I recently bought a Sig Sauer P238 from here. They were really busy (Saturday morning) and I had to take a number. I didn't see this as a problem because of two reasons: 1) I grabbed my number right away and then started to look around the store (a shooter's heaven). I was called before I was done looking, so I didn't notice the wait. 2) My salesman gave me personalized service. Chuck didn't rush me, and I felt like a valued customer. I looked at a few pistols before finally settling on one. After the background check he helped me pick out a holster and even some defensive ammo. I actually prefer this method. Other gun stores may have one or two clerks behind the counter who get distracted when more than two people are there. This was a big store with a huge selection of guns and accessories. I understand they have a larger Bass Pro style store in Hebron, but I was told the gun selection here was bigger because they didn't carry clothes and all the other stuff that the other store did. This meant more back room space to carry more guns. I have to be honest with you. I am a big gun nut, and have a sort of running list of the guns I want to get. There wasn't a gun I could think of that they didn't have. They had Sig 556 assault rifles, an FN Scar, M&P tactical carbine (22), and even the hard to find Sig Sauer P238. As far as price, they were hard to beat. I priced the P238 at Target World in Cincinnati for $699 (two tone). I got the same weapon at Vance's for $510 NIB. They offer discounts to law enforcement through their law enforcement stock. But even the regular price smoked target world at $579. The law enforcement stock is the same as civilian, it's just that they buy them from the manufacturer for the purpose of selling to law enforcement. So they have to designate that stock, and set it aside. They also offer military discounts (can buy same stock) if you have a valid military id (active or retired). The only reason why they didn't get five stars from me was because some of their stock isn't the latest edition or generation. So be careful what you buy as you may find out that you don't have the latest edition. read more

So this is where I came to buy my shotgun, a Remington HD Express. The experience was a good one. I had been here a few times prior, but only to look around while I thought about my planned purchase. One of the best things about Vance's is that it is family owned and operated, and has been for like 50 years or something. The owners own one other gun supply store, and either the Vance's owners bought it or the other way around, but either way, still Ohio/family owned. Another thing that lets you know this is the jam is that basically all of Columbus's finest shop here. The staff is incredibly knowledgable and basically live this stuff. The gentleman who sold me my gun walked me through certain maintenance and functionality stuff, but didn't go into too much detail, which was fine. The background check was relatively quick and painless as well, and within an hour, I was walking out the door with the newest addition to my home defense system, along with all necessary cleaning and maintenance supplies. A few weeks later, I went back and bought a case for it that was even cheaper than what I could find on the internet. How bout dem apples? read more

Used firearms are sold, almost universally, with an as-is, no return policy. As the buyer, it's my responsibility to understand the risks involved. I also feel it is well within my rights to expect that I'm being sold a functional instrument, new or used. Vance failed to satisfy my expectations of them as a retailer; and my only available recourse is to, at the very least, leave my fingerprints on their reputation. I'll spare the fine details, but I purchased a used firearm at a fair price in the summer of 2013. All of the parts were intact and the action would cycle without a round present. On the range, it would neither eject a spent shell casing nor rechamber the next live round without intervention from me. On the third attempt, it jammed so tightly that I had to take it home and disassemble the gun to remove the last spent casing and the next round wedged behind it. This pistol was not in operable condition at the time of the sale, and likely had not been for years prior to its acquisition by Vance. It is, at the time of this review, on its second visit to a gunsmith. A couple hundred dollars in repairs has rendered this exciting addition something of a white elephant. Vance's "loss leader" ammunition pricing and availability still draws my patronage, maybe even for a $5 pistol rug or a $2 bore brush. What they won't get, however, is my business for accessories I can order online for far cheaper (their $36 Fobus holster for $21 on Amazon, for example) or big-ticket firearm purchases. The long wait times, occasionally bullish sales tactics, and often scarce parking aren't worthy of a poor review, in my opinion. To be sold what was essentially scrap metal without guarantee is just the kind of professional irresponsibility I will go out of my way to avoid. Caveat Emptor. read more

