First Defense Archives - Elk River Guns

john barkal

1 week ago

Very easy to work with. Timely and friendly.
Thanks

James St.Louis

2 weeks ago

Great

D Schneider

2 weeks ago

Great staff. Knowledgeable and helpful. Will definitely be going to them for all of my firearm needs.

Ermanno Mariani

2 weeks ago

Robert Poole

3 weeks ago

Always so helpful and full of knowledge. Don’t just want to sell a firearm but make sure you are getting what you want.

April Branstetter

3 weeks ago

Vincenzo

3 weeks ago

Good little gun shop. Service is great and knowledgeable. The selection can be limited, due to its size, but a great shop nonetheless. Definitely an asset in Steamboat Springs area.

John Mertz

3 weeks ago

Daniel and Keegan have always been incredibly helpful. We know they will take care of us!

Jeff Whitehead

4 weeks ago

Very knowledgeable staff

Roy Ummel

1 month ago

Great informal staff I was surprised when I walked in and there was actually six people working there that had a passion for guns and a knowledge as well!

Coleman Holloway

1 month ago

Paul McGarvey

1 month ago

Excellent customer service. Jae and Keegan were more than helpful with everything I needed. Highly recommended!

Kris Halliday

1 month ago

Super friendly and helpful

Chris Weyand

1 month ago

Great service, very friendly and knowledgeable

Gary Geil

1 month ago

Great service and advice. Got me my new Staccato a week after I asked them to order me one.

Steve Vinot

2 months ago

Super friendly staff. Along with great knowledge

Ronald Ulich

2 months ago

Steven Hayes

2 months ago

Great local resource. Good business, knowledgeable employees and reasonable prices.

Regular Guy

2 months ago

Awesome shop. Great employees, helped me out a lot.

Jeffrey Bayer

3 months ago

Great guns!

David Long

3 months ago

Elgorg Firkin

3 months ago

Lee Kil

3 months ago

Great local Steamboat store. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly!

Chad Modomo

3 months ago

Disappointing experience to say the least. I’m all for supporting small local businesses, even if it means spending alittle more sometimes and I know that’s the case when I shop here. Well, I specifically asked for them to order a particular firearm for me and received the price, in writing no less, only to have the price changed on me when I went in to do the paperwork! I was told if it sits there for 6 months then I can have it for that price. Unreal, I will not be doing any of my business there moving forward.

Stee whoop

4 months ago

Super friendly, and knowledgeable staff!

Monica Case

4 months ago

What an amazing informed group of people. Our experience was a very pleasant one.

Christopher LaPonte

4 months ago

awesome shop super helpful !

Sam Aossey

4 months ago

A company you don’t compare to others! Someone that not only specializes in tactical competition shooting on a competitive level but someone that also grew up with hunting in his blood is behind the scenes. A true company to fit every gun owners needs. My transaction was flawless and across state, definitely a company I’ll continue to do business with! Thank you Jae bird!

Matt Brekke

4 months ago

Great shop, excellent staff, and selection!

John Williams

5 months ago

Incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I’d recommend them any day and every day.

Jeff LaRoche

5 months ago

They are over the top helpful!! Solid shop..

Thomas Miller

5 months ago

Hands down one of the best gun shop experiences I've ever had. The staff is amazing and the customer service is top notch. Everyone in the shop is extremely knowledgeable. If you're in the Steamboat Springs area make sure you stop by.

joseph jernegan

5 months ago

Knowledgeable. Sensible. Patient. Great asset to our community!

scott griffin

5 months ago

Danny fixed my single action cowboy revolver very easily and I was amazed thank you so much. So I brought my 1022 to him to see if he can fix an intermittent problem. I’m very grateful.

Jamie Davis

5 months ago

Excellent customer service and the store is well stocked!

Eric Edelstein

5 months ago

great customer service always willing to make a deal! highly recommend!!!!

A Taylor

6 months ago

Great people service and inventory!

Bruce Allbright

6 months ago

Always knowledgeable and helpful.

Bjorn Kielman

6 months ago

Professional and knowledgeable always. Always a good education on guns and ammo

Neil W

6 months ago

Jae and his team made the process super easy and 10/10 would shop with them again!

Chris Kircher

6 months ago

Great experience. Knowledgeable staff, very helpful. Helped me get exactly the gun I wanted and at a very fair price. I’m glad I went there and will go back.

