Absolutely the best gun shop in San Diego. Ive purchased from David and Ian, numerous times, and the knowledge and help they provide, is unmatched. They always have the best inventory in stock, or do their best to accommodate. My brother and I will be lifelong customers!
Very knowledgeable staff, if they dont know something they find out rather than pretending. The customer service is always very one on one and comfortable, I highly recommend asking for Bryce. AO Sword is a great location for both civilian and military personnel whether highly experienced or a novice to the industry.Will have my business for years to come.
Small shop...big value and service. Spend some time here and you will realize this is the best shop around. They know guns! Whether you are building or buying off the rack, the staff are able to answer your questions and match you up with your dreams. Had a lot of questions about rifles that were answered completely by Will. Really appreciate the time he spent answering all my questions and providing helpful feedback and options for my build. The owner really cares about his customers and the community. If you are in the market for a firearm, you should drop in and talk with them.
Got some gun training through them.. Super friendly and knowledgeable group. Always ready to answer any questions and go out of there way to help.
BEST PLACE to get your next gun. My nephew Ian is the GREATEST!
AO Sword is great! I had serious gun malfunction that could not be fixed in the field. Within 72 hours their gunsmiths had me back up and running (and a really nicely cleaned and lubed gun to go along with the repair). You cant go wrong if you have a firearms need with these good folks.
A+ costumer service. The staff is very knowledgeable and made sure all of my questions were answered.
Hands down the best experience in finding protection for my house and family. USMC Veteran 6 years, and I recommend this establishment for your next purchase. Thank You!!
They are really sketchy in this store. They girl there is rude and real jumpy. I did not feel comfortable, as she seemed to be prejudging me. She is so skiddish and weird. She should not be armed, I will never go there again. Discount gun mart is way better.
I was Probably Davids last customer at his home before the shop was opened and have had two rifles built by David and then had one modified to meet the regulations our state requires. The work was done properly and on time. The staff has always been pleasant and I have sent friends and coworkers with questions to El Cajon to see them and get the right answers. This is a great local business that supports San Diego gun owners.
Great and knowledgeable staff. Answered all of my questions and, even though I told them I was a vet trained on fire arms; they still went through all the safety checks and made sure I understood the law!Keep up the good work!
Very helpful and highly knowledgeable. I emailed them first regarding inventory and received a response within hours. I went to the store and did not have to wait long and they answered all my questions and also took the time to tell me about their training. Great store. Buy and get training.
I have since referred many friends to AO, their knowledge and no pressure approach were great. At no time was I talked down to nor did I not feel comfortable working with them. Whether its for sporting or defense buying a firearm is a serious deal, I would not take my business elsewhere, ever!
David, his family and team are going to take great care of you at a fair price. There are many choices but I don’t hesitate to use A O Sword for my firearms and safety needs. Don’t heed any conflicting anti-2A reviews. Believe the believers.
Update 7/27/2018:I just came back here to see that I was given a response from the owner (10 months ago!) This is much appreciated. I should note that the cerakote on the part they completed looked great and has held up pretty well. Its been a couple years.I want to reiterate that my issue wasnt so much that I didnt believe there were challenges at the company, but that someone wasnt just straight up with me about the status of the work.As a customer, I was a bit flabbergasted by the fact that someone on the other end of the phone was telling me about personnel issues at the business. As much as I hate to hear someone lost their job, its probably better for the business that way. At this point, my previous experience is water under the bridge.In either case, Im also sorry to hear about the fate of one of the employees. Because of the response and the high quality of the cerakote that was completed, Im bumping my review up to 4 stars.Ive included a photo of their work. AO Sword is responsible for the cerakote on the frame and the barrel. This was a surplus gun and really looked terrible prior to the cerakote.Im willing to give AO Sword a chance again, as Ill be in the market for another cerakote job within the next couple of weeks. The staff I dealt with at the time, excluding the telephone guy were all excellent.Original Review:Really nice people here and all, great selection of items if you want to go take a look or buy some accessories; That being said, I have to echo some of the other comments here. If they have to do any work to a firearm, Id try to avoid it.I left a firearm with them awhile back for some cerakote. It was already disassembled and I had requested two solid colors. I was told 6-8 weeks. I hate being that guy so I avoided calling them until the tail end of that timeframe. This was in early September if I recall correctly. Each time I called, I got a different story as to the progress of the job, or the reason it wasnt completed. Around late December, I was given a strange story about a bad employee who had been let go, who wasnt showing up for work, etc. and told thats why it was delayed. Red flags galore.Showed up the next day, got my parts back. They had only done one of the colors. The slide was still incomplete. They had prepped it but thats about it. They were okay and pleasant throughout the transaction and obviously didnt charge me for the portion of work that was never completed.Its too bad, because the attitude of the people up front has always been great. They dont have the typical indifferent interactions present at a lot of gun stores. I think their organizational skills must be awful though given my experience and others alleged experiences. Id been told so many stories, even at one time being told it was done and waiting to be reassembled when I reminded them I didnt need that. I didnt feel wherever I spoke with was being very honest with me. The only reason its not 1 star after all of that is because of the people working in the front it the store.
