Northwest Armory - Milwaukie

I think in the early 2010's this was the best gun shop in all of Oregon. Good selection with fair prices and quality customer service. I feel that they still have a good selection and fair prices, but their customer service has hit the floor over the last couple of years. Trying to chat with the staff at this store feels like pulling teeth. They are no longer personable like the staff at other shops in the area. Their concern seems to be getting you in and out with a sale made as quickly as possible.

For the longest time I felt I was the only one who wasn't enjoying my visits to their store. They were always busy so it must be good, right? I think their modern day success is because they established a name for themselves years ago and because they're endorsed by a popular radio talk show. I think if they were a brand new shop they wouldn't last long with the level of customer service they provide today.

I know I'm not the only one feeling this way because I just saw another customer comment this on a local gun group just yesterday.

I used to enjoy this store a lot but in recent years it feels like they've become so popular/busy that the biggest concern of staff is selling you a gun and getting you out the door, regardless if that's the right gun for you. Looking at other reviews I can see I'm not the only one whose noticed a decline in customer service. They aren't my first choice when I'm in the market for a new gun because of this.

I have purchased more than a few firearms at NW Armory, having been a customer since the early 1990s.

I have always been happy with their service and their prices are typically competitive in the market.

I was disappointed recently when I went in (After waiting nearly an hour in line) and found their prices were very high. I thought it might just be the market during Covid-19. But then I went to one of their most likely competitors and found what I wanted for considerably cheaper.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in capitalism and understand they are a business that is there for the purpose of making money for the owner. But, I am also a component of a capitalist system that is looking to acquire the items I want for the best price.

I have no plans to return to NW Armory any time soon.

I used to go in often, even when the store is empty its hard to get someone to help, they say just a sec and never come back to you, or are having a conversation between another worker instead of helping customers,
The deals they email about are often gone a day or two later... and they want to sell you something else instead.

This used to be one of my favorite shops to visit. I'd go in and chit chat with Kelly and he knew me by name as well. This shop was great back in the 90's, but so much has changed. They used to have one heck of a good reloading selection and was my favorite place to buy brass. I remember buying tons (or so it seemed) of nickel plated brass for my 300wby and 338wm and 300wm rifles. If I needed it, it seemed like Northwest armory had it and it was always fun to look around the store. However, times have changed. I'll stand there waiting for someone to help me and it seems like they are all too busy, or don't have the time. One time I stood there for 15+ minutes just waiting to pay for some ammo. There was no one in front of me and I was at the counter, and no one had the time to take my money. I ended up leaving my ammo on the counter with a very bad taste in my mouth. Trust me, if you go there, you'll see what I'm talking about. It's just not the fine store it used to be. Sorry, but truth is truth..

I used to love this shop but the customer service has gone to the dogs lately. the last 2 times I have been there I called for an item before I came from Beaverton and got there to find it was either the wrong item I called about or nobody checked the stock before telling me to come out. thank God Curts always has a backup for me.

Had some of my best and worst experiences with NWA. Sometimes they are incredibly helpful and polite, other times I get a cold shoulder.

Usually overpriced on everything, but not always.