One of the best gun stores in the Bay Area. Knowledgeable on fire arms as well. They also do gun smithing

Great service, very helpful and awesome staff!!! I'll be back when I'm ready to purchase another firearm!

Great customer service ! Best armory store in the bay ! Came in and Ben took care of me Great guy ! Way better than elite armory !

Picked up my brand new Gloc 17 yesterday. I should have checked the pistol before leaving the shop but i got distracted. When i got home, the slide was off color than the handle and there was scratches up top. Not how i remembered when i checked on their display. I Called them back and they told me to bring it over so they can clean it. They said it's common from the manufacturer. They wiped it with anti rust oil. Scratch was still there but unnoticeable. Now the gun looks how it should be brand new when you hand it over to the customer. They gave me a box of ammo too for the inconvenience! Sweet! Thanks Solar Tactical! One star off tho coz' they should have checked the gun free from any blemishes before handing it over to the customer...But i'll be back! Oh that Asian guy from the store was very helpful! read more

Dump. Besides their prices being ridiculous, this place has the worst customer service ever. Please drive 20 min away to J&R in Livermore and see what a real gun store should look like. Came here for a PPT. Said they only do private party transactions the first hour. So we get there half hour before opening, second in line. Guys in front of us also doing a transfer. He takes them, then skips us and says "only one ppt at a time", ok no problem. Half hour goes by, the first guys are long gone, but he keeps skipping us, saying "as soon as he computer frees up". Eventually sends his youngest employee out at 12:01 (they open at 11) and says "too late now, only the first hour managed says". We plead our case, to no resolve. Will never come back. They only get a star because of yelp! read more

Dogshit customer service, went there 3 times workers have a personality of a rock. Hang up on the phone when trying to put a deposit on guns in stock. I live 5 minutes away but travel to the Livermore location instead to not deal with these people. And the parking lot is a complete gangbang Ffest read more

Not much of a choice, but needed 9mm ammo and they're charging $50 for a box of 50 rounds. I understand businesses need to make money but this is a bit over the line. Not coming back to support this local business ever again. read more

very unprofessional store, said i smell weed so i cant sell u anything & told him i don't smoke i didn't even smell like weed it was the 2 white guys next to me an they sold him stuff with no id this store need to be shut down or they need to be fired asap read more

Well I had a interesting experience with solar , their quite a shop , I bought a one of kind but did not found what u was looking for the shop gets a plus from , along with arms they have survival equipment. read more

I was afraid as an older woman to go but Ben was patient with me as I am looking to upgrade my firearm. I had several questions and in the end he provided the business card of a local firearms trainer recommend! read more

Veteran owned and operated, best deals around on bulk ammo and they can get you all the fun toys that just are't available anywhere else in Cali. Plus, they're right next door to some of the best ph'n burritos I've ever tried at El Rancho's store~ ! What more can you ask for? read more

Called 2 separate times about doing a PPT for a rare off-roster, and both times had an employee confirm they would handle the transaction. I was driving over 1 hour for this sale, and the other person over 7 hours, so we wanted to have everything planned out. When we arrived we discovered their DROS system was down. The reason I'm writing this review isn't because of the DROS system though - we understand things sometimes happen - it's because the manager Les had nothing but a bad attitude from the moment we walked in, and said even if their system was working he wouldn't do the transfer anyway because "it's too much gray area", despite the fact everything was documented and prepped in Cal-legal format. When I said he might want to clear that kind of thing up with his employees because we drove a long way and called 2 separate times to confirm they would handle the PPT, Les responded by saying he was already having a bad day, didn't want to argue, and I could take my business somewhere else. Well alrighty then. I get that DROS being down is frustrating, but don't take your personal grief out on me. Went to J&R Sports Supply in Livermore instead, and everything went smooth as butter. As a final note, I ended up talking about it to Mike (the owner) at Solar Tactical in Livermore, and had nothing but a fantastic experience dealing with him and the guys there. I'd recommend their services to anyone (left a 5 star review for them), but as for the location here in Castro Valley, if it means having anything to do with Les, I'd pass and drive the extra 20 minutes to Livermore. read more

Lots of great options for California gun owners including IWI Galil Ace/Tavor, Caz Bren, AKs and many AR-15 options.