My experience with AOSword is nothing short of amazing. The entire staff and owner have always politely, patiently, and professionally answered every single question no matter how ‘newbie’. They have helped me develop into an informed and well trained, responsible citizen with a great hobby, and the means to defend myself if need be.
I read some of the reviews and I was SHOCKED they even got 5 stars. They had to come from family and friends. It was my first time in a gun store not knowing the laws or anything. I was hoping someone would educate me but no.. after asking some questions I can tell they were getting irritated then I was ask to take my business some were else. Who dose that these days. I was referred by 3 stores to vist them I will now go back and tell them not to refer customers to that store.
Place is still open, they are very helpful and knowledgeable on everything thing you may need. To do not hesitate to contact them for information regarding your needs for home defense. Keep up the great work!!
Excellent staff, customer service, very knowledgeable of California laws and restrictions as well firearm safety. Reasonable pricing on everything. Highly recommend it.
Was disrespected by David a couple times during the entire process. Very rude attitude. Horrible restocking fee price if it ever has to happen. I took a picture in the store and the girl that works there snapped at me saying i need to ask to take pictures when there’s no sign indicating this. The guy that helped me was pretty decent that’s why I’m giving 2 stars. I will take my business to turners or discount gun mart for the future.
One of my favorite places to purchase firearms, ammunition, and accessories. These people are very friendly, knowledgeable, and have a great selection of products. Top notch service!
Been to all the gun stores/ammunition stores in the east county and this is my favorite one by far. Personnel is knowledgeable and very friendly. Going to head back in there soon and get my next firearm and will report my experience.
The staff there are friendly, knowledgeable and have a salient understanding of the current CA gun laws. They helped me navigate a (seemingly) daunting process to get my BG check complete and my long gun purchase finalized. A+++ all the way
Excellent customer service. Full service shop, very knowledgeable staff. These guys really seem to appreciate your business. I’ve been to a several shops in east county & there’s only a few I would visit again & this will be my first stop next time.
The kindest and most knowledgeable people in the industry not only do these people provide a service but they are dedicated to our community and the safety of the public treated like family every time Ive been there tell me every time I theyve always gone above and beyond to help me with everything that I need.
I am an African-American disabled Air Force Officer and I was looking to purchase a new handgun, specifically a Glock 19 or Beretta. However, I was met with immediate poor service by the staff there, in particular, David, the store owner. Not only was there a one (1) hour and a half wait to even get in, but once I did get in, none of the staff wore face masks. Further, David, the store owner, limited the number of patrons to six (6), but had no sense of urgency or concern to help customers in a timely manner. It should also be noted that I only went to this store because my friend (a white male) recommended it. Nevertheless, I was met with a combative tone and attitude by David, the store owner, who unnecessarily interjected himself into my shopping experience with snide comments. I dont usually notice or comment on the personality of salespersons, but this store owner had such a twisted and self-absorbed way of speaking that he is practically a walking case study of narcissism and self-delusion. For instance, as I was completing the state required firearm safety certificate test David, the store owner, again interjected and instructed me to move to the back of the store to complete the firearm safety certificate test even though the direct salesperson that I was working with had previously told me that I could complete the test at the counter while she went to get the gun that I was purchasing. David, the store owner, without prompting, said that he was overruling her instruction to me, and was now requiring that I complete the firearm safety certificate test in the other room without any explanation or rationale. In short, David, the store owner, just gave me an order to move even though he provided no reason for why he was requesting me to do so. It was just something that he wanted and ordered me to do just because he was the store owner. When I asked him why, David, the store owner, angrily said, Is there a problem?!” Then before I could respond David, the store owner, demanded the firearm safety certificate test paper back and said, “We will not be selling you a firearm today.”I want it to be known, that I do not write this review because I want to lambast a business owner nor do I have an issue with how a person runs his or her business. The reason I felt compelled to write this review is to inform future patrons so they know what to expect. This is the same thing that I wouldve done if a young airman came to me and asked for advice on what to expect at a new base and any relevant local Air Force instructions. When you patronize a store you should be well aware of who runs it and how they run it. I, for one, do not recommend that any person of color or any current active duty or retired military personnel patronize his store because he doesnt live by the same code of conduct that I dedicated my life to uphold or hold to be true. Thats honesty, sincerity, honor, respect and integrity. The fact that David, the store owner, treated me differently due to the color of my skin was readily apparent in his actions and words and that I cannot respect.