I was looking for a gun that was hard to find but Vance had it in stock. they were more than helpful in getting the gun to me. Absolutely no problems at all. just 100% great service. read more

I've seen a couple mixed reviews here, but my experiences here have been great. It's always fun making a trip to the shady side of Columbus. For many it may be fine, but I live about an hour away in a cornfield haha. My first time coming here, I had my heart set on a 45 cal Glock. After seeing the steep prices and trying several guns, they recommended a s&w mp 45. Sorry to all you Glock lovers, but this didn't feel as if I was holding a brick. It was comfortable. I ended up getting the gun on special for $400 (much less than I've seen them elsewhere). I also bought some ammo, hearing protection, and a cleaning kit at a decent price. The handgun has been great and HAS NOT JAMMED ONCE nearly 2 years later. It eats all the crappy walmart ammo I throw at it. So I am very satisfied with my purchase My step brother and step dad bought matching 12 gauges here (how cute) for home defense under $180 a piece, and they were decent quality. I'm not sure of the brand, but it's like a shortened version of a Remington 870 express. I, and everyone I know, has had great service here, and they definitely have good prices. I would come here over my local gun store any day read more

When you buy a firearm here, make sure they tell you that you can't return it the next day and get your money back. Unreal! Less than 24 hours and I can't return the gun I bought from you? Obetz location would've accepted the return if I would've bought it from them. All I wanted was a refund, even with paying the $25 fee. read more

Pros: Good selection, competitive prices Cons: a lot of unfriendly staff, calling on the phone may or may not get you a human being, avoid their gunsmith work at all costs. Over the years I've purchased three firearms at Vance's because the prices were so good. But every time the service has been pretty grumpy, like they're doing you a favor to do their job. Okay, I realize it gets busy and all, but welcome to retails sales, right? The final straw came with some gunsmith work I needed done. Called all over the city because I needed someone who could silver solder a set of ghost ring sights on my shotgun. Vance's claimed they could do it, so I took it there because at the time no one else could. Said it would take 2 weeks. Took their gunsmith Sean 8 weeks. Most of the time when I called to check the status, no one would answer the phone. One time someone picked up the phone and hung it up right away. Sever other times I was on hold forever only to be hung up on. Nice! Finally got my shotgun back (and gee thanks for not re-bluing it), but didn't have a chance to take it to the range until about a year later. After five rounds the front sight flies off. So I call to see about a refund and they tell me "Our gunsmith Sean said he doesn't do silver solder. I don't know where you had this done, but it wasn't here." Called Gun Envy. Not only will they clean up the silver solder mess that's left on my barrel and put the front sight on properly, re-bluing is part of the service fee. Vance's, I won't buy so much as a bottle of Hoppes #9 from you ever again. The only reason you didn't get 1 star is because your prices are low, but they're not worth the BS, the bad attitudes, and the outright lying. read more

Wow, this place is in a shady part of town. I almost felt like you NEEDED to buy a gun before leaving the place. My experience at Vance's was decent, and I'm glad they have a ticket number calling system in place, so that no Old Western duels take place on the premise for arguments pertaining to "Who was there first..." Note: They are BUSY-BUSY-BUSY!! Good luck trying to look in the hand gun cases before your called. It's not going to happen! Vance's carried pretty much anything your gun toting heart could desire. They have cleaning kits, holsters, ammo, cases, etc... oh yes, and we can't forget... GUNS! My husband was a bit perturbed with his experience, because he was pressured out of getting what he originally wanted for a conceal carry gun, and ended up getting a Ruger LCP instead, because it was on sale for the cheapest I have ever seen them go. The salesman we had was (obviously a cop in training) slightly pushy to advert when my husband inquired about some NAA 22's they had. So.. my husband is still regretting his purchase and will most likely be trading it off for the original gun he wanted in the first place. The only reason I am not downgrading Vance's rating is because they have a nice store, and have a nice efficient way to get people in an out quickly, and their selection is pretty damn good. We always tend to run into these cop in training, stiff lipped individuals in nearly every gun store, so it's nothing new. I can assure we'll be back. Vance's always has amazing prices and sales on their ammo and firearms. read more

