Big Valley Metal Detectors

Just got done purchasing a detector from Larry and it was an excellent experience and Larry sure knows what he is talking about. I originally wanted a Fischer F2 but since Larry doesn’t stock those any more, I got the pleasure of opening my mind to different models. I am a beginner so needed all the help I can get. After running a couple tests in the garage, I ended up with the Tesoro Cibola. I liked the weight and feel, and after talking to Larry and a couple demos, I realized it is better to have the better brains than an LCD display. You would never expect it, but I ended up with a better deal in Larry’s garage than I can find anywhere on the internet. Not only did Larry have a good stock and a lot of knowledge, but he is a hell of a nice guy and offered to go treasure hunting with me to teach me more advanced practices once I get it setup and comfortable with the basics. I will definitely be recommending Big Valley to anyone who is curious while I am out there hunting.

Larry is great! He asked how much I wanted to spend at the outset and made sure I stayed under my budget limit. His garage shop is clean and organized; it was more like visiting a neighbor than going shopping. I’ll definitely be returning. His prices are about the same as online, but he also assembled my detector and showed me how to use it. I’d much rather get great service and support a local business than try to save a few bucks online.

I’ve been to Larry‘s shop twice, bought a beach digging scoop and a pinpionter. His prices were the same as most places but if you need something you can get it now no waiting no postage. I needed a pinpionter late on a Saturday evening because my old one finally gave out. I called him he said to come over took care of business no problems. I ran and owned a business for 30 years its not easy. We all have are bad days so give him a break the man is letting people he doesn’t know into his home. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Larry. It’s a great place to grab last minute items or like in my case needing a pinpionter right away or my metal detecting weekend wouldn’t have been as good but because of Larry my weekend was much better and saved me a lot of extra work.

Larry is an honest dude! Ask him, and he will tell you!
I found him online, and I have bought 4 different metal detectors from him since! I myself am self employed, so I can appreciate that Larry is a master of his business!
I coincidentally just got off of the phone with Larry regarding purchasing my 5^th detector from him. (I had to leave a message, and he called me back within 5 minutes!)
He always steers me in the right direction to suit my needs! In case your wondering why I need so many rigs, I bought a VLF for myself, 1 for my small children, 1 for my best friend, then a Pulse for gold/​beach hunting, and I am now looking into a rig for under water.
Each time I have a specific need, he answers why I should consider certain rigs, and the pros/​cons of them! Dealing with Larry is exactly like «having a friend in the business»
As far as the negative posts, I think people expect to be greeted like a 5 star hotel, rather than a professional treasure hunter. Larry is a pro at treasure hunting, not 5 star dinning, and room service! What would you expect going into a hunting store?
Anyway, This is the best place to get what you need, period! Thanks for all the good advice Larry!
Ben T.
Woodland Ca.

I dunno if the negative reviewers caught Larry on a bad day or what, but my experience with him was great – and I am «younger.» He took the time to help me pick out the right detector as an xmas gift for my Dad – who was a beginner – and then patiently showed me how to use it. He was very friendly and not curmudgeon-​y at all.
I also didn’t have a problem with his shop being in his garage – and I’m not sure why anyone else would, either. He’s got a nice set-​up in there and not every business is in a storefront.
Just keep in mind his prices are a little higher than what you’ll find shopping around on the internet, but you don’t have to wait or pay for shipping.

Just picked up a pick and scoop from Larry. Great selection, great sales interaction, Larry was kind enough to share the «keys to the Chastity belt» with me, which tells me he appreciates my business and I appreciate the insight. I would rather spend my money here than some cheesy online store

Called to get some info for my dad. Larry was rude and hung up on me. Would never recommend him or his store.

