High Bridge Arms
Category: Sporting Goods [Edit]
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights3185 Mission St
(between Fair Ave & Powers Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 643-9255
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
19 Reviews for High Bridge Arms
One of High Bridge Arms' Favorite Reviews
Great place that's been around forever, although I made my first visit there only three months ago. Originally owned by gunsmith and champion shooter ('48 Olympics) Bob Chow, who was nationally-renowned in the 50s, 60s, and 70s for the quality of his gun work (and probably did a great deal to elevate the image of asian americans among right-wing gun owners during that time, which believe me, is significant.) Guns featuring Chow's work are highly desirable among collectors and when he passed away a few years ago, Chow was memorialized by none other than Jeff Cooper as "one of the preeminent gunsmiths of the 20th century."
Anyway, a little history.
Today High Bridge Arms is recognized as the little guy besieged by San Francisco's mayor, Board of Supervisors, and the District Attorney. (The DA especially has it in for High Bridge, which is both comical and worrying because she seems to be unfamiliar with the 2nd and 4th Amendments.) In fact, everyone in SF government seems to hate High Bridge...except for cops. I've been there three times and have seen cops there every time.
The outside of High Bridge is old and slightly dingy, sort of in that lovable, neighborhood institution way. You have to be buzzed inside, which is prudent for a place that stocks guns. It's a convenient way to screen out kids and teenagers, as well as the angry guy who failed the background check because of, "that felony thing" that he really didn't do, but rather "his cousin" did, whose name he couldn't recall for the judge.
The inside of the store is decently stocked with guns. Pistols are adequately represented. Smith and Wesson (mostly revolvers--no 1911s present), Colt 1991s and Combat Commanders, a full line of Sig semiautomatics. Also Springfield Armory semiautomatics from the well-receieved XD series as well as their own brand of 1911s. Heckler and Koch was represented by a USP. Lots of Glocks, if you're into that sort of thing. As for rifles, a variety of shotguns, Ruger 10/22s and Mini-14s, and Springfield Armory SOCOM-16 rifles. There also appeared to be a smattering of used guns for sale, although those were the kind of used guns that you sell when you have other guns you don't want or need to sell. There are various accessories, from holsters to Surefire flashlights, as well as stun guns and laser aiming devices. The selection is not great but it's good enough.
The guns are under glass and my understanding is that you can't actually hold them unless you have a Handgun Safety Certificate. The HSC is something you get if you pass a 30 question test on handgun safety, a test which costs about $25 to take. You can't buy a handgun made before 1898 without a HSC. (You can miss 7 questions, which is 7 more than the gun will let you fail.) This may sound a bit much, but it's really a smart move on their part. If you've ever seen gun geeks swarming the glass counter at a gun store, you'll know what I mean. And if you've ever seen cycling geeks swarming over shiny bike parts, or cell phone geeks, or computer geeks...you know that lots of people like to look and handle all kinds of merchandise and generally waste a salesman's time, and then buy...nothing. The HSC card separates the dreamers from the real potential buyers.
Customer service was pretty good. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. On my second visit I picked out and started registration on a Springfield Armory XD semiautomatic pistol. Registration process was smooth and professional. I filled out the DROS worksheet and BATF Form 4473. I know from a great deal of experience that's it's very easy to miss something on either form, but they handled both thoroughly and efficiently.
Once I was done, it was time to do the ten day wait. You know, that wait that's supposed to dry you out if you bought the gun to kill someone, in which case you obviously shouldn't have been allowed to buy one anyway. Or, the wait that gives someone at least ten days to "get you", if you were in danger of being gotten. I think they call this the "dead duck wait" in some parts. Or, if you're a straw purchaser, the wait that gives you incredible leverage over the convicted felon you are buying the gun for.
Pickup of the gun was great. I was lucky enough to be assisted by the owner, who went through the Safe Handling Demonstration with me and then gave me a deal on .40 S&W ammo. I also picked up a cleaning kit. From the owner I learned that they could pretty much get any California-legal handgun a customer wanted, if they wanted to order it. That would be the way to go if, for example, you wanted a Smith & Wesson M&P, or a Kimber. This was good news because my buddies have been talking up the virtues of Mr. 1911. I held out as long as I could, but I now find myself contemplating getting a Kimber.