Take a number. Each number = 40 minutes of waiting, if things go perfect. Bought a gun online, then they want you to wait in line for possibly hours, no waiting room etc. Then I refunded said purchase and refused to give them my business. The sales people act as if they invented guns. Good luck with this one read more

Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Prices were a little steep, but they did offer a LEO discount which was cool. Its scary to see the guys in with their girlfriends/babymommas so the females with the clean police records can buy their guns for them. read more

This was my first visit to Vance Outdoors. I was hesitant due to some of the reviews, I shouldn't have been. Not a huge store, but a ton of guns, ammo, and supplies. Staff was very friendly and helpful! Sure, they were busy. Every guns/ammo store in country is. They handled it very well. It's to be expected to have a slight wait in the current situation for guns/ammo. Guns prices were good, handgun ammo was a little high (not as high as I have seen), rifle ammo was normal pricing. I live 3 hrs away and would make the trip again to Vance Outdoors. read more

I've been a customer of Vance's for a number of years. I do enjoy their store. Yes, it's a little annoying to wait to speak with someone behind the counter, but mostly it's been not too bad. They don't treat me any differently just because I'm a girl. I know that's a huge concern for any woman who buys guns or cars. read more

Service is incredibly slow! If you need something from behind the counter be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait. It is poorly staffed and they seem to always have to consult with each other on every move slowing it down even more. Stood here for an hour before walking out. I just wanted to buy a clip and although their price was good the wait wasn't worth it. read more

Torn between saying things could be better organized and displays redesigned so you do not end up dancing around people, and just chaulking it up to "we have better things to do such as help customers" charm. Prices are pretty much what you would expect. And considering the fact you have the conveyance and piece of mind of being able to consider items in person it we have been happy. read more

Good prices, friendly staff, helpful staff, I really say enough good things about this place. They have a ton of selection. I'd strongly recommend coming here for advice if you need any, they were really helpful when we were going for our first firearm. The prices cant be beat either. read more

I know ammo is running short but why not keep enough on hand so a person buying a gun can at least buy a box of ammo for it. I went there to purchase a $1600 Colt .357 Python and they had no ammo. Not only did they lose a gun sale they lost a customer. Going back to Olde English. read more

Excellent assortment and availability of firearms with decent pricing. However, they have gone off the deep end with ammo pricing. Remington white box .45ACP for $44.95? That's gouging. I wouldn't have waited in line for 30+ minutes to walk away if the pricing was marked on the shelf. read more

I made a 3 hr drive to Vance Outdoors in Lebanon, OH to buy a crossbow that I had called and asked them to hold earlier in the week. After I arrived, I discovered they no longer had that crossbow in stock. To make things right they sold me an upgraded model for the same price. This is how you make loyal customers and friends. read more

Vances outdoors has a very good variety of firearm inventory. however...... I would not suggest buying a gun here unless you know exactly what you want. The staff is very "used-car" like , as they try to steer you in the direction of what provides a greater commission or bonus. I recently went into the Clev Ave store w intentions of buying a Mossberg 500 12G. The behind the counter rep tried selling me a variety of used 12G shotguns or a Remington 870. I left pissed and purchased "my gun" from budsguns.com I would not buy ammo here either , they do have a great variety of target as well as self defense , buy it is overpriced. read more

The one I wanted was only in stock at the Lebanon store so I trekked down from Columbus. Very nice place! Big parking lot, big store. I was greeted by some friendly security who showed the way to the numbers and counters. My wait was about 5 Minutes (on a Wednesday BTW), and Jason got to work dotting I's and crossing T's. Double checked everything twice, even. I had a really good, confidence inspiring time at the store. Everyone was so nice. And they have ammo! I've been a customer of Vance's for years because they get it. It's all about customer service. read more