Very helpful staff! Willing to discuss the right options for your individual need, not to just make a sale.
AO SWORD is an awesome facility, beautiful gun shop with friendly workers who are very knowledgeable. Definitely one of the best gun shops in San Diego.
Very knowledgable and friendly staff that is always willing to answer questions.they always have good info and solid advice when I ask questions. Id recommend them to anyone from novice to professional, theyve got the answer or will get it for you.
Great shopping experience. Art was very helpful and informative.
They are a very family friendly company and have earned my business for as long as I am in San Diego.
Excellent customer service, knowledgeable friendly staff, and good selection. Prices are competitive, and they have competent gunsmiths in-house. This is now my go to firearms shop, and I have never been disappointed. The staff are always willing to take time to go over options and answer any questions, and they arent pushy or egotistical like some other shops can be. This place does get busy, so either come early or allow time to complete your business.
VERY dissappointed!!!! I was referred to AO Sword Firearms for engraving on a scope that we were giving as a gift for an employee for their 20 years of service with the company. After 4 weeks of waiting patiently (impatiently after 3 week of no response), we were finally told they didnt have time and to come get our scope and take it else where. They were very rude and seemed not to care about the inconvenience they caused. Contacted Pro Engraving, dropped it off at 1pm and will have it ready at 4pm. I will never do business or refer business with them again.
Great example of your grassroots local Gunshop. After my go to local Gunshops had closed a couple years back, I decided to walk on in to this place to give it a try. With a rather large pistol display and a wide range of parts and rifles it was refreshing to see a genuinely great local Gunshop with great staff and a wide selection. I did find myself in there recently for some ammo during the pandemic and was reminded of my first time there.The second part of the review is proof of how great employees are needed to have a great business.My first impression of this place was 2 or so years ago... a single bearded guy behind the counter dealing with what I could gather was some anti-second amendment protestor, fueled by drugs (El cajon) and misinformation.It was amazing to see this guy remaining so calm as this lady hassled him and knocked things over. Needless to say the professionalism he had was amazing. He didnt escalate the situation at the same time insured the other customers were safe as he called the cops and let them deal with it. After the whole ordeal ended it was back to help us out as well as all the other customers. Great shop, and great staff, & a great selection.
Awesome experience. Great shop! Bought a great custom AR and an unbelievable price. Also the staff is super helpful. I don’t know much about guns and they were very helpful!
Great owner. Very knowledgeable. Huge selection.
