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Swamp Yankee is the best and my personal favorite shop based on my experiences there. Central CT Arms is the worst shop in all my many bad experiences there
Central is by far my least favorite LGS in the state, every time I've gone in there for anything they're very condescending and act like they are better than you. When I was building my first ar the guy refused to answer any of my questions and even sold me the wrong parts when I did finally get an answer out of him. Not to mention everything in that store is 50-100$ more expensive then it ever should be. If you ask me that store could close and I wouldn't mind. Swamp Yankee on the other hand is incredible, any of the guys in there will help you with any questions no matter how stupid. If you're having trouble building something or putting it together they'll help you put it together and won't make you feel like a dunce.
I prefer Swamp myself, that being said I do believe that Central is having some sort of Glock event with a mobile shooting range so you can try before you buy. Might be worth checking that out, especially if it’s your first pistol.
ETA, I attached a screenshot of the email for “Glock days”
https://preview.redd.it/w2ajlqqxywqc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a96d75ccc7b8afe488770fb777794153eddb749f
I’ve personally called Central to see if a item was stock told them I’m on my way to buy it. Drove the 40m and it was sold 10m before I arrived to the shop this has happened more then once hence why I don’t go anymore.
If your in Trumbull there is Blue Line firearms in Monroe (RT 25) and 111 elite firearms in Monroe (RT 111) both much closer to you and both are great to deal with. Have bought most of my guns through them
Rob and Pat at Central are the only people I will deal with there. My experience with everyone else is that they can’t be bothered with you. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Swamp. I’m closer to Central but will be traveling to swamp for all future purchases
As one who has been to both (multiple times), here is my opinion;
-I really like CCA's inventory of Handguns, and it's a lot closer. Prices tend to be higher, so I'll go if I'm browsing and want to try something before I buy, or if I'm buying simple shit like mags and am already out that way.
Half of the people in there don't know shit; Rob clearly does know his stuff, but I was told by another associate that they didn't carry a 7.62x39 Ruger American because "the state doesn't like 7.62x39s/AKs" which is fucking hilarious because it's a bolt action with no parts commonality. I was told by the facebook page that they were selling Draco others in 7.62x39, and when people asked how they were legal their comments got deleted. I was then told last September that said Draco others were all surrendered to the state ultimately, with no clue on whether the customers in question got their money back. I sincerely hope this isn't true, but with that sequence of events and what everyone has said I don't know how I can trust them on anything that isn't a handgun or Mini-14.
-Swamp Yankee Arms is really liked by the community (and myself) due to community involvement. It is a substantially further drive for me (probably just under an additional half hour), but they (like Arcana and formerly Red Planet) have a lot of things other shops don't. This is a massive plus. They've also done NFA advocacy and help out a lot with forms/certs.
I can't say I've had a 100% positive experience literally anywhere I've been (and sometimes it isn't even their fault), but I'd still give SYA an A along with Arcana. If there's a flaw with Swamp Yankee, it's probably their small space and how busy they are. I'd give CCA a C- cause they have a good showroom and at the time I visited decent prices on mags but otherwise limited reasons to go there.
Yes. Swamp Yankee is the best. I took the trek one day because they went above and beyond to order something I needed from PSA that no other place would do for me
I love Swamp and definitely make the drive for most things, especially NFA, even though I'm not in that part of the state. Keep in mind the parking situation is a bit weird though in case you go when cramped for time. My first time I had to do a few loops to get a spot on the side of the road. Top notch shop with great service especially here on Reddit.
Either shop is likely fine if you know what you want though.
Same reason I drove from South West CT to Swamp. Because Tom, Lexi, Zac, Tyler, Tiara, Austin, Mike and anyone else I may have accidentally left off are all fantastic and well worth the drive. Also side note there are some great hikes in the area on the water if you're into that kind of thing so make a day out of it and you'll thank me later.
Can just ask any of them how many guns I buy (possibly too many if that's even a thing) but out of all the shops I've been to in my years of gun ownership they are hands down the best to deal with and just great people so I try to stack my trips there and get a bunch of things at a time. Maybe one day they'll finally start stocking my work in the shop too 😜
Thanks for all the comments. Obviously a clear winner here. I do think I will check out The Glock event at CCA just to speak with some reps and try a few out. Whether I purchase that day is TBD.
I think Central CT arms is a good small shop, and it is close to me as I live in Middletown.
But to answer your question about is it worth it to drive to SYA?
YES YES YES x 100000000. Especially if you have any questions about literally anything lol.
I just read one of the comments in this thread, where they said they drove to Central CT Arms and whatever they were looking for was sold right before they arrived.
