Elite Firearms

Great small family gun store. I have been coming here for years. Great service. Not your typical gun snobs. Have a lot of Used guns and seem to specialize in older rifles as well. They can order what you need if not in stock. Prices can be a little higher but it’s worth it. I am a lifetime customer.

As a first time handgun purchaser, I walked in to this amazing shop and was warmly greeted by BJ, who is, I believe part owner. Unlike other gun shops who look down on newbies, BJ was very attentive to my questions and was a pleasure to deal with. She went over a few handguns with me — pointing out pros and cons for each one; she’s very knowledgeable and very interesting to talk to. I didn’t feel rushed at all, which was really nice.
The very next day, I went back in the morning at opening — I’m glad I did, because this gun shop gets pretty busy! I opted for the Beretta PX Storm with laser sight. I gave her my driver’s license and passed the Handgun Safety Course, completed some paperwork — she made it all very comfortable and seamless! I pick up my handgun in 10 days. Can’t wait to go back and buy other stuff!

Friendly staff, poor ‘gunsmithing.’
Needed to get some tritium sights installed on a CZ, but I couldn’t find much in the way of gun smiths in south county, and the places I did call said they didn’t do CZ. Someone recommended this place on Cal Guns so I gave it a go.
Their gunsmith Robert said that he could do the job, and that it would cost 65 – 85 dollars depending on whether he needed to replace the roll pin. I figured that was kind of high, but I wanted my sights installed and I didn’t know what the average going rate was, so I agreed.
Picked up my pistol a week or so late and it looked good. He charged me $ 85.(I later found out that the going rate at nearly all other places is $ 35, and at most $ 50)
Took it to On-​Target and tried it out, aim was spot on and I was pretty happy, but only for a moment. A couple weeks later I go to On-​Target and notice that I am hitting several inches to the left, and I can’t figure out why. I try to adjust my aim and then realize that the sight is way off. Then I noticed that it was loose and could be slid around and removed without effort… this is not how things are supposed to work.
I take it back to Elite and talk to Robert, only then does he mention that «the sight wasn’t to spec… he’s seen it hundreds of times… etc» and that he had to use loc-​tite. He tells me to get it replaced under warranty since it was the manufacturer’s fault and tells me that I can give Meprolight his info and he would install the replacement at no extra cost. I agree, and went home. I looked at the sight and it looked like a lot had been ground off of the bottom.
I sent the sight to Mako, which is Meprolight’s US distributor. They got it and checked it out and told me that the reason it wasn’t fitting is that several thousandths had been ground off the bottom and was the reason that the fit was not right, and that typically the sights only require very light sanding if anything and should be pressed in for a proper fit. They did sell me a replacement at cost, so at least they were cool enough to do that.
Took it back in to Robert and told him what happened. He told me that they were wrong, and tried to tell me that Meprolight wasn’t good quality. I said that at this point I just wanted the sights installed, and didn’t even expect him to pay the cost of the replacement sight. I mentioned that I just wanted to make sure that on the second installation the same thing didn’t happen. He tried to show me how the sight wouldn’t fit with hand pressure and I mentioned that the correct installation requires a sight-​pusher (which mechanically applies pressure to install sights. From what I’ve read it is fairly standard for any dove-​tailed sights). He told me I was wrong, they were wrong, and that he had over 20-​years of experience. He said that pressing them in would ruin the sights (CZ and Meprolight both state that pressing them in is the correct installation method) and that if he «can’t do it correctly, he wasn’t going to do it.» I complained that I had already given him $ 85, at which point he walked over, pulled $ 85 from the register and gave it to me. I signed a receipt, thanked him for the refund, and left.
They seem like nice people, but that experience was just awful. The price was 140% higher than other places, the installation wasn’t completed correctly, I had to buy a new rear sight, and I had to find and pay another gun smith to finish the installation.

Tomorrow I will be picking up my first hand gun and I could not be more excited. BJ and her staff have made the whole process enjoyable and pain free. I expressed interest in night sights and they immediately recommended the kind I was already interested in, for a better price, and said their gun smith can have them put on immediately so I never have to wait. Could not be happier at the moment. I will be posting another review as soon as I am done putting my new Glock 30SF through the ringer. ;-)

This is the finest gun store in Southern California. Their service is outstanding. They are beyond helpful with the customers. Their selection is very unique and they really care about customer service. Forget the chain stores. If you want great service and a good selection, go to Elite Firearms. I drive 40 miles round trip to visit them.

RUN don’t walk away from these people. They are completely unethical and deceitful. I had the misfortune to purchase a Ruger SR9MM from Elite. Before I purchased this gun, I looked up the retail price. I called Elite and they told me they had one in stock. Based on this information, I purchased the gun and paid full retail price. At no point was I ever told that this gun was 6 years old OR that it was sent back to Ruger for repairs. No where on my sales receipt does it state USED. This is so unethical. Elite hid this from me, charged me the new gun price for a 6 year old gun with major problems. No one would purchase a 6 year old gun with problems at full retail price. Elite has no morals and hid the true facts while selling me this gun. During this time, I took my Glock 40 in to Elite since they advertised professional gunsmith work. I paid full price ($ 103) for them to lower the trigger pull from 4.6 to 3.5. They kept the gun for weeks and assured me that new part was put in and accomplished the 3.5 trigger pull. I felt the trigger pull was not lightened. I took it to the local gun dealer, they tested the trigger pull and it was still the same at 4.6. Elite is NOT a professional fire arms dealer! They lie to their customers and are very inconsiderate. BJ is a very rude and unprofessional owner.

