Baits and Barrels: A Hidden Gem for Firearms Enthusiasts in Riverhead, NY
As someone who started their journey into firearms during the pandemic back in Connecticut, moving to New York came with its share of uncertainties—especially when it came to finding a reliable, welcoming gun shop. My first experience at another store here (which will remain unnamed but is infamous for its snobby attitudes and abysmal customer service) left me disheartened. It was such a negative encounter that I resolved to only make firearm purchases during trips back to Connecticut.
Fast forward a few years, during a conversation with a coworker, they recommended Baits and Barrels, singing praises about their exceptional service and knowledgeable staff. On a whim, I decided to give them a try—and I’m so glad I did.
From the moment I walked in, the experience was night and day compared to my previous one. I was warmly acknowledged by every member of the staff, and their attentiveness immediately put me at ease. My order was swiftly tracked down, and the process began without a hitch.
Jim (with the beard) took the lead in assisting me, while Hannah handled my background check and paperwork with professionalism and efficiency. Mark was spot on with the answer to every question I had about the different laws between the two states and the different counties. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. They weren’t just trying to sell me something—they genuinely wanted to ensure I had the information I needed and felt comfortable throughout the process. Their approachable, no-pressure attitude was a stark contrast to my earlier experiences. At one point during my visit, we were all just talking and laughing, and I felt like I'd been going there and knowing them all for years.
One of the standout aspects of Baits and Barrels is how they combine the personalized charm of a small shop with the inventory and expertise you’d expect from a much larger store. Their selection is excellent, and the customer service is second to none. It felt like I had found the local shop I’d been missing since leaving Connecticut.
Beyond sales, Baits and Barrels offers classes and range time, making them a one-stop shop for firearms enthusiasts. Their convenient location right off the main road in Riverhead, just minutes from the LIE, is another big plus. Parking is plentiful, so accessibility is never an issue.
Baits and Barrels has completely restored my faith in finding quality firearms shops in New York. Their team has earned my loyalty, and I look forward to returning for all my future purchases, training, and range needs. If you’re in the area—or even if you’re not—this shop is well worth the visit.
Thank you, Baits and Barrels, for raising the bar and setting the standard for what a gun shop...
   Read moreMarc is currently my instructor at Baits N Barrels , teaching me to think intensively and critically in the fundamentals of firearm safety.
Marc, who is unbelievably humble, has a CV of experience that speaks volumes. He was an army ranger for four years, twenty seven years in the police department, seventeen years as a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. This gentleman is truly one of the best in the industry. He is knowledgeable, insightful and respectful to everyone he comes into contact with.
His demeanor is pleasant, his teachings invaluable and his attention to detail impeccable. It is truly the teacher that makes the difference. I am in awe of not only how I am learning but the " why" of what we do and why we do it. These are key components in the foundation of firearm safety/ knowledge.
Marc teaches fundamental skills and firearm maintenance and gives his students the confidence to protect yourself and your family if the need arises. From a new student all the way to an experience shooter, his expertise allows for skills levels and accuracy to be improved.
The private range is state of the art with computerized image training, as well as target retrieval systems. Baits N Barrels offers a multitude of training classes that take place in the classroom and the range. Marc is a phenomenal teacher who I...
   Read moreI recently Signed up with Baits and Barrels and successfully completed the 18 hour course for the “Minimum standards for New York State, concealed carry firearm safety training”. I am Extremely pleased I went to Baits and Barrels. They are Without a doubt the most knowledgeable individuals I have ever come across I had the honor of being Instructed by four Of the most highly trained instructors Imaginable I would say more About their credentials, but you have to just go there for yourself you’ll know immediately you’re in the right place!! The Private, indoor shooting range deserves its own review separately, which I will give another time you have to look at it. It is state of the art, there is nothing on the East end that can Compare to what they offer. Furthermore the training Director, Thomas Newman is no doubt The Most Well-Versed , with the most Current facts pertaining to Firearms laws, with taking into consideration, the changes coming down from Albany pertaining to pistol licensing laws and felt 100% comfortable with the instructors and honestly felt relieved that I was trained by by the “best of the best” that belong a Company that I could trust with valid up-to-date training information, It was a pleasure converting my sportsman Carry to my full carry license With the training I received from Baits and...
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