Our Methodology
Transparency is at the heart of our review process. Learn how we evaluate gun shops to provide you with accurate, unbiased information.
How We Rate Gun Shops
Our evaluation methodology combines objective data, personal visits, and community feedback to create comprehensive reviews. We believe in transparency, so here's exactly how we assess each firearms dealer.
Evaluation Criteria
Each gun shop is rated across five key categories, weighted to reflect what matters most to firearms buyers.
FFL Verification
20% of scoreWe verify that every listed dealer holds a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) and complies with all federal and state regulations.
Customer Service
25% of scoreStaff knowledge, helpfulness, and professionalism are evaluated through mystery shopping and customer feedback analysis.
Inventory Quality
20% of scoreWe assess the variety, condition, and quality of firearms, ammunition, and accessories available at each location.
Customer Reviews
20% of scoreAggregated customer ratings and reviews from multiple platforms provide real-world insight into the shopping experience.
Pricing & Value
15% of scoreCompetitive pricing, fair trade-in values, and transparent fee structures are compared against market averages.
Our Review Process
From discovery to publication, here's how we create each gun shop review.
Research & Discovery
We identify gun shops through FFL databases, industry directories, and community recommendations.
License Verification
Each dealer's FFL status is verified through official ATF records to ensure legal compliance.
On-Site Evaluation
Our team personally visits shops to assess facilities, inventory, and customer service quality.
Customer Feedback
We collect and analyze customer reviews from multiple sources to understand the real experience.
Comprehensive Review
All data is compiled into detailed reviews with ratings across multiple categories.
Regular Updates
Reviews are updated periodically to reflect changes in service, inventory, or ownership.
Understanding Our Scores
Rating Scale (1-5 Stars)
- 5 Stars:Exceptional - Best in class
- 4 Stars:Excellent - Highly recommended
- 3 Stars:Good - Solid choice
- 2 Stars:Fair - Some concerns
- 1 Star:Poor - Not recommended
Verification Badges
- FFL Verified: Valid federal firearms license confirmed
- Editor's Choice: Exceptional quality and service
- Community Favorite: Highly rated by customers
Editorial Independence
Our reviews are completely independent. We do not accept payment for positive reviews, and our ratings are based solely on our evaluation criteria. Gun shops cannot pay to be listed or to improve their ratings. This ensures that our recommendations are genuinely helpful to you, the shooter.
Questions About Our Process?
We're happy to discuss our methodology in more detail. Reach out to our team.
Contact Us