Cal's Sporting Armory

[mr_dove]

Cal's Sporting Armory
3431 S. Federal Blvd. #E
Sheridan, CO 80110
303-806-0357

I had a very bad experience at Cal's. I was in the shop for about 15 minutes and the owner never even spoke to me. It could be wrong but I don't think he even LOOKED at me during that time. I perused the shop for a few minutes taking in the assorted gear that was present.

Cal's stocks Blackhawk gear, which many local shops do not carry. Many people prefer not to buy blackhawk gear because it is make in Asia. Manufacturing was moved to Asia a few years back but there was no corresponding decrease in prices. It seems that the owners are not passing the savings on to their customers, they are passing it to themselves in the form of increased profits. Some people have noticed a drop in quality as well.

I found Cal's a little bit confusing. They cater to lots of law enforcement agencies and they place lots of LEO items out on display. It is therefore difficult for us non-LEO to tell what stuff we can buy and what stuff we cannot buy. That can be a bit confusing.

The shop was in terrible shape while I was there. There were tons of UPS boxes laying around. I'm not sure if that is the standard condition of the place or if it was only because they had gotten a big shipment.

Another thing that I thought was strange was that you have to be buzzed into the shop. The main door is locked and there is a buzzer that you push to be let into the shop. Perhaps they have been robbed in the past and had to increase security but it was a bit strange to me.

I would recommend against going to Cal's for the time being. The customer service was the poorest that I've ever seen in Denver. Perhaps other people have had different experiences but this was mine.

http://www.mrdove.net/images/cals_armory_1.jpg

[7idl]

I did business with him in the past and was satisfied.. however that all changed..

last time in there I was treated like you were and have heard same report from others.. sounds like his store hasnt changed.. also, he stirred up a big stink with some competitors and the atf, and a couple other things you can find if you search falfiles and arfcom..

[Marlin]

I went in here once,,,, I came away with the impression that IF it was the LAST Gunshop on Earth and I had a million buck's to spend, I would go spend my million on fishing equipment. I have never been treated so rudely in my life. My DI in BCT treated me with more respect. I'll never go back again.

[AK47 Ranger]

I agree 100%, the last place i would ever go to buy anything. been there probably too many times for my own good but sometimes he does have Pre ban Ak's that im after........alltho ive never bought one from him since he's always rude etc.

as for being buzzed in, dont forget, his shop inst in the best part of town thats for sure!

[The1andOnlyKC]

I was in there a few years ago.

Looking to buy my first AR. I had the same experience, he wasnt really interested in answering any of my questions. And I dont think he really cared wether or not he sold any guns so I left and ended up buying from the gun show the next day.

[KarlPMann]

I've known the owner to a small degree from the gunshows in Denver. He's always been a rude jerk and always will be. I don't know anyone that isn't a left wing Denver area cop that would ever consider doing business with him. He's rude for one simple reason. He doesn't want to sell you a gun. You don't need one. Guns are for the police and people like him. Your not special enough to warrant owning a gun. :roll: If you believe in the 2nd. Amendment, buy your guns from dealers that believe like you do and leave places like that to die the slow miserable death it deserves. Oh, and yes he was robbed. At gunpoint. They robbed the place while his father was there IIRC. Also been burglarized once IIRC. Karl.

[Gun Shot]

They've also been banned from Sturmgewehr...

I agree with every single negative thing that has been posted in this thread about CSA, because I have been treated this way personally by Chad and the rest of the staff.

Grade A assholes, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart :(

[KarlPMann]

Oh, and let's not even talk prices. What a ripoff artist. Like I said, the only way he'll sell you one of those nasty evil assault weapons is if you're rich enough to prove you're in the same special class as he is. :roll: DIRTBAG! Karl.

[Marlin]

Sound's like He is not doing very much business with the member's of this board, or, ever will.


[lol hit] [lol hit] [lol hit]

[The1andOnlyKC]

Yeah that no sh$%

The LE community must keep him in business

[Defcon]

Wow! Glad I found this. I was thinking of going down there and checking out a Barrett this weekend.