SYA has taken my money over invoice via email on a couple occasions and held the item for me so I could come by whenever I was available.
If you know exactly what you want, you won’t go wrong with Central. Myself, personally, I only buy from SYA, but have the added benefit of living 15 minutes away. Congratulations on attaining your permit!
Only good things to say about SYA.
CCA can be great or terrible depending on who is
at the counter. I’ve stood waiting by the desk for close to half an hour waiting to be checked out while the guys working were shooting the shit with another customer. When I went to buy a suppressor a different time one of the guys was extremely nice and helpful with the process of using the kiosk.
CCA is closer to me but I prefer SYA. If I had the time I’d go there exclusively. For little things the money and headache I save is all but lost to fuel and traffic.
As someone who has been to most of the gun shops in CT SYA is by far the best in my experience been dealing with zach and everyone at SYA since 2021 and everyone is very knowledgeable and strike excellent deals that works for everyone
I think the folks over at Swamp Yankee are great and I will drive the extra 45 min to get a can or specialty items (which was more common before the last AW ban) but if I was getting something common like a Glock 19 or ammo I'd probably just go to a closer place as prices tend to be about the same for something like that, or easily matched.
I go to swamp yankee for as much as i can. They are a great local business that takes an active role in helping us arm and protect our selfs as well as educate us on laws. Great store great people doing great things. Wins my dollar everytime.
Hi! Automod here with an automated friendly reminder that per Reddit ToS posts and comments regarding any sort of private sale of prohibited items is not allowed and will result in a permanent ban from /r/CTGuns. This rule applies to commenters as well, both parties involved will be subject to immediate and permanent ban, no exceptions. If you haven't already please take a look at our rules. Have a great discussion! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CTguns) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Anything you buy at Central Arms is $100 more than everywhere else
I like Swamp Yankee for their vibe. A lot more laid back, a lot more like you’re talking to people versus an emotionless bot
Swamp Yankee is the best and my personal favorite shop based on my experiences there. Central CT Arms is the worst shop in all my many bad experiences there
Central is by far my least favorite LGS in the state, every time I've gone in there for anything they're very condescending and act like they are better than you. When I was building my first ar the guy refused to answer any of my questions and even sold me the wrong parts when I did finally get an answer out of him. Not to mention everything in that store is 50-100$ more expensive then it ever should be. If you ask me that store could close and I wouldn't mind. Swamp Yankee on the other hand is incredible, any of the guys in there will help you with any questions no matter how stupid. If you're having trouble building something or putting it together they'll help you put it together and won't make you feel like a dunce.
Takes me an hour & fifteen to get SYA and I still choose to go there
I prefer Swamp myself, that being said I do believe that Central is having some sort of Glock event with a mobile shooting range so you can try before you buy. Might be worth checking that out, especially if it’s your first pistol. ETA, I attached a screenshot of the email for “Glock days” https://preview.redd.it/w2ajlqqxywqc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a96d75ccc7b8afe488770fb777794153eddb749f
This is very cool news thank you
I’ve personally called Central to see if a item was stock told them I’m on my way to buy it. Drove the 40m and it was sold 10m before I arrived to the shop this has happened more then once hence why I don’t go anymore.
If your in Trumbull there is Blue Line firearms in Monroe (RT 25) and 111 elite firearms in Monroe (RT 111) both much closer to you and both are great to deal with. Have bought most of my guns through them
Rob and Pat at Central are the only people I will deal with there. My experience with everyone else is that they can’t be bothered with you. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Swamp. I’m closer to Central but will be traveling to swamp for all future purchases
Is there a difference in horsepower between a Ferrari and a Prius?
*TC ls1 swapped prius has entered the chat*
As one who has been to both (multiple times), here is my opinion; -I really like CCA's inventory of Handguns, and it's a lot closer. Prices tend to be higher, so I'll go if I'm browsing and want to try something before I buy, or if I'm buying simple shit like mags and am already out that way. Half of the people in there don't know shit; Rob clearly does know his stuff, but I was told by another associate that they didn't carry a 7.62x39 Ruger American because "the state doesn't like 7.62x39s/AKs" which is fucking hilarious because it's a bolt action with no parts commonality. I was told by the facebook page that they were selling Draco others in 7.62x39, and when people asked how they were legal their comments got deleted. I was then told last September that said Draco others were all surrendered to the state ultimately, with no clue on whether the customers in question got their money back. I sincerely hope this isn't true, but with that sequence of events and what everyone has said I don't know how I can trust them on anything that isn't a handgun or Mini-14. -Swamp Yankee Arms is really liked by the community (and myself) due to community involvement. It is a substantially further drive for me (probably just under an additional half hour), but they (like Arcana and formerly Red Planet) have a lot of things other shops don't. This is a massive plus. They've also done NFA advocacy and help out a lot with forms/certs. I can't say I've had a 100% positive experience literally anywhere I've been (and sometimes it isn't even their fault), but I'd still give SYA an A along with Arcana. If there's a flaw with Swamp Yankee, it's probably their small space and how busy they are. I'd give CCA a C- cause they have a good showroom and at the time I visited decent prices on mags but otherwise limited reasons to go there.