Small* Friendly* Patient* Positive*
I had a great first visit with the shop. Unlike the range down the street, who didn’t seem interested in helping at all!
I came in with an open mind looking for my first handgun, with no specific brand or model in mind. I thought I would ask questions and just pick their brain for what might suit me. And they couldn’t have been more helpful! Answered all my questions thoroughly and were patient in letting me feel out a variety of different options. I really felt more at home here, more so than any other shop I’ve visited. For that reason I purchased my firearm here. I am aware that prices are pretty steep but I couldn’t have gotten better service/​information, and do not mind supporting a small local business. I will continue to bring my firearm needs here and would recommend them to anyone.

Ed C. Went into buy a 44mag Smith & Wesson about two months ago. Well I have bought 3 long guns and have 3 pistols on hold. BJ, Bobby, and Robert are now like family. They go out of their way to make sure what I buy is the best. They are even helping me pick out the best pistol for my Granddaughter. If anyone has a problem with them it’s their own fault. I have recommended them to my friends and to anyone in the market for gun supplies.

Really nice staff, and an ok selection for the size of the place but… They are extremely high priced, I do like to support small bussiness and I realize they can’t compete with places like turners on prices but they should be able to come closer, I mean one handgun at turners was $ 399 regular price and elite had there’s on sale for $ 479… That’s rediculous, the lady DJ is very nice and willing to work a deal with you but, you shouldn’t have to haggle. If they just had decent prices I’m sure this little shop would really take off!

I’ve purchased 3 weapons from these folks and have been very satisfied. BJ is a sweetheart when it comes to the business end. A little high priced but you pay for what you get. Going in today to sell and older gun so I can upgrade to a larger caliber.

Friendly.
Personable.
Quaint.
The way small biz used to be! Very pleased with this crew. I will be back time and time again for PPT, or any of my needs in this dept.
Headache free and no run around. Just straight shooters. Pun intended.

I recently purchased an early Sako .222 from Elite Firearms, of Laguna Niguel, CA. The seller’s description and pictures of the firearm indicated that it had been manufactured in the 1950’s and is of fine condition. The description turned out to be conservative, as the firearm is practically flawless and looks to have been carefully stored and little used. I thought the price was very fair and all terms were clear.
Dealing with Elite Firearms was a pleasant and honest transaction. My questions were clearly answered without exaggeration. All contacts with the company were professional and personable, courteous and complete.
I would not hesitate to do business with them again.
Gary Gilthvedt
East Grand Forks, Minnesota

I have had many transactions with Elite and they all have all been 5 star.
I have known both BOB and BJ, the owners of both stores for many years. They have always been trustworthy and successful
My advice to shoppers would be to realize that price relates to quality, simply stated you get what you pay for. A lot of their guns are consignment and most are great pieces, but some show some wear and are priced accordingly. Elite also sell new guns.
I have always believed that you get what you pay for. My purchases were always geared to quality guns that you would not find elsewhere (examples: 2 Belgian Browning 22cal take down rifles, rare and. like new! …a Browning HI Power 9 mm looks like it was never shot, and others of that similar vintage and quality).
I have sold firearms at Elite as well. They seem to sell fast since they have a good customer base. BJ send out the checks when they sell with never any problems.
I have seen many rare pistols sold at Elite. Some are boxed sets.
If you want your friend who you trust to sell to you give Elite a chance. Get to know them, they are very honest and fair and will surly become a friend as you get to know them.
I notice a few negative comments and I offer this advice. Read all of the comments and you will see that Elite is very reputable. I have difficulty accepting these negative comments. Some folks a just negative about everything.

I have had nothing but great experiences with Bob and BJ at Elite Firearms. Everything has been as represented and their paperwork and procedures are flawless.

I bought a BT-​99 trap shot gun that was from the collection of the gun store owner. Was the price cheap — NO — was it fair — YES. The gun is awesome and the salesperson was very knowledge being that I am just starting to shoot trap. Yes I also shop the deals but the price of good and correct information is priceless.

Very nice people. Great place. More of a one on one experience. As opposed to the big retailers.

A few months ago, I was turned on to Elite from a co-​worker and stop by occassionaly to pick-​up ammo. Last week ran across a used (but unfired) 9 mm compact pistol that was priced fairly and purchased it. Good people at both locations (Orange and Laguna Niguel) … they are in business to make a profit, which I’m fine with. I’d much rater my $‘s go to hard working small business owners than a huge corporation. I like the neighborhood gun store feel and I’ll be back. FOR ME IT’S ALL ABOUT TRUST AND SO FAR ELITE HAS FILLED THE BILL …
Mel W.

They are nice people but overpriced. Consignment and transfers are way overpriced almost to the point that they either don’t want that business or are gouging you.

Honesty, I couldn’t have been happier with my experience at Elite Firearms. They are knowledgeable, patient and generally very pleasant to do business with. This was my first gun purchasing experience, and they made me feel comfortable from the moment I stepped foot in the store. This place is a must for any and all gun enthusiasts.

$$$$$ the markup is horrible!!! $ 750 tag on a used gun that new msrp is $ 600?!? Poor prices, even poorer selection. And heaven forbid you have to talk to the older guy. Only reason it got 2 stars was for the gunsmith. He was nice and knowledgeable.
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY