman in a decent amount of time and started asking about what I was looking for (10/22 and 12 gauge shotgun). He took me over to the wall section for just these types and immediately started pulling guns off the shelf and showing me the differences between each model and personal suggestions based on the info I had given. What I really enjoyed was him comparing different guns in ways that related to my field of work (automotive repair). We decided on a very basic 10/22 Ruger and a Mossberg 500 setup for field shooting. I was a little worried about going with just the basic 10/22 as to the want of something a little higher up on the food chain. The rep assured me to check on the aftermarket accessories for this gun as it would be cheaper and a much better way for me the grow into the gun; and boy was he right. I would have never imagined the aftermarket of this size for that little gun. As for the Mossberg I was concerned that the field setup would not be best for what I was looking for, but again taking his advice, I came out about $100 ahead of budget after checking out the aftermarket for setting it up for how I wanted and im still setup for hunting if so wanted. And the whole transaction was finished off with a handshake, that kind of professionalism is very rare in any type of business. All in all quite pleased with my experience, so you may be asking why only 4 stars when my experience should really warrant a 5 star? It had nothing to do with the help I receieved (really wish I remembered his name, about 5'10", thin, long full beard), but the the transaction is still not quite over, gotta pick up my guns in 10 days and also go back in with a list of aftermarket accessories that I want. Yes I know I can get a lot of this crap online and probably save a little but of money, but Id rather buy from a local business that gave me honest advice to help me out as much as they could even if it costs a little more. read more

Mixed feelings about this place. They've got a pretty great selection of used shotguns and rifles, but you better know what you're looking at because the guys behind the counter won't help you. It seem like they were trying their hardest to not sell guns. But I have to say they have an interesting selection at reasonable prices, so if you know what you're looking for it's worth checking out. read more

Went in to buy some ammo for a shooting outing with friends. Al was a great help, recommended decent ammo for target practice (inexpensive)and showed me some cool guns. Next time Al... They have a great selection of guns and are very knowledgeable about their products. read more

I had a great experience here. I know very little about rifles or guns for that matter. I brought my 12 year old daughter in to look at 22's for her 13th birthday. The old guy behind the counter was super cool and showed us every rifle we wanted to see. He made a joke about a gun that matched my daughters dress. We all laughed including my daughter. He made it fun to be there and we wound up buying 2 22's. My daughter got a mossberg and i got the Henry US Survival. We took them to the shooting range over the weekend and had a blast. Thanks Gun Exchange! read more

Contrary to what everyone says, the staff isn't too bad. Very helpful and knowledgeable...and very talkative. The only downside is that everything is crammed into a small area. Its more for the gun savvy, so if you come in without knowing what you want, don't expect them to cater to you. read more

I bought the Juggernaut CA compliant kit for my AR-15 and paid Mike to install it. He was unable to install it properly and charged me $50 when he quoted me $30 because he struggled with it so much. He also said bring the gun back if it doesn't work and he would fix it. Mike did not honor his word. He wanted to charge me again to fix it when it was his fault he missed a part. Truthfully I don't think he is capable of installing it and did not want the burden. I highly suggest you go some where else. This guy is a fraud and does not know how to install the products he sells. read more

This guy is so cool. I got rob, and he spend 30 min on the phone trying to help me to the right direction. Thank you so much.

This place only lets you get one box of ammunition. Old white guy very rude and he was just asking unnecessary questions about my race.

So I am in the market for a handgun. (bad market to be in right now) I checked this place out because they had a website the said the would price match and had used gun as well as new. the only negative things in most reviews was the clutter. I got there mid-day and the place is beyond cluttered. tons of stuff on the counters obscuring the displays, tight squeezing around piles to make a lap around the small sales floor. After the quick lap around the place less then two min even with the squeezing and maneuvering needed. I ask about buying a handgun. Turns out Mike is retiring so until then get a new licences dealer they aren't selling handguns! That would of been nice to know before I drove out. if only they had a website to communicate such things to interested customers. Wait they do have one and have not put any such information on it as I checked it before I left on my half hour trip down there. I will not likely be going there in the 4-6 weeks I was told it would be before they would begin selling handguns. again read more

Ok I just read some of the reviews other people left. Here's my opinion on this shop. Don't be a wuss, this place is a gun shop, not a Bath & Body Works. If you walk in here with your pants halfway down limping like a gangster, you probably are going to get a strange look. Bring your red neck to get the best service. Prices are a tad high, deal with it or shop elsewhere. Don't tell them there is a better price on the internet or you are just going to irritate the hell out of them. It would irritate me too. I will personally pay a few $ more to support a small local business, and I do with all the purchases I make here. I procrastinated and forgot to buy all the supplies for my hunt. I called them up to check stock and picked up a new Harris Engineering Bi-pod for my rifle at the last minute. Went on a hunt and bagged a freezer full of meat. Good thing they had what I needed or that 400yd shot would have been near impossible. read more

