The Best Gun Shops in Tarzana, California
Top 3 gun shops in Tarzana, California. Rated 4.6/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Martin B. Retting, Inc.
Martin B. Retting, Inc.
Family-owned firearms retailer and shooting range serving Southern California since 1958. Known for extensive inventory of handguns, rifles, and shotguns from top manufacturers. Features an indoor shooting range, comprehensive gunsmithing services, and professional training courses. Highly regarded for knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service, making the drive from Tarzana well worth it for serious firearms enthusiasts.
Gun World
Gun World, Inc.
Long-established firearms dealer located just minutes from Tarzana in neighboring Reseda. Offers a wide selection of new and used firearms, including popular models from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and more. Provides professional gunsmithing services, CCW training, and firearm safety courses. Known for friendly, experienced staff and competitive pricing in the San Fernando Valley area.
Burbank Ammo & Guns
Burbank Ammo & Guns
Premier firearms retailer serving the greater Los Angeles area from their Glendale location. Features an extensive inventory of handguns, rifles, shotguns, and tactical firearms, plus a comprehensive selection of ammunition and accessories. Offers professional gunsmithing services, firearm training courses, and indoor range facilities. Highly rated for customer service, knowledgeable staff, and well-maintained facilities, making it a top destination for Tarzana residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Tarzana, California
What are the key California-specific regulations I need to know before purchasing a firearm from a Tarzana gun shop?
California requires a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) for most purchases, a 10-day waiting period, and background checks for all firearm sales. Additionally, all handguns sold must be on the state's Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, and there are restrictions on magazine capacity and assault weapons. Local shops like Martin B. Retting, Inc. can provide detailed guidance on these and other state-specific laws.
What services do gun shops in Tarzana, CA typically offer beyond firearm sales?
Gun shops in Tarzana, such as Gun World and Burbank Ammo & Guns, often provide FFL transfers, ammunition sales, gunsmithing, safety training courses, and notary services for firearm-related documents. Many also offer accessories, holsters, and storage solutions, with some providing range memberships or referrals to local shooting facilities.
How does the firearm purchasing process work at a Tarzana gun shop under California law?
The process begins with selecting a firearm and presenting a valid FSC, followed by completing a Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) and undergoing a background check. After payment, there is a mandatory 10-day waiting period before you can take possession of the firearm. Shops like Martin B. Retting, Inc. will guide you through each step to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Can I perform a private party firearm transfer through a Tarzana gun shop?
Yes, private party transfers in California must be conducted through a licensed FFL dealer, and Tarzana shops like Burbank Ammo & Guns facilitate these transfers. Both parties must appear in person, complete the required paperwork, and adhere to the 10-day waiting period and background check, ensuring the transfer is legal under state law.
Are there any local training or safety courses recommended for new gun owners in Tarzana?
Many Tarzana-area gun shops, including Gun World and Martin B. Retting, Inc., offer or can refer you to certified training courses covering firearm safety, handling, and California laws. These courses are essential for obtaining your FSC and ensuring responsible ownership, and they often include both classroom and practical shooting components.
Navigating Licensed Gun Stores in Tarzana, CA: A Guide for Local Firearms Enthusiasts
This guide explores how licensed gun stores in Tarzana, CA help firearms enthusiasts navigate California's complex regulations while providing valuable local expertise, highlighting the importance of building relationships with reputable retailers who understand both state laws and community needs.
For firearms enthusiasts in Tarzana, California, navigating the landscape of licensed gun stores is about more than just finding a place to make a purchase—it's about connecting with reputable establishments that understand both state regulations and local community needs. In a state with some of the nation's strictest firearms laws, the importance of patronizing properly licensed retailers cannot be overstated. These establishments serve as crucial gatekeepers, ensuring all transactions comply with California's complex regulatory framework while providing valuable expertise to the firearms community.
Tarzana benefits from several established licensed gun stores that have served Southern California for decades. Martin B. Retting, Inc., for instance, represents the kind of institution that has evolved alongside California's changing firearms landscape, offering not just sales but historical perspective on how regulations have developed. When visiting any licensed retailer in our area, you'll find they're required to conduct thorough background checks through the California Department of Justice's Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) system, enforce mandatory waiting periods, and maintain meticulous records—all designed to promote responsible ownership.
What distinguishes Tarzana's licensed gun stores is their adaptation to California's unique requirements. Stores like Gun World and Burbank Ammo & Guns (conveniently located nearby) must navigate not just federal regulations but also California's roster of approved handguns, assault weapons restrictions, and ammunition purchase laws that took effect in 2019. These establishments typically employ staff who can expertly guide you through California's 10-day waiting period, firearm safety certificate requirements, and regulations regarding transportation and storage—knowledge particularly valuable for newcomers to the state's firearms scene.
For Tarzana residents, building relationships with local licensed retailers offers practical advantages beyond mere compliance. These stores often host certified safety courses, provide guidance on Los Angeles County-specific regulations, and can advise on the practical aspects of firearm ownership in our urban environment. When considering a purchase, visit multiple licensed establishments to compare their selection, expertise, and customer service approach. Notice how they handle the mandatory safe handling demonstrations and whether they offer additional services like transfers from online purchases or consignment sales.
Remember that licensed gun stores in Tarzana serve as community resources beyond their commercial function. They're places where you can ask questions about recent legislative changes, get recommendations for local shooting ranges that welcome new members, and connect with other responsible firearms owners in the San Fernando Valley area. By supporting these properly licensed businesses, you're not just acquiring firearms through legal channels—you're investing in establishments that help maintain the integrity of California's regulated firearms ecosystem while serving the practical needs of Tarzana's enthusiast community.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Tarzana:
About Tarzana, California
Tarzana gun owners and enthusiasts deserve quality service when choosing a firearms dealer. Our featured shops specialize in firearms sales, gunsmithing, and training services with expert staff in California.
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Shops familiar with Tarzana community and local firearms needs.
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Licensed and reputable dealers with proven service records in Tarzana.
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