Thanks for the info folks!

[KarlPMann]

:D Our job here is done. We've saved a board member from a ripoff artist lowlife. We can all sleep well tonight. Glad we could help Defcon. Karl.

[Marlin]

We are here to serve. :D

[mr_dove]

glad we could help.

[bbadmin]

Imagine what else we've done, that we're not even aware of!

:wink:

.

[The1andOnlyKC]

Oh you mean make innocent people like me broke and addicted to this drug you guys call shooting :?:

If I dont go shooting once a month I have a hardtime getting out of bed, cant function or think straight. Life just isnt worth getting up for if you cant go shooting.

And then you have you guys who post pictures of all your new toys and links to articles of new toys and that just makes the wish list longer.............


HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPP PPPPPPP :!: :!: :!:

[Defcon]

Imagine what else we've done, that we're not even aware of!

:wink:

.

This thread helped my marriage! If I bought a M82A1, my wife and I would be in divorce. :shock:

[motorep]

Hi, I just found this board, from ARFCOM. I've dealt with Cal's off and on. Chad doesn't have people skills, I guess, is the best way to describe it, it's hard to imagine how you can be totally ignored in a store that's only 10X15 at best. As far as the buzzing in thing- Chad was held up at closing one night by some very bad people. He was left tied up and missing some serious Class 3 weaponry.

[bbadmin]

Welcome motorep! Glad you're here!

[7idl]

buzzing in can be dealt with, it's his overall attitude, behavior and other things hes done to the comunity.

[motorep]

It sounds like I'm out of the loop regarding Cal's. What's he done, or is it too long a story?

[Gun Shot]

Just read the previous posts, lol :D

[KarlPMann]

Also read the reviews about him in the gunshop reviews forum. Karl.

[KarlPMann]

Oops, :oops: that's where this is huh? :roll: Karl.

[MONTROSE1911]

Chad is a worthless pile of ****! Please don't give him a cent of your money! My mother purchased a BlackHawk thigh holster from him a few years ago. She purchased the wrong holster and I tried to exchange it. NO LUCK!!!! I was basically told that I would have to sell it on e-bay. I called Mike Noell at Black Hawk and informed him of his represenatitve in Colorado. Mike exchanged the holster and paid for all of the shipping.


CSA! Sucks!!!!!!!

[chain.60]

While not one to bad mouth one. I have to agree
with all of the above posts about C. S. A. they
are ADAM HENRYS.

IE{Adam henry=ass holes} must be P.C.

Bill

[Not_A_Llama]

Alpha Hotels, grandpa!

[7idl]

......must be P.C.

Bill


um, NO!

being pc is what has this country in a mess!

[ifixphns]

Here's a little update regarding CSA. Seems he is giving up the retail/storefront side of the business. Chad (hate that name) says he's moving up to Idaho Springs, going strictly internet sales, and will only have a "will-call" counter. Good luck dickhead.

I can second and third all comments and experiences regarding this shop and it's proprietors. Yes, I have bought stuff there, but only in an emergency, gotta have it now, no place else to go situation.

Good riddance to bad rubbish says I.

[HunterCO]

Chad is the biggest jackass to ever grace the class 3 world. If any of you need anything in the class 3 department get with Alan he is great and will take care of you.

I have one question why is Cal's listed on the dealer portion of this site? :?

[Marlin]

This is just review's, and as You might be able to tell, Cal's does not get much of our business. :lol:

[Phillygunner]

I don't know this horse's a-- real well. But then again who would want to. Absolutely, no loss. I went into his place twice. The second time just to see if I had been too sensitive the first time. I finally told him he could bite me. His prices were right out of a bad comedy skit. I think this guy needs to close up shop and get back on his meds!

[Colorado Osprey]

Living NOT in the Denver area, I have tried to phone him multiple times over the years.....once in 10 years did someone actually answer the phone.

I'd buy off the internet before purchasing there.