This review is based on 3 separate experiences with the staff and business. There is a too long didnt read it all at the bottom.I bought 2 AR15 lowers a few years ago and the staff was nothing short of friendly and professional. This was at the end of that year, just before the laws were changing so the store was packed with people wanting to get their purchases in before the deadline. Although I had to wait for a decent amount of time, the employee (sorry I dont recall his name) apologized for the wait, and asked me for my name before asking what I needed help with, which was a bit of a nice surprise. He walked me through the new laws coming into play starting at the new year, and even mentioned to me their specials they were offering if 2 AR lowers were purchased. I ended up getting my 2 lowers for an incredibly reasonable price, even with one of them getting a cerakote job (which was flawless).My second experience was after I pulled a newbie move on one of my brand new lowers by over tightened my buffer tube passed the buffer retainer, causing the tube to lock up with no feasible method of undoing my mistake without destroying part of my lower or the tube itself. I brought my lower in one evening and was basically told that the only way it could be fixed was to destroy the buffer tube and remove it, which could lead to damaging my lower. Heartbroken and defeated, I was offered gunsmith services to undo my mistake, but at a possible cost to my lower. Another employee mentioned he had heard of this before, but what that customer did was drill an incredibly small hole into the tube to release the pressure on the spring and force the retainer down, thus unlocking the tube, then replacing it with an unaltered one. I did exactly as he suggest as soon as I got home and it worked!!! The help from your employees saved my from possibly damaging my lower, and it works flawlessly now. To say I am appreciative of their advice and knowledge would be an understatement!!!My third experience at AO was fairly simple and straight forward. A good friend of mine was selling his Glock and my Dad wanted to purchase it, but needed an FFL to transfer the firearm to him. My Dad had not bought a gun in decades, and had no current knowledge of the laws required to either purchase or transfer a firearm. The team at AO answered all of his questions, even updated him on the current laws, and the upcoming ones that were changing with the coming year. They did not push for for a sale, but shortly after getting his new Glock, my Dad also purchased an AR lower as well. My Dad was so pleased with everyone at AO that he told my brother about his experience, and he in turn came in to purchase a lower as well. So all 3 of us have happily bought from you guys!The too long didnt read portion: After several purchases, experiences (including me locking up a weapon), and countless hours spent at this shop, they are the first place I would send anyone to.The staff is friendly (never been asked my name at the start of a conversation at a firearm store), professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely cares for their customers and their needs.Thank you again for everything AO! You guys are awesome!
Had some armorers work done, very nice job they are experts, friendly and knowledgeable.
AO Sword has earned their good reputation because of their integrity and steadfast devotion to their customers rights.
Really bad customer service. The old man was super rude.
Service is good, no complaints with that. Only issue is prices, just like every other shop you go too. They said its the absolute lowest prices they can do but go somewhere else and you can sometimes find it cheaper and sometimes more expensive. Thats nothing new. Took my rifle to get painted, took roughly almost 2 months because they didnt have enough in the group who wanted that color but I did it anyways. Was told it was going to be 2 or 3 weeks and didnt turn out that long. Took my other rifle some where else same day as well, did a custom finish on it and ended up being cheaper and faster service done to it.Overall, no complaints customer service wise, but when you tell someone something and it ends up being a lot longer than expected is why I gave them 3 stars. Especially when they kept me out of the loop on updates and expected time until its ready.
Great place with a solid inventory supply.
David and his team are amazing, they are great at finding the right firearm for you, and will build any California compliant AR for you. Prices are reasonable even in times of crises, its a pleasure to know and patronize this great establishment.
You guys are the best helping me with my AR build I gave you a budget and you stuck with it. Can’t wait to finally pay it off then pick it up. Excited to buy my first rifle. All of you are the best!!!
Extraordinarily knowledgeable and friendly folks. Wish Id known of them before - now my go-to store.
Owner is rude and always has a condescending tone. Small shop anyway, better to go where there is better service.
The employees are very helpful and kind. They have a very large selection of firearms and if they don’t have what you want, they will get it for you.
Knowledgeable staff, patient with questions, helpful with tips and reviews. The 2 staff I talked to, last time I was in there, were helpful to the point of volunteering information beyond the question I asked. Love this place!
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff! not your usual cocky know it all that tries to make you feel like a newbie. theyll definitely be seeing more business from me during my next build!
The staff is very knowledgeable and beyond friendly. My go-to for any and all firearms related purchases.
Ive had David and his staff have always been extremely helpful. Ill be returning soon.
Very helpful. Very knowledgeable. Very good customer service . But are in no hurry to get to you what you just spent very good money on. What was supposed to take two or three weeks is now 50 days and counting
Great place, great service, they have me as a life long customer !
Very nice guy and lady in there. Way more relaxed than other gun shops.
Excellent customer service
Great friendly staff, I highly recommend them.