Rob Hundley

7 months ago

Was passing through this past fall on a hunting trip and realized I had forgotten my rifle sling and bipod so we stopped in to see what was available. Service was incredible. Not only did they make sure I got what I needed they offered to mount the bipod so that I didn't have to when I arrived at camp. They went above and beyond and for that I am very appreciative and more than happy to give them a 5 star review.

William Philip

7 months ago

Knowledgeable, complete. Wonderful service. Highly recommend them

Joseph McCormick

7 months ago

Great experience, would do business with them again.

Wynn Condict

7 months ago

Best shop I have ever been in. Bought many guns from them..they make everything easy every time..can get anything you want and have great advice and suggestion's My go to gun shop always…

Micheal Walsh

7 months ago

Great service great experience Thanks

BC Iversen

7 months ago

Jae and the crew here are good lads.

Chris LaBelle

7 months ago

Great customer service! Quick response to my questions. They took a special interest in my purchase because of my inquiry and surpassed my expectations. I will buy from again! Thank you!

Greg McCullough

8 months ago

James Reed

8 months ago

I’ve bought a couple fire arms here . Let’s start off by saying Jae is one of the top 10 business owners in Routt, when it comes to hands on accountability and customer service… He’s amazing .

60% of the staff are helpful and knowledgeable . Dave is lacking on customer service and a little sour and not patient with customers spending thousand$ . I purposely avoid him when shopping.

I like this store ! But it’s small and has smaller inventory . Many times i’m told they “ can order it “… Well so can I to any FFL.

Elk River Guns will continue to get my business . I just think that if there was one other gun store , we’d see a more competitive and fulfilled market here . Essentially, they can get away with whatever cause they are the only ones in town.

Curt

8 months ago

Always have what you need or can get it. Thanks David. Always knowledgeable and fair.

Jorje Soriano

8 months ago

Staff is super helpful and friendly. They love giving advice and help you get the best bang for your buck. They don’t pressure you into anything unlike most gun stores so this has become one of my favorite destinations for pistol mods.

Larry Desjardin

8 months ago

Great service. Bought two suppressors for my rifles.

Kevin Thompson

9 months ago

Ryan Vanackeren

9 months ago

Knowledgeable, friendly service, well stocked ammo selection,

Jake Stees

9 months ago

Good people with a great selection

Josh Coulter

9 months ago

Best gun shop in the yampa Valley. Great people and great service. They ordered me the exact gun I wanted. I will probably buy more guns from them. Elk River Guns will bring a smile to your face.

Ryan Commarota

10 months ago

One of the greatest gun shops i’ve ever been in across Colorado, hands down.

Lonnie Castelli

10 months ago

The entire staff is fantastic, friendly and helpful. I am new to hunting big game and also different types of guns. These guys always take time to help and explain everything in detail. I highly recommend Elk River Guns they know guns!!

daniel goforth

10 months ago

Thomas Harper

10 months ago

Awesome store. Ordered ammo for me and a bcg with no problems

Tiffany deMattos

10 months ago

Helpful and knew what they were talking about, very cool people definitely recommend! Don't forget awsome selection!!

John Temple

10 months ago

Best gun shop in the west!

C.C.S.

10 months ago

My favorite LGS

Alex

10 months ago

Great service and always get what I’m looking for!

Gregory Melear

10 months ago

I’ve had nothing but exceptional customer service every time I’ve visited Elk River Guns. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to help. They also have a great selection of firearms and accessories. Highly recommend stopping in—you won’t be disappointed!