[dc2bar]

Cals Sporting Armory - Website Order Experience

After searching for Saiga-12 parts somewhat locally, I came across 2 retailers in CO that had them in stock. The Gun Room, and Cals Sporting Armory. The Gun Room had them for a price higher than I would like to pay, so I went with Cals.

Huge mistake.

People in this thread talk about Cal being an unpleasant person to deal with, Shannon is about as fun as getting a root canal with a sawzall from a guy named Twitch. Quite possibly the rudest shopping experience i've had.

I ordered 2 magazines on July 13th. Being a goober, I forgot to fax in a form needed. That was sent over on the 15th, confirmed, and my account updated on that same day. I also asked if I could just pick up the parts locally, and they can keep the shipping to save us all time and hassle. I was condescendingly told that it was impossible, and that my order would be shipped from their warehouse in Texas. The 20th comes, and still no tracking number. I e-mail to ask where my items are, and if there's any other paperwork needed. With zero response, my status is updated about an hour later with a scheduled pickup.

To my surprise, the package was on my desk this morning, and the sent from address says:

CSA
9141 W. Chatfield Drive
Littleton, CO 80128-6142

Why i'm upset:
-Shannon was incredibly rude
-No pickup? That's fine, but there's no need to lie to me about where it's coming from
-It seems they forgot about my order until I brought it up
-It's slightly ludicrous that it took a full week to get a package a few blocks to me.

Next time i'll buy in a shop; saving $10 was NOT worth the headache.

[Ah Pook]

From reading this thread, I haven't even tried to find Cal's. I just doesn't sound worth it.

As far as the Gun Room goes, I have walked in there twice and walked out empty handed twice. There will not be a third time.

G&G Guns is one block west of the Gun Room. Warren is a nice guy and easy to talk with. So is his daughter. No BS.

For Saiga parts locally, Aloharover has the best selection. Damn nice guy too.
http://www.evilblackrifleshop.com/

[aideply09]

My mistake -- I thought we were talking about the new range in Mill Creek, not the new one from West Coast Armory which has nothing to do with Discount Guns.

[dylan_baxter]

All,

I am sad to say that I registered on this forum in order to reflect what dc2bar posted about the web site ordering experience at Cal's Sporting Armory.

I placed an order with them last week and the next day received an email reminding me about the Alternate Shipping Address form that needed to be completed. I complied, sending the information to Shannon along with a brief gripe about scanning/faxing/emailing my driver's license and credit card information in order to complete the order. In retrospect, I should have kept my mouth shut...

Shannon was at least consistent in responding quickly (a good thing) the few emails we exchanged though she was also very rude and quick to point out all of my failures with the ordering and verification processes. 'Bottom line is that I should have paid more attention to their policies and if I did not like them I simply should have gone through someone else. Fine, I'll accept responsibility for being a little tipsy that night I placed the order. I did not read fine print and that is my fault. But holy crap the way she threw it in my face was simply out of line. I could tell she deals with this issue all of the time, but instead of making their processes easier on the customer it is apparent to me that their own convenience is paramount.

Supposedly my order is in the hands of the shipping department now. I've tried to smooth things over with Shannon and will wait patiently and quietly for my order to ship for fear that I might incur more of her wrath..

Next time I will pay more for better service and I would highly suggest that others do the same.

Thanks for letting me vent!

[BooHoo]

Dylan

[chucky888]

I never visited the store, but the online shopping sucks too.

I went online to buy a hand guard from CSA, and becasue I'm usually at work, so I chosen to have it deliver to my work. Normally, I just have to filling in the shipping address if different from the billing.

Not so easy with CSA, first they made you check a box to sign for the delivery, so if you're at work, you are not going to get the stuff that you been waiting for, you either drive to UPS office or sign the UPS slip and wait for another day. To get the package at work, they ask me to photocopy my credit card, front and back and driver license showing the billing address, cut and paste the copy to a from and fax it back to them. You can't hardly read anything off the photocopy, after faxing it, it definitely looks like crap. So, I have to find a scanner and scan it into PDF and email it back. I don't appreciate these kinda of hassle, especially they only get a D+ from the Better Business Bureau.