Went in at a slow time. Not many shoppers but the ones that were there were police officers and a few men. Was completely ignored went to the gun counter to get ammo. The man said to take a number then walked away. Clearly there were no one there no numbers were being called. He ignored me so i left guess i should go to Cabellas where they want women to shop. Mentioned it to the women cashiers as i left.!! Guess its just a boys club read more

Drove down from Northern Ohio to purchase a rifle On Tuesday August 18th 2020. I had purchased handguns here in the past. Purchased Smith and Wesson MP Sport II. On Saturday August 22nd 2020 took the rifle to the range for sighting. Loaded 30 round magazine (that came with the rifle) and immediately the rifle wouldn't cycle. Inserted magazine, placed the weapon in battery and fired one round. After weapon discharged I tried to fire a second round, but nothing happened and couldn't pull trigger. Made the weapon safe and discovered the rifle had not ejected the first spent cartridge and the bolt had cycled and picked up the next round and attempted to seat it into battery where a spent round was still in place. Cleared the weapon and started over. Same result. Attempted this five times, but after the first round discharged the ejector failed. Made the weapon safe and tried to figure out if I had done anything wrong. I then Googled this problem (Smith and Wesson MP Sport II failing to eject cartridge) and discovered this was a KNOWN problem with this particular rifle. (Google and read the blogs going back quite a ways) Returned to Vances Sunday August 23rd 2020 with rifle and thought a had a solution to make everyone happy. I was wrong. I told the head manager working that I really didn't want my money back, but just apply it to the Sig Sauer TREAD (that my son had bought the same day I purchased the S&W) The manager told me that he would have to call the Law Enforcement manager to see if he would authorize this solution. To my surprise he came back and told me my only option was to let them ship the rifle back to S&W for repairs and when I came back I would have to make the five hour round trip to pick it up. However the store manager was feeling magnanimous and told me he would ship it back to my PD at no charge. woo woo I was then asked if I had been advised of Vances return policy. I was (weapons could ONLY be turned un-fired within 24 HOURS of purchase. I could understand this rule, but didn't think it apply to a weapon that had malfunctioned right out of the box. BUYER BEWARE Well they had me by the short hairs so not a lot I could do. They're sending the weapon back to Smith and Wesson and when I get it back I will sell. After being an officer for nearly thirty years I would never feel comfortable using this weapon. I do plan on contacting an attorney Monday morning, but do not feel these people can be beat on this. Vances Outdoor currently have three stores and looking to open a fourth soon. Because of the volume that they handle they seem to always have hard to find weapons before any other vendors. But read this again and ask yourself couldn't you just wait until another store stocks the weapon you want. Oh, BTW, I had ordered another pistol and put down a deposit. Needless to say I canceled the order and got my deposit back. August 25th 2020 received a call from Vance Outdoors (name not important) and this incident has been resolved to both parties. This is a case where persons at the store not having the authority or knowledge to resolve issue. read more

These guys are the best in the business. I'll be a customer for life, as will my son.

If I could give 0 stars I would! My husband went in and bought 2 hand guns! He was told he had a 24 hr return policy. He brought them back in a couple hours later because I didnt want them. They would NOT give him money back, only store credit. Needless to say, NEVER will he be going back. Now we have useless store credit because I didnt even want the guns. read more

Failed to comply with federal law while refusing to sell firearm to someone with a Ohio residence and out of State ID whom thus fulfilled the legal requirements to purchase such item. This was a blatantly case of disrespect and disregarding with the law along with lack of decency and respect towards others. Moreover, to make matters much worse this individuals made obnoxious derogatory insinuations about my person: such as indicating that I bought the house to flip, and thus would not live in Oh. I am engineer and really don't like lowlife forms whom I do not even know making pathetic insinuations about my person. What I do with my property is my my business, and my business only: it is called private property for a reason. I fulfilled all the legal requirements and pass any background check with flying stars. To aggravate matters even more, they made filled out forms and waste my time waiting for this ridiculous non-sense obnoxious situation. This lowlife form creature should try to play with individuals that belong to their low level and abject-objectionable standards. This place is a bellwether of future litigations. The following is the relevant federal law on this subject: "Federal regulations at 27 CFR 478.11 (definition of State of Residence), Example 2, clarify that a U.S. Citizen with homes in two States may, during the period of time the person actually resides in a particular State, purchase a firearm in that State. See also ATF Publication 5300.4 (2005), Question and Answer B12, page 179. Similarly, in ATF Ruling 80-21 (ATFB 1980-4, 25), ATF held that, during the time college students actually reside in a college dormitory or at an off- campus location, they are considered residents of the State where the on-campus or off- campus housing is located. " Out of State students who do not possess Ohio ID may have their legal rights and entitlements disrespected and disregard and thus should seek legal remedies. Heinous disrespectful and discriminatory acts of this nature shall face the judicious consequences of a fully fledged legal litigation. read more