Have fun and be safe, kids. Especially be safe. Remember, guns never say, "I'm only kidding."
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ah good place where to get guns and equipment and hang out with the pink pistols in the hood and very overpriced, we are luicky to have it
This place sucks. No parking, In the ghetto, Panhandlers everywhere and a very limited selection of guns not to mention expensive.
I took the Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) exam here and also purchased my first handgun via out-of-state FFL (that means Federal Firearms License) Transfer with High Bridge Arms. Price for the HSC is $25; transfer $75; and Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) and background check is $25. I'm glad The City has at least one gun dealer to serve the local community. Some folks just can't trek out to the 'burbs, you know!
For a newbie, the complicated paperwork process was made easy by the store staff. I was helped by Linda, Kevin, and John at one point or another. They were all helpful in responding to my questions.
For pistols, they stock a handful of Sigs, Glocks, and Kimbers. I have also seen some H&Ks, FNHs, and CZs there. Most of the prices are close to list price, but they do have specials sometimes. So, be sure to inquire what they are. They can also special order any CA legal gun for you. I'm sure they can tap into distributor's inventories to see what is in stock and get it if it's not in the shop.
When I was there once, some SFPD officers were shopping as well. Nice. I liked how there is a toy SFPD car on display by the front of the store window, too.
Be sure to join the NRA (that's the National Rifle Association) to support gun rights in your community. The NRA was key in suing to get Proposition H overturned. Prop. H would have banned all guns and sales in SF. Exercise and support your Second Amendment Rights by joining the NRA!
I like this gun shop and will go back. I just hope more people will check out and clear their inventory, so I get to see some new pieces!
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High Bridge is absolutely stellar! The customer service is exceptional and the employees are very helpful, intelligent, patient, and friendly. 2nd amendment right to bear arms is sacred institution that the mayor and city of SF are trying to take away but I agree with the folks at High Bridge when they say, "I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!" I just purchased a new Remington 870 for home defense and having grown up with pistols and rifles, never fired a shotgun before so I was a novice with a ton of questions however, High Bridge is the cheapest and offers the best service anywhere in the bay area.
This is one of the most treasured establishments in the city, from its buzzer-locked front door to its piece-carrying employees. The first time I walked in there, I had to stand outside their locked door for a few seconds before they buzzed me in. Very comfortable feeling that the only gun store in SF is taking good security measures. As I was standing around perusing the guns in the glass counters, another patron who was waiting to be helped was asked by an employee, "You need a gun?" Now that's the spirit.
I happened to know one of the employees there from a previous workplace, and he recommended that I should go by the store if I was interested in buying a gun, and that he would hook me up with a good deal. I bought my first handgun there and I will buy many more. However, don't let the fact that I only got a good deal because I knew someone who worked there. They are always happy to arm good, respectable citizens and always willing to give you a good deal.
The only drawback that people complain about is the location and parking. It's not that bad at all, actually. It's located right by 280 and I usually park at the Burger King across the street. Even if you're not interested in buying, stop by and check it out.
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Bought my first handgun here, they were very help full and informative,
all and all great experience, I will go back for my next gun.
Did you know firing a gun in the air in the event of a joyous occasion
is illegal? wierd law.....
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I emailed them a couple days ago regarding couple of questions, yet no reply from them yet. They obviously don't respond to there emails or at least not to me. Based on that, I wouldn't go through them, but that me.
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Excellent customer service! Picked up my M&P after purchasing at the Cow Palace and these folks were courteous and knowledgeable. S/O's some extra clips for me and despite back order have kept me well informed. Will buy from them again and again. Oh yeah, to the dweeb that whined about parking and gave them 3 stars.... Geez! And the email whiner....Shut up! probably texted the email while driving his prius... Oh for a Yelp Emoticon!!!
Seriously, Good shop, good people, good value.
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I am another gun enthusiast who loves this place. I totally agree that we need to support them since they are the last SF gun shop.
The staff there are super friendly. In fact, the guy who sold me my last gun actually gave me his cell phone number so I can call him with any additional questions. (And no, he was not hitting on me...just providing some of the best customer service I've ever experienced!)
