Karp's Hardware & Homebrew Shop & Long Island Ammo and Firearms

"This review is specifically for the Long Island Ammo section of the business (a little on the hardware store overall at the end). I’ve been using LI Ammo for years to perform transfers of mail order ammo (since that became a requirement). The cost, for a long time, was $10 per order to receive the box in the mail. Since at least September 2023, the charge has increased to $17.50. $2.50 is a charge imposed by NYS, which is not at all the fault of LI Ammo. I’ll attribute the other $5 to inflation, and while I objectively think $15 is a bit to receive a package and run a 5 minute check, it is not at all out of line with other nearby ammunition transferors — and so no complaints there. The reason for the poor review after all these years is LI Ammo’s atrocious, unsafe policy on the handling of customer information. If you have ammo shipped to LI Ammo, BE AWARE of the policy. LI Ammo will require that you write every piece of your personal identifying information on a photocopied piece of paper — including your name, address, birthday, social security number, driver’s license number, occupation, etc. Just about every shred of PII that exists about you. These photocopies then go on a stack of papers on the counter, and I’m not sure where they’re ultimately stored. My visit to the store was a few weeks ago, and I could have peered over the counter and obtained all of that information from the customer just before me. When I asked the young man behind the counter if writing out the information was necessary, he insisted it is legally required (it is not), and that the business is required to retain the records (how or if they safely store them, I can’t imagine). This information *is* now sadly required by NYS to run a background check for every ammunition purchase. At a time when identity theft is rampant, it is incomprehensible that NYS requires you to provide your SSN to pick an item up at the hardware store, but that’s another story, and not any fault of LI Ammo. What NYS requires, however, is that the information be input into an electronic portal to run a background check. I asked the associate at the counter if I could please type the information into the background check screen myself, or even read it to him (as I do at literally every other ammo seller), and he insisted I had to write it on the photocopy. There is no form 4473 or equivalent for an ammunition background check, and the NYS Police even indicate directly on the FAQ for ammunition resellers that those paper records are not required. Again, I’ve been to multiple ammunition transferors in surrounding towns and counties, and no one else forces you to write all of your information on a sheet of paper that is then stored…somewhere…. Unfortunately, my only other option was to surrender my entire order to LI Ammo, because the box was in their custody and without going through their process, I couldn’t even possess it to, for example, return it to the manufacturer. So that damage is done. The young man I dealt with was perfectly polite, professional, and great to deal with — he just wouldn’t budge on the store’s errant policy and allow customers to self-enter or verbally provide information. Unless their dangerous data collection & retention policy changes, I sadly won’t be back. For a few dollars more, there are plenty of other businesses in the area who don’t require or even ask you to make a written record of your entire set of information, which again of course with the present identity theft and fraud climate, is inviting a massive headache. On the positive side, every employee I’ve ever dealt with here (both LI Ammo and hardware store) has been exceptionally personable and helpful. Karp’s Hardware is a few blocks from my house, well-stocked, and super convenient. The employees are super helpful. I love that it’s an old-fashioned, non-corporate, wood-floor, brick & mortar store, and I will continue to shop there and support them whenever I can."

"Knowledgeable friendly staff always make you feel right at home. Greeted within seconds of walking in the door eager to help. Nice to be appreciated whether it’s hardware or a lever action Henry you’re lookin for. Great people, A+"

"Went to the firearm section of the store to see if they would add a custom VOA hand guard on my mossberg ati scorpion. The older man working told me he couldn’t do it without seeing the gun first. Kinda condescending tone but totally get that he wouldn’t know without seeing it. HOWEVER while walking out I hear this “professional firearm salesman” tell the kid working with him that he “should put one into that guy” as I was walking out. I’m an avid shooter, I know my multiple firearms very well. Im new to town, wanted to shop local but will never shop at Karps again. That guy shouldn’t be allowed within 1000ft of a firearm."

"BS +++ Covid19 really took a hit on the prices of ammo and firearms in NY - not in a good way either. Prices were gauge to the point of doubling of prices. During March prices for firearms was crazy. It's May now and Long Island Ammo still managed to be fair. I been always a believer on practicing your rights and due to the frenzy of panic and rise in crime in my area. I decided it was time to purchase a HD (home defense) shotgun. Again, I called/visited many local gun shops and a lot of them do not show you the time of day unless you are ready to buy. I got frustrated to the point on shopping online due to these elitist attitude towards new clients. I know the social distancing rules applies and they want to sell items quickly but at least show a new gun owner some time. I finally found a friendly and nice shop in the town of Huntington NY. Even with the inflation of prices these guys still manage to keep the prices fair and close to a lot of internet prices. They are stocked on AMMO from 9mm to .410 ga shotgun 000 bucks. They got shotguns, rifles a lot of hunting items you will probably need if you are going to hunt for wabbits. Meet Alan - a very professional, honest (painfully), and very knowledgeable owner who wants people to know the responsibility and safety behind gun ownership. I came in there yesterday and door was closed. Alan walks in and just welcoming from the start. I was in and out of the store in 20 minutes with the confidence I did the right thing with my purchase. The shop itself is behind a hardware store. So you have to ask if you are not sure. The parking lot is huge. Restrooms are clean and fully stocked - just don't steal the tissue paper as per Alan hahahaha. Again I invite all my elite members who are looking for a reliable shop to get their firearms and ammo from. I truly appreciate the time Alan gave me. Call them if you have questions and come on by and pick up your gun needs. Maybe pick up some nails, hornet spray or whatever hardware items you need. And they also have a brewery! This store is ready for the zombie apocalypse. ---------------------------------- * Boomsauce scale. BW = Dis $@% is BASURA! (Garbage). Not recommended. BS = it's just O.K. (experience) BS+ = Yo! I like this place. BS++= That's Whoa! This place good. BS+++= Dayumm! This place is fkn DOPE!"