This was my first time at the Vance's Obetz location. Very nice. Laid out well, spacious, modern, good inventory, lots or parking, not crowded when I was there. But I was completely ignored. Was looking to buy a large caliber pistol. Grabbed a cue number at the retail gun counter then headed to the shooting range counter to do a test trial if they had the pistol I wanted to buy. At the range counter nobody approached me to help,..so I searched the display case & found the pistol I wanted to test fire. Still nobody offered to help. I was the only customer standing there, waiting. None of three employees chatting in a group behind the counter turned or approached to help. More waiting but nothing. Apparently they are very discriminating as to who they help. I could have yelled I suppose, but eventually I decided If they didn't care then I didn't care. All the fun & anticipation of buying was now gone. So I left. On the way out gave my low number to a happy customer waiting in cue at the retail gun counter. At best, Vance's Obetz store delivered the worst customer service i've seen in quite a while anywhere. How would you like to be completely ignored? read more

The staff at Vances are rude and condescending. I've been shopping at Vances for years out of convenience but after yet another series of serviceless customer experiences this holiday season, I've decided that I'd rather drive across town to one of their competitors than be actively belittled by the uppidy staff. The selection here is good, and the prices are generally close to market, yet the staff ruins it all. read more

Very disappointed with this place. Went into purchase a knife today and i seemed to have been viewed as and individual that would steal it if they were to hand me one. Because I choose to wear a loose coat and a fitted hat it should not make me viewed as a thief. I appreciate good customer service and they were far from it. read more

Expect a long line if you need help and some pretty rough patrons. Plus side: big selection and knowledgable help. After taking a number (like a deli counter) and waiting next to gangbangers for 20 minutes, I decided that there must be better options. There is- L.E.P.D. on Bethel Rd. read more

Their website said they had the gun in stock that I was wanting so I ordered it online. One week went by with no change in the order status. I called them and they informed me that the notes said they had been out of stock for months. It would have been nice to get notified about the fact that they didn't even have the gun that I had already paid for. Instead I had to call a week later to find out. After I had already purchased 1,000 rounds of 10mm and a compensator specifically for this gun... extremely irritating and I will NEVER order anything from Vance Outdoors again! Also purchased this during the cyber Monday sales, now I have to try to go through a different company and pay full price since they didn't inform me they didn't actually have the gun until I called a week later. read more

Drove from Northern Ohio. Have purchased handguns in the past. Last week (Tuesday) drove down to purchase rifle. Took the rifle (Smith and Wesson MP SPORT II 5.56) to the range for sighting on Saturday . The weapon immediately did not cycle properly. It would fire one round, but would not eject spent cartridge and bolt jammed the next round into the back of the un-ejected cartridge. Cleared the jam and started over. Same result. After five attempts I cleared weapon and tried to think if I was doing anything wrong. Googled problem and discovered that this S&W model has had this DEFECT since 2015 or before. (Google and read all the blog entries) Took the weapon back (Sunday) to Vances and they refused to take it back. I told them I didn't want the money, just to apply it to Sig Sauer TREAD. (What my son bought and I should have) They contacted the Law Enforcement manager and I was told the ONLY option was to send the weapon back to S&W for repairs and I would have to make another 5 hour round trip to get the rifle when S&W was done with repairs. They finally agreed to ship it back to my PD without charge, woo woo. I had order another pistol from them but canceled the order and got my deposit back. They kinda had me by the short hairs and not a lot I could do so I left the rifle there to be sent out for repairs. I really don't know if there is anything I can do, at this point, but will be speaking to an attorney Monday morning. He may not be able to do anything, because (in their return policy) it states that weapons can ONLY be returned unfired. I had read this but, to my surprise, even weapons that appear to have a factory defect don't count. We'll see. Vances has three store, soon to be four, and because of their relationship with manufacturers, seem to have a larger allocation of hard to find weapons. The weapon will probably function, when it comes back, but I intend to sell it. Like I told Vances, I was a cop for nearly 30 years and would never trust a weapon that failed so miserably right out of the box. So, BUYER BEWARE. read more