Guns are way overpriced when I was new to AR-15 I spent over $1,200 on one that they make their now I know about guns I can make the whole gun for 300 bucks and the one that I got from them had cycling issues because they dont shoot them or test them at all it sucks to feel like you got taken advantage of and not explained to what youre buying I hope people dont fall for this go to a bigger store in your local area like Turners or someone else you will save lotsss of money and get the best AR-15s are like Lego sets it literally takes 30 minutes to build one while watching someone on YouTube showing you how to do it lol.. make sure you do not go in this store excited and wanting to buy do your research first Google the parts cross reference what they charge Peridot what it shows online
Top notch store with well informed staff.
Been there a few times and have always found the owner and staff very knowledgable and helpful. They helped to accommodate my recent time constraint, and got me in and out fast
Just purchased a brand new 870 express great customer service great employees. Ben and Brice are awesome guy’s and really helpful and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me if I could I would give 10 stars.
Amazing staff!!! Extremely helpful!!! Favorite gun store in San Diego County!!!
Awesome shop, quick turn around great prices and great staff. Brice helped me get a quick turn around on an ar with a stuck selector switch, and they are currently helping me to get California complaint! San diego needs more places like this!
Best experience in shopping around for firearms. Both team members were knowledgable and took time to show me around and handle all my questions.
After careful study and research and several trips to the range, Ive narrowed my choices and wait 2 months for holiday pricing. AO is 1 of 3 retailers I chose to compare. The value of a woman behind the counter is immense when dealing firearms unless you intercede while shes assisting a female client and then offer unsolicited expertise. Ive already decided not to spend my money here, but I still need information (relevant). After the ego-challenged, self proclaimed gunsmith tells me I know nothing about guns or gun ownership, he inquires about my attitude. 😁 LADIES, LEFT THERE WENT TO DISCOUNT GUN MART (Magnolia Ave- Ask for Nick or Aiden) made a purchase Im pleased with as well as a great deal on membership fees to the range! [50% off] IF YOURE A WOMAN IN THE MARKET FOR A FIREARM, GO TO DISCOUNT GUN MART WHERE YOU WILL BE RECEIVED WITH THE APPROPRIATE MEASURE😉And for Mr. BIg D. Thats why they have multuple locations and you dont. Smh. And to the sister working there, you can do better..see if Discount Gun Mart is hiring😉
Great prices and got me a nice CZ 75 P-01 and staff is very knowledgeable, thanks Mike for all the great info cant wait to buy my AR next
Nice place good Staffing and the owner is talented and does a nice job communicating.
Always a good selection of what Im looking for and a great staff
Bought a 3000$ customized gun from them which they said should be delivered a month ago... Im still waiting for it to be finished and delivered.
Ur looking for someone who knows what they are talking about.... everything ar-15, this is where you go. very very happy with overall service and product line. I will be returning soon.
So, before you attack me as you have every other person to write a 1 star review or comment an argument that counters your specific views, I am rating your customer service conduct and the child you have employed to run your Facebook page.I find it incredibly unprofessional that you feel the need to spend time out of your day to stalk people on the internet to find an unforgiving image of them and create what is essentially a WANTED poster about how theyre obviously a snowflake that cant possibly stand for anything to do with the second amendment, regardless of whether or not they actually ever mentioned that in their review or statement.I believe as a business, your best interest is selling guns and other outdoorsman products, yes?I recommend beginning by not stalking through every social site you could to locate a 15 years olds YouTube channel to screen cap a compromising photo and call her those horrible things. Does that just get you off in your pants as youre hitting enter on the message cap? What part of that is A) legal, and B) productive?I further recommend that if you wish to continue to operate as a respected franchise you would cease slandering everyone who remotely opposes you, especially when you are actually HARASSING and STALKING said people. Which I would like to remind you is ILLEGAL and will be grounds for repercussions that are incredibly inconvenient when one is trying to facilitate a successful business.And again, before you do the same to me as others before me, I would LOVE to clarify that I have said NOTHING about guns or any other controversial issue that you have previously mentioned on your page, and simply called you out for your horrific, appalling and juvenile behavior that made you look incredibly rabid.Image proof of their messed up idea of conducting themselves to the people interacting with their company.
Very good at what they do.
Excellent staff, customer service
If I could put negative stars I would. I purchased 2 AR lower receivers and 1 upper receiver in December! It is now MAY! and I am still getting the run around on when they would be cerakoated. Every time I call they give me the same excuse that they are backed up and to call the following week or that they will call me back. This is just the absolute hands down worst place to do business with.