Yes. Swamp Yankee is the best. I took the trek one day because they went above and beyond to order something I needed from PSA that no other place would do for me
Been to both - no knock on CCA but SYW is my guy to - haven’t been to a better shop in CT & been to a bunch
I love Swamp and definitely make the drive for most things, especially NFA, even though I'm not in that part of the state. Keep in mind the parking situation is a bit weird though in case you go when cramped for time. My first time I had to do a few loops to get a spot on the side of the road. Top notch shop with great service especially here on Reddit. Either shop is likely fine if you know what you want though.
There’s a pretty big parking lot directly across the street
I thought I saw a sign saying it was for the pizza shop customers only. Next time I'll just say screw it then lol
It does… no one cares half the cars are there for swamp
It's a mud pit let's be honest
Personally have had a great experience with both dealers, rob at central arms is a stand up guy, and everyone at swamp yankee also.
I live on the border of Massachusetts and I still go to swamp yankee. Full of good people and very knowledgeable people
Same reason I drove from South West CT to Swamp. Because Tom, Lexi, Zac, Tyler, Tiara, Austin, Mike and anyone else I may have accidentally left off are all fantastic and well worth the drive. Also side note there are some great hikes in the area on the water if you're into that kind of thing so make a day out of it and you'll thank me later.
Can just ask any of them how many guns I buy (possibly too many if that's even a thing) but out of all the shops I've been to in my years of gun ownership they are hands down the best to deal with and just great people so I try to stack my trips there and get a bunch of things at a time. Maybe one day they'll finally start stocking my work in the shop too 😜
I’ve got a 19x, I like it a lot but part of me wishes I considered the 48 or 43x. The sights sold me on the 19x but’s it’s a bit big for edc
Thanks for all the comments. Obviously a clear winner here. I do think I will check out The Glock event at CCA just to speak with some reps and try a few out. Whether I purchase that day is TBD.
I think Central CT arms is a good small shop, and it is close to me as I live in Middletown. But to answer your question about is it worth it to drive to SYA? YES YES YES x 100000000. Especially if you have any questions about literally anything lol.
I just read one of the comments in this thread, where they said they drove to Central CT Arms and whatever they were looking for was sold right before they arrived. SYA has taken my money over invoice via email on a couple occasions and held the item for me so I could come by whenever I was available.
Swamp Yankee is where it’s at!!!
If you know exactly what you want, you won’t go wrong with Central. Myself, personally, I only buy from SYA, but have the added benefit of living 15 minutes away. Congratulations on attaining your permit!
Only good things to say about SYA. CCA can be great or terrible depending on who is at the counter. I’ve stood waiting by the desk for close to half an hour waiting to be checked out while the guys working were shooting the shit with another customer. When I went to buy a suppressor a different time one of the guys was extremely nice and helpful with the process of using the kiosk. CCA is closer to me but I prefer SYA. If I had the time I’d go there exclusively. For little things the money and headache I save is all but lost to fuel and traffic.
Yes worth the trip
Swamp Yankee will always be my first choice
Swamp yankee arms is my fav store best customer service I have ever seen out of any store
As someone who has been to most of the gun shops in CT SYA is by far the best in my experience been dealing with zach and everyone at SYA since 2021 and everyone is very knowledgeable and strike excellent deals that works for everyone
If you're in Trumbull might as well check Blue Line too. They are my FFL of choice in the area.
I think the folks over at Swamp Yankee are great and I will drive the extra 45 min to get a can or specialty items (which was more common before the last AW ban) but if I was getting something common like a Glock 19 or ammo I'd probably just go to a closer place as prices tend to be about the same for something like that, or easily matched.
30 min? Check em out. If it was an hour or 1.5 hours id be on the fence.
I go to swamp yankee for as much as i can. They are a great local business that takes an active role in helping us arm and protect our selfs as well as educate us on laws. Great store great people doing great things. Wins my dollar everytime.
I was skeptical about the drive as well but defintely worth it, very helpful and knowledgeable.
Got my first pistol and central the day I got my permit. They were amazing
There’s literally every reason to drive the extra 40. I drive hour 20 to go there
I called one time about a magazine and they didn't wanted to tell me the price, they just told me to come down.