I would not recommend this gun store to anybody. I had never been here before and was met with AWFUL customer service. I stood waiting for 5 minuets while some guy chatted with the other man, clearly seeing someone else needed help. I was spoken to in a smart manner with sassy remarks repeatedly. The man behind the counter acted as if he knew it all. Another thing to add; this place is dirty and as messy as could be. Dust piled some of the racks and items, stuff was thrown around and cluttered everywhere. This store is also OVER PRICED for work. The guy charged me $25 to remove a flash hider that took him less than 1 min to remove and proceeded to try to sell me a wrench that was $65.00 when it is worth $20.00. Between poor customer service and over priced tools and work, I wouldn't tell anyone to spend their time or money here. read more

Good to do business with. They have an excellent selection of firearms and ammo. In my opinion, it's one of the very best gun and ammo selections in the SF bay area. (It's still hard to get some ammo calibers these days, so Gun Exchange is an important target shooting resource.) The staff here is very polite and knowledgeable. A major advantage, they offer both new and used guns and camping gear. Some of the camping gear is a bargain price. If you are looking for some rare / no longer manufactured outdoor gear, you may enjoy stopping by for a visit. read more

These guys are awesome!!!! Got me steel shot and a mojo on a Sunday! Definitely my go to shop from now on!

For Christmas I wanted my very first rifle. Came here for the first time and left after purchasing my very own Brand-spanking-new 30-30 Lever Action. LOVE IT! We were help promptly and given undivided attention, which was much appreciated as this, was my first buying experience. 10days later came and picked up my Marlin, I will not lie I was extremely picky but they were so great I was fully confident in my new ownership. Being a first timer I forgot my receipt!!! Luckily they called me a week later and I'll be swinging by to get that ASAP. Thank you gentleman for your help and patience! read more

Great store , always has what I am looking for . Some of the reviews are ridiculous. Typical non gun owners acting like asshats then complaining when they are treated as so .. As a immigrant I've never had an issue here or been treated less than respectful. It's a shame old school shops as these are disappearing . People such as you "Eric W." shouldn't even be aloud to own weapons if you are reviewing hospitals for constant panic attacks... last thing you need is a weapon . read more

Cool place to pick up your hunting supplies! I had some time to kill so I decided to finally poke my head in and check this place out. I was overwhelmed at first by all the old guns, animals on the wall, old ammunition boxes and old photos. They even had harpoons and katanas. I felt like a kid in a candy store the day after Christmas! I just had to buy a couple things but I definitely could have spent more time and money at this store. I will be back here sooner than later. read more

Since they are a FFL dealer I asked how much they charge for AR lower receiver transfer is. Guy told me to come in because they have em in stock and just get one through them. Called again to ask what I needed to bring to get one and another guy told me they didn't have any. Both guys were completely rude and unhelpful. Will NEVER again! read more

This place couldn't be any more disorganized even if they made an attempt at it. But yet I keep returning once a year to see if they have their act together. Mainly because of their proximity. Just like the last time I visited I see nothing has changed. I will stick with my proven vendors that I have dealt with in the Sac area and in Socal. The cost will be more with shipping included but the knowledge of knowing my order will be correct, on-time and as an added bonus no attitude. read more

This place is a disaster. I walked in and the manager was yelling at a customer on the phone, telling her to stop calling him. The guy behind the counter had never fired or even picked up half the stuff behind the counter. Assistance was limited to "here hold it, it looks nice". The inside is a disaster with crap all over the place. Prices are about the same as everyone else. They seem to carry the low end stuff. read more

Will never buy a gun here ever again.Very rude and unhelpful customer service.Dropped quite a lot on a gun here and they had the worst customer service ever experienced in a gun shop. read more