The guy answer the email told me most people are glad to go through this hassle and I'm basically just too bitchy. OK, I guess they don't really need my business.

[chucky888]

who tell me to fax in my credit card copy, driver license or get bend, and shop somewhere else.

I'm surprised, that they didn't ask for birth certificate, credit score, mortgage payment stub and blood type.

[Hoser]

Avoid Cals Sporting Armory like the plague. Horrible customer service and high prices.

I honestly thought he was out of business...

[OneGuy67]

His physical store is gone...has been for years.

[nontactical]

Amazing how this intergalactic douchbag pops up on this and other forums every few months. There must be an inexaustible supply of unsuspecting newbies out there!

[WETWRKS]

I honestly thought he was out of business...

One could only hope.

I visited his store on occasion but received the same rude and arrogant treatment that everyone else has mentioned.

[nakedhunter]

Holy Cow. I didn't think about looking on here before I ordered from Cals. I ordered 6 M&P 15-22 25 round magazines and was very surprised at the great transaction... Best price, one day shipping, and no problems.
They are up in Dillon now, hopefully my experience is a new Cals over what I just read through on here as I was hoping to shop there again.

[mason.dixon20]

Personally, I will not order from this company ever again! I cancelled my order for several reasons.

First, shipments HAVE to be signed for, easy if you have someone at home, if you want it shipped to another address, you have to fill out a form and include copies of your credit card, both front and back, in addition to a copy of your ID or DL. Two, I received this e-mail regarding waiver of signature:

Hello,

The signature required at delivery is not an option that can be waived. Our site clearly states at time of checkout that a signature is required on all shipments at time of delivery and you even had to acknowledge this at checkout by checking the check box that state I acknowledge my shipment must be signed for at time of delivery. We offer the option to have order shipped to an alternate shipping address if a customer isn’t able to be at their billing address to sign for a shipment.

We are required by all the major credit card companies to get signed proof of delivery on shipment of tangible goods.

Please let me know how you would like to proceed.

--

Best Regards, Jim R. | Sales Manager
Cals Sporting Armory

Three, they have a toll free number, but no one answers. All I got was a recording to leave a message. Where is the customer service?

Four, this was the nail in the coffin as stated in the above e-mail "not an option" and "let me know how you would like to proceed". Confirmation for me of very poor customer service. Website says, they support Wounded Warrior Project and the USO...well, I am a Veteran and I didn't feel the love!

Update since their response: A much better response than I received from them.... They stated nothing about the poor customer service that I feel I received. Oh, and...they blocked my IP address...what a bunch of two year olds.

[Brass]

During the ban of 94-04, Cal was bragging on the boards about "calling the ATF" whenever he saw 12-rd HK .45 magazines for sale on the net or at gunshows.

[gcrookston]

During the ban of 94-04, Cal was bragging on the boards about "calling the ATF" whenever he saw 12-rd HK .45 magazines for sale on the net or at gunshows.

...and the week after the ban lifted I bought everyone he had for $32.00, resold them all within a couple hours on HKpro for $45, only to receive a PM from him telling me I wasn't welcome back in his place... Oh darn!

I'd done a good amount of business with him back in the '90s. There were times when he was the only one that had HK93,94 parts and accessories I needed. But as time passed it became more difficult to communicate. His robbery was an odd deal, then the arson fire in his place was pretty much the end of my affairs with him.

[bigshane]

... then the arson fire in his place was pretty much the end of my affairs with him.

That makes it sound like you set the fire. [Coffee]

[gcrookston]

That makes it sound like you set the fire. [Coffee]

Maybe "arson" is not the correct word. I certainly don't want to cast any thoughtless malicious conjecture around. Let me try to be more direct: "intentional".

Nope, still sounds like it was something other than accidental... I better work on my vocabulary. [Tooth]