Any recommendations for a gun shop in Northern Virginia?

[Yoda]

Can anyone recommend a good gun shop in the Springfield/Alexandria area?

I am considering sending my daughter-in-law a pistol for Christmas, and I’d like her to be able to receive it through an FFL that has a wholesome atmosphere (frankly, down here in FL, a lot do not), and has knowledgeable counter help that might take a few moments to talk to her about her new gun. Ideally, they should also have a large selection of holsters for ladies and someone on hand who can demonstrate some concealment techniques for women. It would also be a big plus if they had a selection of tasers and stun guns that she might also look at.

Thanking you all in advance.

- - - Yoda

 

[blahpony]

Try Loudoun Guns in Leesburg. They are a bit pricey but they have a large selection of new and used guns. It helps to be able to hold guns before you buy them.

There are a couple of ranges that will rent guns so you can try before you buy.

http://www.blueridgearsenal.com/

http://www.silvereaglegroup.com/

They aren't really in the immediate area but they may be worth the short drive to check out.

 

[Yoda]

I am sending her the gun, thru an FFL

I suspect that the sort of store I'm looking for will have a reasonable selection of guns on hand, and may even have some for rent, but I'm looking for one to handle the legal transfer of a gift gun that is being sent from Florida, and to do the other sorts of customer service I mentioned in my original post.

- - - Yoda

 

[tiro6]

I would also recommend Silver Eagle, as they are a FFL so they can transfer for you and then you can go to the range right after to try the gun out in addition to renting and trying guns out as well. One thing to note though is that they only have maybe 1 or 2 staff working transfers, so if a bunch of people are getting transfers at the same time, might take a while, but they are fairly helpful in the process.

A shop a bit closer to the Springfield/Alexandria area is Sharpshooters. Nice place, lots of guns and is a range, so can rent/try things out or just pick up a gun and go shoot it. Helpful staff, but I don't think they carry tasers/stun guns.

I find blue ridge arsenal's staff to be not as helpful and overpriced. Loudon Guns in leesburg is a way overpriced too and its quite a drive from Springfield/Alexandria.

Of all the gun shops in the NOVA area, I would definitely recommend Virginia Arms in Manassas. Lot of staff to help you out, probably the biggest selection of firearms, and really good prices. They carry a good amount of other fun stuff too, such as knives, holsters, accessories (i.e. different sights that their armorer can put on, lasers, lights, etc), but not sure about tasers.

The only place I can remember seeing tasers (not stun guns - tasers are the ones that shoot out the needles) is at NOVA Armament, located in Herndon. Small shop, but they carry a wide variety of stuff, and good prices. I think probably cheapest place to buy a Glock, staff is generally pretty helpful, but they lack a wide variety of holsters, though they stock DSG, Comptac, and NTAC.

Hope this helps!

 

[AlexanderA]

I don't know of any gun shops worth mentioning inside the Capital Beltway. You might try Dawson's on Route 1 in Woodbridge. They charge $50 for an FFL transfer.

 

[W.E.G.]

Hello Mr. Internet.

FFL locator
http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/SearchForFFL.aspx?st=Zip Code&sv=22314

 

[Furncliff]

Not in the Springfield area, but worth the drive.
http://www.greentophuntfish.com/

I bought from them when I lived in Va.. They are exactly what you described you're looking for. Caveat... they are good and because they are popular they can be crowded.

 

[Yoda]

to W.E.G. ...

Yes, I can do an internet search. I was looking for recommendations by THR members.

--- Yoda

 

[atblis]

If you just needed a transfer, Gus at Decisive Armaments.

The best gun store (IMO and many others) is Virginia Arms in Manassas. They have the best staff of any gun store I've ever been in. I've never had them feed me the counter commando crap I've been subjected to in other stores.

I'd avoid Blue Ridge arsenal.

I guarantee there's a course at the NRA range in Fairfax that'd be worth taking. The "first step pistol course" perhaps?

http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/nrahqrange/index.asp

Name : NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation

Short Description : Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training — is the NRA’s response to the American public’s need for a firearm orientation program for new purchasers.


More Details: NRA FIRST Steps Pistol is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific pistol action type for classes of four or fewer students. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific pistol action type. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular pistol model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate. (Lesson Plan, revised 4-11).

 

[jamesb]

When I lived in Woodbridge I did transfers with Virginia Arms in Manassas until they changed their policy and would not accept transfers from non FFLs. I see their website is under construction but might want to call and ask if the policy has changed back or not. I also bought several guns there and my wife felt confortable in their shop asking questions.

 

[Tedzilla]

Va Arms in Manassas is a good shop, I don't use there FFL services so I can't tell you about that but they're more professional than most.

 

[Yoda]

Thanks to all...

I'll check with the shops you've recommended. I'd prefer to give business to a shop that has earned your trust, and that's the way I'll go.

- - - Yoda

 

[HammerheadSSN663]

Hands down Virginia Arms in Manassas VA.

I live within 5 miles of a few guns shops in Springfield but do all my business with VA Arms (20 miles away).

trust me.

 

[wojownik]

Virginia Arms is one of the best, if not the best, in Northern Virginia. Good and diverse selection, very helpful and professional staff.

FFL fees are competitive ($30+2 for VSP). BTW, I had a firearm transferred there from a non-FFL within the last 18 months.