I really like vances selection of guns, rifles, and archery equipment. They have really competitive prices on all of their guns, rifles, and archery equipment. They have a monthly ad with sales on everything in the store. I think they have the widest selection of ammo in Columbus. It does tend to get a little packed at night. I would recommend going in the morning if you don't have a lot of time. All of the sales people are very nice and knowledgeable about their products. I especially like the archery department. You can get your guns and archery equipment worked on if you want something done to it. I would highly recommend vances outdoors to any friend or family member. read more

Love this place. It's not close to me so it requires an effort to get there. It doesn't appear to be in the nicest of neighborhoods, either, for those who factor in such things when shopping. Once you are inside, though, it's like a winter wonderland of stuff. Ammo everywhere, active gun counter with knowledgeable and enthusiastic Definitely a place to have a conversation about needs, trends and helpful advice. read more

If you need a fire arm or hunting gear, this is the place. They are very knowledgeable and friendly. Very busy on the weekends right up to closing, be aware of this. read more

Vance's is the best gun shop in Columbus hands down. I have been to the big national stores and a few of the locally owned stores and nothing compares to Vance's. Whether you want a new fire arm, to sell your old one, or to get any accessory for your varying firearms Vance's will have it. I got two different holsters for my S&W M&P and they were both very affordable. I love Vance's but they are almost always very busy! read more

I can say enough good stuff about this place, great staff, selection and service!!! Definitely worth your time to check them out!

bought a gun online from them from a few pics and 2 video's...They were honest in their representation of it and gave me great customer service. I would gladly buy from them again read more

Friendly knowledgeable staff and great prices. Huge inventory. If all local businesses were like this no one would shop on the Internet.

I can't find a better selection of arms, ammo and supplies here. Their ammo is the cheapest around and their arms are just as well priced. Their staff is VERY knowledgeable and worth the wait (as they are so busy you have to take a number haha). People know good quality and good service and that's why they go to Vance's. read more

I was in town from Cleveland and decided to check the place out as it was within 15 of my hotel. Because of my experience i figured i would make this my first yelp review. The location i stopped at was the apparently new Obetz store. It looks huge from the outside though from the inside not so big because of the need for room for the shooting range. The prices on the items I looked at were all higher than I've been paying elsewhere. For example, I reload and their primers were $10 higher than what I pay from my local stores. I also looked at the handguns and the prices were pretty high on the ones I have been looking at. (almost full msrp on a new CZ. They had a sale offer but if it is marked up just to get discounted then is it really a good deal?) Not all is bad though because they had a great price on a new Colt AR I've been thinking about. What really made me write the review was their range. Despite selling aluminum case ammo they won't allow it in their range. There is no reason for this other than because they are too lazy to pick out the aluminum as they are sorting or selling their brass that they sweep from the floor. Well there is one other reason, and that is the price for aluminum scrap is next to nothing compared to brass and you can't reload aluminum so no sales to reloaders or shops. Range time is fairly pricey as are the rentals. I also saw a good many rentals that they had none of in their counters for sale. A few examples would be an FNX 45 Tactical and a S&W 9mm Pro. In those limited examples it may be worth renting before you buy, but for most others it just isn't worth it. read more