Staff at Solar Tactical in Castro Valley are very helpful and they have a lot of good selection of guns and ammo. If you are looking to buy a good firearm, they will have it. However, their prices are extremely high. It is close to more than double than other gun shops outside of the Bay Area like Stockton, Fairfield or Brentwood. It isn't fair to judge a gun shop by price only because inventory for reliable firearms are hard to get since the pandemic. So, if you are really in need for one for a good peace of mind or it makes you go to sleep better during this time, then it is ok to pay such price. If you don't need it right away, then wait it out or drive a few hours away from the Bay Area to save some money, but other shops may not even have what you are looking for, so do your research before the long drive. I bought one of my pistols at Solar Tactical before and I received very good customer service. I knew the expensive price tag on the pistol before I paid, so there was no cheating or scam involved. Yes, I paid almost double the MSRP for it, but this is the principle of supply and demand all about. If the price is too high for you, just walk away and go some place else. I blamed myself for waited too long to buy, not the shop. The negative is the parking. It is between a grocery store and a laundromat, so it is hard to find a parking space during some hours. They also charge $50 for background check & Dealer Record of Sale (DROS). It should be only $37.19 by laws and that's all other gun shops charge in CA. read more

3rd time I make the drive from Hayward to get an order ready for pick-up. They left me a voicemail too saying that's is ready to be pick up. But the place is close!! WTH read more

This place is a hit or miss for me, as of lately it's been mostly a miss. My party called in twice prior to our meet up here to confirm if a particular PPT was okay. They gave him the okay twice. When we arrived and proceeded, the worker checked with the guy in the back and I guess they didn't want to do it for personal reasons... Drove over to elite armory across the street and they were super friendly and had no issues doing business with us. If you ever plan on doing PPTs here just save yourself some time and move on to the next store that will be happy to take your business. read more

Will not help with a private party transfer after 12pm...there was no one else in the store and they did not care. Been here and bought a few things before but will never after this experience. read more

Was in search of a local gun store near me in San Jose to support, and Solar Tactical doesn't know what LEOSA credentials are. Stating they can't confirm who if we have all the required training, that the card itself states... then how would credential holders have the card? It's the same as police Officer and his Creds. Short story, they won't honor your LEOSA, so stay clear from this one. read more

Came here to take my FSC test and finished within 10 minutes. Ben was very knowledgeable about their products while I was browsing. Very good customer service! read more

Had a very specific question. Talked to a guy, I think his name is Les. He interrupted me before I could even finish the question, very rudely. Basically told me that I did not know what I was talking about. Horrible customer service. I may have very well been wrong, but there was no reason for him to treat me in the manner that he did. The reason people ask questions is to get answers. this guy really struck a nerve. Their selection is fantastic and they have a lot of really cool stuff which I would love to purchase, but after that interaction, they could have guns that shoot gold bricks and I still would never give them my money. Sent my brother there before this interaction. He is LEO. Looking for a new off duty carry gun. He also reported a similar interaction. If you want to be treated like crap, this is your place! read more

Best service with zero attitude. Jesus helped me get my paper work lined up and the supervisor was an angel answering even the hard questions with professionalism and wisdom. read more

Did a PPT here and it was flawless. Picked up some ammo and dummy caps to give them some paying business as they literally make nothing on these PPTs. (Actually they said with everything that goes into it, they lose $ on them- which I absolutely believe.) Happy to support the LGS. For the initial paperwork I talked to one guy and he was thorough but fast, and took the time to point out my 10 day waiting period pickup time was close to their early Saturday closing time. When I came in for pickup it was a different guy and I got the same helpful service. Given some of the other "rude" reviews here on Yelp, I feel the need to point out that it wasn't my impression at all. Maybe it's my East Coast sensibility, but I find the no-nonsense and to-the-point service to be refreshing. I packed up my stuff and got a handshake and a thank you on the way out. I'll shop here again. read more

Bought my first 2 firearms (Glock 19 and 26) here with a gentlemen named Ben. He was very professional and patiently answered all my newbie questions. Been back several times for ammo and Ben has always given me reasonable prices..even bulk discounts which i appreciated. In fact, the last time I was there Ben offered to unload a P226 Mk25 which I opted to think over the weekend. By the time Tuesday rolled around it was already sold. Looked online and it was at least a couple hundred dollars higher!!! Looking forward to going back for a rifle as soon as these darn 30 day waiting periods expire . Thank you Ben and Solar Tacticle read more

Really cool crew, very welcoming as well. Especially Ben, he was really helpful and informative since I wasn't really familiar with laws here in "Woke!"/Cali. Hate to get into politics, but I know for those who shop here believe in the 2nd amendment. Will be returning here for sure! read more

This gun store has an excellent selection of rifles to look at. They have unique and high quality type rifles. I was impressed that I saw at least two belt fed weapons & Desert Tech rifles. The service was extremely friendly and they were very helpful explaining the ins and outs of the communist CA gun laws. I didn't buy anything this time but I will definitely be back after researching what exactly I want. They will special order specific colors. read more

I have no respect for gun shops like this, that price gouge the community during troubling times like these. I would highly recommend doing your homework on what these pistols actually cost. 1100 dollars for a Glock is disgraceful. You people should be ashamed of yourselves. read more