I'm kicking myself for disregarding the advice from others about this shop. I cannot in good conscience recommend other gun enthusiasts patronize this establishment unless you are satisfied with low standards of service. Here's our story... On Oct. 2, 2010 my girlfriend and I went in to purchase a gun (nothing exotic) that they didn't have in stock. They said they could order it and have it delivered even before the 10-day wait. On Oct. 12, we went back in to pick it up. After looking all over, they couldn't find it in the stockroom and determined that it had not yet been delivered. Ok, you know how it is when you're going to pick up your gun--you are in NO mood to be told they don't have it. The kid (the one with the goatee) said it would probably be in the next day, so we left. We waited until Oct. 15 and went back in to pick up our gun. Once again, it hadn't been delivered, and now I started vocalizing discontent. The kid with the goatee was apologetic and told us that he remembered when the order was placed because he told Mike (the old guy) to buy a couple extras so they had them in stock, but said only Mike would know how to locate the status of our order and to call back the following day. Now we were really upset. We had plans to do some shooting that weekend and now we couldn't do it. I told the kid that we weren't mad at him personally, but that this was the kind of process error that makes first-time customers into last-time customers. On Oct. 16, I called and spoke with Mike who said the order had been "misfiled" and that he would look into it first thing on Monday morning Oct. 18th. I'd like to say that Mike was patient and accommodating, but the truth is I think he was embarrassed for the mixup and sounded as if he was trying to rush a dissatisfied customer off the phone. As instructed, we called back on the 18th, and he said there was a mixup where the order hadn't been placed when we originally came in and he did place the order that morning and it should be in by Oct. 21 or 22nd. Oh, and on top of that, he would give us a free box of ammo for our troubles--sidebar: Really? A free box of ammo? That isn't going to make me into a repeat customer and it sure isn't enough to silence my criticism of this shop. I'm thinking maybe a 30-40% discount on a high-end 1911 or something. Or hey, here's an idea, why don't you get on the phone to the manufacturer and have the darn thing OVERNIGHTED--not sent via the usual 5-7 business days route. You know, anything to ensure that: 1) your customers will come back, 2) that they say good things about you to their gun friends, and 3) make sure they fix the broken ordering process so that nobody else has this experience. Come on, your customers shouldn't have to do the thinking for you on this stuff. Ok, end sidebar. Listen, if you made it this far, you'd ordinarily be entitled to a happy ending; however, here it is, Oct. 22 and I just got off the phone with the shop. I asked for Mike and he was gone for the day. I spoke with a different, really helpful guy (who in my opinion deserves a raise), and he checked the deliveries for the day and nothing had arrived. So, we are 20 days and counting for an item that has been fully paid for. I wish we could just ask for a refund and go to a more professional shop like Target Masters or Reed's Indoor Range, but Murphy's Law dictates that the day after I get my money back, our gun would arrive. So, to sum up, I won't be returning to this store anytime after we take delivery of the gun we ordered. I'm sure there are lots of people for whom this shop just "feels like home" and God bless ya, but if you want to deal with professionals who will work to ensure your satisfaction, you could do a lot better than The Gun Exchange. I'd like to emphasize this review has nothing at all to do with the personnel on a personal level. I'm sure they are all very knowledgeable about guns and are good people. This is about a broken process and testimony about how a dissatisfied customer was treated. Good luck and happy shooting! UPDATE: After waiting the whole weekend, I called on Oct. 25 because I hadn't heard from anyone regarding our gun. I talked to Mike, who told me that he still didn't get the delivery and doesn't know where the gun is. He also volunteered that he ordered it via express delivery and it still wasn't delivered in a timely fashion. He said I was now his #1 priority and he was going to go down to the UPS dock (because I asked him who the carrier was) and look into the status of the delivery first thing Tuesday (10/26) morning. So now, I'm thinking, if you're using UPS, don't they give you a tracking number you can look up your delivery online? I wouldn't think it requires a trip to some UPS dock. Still no word on where my gun is. I am thinking that I will insist on getting my money back and going to another place. At this point, this store has cost me two re-scheduled weekends of shooting. Nice. The saga continues... read more

They don't have a license to sell guns which sucks because that's why we drove to go buy a gun. I really would have like to have read it before driving all the way there just to be turned away. Supposedly the old owner is retiring so the new licensing had to be changed, and it's already been 2 months workout the license. So buyers beware. read more

Go here if you want to get robbed! The owner Mike is unbelievable.... I heard people in the store complaining my first time in the store that the PARTS OF THE GUN they bought WERE DIFFERENT from when they put it ON HOLD to when they PICKED UP. My friend who had just picked up his rifle noticed later that they CHANGED THE OPTICAL SIGHT on his too. I had a PISTOL TRANSFERED to him and he STOLE BOTH MY CLIPS that it came with the original purchase.(and he wrote me an IOU that he never held up to because he said they were outa stock)Glock 9mm? i dont think so.... I came back several times to speak with him and he first told me he didnt get any. But when i contacted the original seller he assured me he did, when i returned Mike argued with me and then said he said he was all out of 9mm glock clips.and was the next 3 attempts in the store. GHETTO comes to mind, Small DARK CAVE of a store, really CLUTTERED, Terrible service and absolute worst crowd of RUDE employees. read more