Just purchased a shotgun from this shop. Had a great experience. My wife and i didnt feel pressured at all by any of the staff there, and felt free to browse and ask questions. Found Bryce to be very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Will definatley do buisness here again. I knew i could buy this particular firearm for less elswhere but was happy to buy at this shop because of their great customer service. So far this is my favorite shop in SD.
Im a usmc veteran from the Midwest and this is the best gun shop that Ive found in southern California.
The staff is phenomenal and knowledgeable.
I came into this store with little knowledge of firearms. David, the owner, gave me a complete walk through of the entire store and introduced me to the various sizes. He also allowed me to try out the weapons and see how they felt. One of the greatest things I appreciated is that he wasnt trying to push his most expensive weapons on me, but rather asked why I was interested in a firearm. He then went through explaining which weapons would suite me best.I left the store having learned a lot and felt safer with the knowledge I had learned.It is also nice that the owner of the store takes the time to work with his customers. I noticed he knew the names of several customers. I really appreciate the personal involvement he takes in getting to know his customers. It is rare, now-a-days that people take pride in their business and truly take the time to care for their customers and Alpa and Omega Sword takes it to a whole new level. I will be solely shopping at this store for all my firearms and highly recommend you do as well.
This morning I went to the store to purchase a scope rings for my rifle, I bought two rings for $70 including tax. Drove all the way down to South Bay shooting range and the rings did not fit my scope rail I end up coming back to the store I told the guy who helped me pick the right rings supposably took my rifle to the back and I heard him hitting something came back with the rings on the rail where he forced them with a hammer or so. Any ways I told him I don’t want them anymore and he said he’s gonna charge me 20% for installation...Went to Turner’s and they installed a new rings also zeroing my scope to 100 yard for $22 including tax.I will never do business with this guys anymore.
Knowledgeable friendly staff. Great service
The staff here is as good as it gets. Prices as fair, if not better than online - especially since they actually make some parts/accessories.David has helped me in the past and when a flip sight wouldnt fit well under my scope he didnt try forcing it on me when we both knew very well all I needed was to adjust the scope rings a bit. It really says a lot. These guys are good people.Prior to AO swords, I stopped by EC Gun exchange a couple of times - lets just say they wouldnt want me writing a review for them. The terrible service at EC Gun Exchange has led me to believe they must be racist. I kid you not BOTH times Ive walked into that place, I immediately felt an uncomforting tension that you could cut through with a butter knife. The older gentleman sitting up at their front desk almost seemed upset when I walked through their door. I asked for help finding a part of my AR and was misled to an empty space on the shelf - only to find on my second stop by here said part was actually kept behind glass. So second time I visit (just before stopping at EC Gun Exchange I had visited the range, shot a handful of pistols, and am sure of what I want.) Same disgruntled old man - I decided to let him be. I walk to the back of the store thinking Id get some help back there. One gentlemen was dealing with a customer while the other literally ignored my entire presence, even after I said hello. Assuming he is busy and seeing the several other employees, I patiently wait for some help - mind you I waited so long I found the part I needed a few days prior.A bit upset and impatient I start searching on my maps for nearby gun stores. Down the street is AO Swords so I figured Id give them a call. They had the exact same G17 for a solid $70 cheaper - guess where I got my glock?I really cant express in a silly review how helpful the staff is here at AO. I was new to the entire process and both Brian and Bryce were very helpful from the FFL to the of the dreadful 10 day waiting period. I NEVER write reviews but AO Swords has definitely earned my good word. This is the go to place guys.
Always nice, great customer service and very knowledgeable!
Good to go customer service
Mr chong and his staff are always helpful!
Awesome staff great selection and knowledge. Enough said!
Excellent costumer service and knowledgeable staff.
Extremely helpful! Great shop
Really helpfull staff lots of selection
Very goodExcellent serviceThanks
Way overpriced, bought a trigger here and found later I overpaid.
Helped me a lot with my ar when I dont have the tools
A gun shop the way its supposed to look like. No fluff, just guns, accessories, parts, etc. Well stocked for the most part.
Superb
I was a bit underwhelmed with the customer service
Everything