The start of the business day at The Barnwood Arms Company on Wednesday morning was filled with firearms enthusiasts early on.

It’s not unusual, according to Paul Mangelos.

“We’ve been busy – business has been through the roof,” he said, pointing to the political climate and the COVID-19 pandemic as the possible reasons for that.

Paul Mangelos grew up in the business. His father, Joe Mangelos, earned his Federal Firearm License prior to the business opening in 1981.

The younger Mangelos was there when the family owned and operated gun store originally operated in an area of his uncle John Mangelos’ Barnwood Restaurant, which was once located near the northbound Highway 99 on/off ramp.

The name itself came to be when John and Joe Mangelos used reclaimed wood from some of the old barns, recalled Paul Mangelos.

In 1990, Barnwood Arms moved to its current location at 120 E. Main St. along the heart of historic downtown.

“We have a certified gunsmith with more than 20 years of experience,” said John Mangelos of his nephew, Paul.

This full-service gun store also offers all of the popular lines of firearms for shooting and hunting needs. Couple that with the wide selection of gun safes from some of best three manufacturers and accessories.

In addition, Barnwood Arms offer up a wide range of shooting supplies, reloading equipment and one of the area’s largest selection of quality optics.

Prior to COVID, the on-premises indoor shooting range was a popular destination for shooting enthusiasts from throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area. Included was firearms class for those wheel-chair bound under the direction of Marcelo Rosengarten.

But that’s been on hold, at least for now.

More information is available at www.thebarnwoodarms.com or Barnwood Arms on Facebook.