My gun arrived within about 48 hours with two extra magazines, two holsters and night sights already installed. The price was reasonable for all that I purchased.
Really knowledgeable staff, although I went with one of my friends who is also really knowledgeable about firearms. I needed something small to carry on my person that does not stand out when I'm out and about. They have pretty exntesive collections of handguns, rifles and shotguns. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll order it for you. Sweet!
If you are considering a purchase of a firearm and are in San Francisco or live close by, check these guys out. Prepare for crappy parking in the area though.
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I've been a proud gun enthusiast for many years and I've been in a lot of gun shops. High Bridge is a very good store considering its in the city. I was amazed that there were actually guns in the store.
I've bought several firearms from them over the past few months and they are competitive with their pricing. For instance I bought a long gun and asked them if they could knock off a bit for me and they totally did it. I liked their no haggle approach and were very frank when I asked them specific questions.
The staff is VERY friendly and helpful.
Wish they had a better ammo selection for .308 and .223 though. They should at least keep a bit more in stock.
Parking sucks because its on Mission St., so be prepared to walk a bit, but hey its a gun store in the city, what do you expect....
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You can always find what you need at this place and if they don't have it in stock they will order it for you.
Prices: Not as cheap as gun shows but, close enough that you don't need to wait for a gun show to buy whatever it is you might need.
Service: Great knowledgeable staff. They answer all questions and don't treat you like a newbie to the firearms game. They sell you what you need and nothing more than that. I hold these guys to the same standard as the crew over at Jackson Arms which is a good thing for both places.
Inventory: Usually a nice selection of semi-autos, revolvers, shotguns and all the rest of your shooting needs. Like I stated earlier in this post, if they don't have it they'll get it for you.
On another note, if you're interested in purchasing a firearm check out what their specials are and you'll get a "great" deal not just a "good" deal. Very friendly staff that makes you comfortable and never are you rushed to buy. They prefer you are informed and prepared to buy instead of making the impulse buy that other Firearm stores employ.
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its the only game in town.
normally, that applies to ugly whores, nasty restaurants, sloppy hundredths...
this it aint.
BUWHAHHAHAHAHA
yeah please try to pass another measure banning ALL handguns.
BUWHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHA
oh man. yes please tie up our limitless resources our city has in futile bullshit, hey look at me im a fucking attention whore supervisor looking for some action bullshit.
thank you high bridge for sticking in there. i know sf county isnt the most gun friendly town, but there are LAW ABIDING (well now, for the most part) citizens who have a right to arm themselves want and need a gun shop in town.
i cant imagine the day to day bs they must go through because they do business in sf county.... oh wait nm, i kinda can, i run a business in sf county.
friendly folks, even to a nonnewbie / yes newbie like me.
i need to pick up some extra clips for a glock 26. high bridge, here i come.
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The best and only gun shop in San Francisco. If you're one of the minority here and are in favor of gun possession by law-abiding adults, this is your place. If it's your first gun purchase or your twelfth, High Bridge will guide you through the process. Staff are super friendly - support local small business!
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Only gun shop in SF, and the staff is as nice as everyone says. They'll card you if you don't look like you're 18, so make sure u have ur DL on you (it happened to me lol). Staff are gun enthusiasts, good thing. Can talk about lots of firearms and comparisons to other ones for the whole day. As long as you're properly ID'd, you can request to look at the pistols under the glass or the rifles/shotguns on the rack. Will come back again. Parking is sorta tough to find sometimes though because Mission St. can get busy.
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Been there many times. High Bridge is the last gun shop in San Francisco. With all the anti gun bills that have passed in the city and Ca. High Bridge is being kept alive mostly by local law enforcement departments. Still a great shop! Phil has given out some fair deals! I would definitely recommend them. Good people, no pressure, and very knowledgeable staff. Kevin! If you still work there what up b!
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Great place.Bought a few guns here.Phil is a good guy.
I'm giving this shop three stars because they have the last gun store in SF open. I'm sure it's not easy. But the parking is terrible and generally their prices will be higher than city arms. Also get better service at Jackson Arms or City Arms.
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