Terrible customer service. Gave me the run around not only once but three times.. Could not pick up iteam because address change. And was not explained this until first pick up date so they gave me what I needed to bring so and paid money to get update. Then they said no they need other paperwork So I did again then they said no they needed something else. So I ask for refund and they hit me with a restocking fee... $100 wow. Do u want me to pay u 100 to get my money back wow. Terrible customer service and not clear al all on what they tell you from the start. Will never buy here ever again. Stay away. They dont give you all the info you need . read more

What kind of place only does PPT within a 1 hour Time window? They don't do them after 1 hr of opening but have 3 employees standing around that aren't busy. LOL. never going back. Better off going to Elite Armory that's 5 minutes away. read more

This is where you go when you want the real deal. I found some guns in here that I didn't know you could own in California. It's a safe and secure store and if there's something you're looking for, chances are that it's at Solar Tactical! Definitely must check them out! read more

Price gouging! Called about 9mm ammo! Box selling for $50.00 each! ! Seriously! This is why ppl avoid small businesses! I can see why there was no limit and 30 boxes remaining! You give small businesses a bad name! #big5 #sportsmanwarehouse Good luck! read more

I've always had a good experience here. They're always friendly, polite, and respectful. They care about the customer, they do a good job, and they work really hard. They told me their story before and I know that they've been through the ringer in order to stay open, and they just persevere. It's always a friendly and open atmosphere inside. They have a good selection and you feel comfortable inside. they care about the issues that I as a customer, care about. If they ever had a bad day, they never let me know about it. One time I asked if they had some thing and they went and really looked for it. All I'm saying, is that it's not about what you sell, it's about the attitude with which you sell it, and these people excel at that. Five out of five definitely would recommend. read more

I come here pretty often to just get 5.7 ammo. They have the American Eagle and FN stuff. You kind of gotta pay-to-play when you own a 5.7 lol so no complaints on price. I'm glad they have the cheaper American Eagle stuff. They are also informative and helpful if you're a new comer. I took my friends here to check out buying his first handgun after becoming a firefighter and we found out they also offer first responder discounts! They spent time weighing pros and cons between handguns and what would be a good starter and not just pushing towards one brand or another. I'll definitely be buying my next one here :) read more

Stopped by today for a PPT. Older gentleman that helped us was respectful and easy going. Ended up buying a rifle while I was there. He was very knowledgeable and made the process a breeze. Long story short they will have my business from now on. Well until my wife kills me. read more

$1000 for 1000 rounds of 9mm when I called a few weeks back. That's all I need to say! I don't support a small business that price gouges!

I needed to do a private transfer of a long rifle to my nephew from Los Angeles and called this store on Thursday to check if we could come in on Saturday, when my nephew comes over. Explained exactly what I needed to do. I was assured that they could take care of that without any problem. We come over at about 11:30 on Saturday, only to be told that they only perform private transfers in the first hour (10-11). I tried to ask them to make an exception, as he drove for 6 hours for the weekend, but they refused initially, but then offered to do it for $150, which is a total ripoff since the state regulates the fee to be $10 +DROS. Please avoid these weasels. read more

I came to the shop to do a PPT and the staff was more than helpful. I wish I had caught the name of the guy who processed our transfer, because he was chill and super helpful. I ended up getting a part for my Ruger 10/22 while I was there to throw a little business their way since shops don't make any money off PPTs. The place looks tiny from the outside, sandwiched along a strip mall with the world's smallest front parking lot, but don't let that fool you. Inside is a neat and well laid out shop, with plenty of cool stuff to check out and at great prices (at least in California). Great shop in the East Bay. read more

Every other store in the Bay Area seems to be shifting to a pandemic-driven customer service which is another way of saying you will have to put up a fight to get even the simplest questions answered--that is if you can get a hold of someone. Solar Tactical actually answers their phone which was a huge plus. Other shops send you to voicemail to tell you to email, and when you do, they simply ignore it. Overall both gentlemen I talked to at Solar Tactical were very attentive and friendly. They're a bit pricey, but that's only to be expected given shortages in supply chain. Would love to see the place when it is more stocked, with competitive prices. read more

Great experience buying my glock. Will be back for more business. Easy process, no hassle. The white guy behind the counter super nice all business no games and I appreciated that. Thanks guys! read more

A bit pricey but it's a local business so what do you expect? As far as the customer service goes I think I know what the other reviews are talking about but to be honest I don't really mind how the employee talks maybe that's just how he is and I understand the customers should be treated with respect etc but at the same time once you keep talking to them (I've been here a few times, purchased a glock 17 and ak) you'll see that they're not too bad. One of the only cons is that there isn't really any parking unless you go through the back but sometimes there's sketchy people around. Pretty cool place to shop for guns. God bless America! read more

Love this place always cool and open to questions and are very insightful ... great store