Dan Anderson

11 months ago

Great and smooth transaction

Zander Giertz

11 months ago

I had a disappointing — and frankly surprising — experience at Elk River Guns in Steamboat Springs. So to anyone who is purchasing for a first time or wanting to purchase in general. Has questions or wanting more information and decides to come to this business. Here’s this because I thought all was great off of the reviews I read also. I arrived and a younger staff member was friendly and helpful, guiding me through the store and assisting with ammo selection. I took some time to compare options and check prices on my phone — something any responsible buyer might do right??? especially when weighing the cost of buying in bulk online versus in-store with given brands. Not long after, an older gentleman (possibly the owner or a senior staff member) approached me with a noticeably passive-aggressive tone, questioned what was taking so long. I explained that I was comparing prices online to view and see what I can expect if I buy bulk. He walks over responded with, “Well then just stick to online,” and said that asking questions like that or in the sort is “rude and disrespectful” to small businesses and his.So I stood there smiling not sure how to necessarily react to being told I am wrong for saying things and to be careful with what I say all while thinking. I only told him that I am seeing what the price difference is?!???? He added, “A dollar difference is a dollar difference,” to which I respectfully replied that I wasn’t disputing that I was simply making an informed choice and curious what would be a best fit given that I am not trying to spend out of budget but rather so weigh the options out there like any buyer would??? and seek any advice from the “pros” or “pro” in this instance that does this for a living. All of this up to the moment has been said and done in a way where it could have been taken as a question not as some form of hostility against a business which I have no intention to bash. Laughing and joking with this man is what it seemed like for a split second.Or so I thought, after I deliberately told the man I will purchase the range ammo while he was still by my side after our short talk. As I am still just chuckling over the awkward conversation that took place. I had and was keeping hold of the boxes I was looking at purchasing and instead of continuing the conversation or offering help, he took the ammo from my hands while at the same time saying “give me those”, placed it back on the shelf, and told me I could leave right in my face trying to be stern and intimidating it seemed, over something so small. I wasn’t allowed to continue browsing or shopping I was simply dismissed. Needless to say I left the store laughing and said goodbye to the rest of the staff and the kind younger gentleman that first helped me out. To be clear.I support small businesses and prefer to shop local when I can and have shopped local for both my recently purchased rifles as well considered small businesses . But there’s a difference between being a small business and then straight up treating customers with unnecessary hostility for what I can only begin to think is because of a simple question. Multiple small businesses I’ve gone to do mention online purchasing depending what you want, and what you have as far as price range and what’s in stock for them. OVERALL you would think the ability to be able to work with both online and in store. And still help you even if you should be looking online would be a boost for the company review showing you still go above and beyond for your small business encouraging customers to return for the next “services“. It is a very clean store yet I was made to feel completely unwelcome and disrespected as a first time customer to this business by this gentleman for the simple fact of having a question. Customer service and mutual respect are the foundation for any successful business large or small. Unfortunately Elk River Guns failed to demonstrate either during my visit.

Robert Nation

11 months ago

Elk River Guns is a first class outfit. Both knowledgable and attentive. A comfortable place to find your perfect firearm or firearms.!

Michael Stoltz

11 months ago

Great team at Elk River Guns. Took my 20+ year old over/under in for problem with to to barrel not firing. They were able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly. Over the years I have always had a great experience whether buying something new or taking something in for repair. An excellent team that is technically very proficient and personable.

Lucas

11 months ago

Friendly, knowledgeable people. Great to have a shop like this in steamboat!

Peter Chaffee

12 months ago

The best staff, their knowledge is amazing !!! I highly recommend their shop over any shop in the state of colorado !! Thank you to Jae and staff always a pleasure to visit your store!! !!

Stephen Failla

1 year ago

Always a great experience! Pleasure doing business with.Extremely knowledgeable and friendly.They know firearms.Highly recommended!

tomkitsos

1 year ago

Ben Zvorak

1 year ago

jay hofschulte

1 year ago

Great to work with. Friendly service and very knowledgeable. Glad there here with all the gun rules and regulations in this state.

John Minehan

1 year ago

nakhia pusey

1 year ago

It’s always a joy to go in to Elk River Guns the staff are very helpful friendly and knowledgeable people A+++++++++++++ if you’ve been in more than one time they know you by name so it’s really easy to shop there it feels like home. Thanks guys and keep up the excellent service

Josh Babyak

1 year ago

Best shop best owner best employees ever!!!

Michael Jurgensen

1 year ago

Vance Carlson

1 year ago

Mark M

1 year ago

Great local shop. Knowledgeable staff.

Molly Means

1 year ago

They did a great job

Ricardo Galvan

1 year ago

Really friendly and knowledgeable a great place to go look for a new firearm 100% recommended

Elk Archer

1 year ago

I think they are the friendliest and most knowledgeable gun shop in Northwest Colorado. Really great spot.

Vincent Drogosz

1 year ago

Knowledgeable sales staff and great selection of guns, ammo, and accessories.

Joyce Treulieb

1 year ago

Amazing!

Michael Kusy

1 year ago

Always a great experience at Elk River Guns!

Jeff Von Almen

1 year ago

David was great!

