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Great place to do an xfer with knowledgeable staff. Its a little bit out of the way but thats probably a good thing since its a little smaller and doesn't have the best parking.
Staff; Service; Selection; Competitive Prices; Transfer Fees; Knowledge; Helpfulness
Cons
Lines Sometimes Longish; Distance From Vancouver
Of all the Washington gun stores between Olympia, Vancouver, and Tri-Cities, for my money the best is Gator's Custom Guns in Kelso. Even though they're not a big-box retailer, and the lines can be longish at times due to their popularity, they are nonetheless competitive. I realized this yet again a couple days ago when I bought ammo at Gator's then stopped by Sportsman's Warehouse on the way out of Kelso and, sure enough, prices were higher at Sportsman's. Rather strangely, the variety of ammo at Gator's was also better. That may be more of a poor reflection on Sportsman's than an atta-boy for Gator's, yet it is still striking when a local store is able to outperform a big-box retailer. The transfer fees they charge at Gator's are also quite reasonable. But the big plus with Gator's is the staff. Even though they really, really know their stuff, they don't treat you like dirt just because you ask them a question. There are some gun shops which have a terrible reputation for arrogance and mistreatment of customers who ask for help (there's one on Foster Blvd. in SE Portland that comes to mind), but you won't be treated like that at Gator's -- at least I've never witnessed it. Every gun store will have its pluses and minuses from the perspectives of different customers, but if you do your business at Gator's I'd wager you'll very much appreciate their quality service and selection.
I went here the other day and was greeted as I walked in the door even though they were busy with customers. They're a bit out of the way for me but I will definitely be back when I'm in the area. They had a nice selection to browse through and the prices all seemed within reason.
I bought my Canik TP-9 Elite SC and the sale was flawless. I love doing business with small family owned businesses whenever possible and Gator's fits the bill!
Good prices. Technically great since most of the big stores are either wiped out or through the roof on ammo prices.
Clean layout, easy to move around stuff and other customers.
First visit. Meet up for a private transfer. Only $20 , very fair right now.
Tons of new stuff at decent prices.
Tons more used stuff at great prices. Laid out in easy to access areas. Excellent use of space.
Where I go first since before there was a storefront.
If they have it the price is fair. However, like everybody else now days they have trouble keeping stuff in stock. Always friendly always happy to help.
If they have a CON it's that they are to busy
Been a few weeks since I was in there, but everyone seemed friendly and helpful. Prices were very reasonable and the shop was clean. I look forward to going back and taking an antique firearm there and having it appraised.
Cool stuff in stock rather than the top 10 at corporate box stores They moved to a larger place I have to go back and spend more money. I prefer to buy at small businesses .
The store is a treasure trove I have found magazines for H&K, Ruger and M1A's and at great prices. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and while the new shop is roomy and a helluva lot easier to get around in I sort of miss the snug, cave like quality of their old digs. Nonetheless, I enjoy my monthly excursions up to Kelso just to go to Gator's
By far the best gun shop in the county. Gun counter guys are helpful and not the typical know it all A holes you encounter most places. Knowledgeable. Friendly.
The best little gun shop you'll ever visit. It's no bigger than a walk in closet, but jam packed full of excellent deals. The owner says "I'm running a gun shop, not a museum" and the prices definitly reflect that. Very friendly and knowledgeable, veteran father and son owned and operated.
Excellent source for AR15 builds, Ammo, Silencers, and a large selection of good used guns as well.
Stop in and tell em I sent you...
I bought a pistol from a member here and we did the transfer at Gator's. The staff was friendly and helpful, the store seems well-stocked and the transfer was $20 total. What's not to like??
I bought an AR15 in 2016 and the wife bought a Smith 442 from them last year. Even though I've been shooting and hunting with all kinds of firearms for over 50 years, I never handled an AR. I asked them to explain the differences in the brands. He went through and explained the advantages, disadvantages and workings of all he had on the shelf. About 8 different makes. He took plenty of time and answered all the questions I had. I felt very good about my purchase. This is why we returned when the wife wanted to buy a purse gun. She bought it on line and had it shipped to Gator's for pick up and paper work. She said they were polite, courteous and explained everything they need to do to finalize the sale. They know their stuff. Two thumbs up. Lets keep the small guns shop in business.
About a week ago, I did a pvt party transfer there. And while I was there, I also picked up a bargain (Russian Ammo) at their shop.
I'm glad that the seller introduced me to another good PNW gun shop. IF, I should find myself in the Kelso/Longview area again, I'll be sure to stop by.