If you want to be treated with complete and utter rudeness, this is THE place for you. I stopped in just to browse, was ignored, then when I approached the staff, was treated with disdain and ungraciousness. I left not making any purchase whatsoever, and will never return. read more

The place is pretty bad. They don't give prices over the phone saying that they want me to come to the store and see the store. I pointed out that I have to drive for about an hour and don't want to see the store but want to buy what I am looking for at a good price, but that did not help. They said that their prices are best in town. Well, I happened to be in neighborhood one time and I did stop by. Not only were their prices worse than Reed's (which is fairly close) but the selection (of handguns) was pretty crappy. After a while I forgot the experience and was looking for a holster ($20-30). I called those guys and they said that while they don't have what I am looking for they have other brand in stock - I was not familiar with it. "How much" I ask. "We don't tell prices over the phone" was the response. Well, that does it - I will NEVER call those guys or come in their store. The only reason not to give prices on the phone for such a small item is if you know your prices suck and you hope by the time customers have made their way to your store they'll just pay what you ask. read more

The rudest staff I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. Would never purchase anything from them. The staff refused to have manager call me regarding my deposit. Beware of this place. read more

Don't shop here. Owner is unethical and his employees could careless about the customer. This shop in the last 3 months has sold 2 stolen guns. 1 of which they sold to me. Doj issued a delay of pickup and they never called me to tell me I wouldn't be able to pick it up on my pick up date. The owner even had the nerve to suggest that I was the reason for the delay. After waiting a month I call and find out that the gun they sold me was a stolen gun. I go in for a refund and get the run around that the owner is the only one able to issue a refund. This shop has no clue what they are doing and will gladly take your money but good luck getting your goods or your money back. I have bought most my guns from Sportsman Supply in Campbell and should have known better than to try a different gun shop. Back to Sportsman I will go and hope this business goes under for the safety of SJ. We don't need a gun store that buys or sells stolen guns in our city. read more

What a crook!!!!! Tried screwing me any way he could. Was rude, arrogant and shoved every high priced ammo and glasses he could before reasonable for my needs. I would not recommend this place for anything unless you enjoy being screwed. Drive a bit further you will be much happier and your wallet also. read more

No customer service the owner was a complete jerk..making sure that I knew that I didn't know shit about guns........ and they installed my scope incorrectly. read more

I wish I could give zero stars! I called the store and the man said he had 9, 45 & 38 super, but it was too much trouble to get into whether it's target or hollow... So I go out of my way to stop there, and then he tells me the 9 & 45 are due in tomorrow! The old man was rude and totally uninterested in what ammo I wanted or how much, he's got absolutely no communication skills, and he sold me the wrong ammo; I asked for hollows but he gave me target rounds- already have lots of that. What effort would it take for arse whole to ask, "how many boxes? Target or hollow? Want anything else since you came all the way across town to visit my disorganized and dirty shop?". Does dip shyte really think I visited and just wanted one box of 50 rounds? I would have walked away, but he had my license already, but of course he returned after 15 minutes with a rejection because he entered my address wrong, and 15 more minutes later came back telling me my "license is f#@&Ed" because he couldn't swipe it. It was a total waste of time, and it also cost me the jump on traffic out of San Jose. It is truly amazing to me how bad this store is- especially when gun stores in general are atrocious in customer service . Absolutely, positively will never visit this place ever again!!!! read more

Don't know why it took me three times visiting this place to finally say no more. First time I went here I was looking and purchasing some 9mm ammo for the range. When I asked the older gentleman, evidently the owner, how much for box of 9mm FMJ he yelled at me "You can't touch that!!!" Looked at him completely baffled and figured he didn't hear me right so I asked again and I got the same rude response. So i responded that I only wanted to know the prices not to hold a box and then walked out. The next time I went in here I was looking at purchasing a rifle and figured I would give it a shot. The place was deserted with three people working behind the counters, two younger guys and the owner. They didn't even lift their heads when I walked in the door. Literally took me several times asking for help before one of them reluctantly tore themselves away from the computer to come help me. The younger gentlemen treated me like I was a hindrance to him and seemed to do everything he could to just get me out of the door whether I bought something or not. Now after these first two experiences I really don't know what I was expecting when I went back the third time. Maybe I just figured what I was looking to purchase was straight forward and shouldn't be a problem with these guys. Oh was I wrong. I simply wanted a pump action shotgun for home defense. I was on the fence about getting the Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 and wanted to hold a couple and feel them out before I decided. This time the service was a little bit better but not by much. Told the gentleman was i was looking for and he let me handle a few of them but the first thing I noticed was how overpriced they all were compared to other shops. As I was checking them out the sales guy started to push a semi-automatic shotgun on me which I had no intention of getting first of all because of the price and secondly because of reliability. When I explained that too the gentleman he pretty much told me there is nothing he can do for me and sent me on my way. Even with them being the closest gun store to me I avoid this place completely now. Its not worth my time, and they made it abundantly clear that they don't want my repeat business. read more