Jarrod Raper

1 year ago

Staff helps with every step of the process and make sure you know what is going on! They are super informative. Great people.

Timothy Moorehead

1 year ago

Great gun shop with good selection and better service.
I have found a new favorite!

Dan Emert

1 year ago

These folks run an impressive operation and are great at everything they do. Highly, highly recommend.

Joel Harris

1 year ago

Friendly helpful & very well informed. Competitive pricing.

David Smith

1 year ago

Just got another brick of Hornady 17 HMR 15.5 gr. NTX. It gives exceptional accuracy at 100 yards, is devastatingly lethal on ground squirrels, and doesn’t poison the raptors.

DAVE MIHAICH

1 year ago

Elk River Guns is our go to place for all firearm purchases,upgrades,gunsmithing etc. I don’t know of anything they can’t do. Jae has outstanding employees and inventory… if they don’t have what you’re looking for,, they’ll get it coming….And they LOVE to spend time at the range..

Dakota Thvedt

1 year ago

Alan Clemens

1 year ago

Great and friendly service as always!

Danny Hulslander

1 year ago

I've had nothing but good experiences with these guys!! Whether it's buying a new firearm, getting some gunsmithing done or selling/trading in a used firearm, they make it an easy and welcoming experience! Thanks guys!

Bob Forster

1 year ago

Great service. Jae made some great recommendations. Very happy with resuling product purchased.

Kasen Brennise

1 year ago

lawrence Belton

1 year ago

Heath Scroggs

1 year ago

Everyone was really excited to help one out!! An amazing environment!!

Mikey DeRock

1 year ago

Everything in house seems to be awesome, staff is friendly and helpful, you could sit and talk to everyone for far too long!

Waited a bit too long getting a barrel threaded, but that is not done in house and by a sub contractor.

Everything in house from customer service to selection was wonderful, I will be bringing my buisness back again!

Frances Jenkins

1 year ago

Very friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff.

Juan Landa

1 year ago

Wonderful service and great people!

Ron Mentch

1 year ago

Very friendly and helpful!

Sharon Cantu

1 year ago

Friendly & kind , Great customer services . Took the time to explain their products to me . Recommend for everyone to go check them out. Thank you for all your help .

Dave Chapin

1 year ago

As always, great service, very happy with my purchase. Definitely my go to store for anything gun related. Thanks elk river!

Jeff Jewson

1 year ago

Cannon Balls

1 year ago

Best store in town. Knowledgeable Smart people. Best store in Colorado as far as I know.

Donna Segale

1 year ago

I needed to get rid of these guns my husband had that I discovered after he passed. I am not used to being around guns and a bit nervous around them. Everyone at the store were very nice and gave me a fair price for them. The 2 dogs were also sweet.
I would highly recommend them.

Scott Baraw

1 year ago

Elk River Guns is like family! They are knowledgeable and understanding for all your gun related needs. Jae the owner is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you are happy with your purchase/future purchases. Dave has impeccable memory. He remembers everyone’s name and welcomes you by name with a warm smile when you walk through the door. Other shops employees just want to take your money any way how. These guys are there to make your day better. They are my number one gun store in my books.Best in the northwest!

Chris H

2 years ago

Jae and Elk River was my go to FFL before I moved away from Steamboat. Just bought a few products from them even though I now live across the country. Elk River was responsive, shipped my product quickly in a well packaged box. Transaction was seamless. Will continue to do business with Jae and Elk River Guns.

Ralph Torres

2 years ago

Very knowledgeable employees in this store ifthey don’t have it. They will order it for you. I’ve never had a bad experience with elk River guns

C Young

2 years ago

Can’t recommend them enough. A lot of gun shops have shady salesman or condescending staff, and it’s the opposite here. David (Mr. Smith) is just the most welcoming warm person to have greet you and guide you through any of your needs. He’s downright hilarious too! Jae is the wizard you can trust with all your gunsmithing needs and is obviously effortlessly knowledgeable with any and everything guns. He has both fixed my broken handgun and mounted an optic within 10 minutes of walking in the store while charging a very fair price. Just crazy levels of service that’s so rare nowadays. Tip this man he deserves it. They have a great selection of guns/parts and transfers, though on the expensive side for transfers, (you’re in steamboat, don’t be unrealistic), are a breeze. In small towns like this we are lucky to have shop of this caliber (pun intended).

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