About Total Firearms
Total Firearms has established itself as a destination firearms retailer in Mason, Michigan, balancing a dual operation that serves both the retail and range-shooting communities. With a 4.1-star rating from over 599 reviews, the business operates at a critical intersection where customer experience quality directly reflects broader operational philosophy - and where the contrast between staff and management has become a defining characteristic.
The business occupies an interesting niche: it’s not primarily a shooting range operator that sells guns as a secondary service, nor is it purely a retail gun shop. Instead, Total Firearms attempts to offer both an indoor range facility and a full-service firearms retail operation alongside a substantial sporting goods inventory that includes fishing equipment. This hybrid model requires careful management to satisfy two distinct customer bases - those coming primarily to shoot and those coming primarily to shop - each with different priorities and expectations around safety protocols, time management, and customer interaction.
Customer feedback reveals a sharp operational bifurcation. The frontline staff - including range officers, retail employees, and the sales team - consistently earn praise for knowledge, professionalism, and genuine customer care. Multiple reviews highlight staff members going above and beyond to help customers find the right fit, whether that’s locating the correct holster for a specific firearm or taking time to educate first-time shooters without judgment or condescension. This is particularly notable given that firearms retail operates in an environment where customer demographics have historically been narrow; reviews from female shooters and newcomers specifically praise Total Firearms for creating an inclusive atmosphere where they don’t feel talked down to or othered. This represents a deliberate cultural choice about who the business serves.
The integrity dimension emerges strongly across positive feedback. Multiple customers report that Total Firearms refused to exploit them even when circumstances clearly presented an opportunity. One customer purchased a rare firearm from the owner at a gun show and explicitly praised the dealer for not taking advantage of scarcity value to inflate pricing. This honesty in transactions - particularly when the customer might not know market rates - suggests a business model anchored to reputation and repeat customers rather than transaction maximization.
However, the review set also surfaces serious concerns about management conduct and operational policy. Several one-star reviews describe interactions with ownership characterized by rudeness, dismissiveness, and what some customers characterize as discriminatory behavior. There are accounts of strict rule enforcement described as ‘over the top’ and ‘rude,’ creating an atmosphere where customers report feeling disrespected for minor infractions. Most troublingly, at least one customer describes what they interpret as racial profiling - a serious allegation in any retail context but particularly significant in firearms retail, where bias and discrimination have documented consequences.
These contradictions - excellent frontline staff alongside problematic management conduct, fair pricing practices alongside customer service incidents that suggest disrespect - create a business profile where your experience depends heavily on which part of Total Firearms you interact with. The range staff appear genuinely committed to safety and customer experience. The retail staff provide knowledgeable, respectful service. But management and enforcement of policies sometimes undermine the positive environment the rest of the team has built.
The physical facility itself appears well-maintained and professional. The combination of range operation and retail allows for a one-stop experience for shooters who want to try before they buy or simply maintain regular practice habits. The extended inventory beyond firearms - fishing equipment and broader sporting goods - diversifies revenue and appeals to customers looking for a general sporting goods destination rather than a specialized gun shop.
Getting There
Total Firearms is located at 1380 N Cedar Street in Mason, Michigan. The facility operates Monday through Saturday with variable hours (closed Thursdays), and Sunday afternoon hours, providing reasonable access for most schedules. Call ahead at (517) 699-0597 to confirm current hours, range fees, safety requirements, or to discuss specific purchases. The website at totalfirearmsgunshop.com provides additional information about inventory and services.