Men at Arms Hobbies, Inc. — Local services in Town of Brookhaven

There's not many of these stores left around the country and more continue to close unfortunately. It's a niche hobby and online stores have really taken over.

It's really nice to go into these places in person though. You see tools, accessories, paints, all in person. You don't really get the same browsing experience online as you do in a store where you look around and just take it in. I was in town visiting family and decided to take a ride up here.

This isn't a particularly large store, but they carry quite a bit. A wide arrangement of paints including Tamiya, Citadel, Model Air, and Testors. A few diorama making materials like from Woodland Scenics. Model kits in various scales and subject from your typical military planes and tanks and a little bit of Gundams. They also carry some Warhammer stuff too. Is it the widest selection of any of the stuff? No, but it's a great cross section of scale/plastic modeling across the board. A lot of Revell and Tamiya kits. I didn't notice if other brands like Meng or Eduard we're represented. The store lacked aftermarket upgrades for kits like photoetch. Truth be told, most stores I've seen don't. They also carried plenty of reference books which are helpful for accurate and historic modeling. The internet can be great at first ding research, but some of those books are tough to beat for the subjects they cover when they've been currated and edited.

From what it sounds like, if they don't carry it, they can order stuff in too.

Also, I thought their prices were really competitive. They carried some of the Fantasy Flight Star Wars minature, like for X-Wing and the new Legion came. The Legion starter set was about $10 cheaper than what I've seen in other stores or online.

I didn't pick the man working the counter's brain about anything, but I got the sense he was knowledgeable. Their Facebook page says they've been around since 1979 - older than me, so they're doing something right.

If you're interested in the hobby, or curious to see more beyond what your local comic book shop might carry beyond the basic Warhammer stuff and Gunpla, stop in and dip your toes into a real scale modeling shop. They had everything to get going including paint brushes, airbrushes and compressors, weathering...

I must say like the previous reviewer: "Jim has been nothing but the best in service and product. 45 years in business and was the start of many hobbyist journey into modeling and painting. Salute to your dedication Jim." Jim, the store owner, is absolutely amazing and goes above and beyond to assist. He shares insights on how to enhance your appreciation of the hobby. I walked out beyond happy. I felt like a little kid again. Jim radiates an aura of kindness and genuine love for the hobby. His humor and knowledge keep you wanting to stay in the store and learn from him. He's an old gentle soul. A true rarity in this life. We shared some life stories and I got to know him. Then at the time of purchase, he steered me in the right direction on how to start my Warhammer painting journey. I wasn't entirely sure what faction to start with since I am new. Being so, I picked up a faction book that specified 1 legion. He suggested a different book which provided more information that could help me pick what and how to continue my path of painting. Any other owner would have tried to sell anything to make a profit but not Jim. He wants to ensure you cultivate a love and passion by tailoring to your specific needs. I am forever grateful to having met Jim. We need more people like Jim in this world! Yes it is a drive to get to the area but I was worth every second spent in the store marveling at all the other tabletop miniatures despite being a small store. There were all sorts of minis from iconic world war tanks, planes, army men, to collectables, paints, board games, vintage pinup minis, steel minis from back in the day, D&D minis... and many other things. ...

A legendary shop that’s stood the test of time.

I got my start in the Warhammer 40k hobby here at Man at Arms in Middle Island, NY, over 35 years ago, back in the days of Rogue Trader. I moved away many years ago, but during a visit in 2025, I was amazed and genuinely touched to see the shop still thriving.

The selection is as strong as ever paints, tools, models, terrain, you name it. Whether you’re into Warhammer, model kits, or historical minis, you’ll find what you need. And best of all, Jim, the original owner, is still there. His deep knowledge and genuine love for the hobby haven’t changed a bit.

It felt like stepping back into the golden age of tabletop gaming. Shops like this don’t just sell products they build communities. If you’re anywhere near Middle Island, this place is absolutely...