Larry is great. I have done business with him on several occasions and he has always been very helpful and extremely honest and candid.
Reading previous reviews I can guarantee he doesn’t sell junk. He does sell and stock a wide variety of detectors with a varied price range and application.
Treasure hunting and trapping/​killing small animals? Hmmm isn’t the usual purpose of metal detecting for «treasure» hunting? Grown men and women outdoors, exercising, and living out the inner adventure and excitement of finding buried treasure (usually pull tabs and trash haha).
I believe he was a federal trapper which means he was accredited by the «state» to safely remove potentially dangerous, ie skunks, on a strictly regulated basis. This isn’t a Davey Crockett raccoon hat wearing trapper selling pelts.
I was amazed and appreciated Larry’s inquiring of my desires and intended uses of the detector prior to my purchase. I had researched and was interested in a rather expensive machine. He actually showed me a couple high quality and cheaper machines before selling me my whites. I found him to be knowledgable and honest and have been a customer since.
Check my other reviews, I insist on high quality service and products and would fully endorse Big Valley.

Me and my son visited this shop/​home and was astounded by all the equipment Larry had on hand. We spent over $ 100.00… bought two small sluice boxes and some crevicing tools. What a bargain on a sunday when all the other shops are closed!

I am new to metal detecting and was looking for a fun way to spend time with my kids in the outdoors. I called Larry and he was helpfull and knowledgeable, and best of all, didnn’t try to sell me gear I didn’t need. He recommended a solid detector at the low end of the price range and told me to play with it to be sure I would enjoy the hobby. After two weeks, I called Larry and told him I was having a blast but wished I had bought the next higher up machine; he offered to give me full price for my now used detector and apply the refund to an upgrade. He even offered take me out detecting to help learn the new machine. His prices are competitive and he is very interesting guy to talk to. Yes, his shop is in his garage… who cares? …and if your opinion is metal detecting is a waste of time, like genius Drew here, then clearly he should not be reviewing a guy who sells metal detectors.

Just bought a whites gold detector from larry and what a great person to deal with. He went over so many things with us and answered all our questions. We learned alot from him in a short time. His prices were the cheapest around. Thanks larry

I have been to many prospecting shops, and this one is the best! He STOCKS everything, metal detectors, sluice boxes, gold pans, picks, shovels, headphones, books, maps, etc… Larry is a REALLY nice guy, So I am not sure what some of these other reviewers are talking about.
He does not sell JUNK, he sells high end, professional prospecting gear, such as KEENE, WHITES, GARRETT, ANGUS MACKIRK.
Feel free to message me, I would be happy to answer your questions. I am a retired geologist and active prospector.
Just make sure you call ahead, because it is a home based business.
J.

I sent Larry a picture of the latest ring I found with my White’s TDI… a Super Pulse Detector professionally engineered and made in America by White’s Electronics.
Larry has helped me and given me first class service. I ordered a Sand Basket from Larry and have to pick it up in the near future when I visit family in the Sacramento Area. I have sent a number of my friends and acquatances to Larry who has given them FIRST class service, traiing, tips and tricks. Tom H and several others.
Larry has come through time and time again. I was upset at the one poster talking about animals. Larry just doesn’t remember such a person coming to his shop, and Larry has a good memory.
Larry is an animal lover and has a beautiful terrier named Leila and has been a responsible pet owner and previously owned a Pit Bull with a Head as big as a propane tank when he was younger. Larry and his family also own three Birds, one of which is Kelly a beautiful young African Grey.
When it comes to metal detectors, Larry is one of the Top Metal Detector Dealers in the Western Region and competes not only on some great prices but his knowledge and experience with metal detectors where as other stores don’t know the first thing about metal detectors and look at you like a Deer in the Headlights. As a Multi-​Line Dealer, Larry’s understanding and ability to enlighten his Customers as to proper tuning and understanding has elevated him to one of the top dealers in the western region of the US.
Larry has made it a point to carry Made-​In-​The USA top quality accessories including the newest Brutus Line of pouches. While some Internet Sites Like K#%#%^ proclaim themselves as Super Stores and offer Accessory Packages that fall flat on their face in terms of quality, Larry won’t carry that sub-​standard Junk and offers Tools, Picks, Gold Pans that hold up and endure.
Hey Larry, give Leila a BIG Hug and Kissie for me. I may be up to see you soon and get your take on the NEW White’s Spectra V3i.

What a joker. Overpriced junk for people with too much time on their hands. Larry «the trapper» loves to find buried treasures, gold, and kill wild animals. Not at all professional and not friendly to young folks.