A friend of mine recommended i come here to look at purchasing a gun, said service was great and the people running this joint were very knowledgeable! definitely not disappointed! Dino helped me out as soon as i stepped up to the counter and i informed him what kind of gun i was looking to purchase! he was very very friendly and knowledgeable about the many guns i looked at and the make and models,history ,and also the pros and cons of each gun! i also like that you can bargain somewhat with your purchase which was pretty cool in my mind, i will be so coming back again for my next purchase! read more

The Gun Exchange is a real old timey type gun store that one generally doesn't see too often here on the west coast. The worn and faded wooden fixtures, animal trophies and collection of old ammunition boxes gives this place the kind of ambiance that makes restaurants, with all that old crap hanging on the wall like Applebee's and Chili's, cream their pants. This store has an excellent selection of sporting type long arms as well as one of the best assemblages of AR15 cool guy parts in the South Bay. It suffices to say that this store is OLL friendly. The used/consignment weapons and milsurps are worth taking a look at as well. Interesting anecdote---this store was featured in the Mythbusters episode where Jamie and Adam attempt to replicate famed sniper Carlos Hathcock's "through the scope" kill. Clearly this store must have something good to offer if Jamie is willing to drive all the way down from SF. read more

This is the quinessential small business - and it sometimes shows. The store isnt' glamorous or even especially well appointed. But it does have a large selection of rifles, shotguns, handguns and is geared towards the enthusiast or hunter. Mike, the older gentleman and owner, can be a pleasant guy. But he can also be loud, terse and sometimes surly when irritated. He's got his opinions and he'll voice them. Mike is also hard of hearing so you have to speak up - and this will also explain why he's so loud at times. On a busy day, Mike can be blunt trying to serve all of his customers. His staff are usually less so, but some of them are hit & miss with their expertise on various types of guns. When it comes to prices, their handgun selection is usually priced about like some other shops. There's a lack of competition in the Bay Area - thanks in no small part to politics & Cal-DOJ harrassment - but the jewels are often found in the consignment (used) guns. I've purchased quite a few from Mike since his shop is 10 minutes away. This is definitely a "guy" shop. But ladies will also get straight talk when looking to buy a gun. Best time to go is early in the morning before it gets busy. They don't quote prices over the phone for a good reason. Too many people use the internet to get rock-bottom prices then buy only from someone close to that price. Others come in to look at a gun, then complain that it costs X% less on the internet -- or go off and buy it from an internet source. Experience says that customer will buy the item, then buy everything else on-line or where cheapest so there is no chance to earn his business. On the other hand, if you buy a gun from The Gun Exchange and have a problem, they will help you get it resolved. Ammo prices are no bargain and organization of the shop requires a bit of hunting (or asking) for certain accessories. If you want help building your own California-Legal AR rifle, the younger guys can be a wealth of information. If you're looking for a quality hunting rifle or shotgun, or perhaps a high quality over-under for skeet, go talk to Mike. That's his bailywick. He also offers hunting packages during hunting season. His pig hunts are usually a good time, even if the pigs don't cooperate every day. Be sure to look for Hershey, Mike's loveable chocolate lab out front. She's the young'in next to old Bailey the 13 y/o golden lab. As with any small business, your experiences are unique from day to day. If you're expecting a first-class, wait on you hand & foot experience, don't bother. If you want to buy a gun or accessories, go take a look. read more

I walked in on a monday afternoon, I've been looking for a glock 30 and was ready to buy cash in my hot hands. I walk in and there are four guys one helping someone with a irifle and the other three standing around talking some negative shit about someone I had no idea who. Not one even stopped and asked if I needed any help I walk the inside parameter of the store and past everyone standing around. It was like I was invisible. I guess I was so I'll take my invisible money and buy somewhere else. Maybe it was their off day, but do I need to look like them to get some help or even a hello. I would go somewhere else with my money unless you're into bad service and are inbread. read more