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The Best Gun Shops in Dresden, Maine

Top 3 gun shops in Dresden, Maine. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.

3
Top Shops
4.8/5
Avg Rating
427
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Top Gun Shops

Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system

1

Howell's Guns & Ammo

Howell's Guns & Ammo

★★★★☆
4.9/5

Family-owned and operated firearms dealership with exceptional customer service ratings. Specializes in new and used firearms with a focus on hunting rifles, shotguns, and personal defense weapons. Known for their knowledgeable staff, fair pricing, and excellent gunsmithing services including custom work, repairs, and transfers. Serves the entire Mid-Coast Maine region including Dresden residents.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:87 customer reviews
1805 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011
2

C & R Sporting Goods

C & R Sporting Goods

★★★★☆
4.8/5

Comprehensive firearms and outdoor sports retailer serving Central Maine. Features an extensive inventory of handguns, rifles, shotguns, and tactical firearms from top manufacturers. Offers professional gunsmithing services, FFL transfers, and firearms safety courses. Highly rated for their expert staff who provide personalized service and deep product knowledge. Regularly serves customers from Dresden and surrounding communities.

Experience:15 years
Reviews:142 customer reviews
2225 N Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
3

Kittery Trading Post

Kittery Trading Post

★★★★☆
4.6/5

Legendary Maine outdoor retailer with one of the largest firearms departments in New England. Features an enormous selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns, and tactical firearms from all major manufacturers. Offers full-service gunsmithing, FFL transfers, and comprehensive firearms safety training programs. While located in southern Maine, they draw customers statewide including from the Dresden area due to their unparalleled inventory and reputation for quality service.

Experience:25 years
Reviews:198 customer reviews
301 US Rt 1, Kittery, ME 03904

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about gun shops in Dresden, Maine

What are the main gun shops in Dresden, ME, and what services do they offer?

In Dresden and the surrounding area, Howell's Guns & Ammo, C & R Sporting Goods, and Kittery Trading Post are popular options. These shops typically offer firearms sales, FFL transfers, ammunition, accessories, and gunsmithing services. Some may also provide safety courses or hunting licenses, catering to both local residents and visitors.

What are Maine's requirements for purchasing a firearm from a gun shop in Dresden?

In Maine, purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer like those in Dresden requires passing a federal background check (NICS). There is no state permit required for buying rifles, shotguns, or handguns, and no waiting period. However, you must be at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns, and not prohibited by law from owning a firearm.

Do Dresden gun shops offer concealed carry permit training or assistance?

Yes, some Dresden-area shops like Howell's Guns & Ammo or nearby C & R Sporting Goods may offer or recommend concealed carry permit classes. Maine is a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit is required for concealed carry for those 21 and over, but training is still available for those who want it or for out-of-state permits.

Can I complete a private party firearm transfer through a Dresden gun shop?

Yes, FFL dealers in Dresden, such as Howell's Guns & Ammo, can facilitate private party transfers. They will typically run a background check on the recipient and handle the paperwork for a fee. This ensures the transfer complies with both federal law and Maine state regulations, which do not require background checks for private sales without an FFL.

Are there any local Dresden ordinances affecting gun shop purchases or ownership?

Dresden, ME, follows state preemption laws, meaning local governments cannot enact firearm regulations stricter than state law. Therefore, gun shops in Dresden adhere to Maine's uniform laws—no local permits, registration, or assault weapon bans. Always check with the specific shop for any store policies, but legally, state rules apply uniformly.

Finding the Best Gun Stores Near Dresden, ME: A Local Enthusiast's Guide

This guide helps Dresden, ME gun enthusiasts navigate local options, highlighting the personal service of Howell's Guns & Ammo in Dresden, the robust inventory at C & R Sporting Goods in Richmond, and the destination-worthy experience of Kittery Trading Post, emphasizing that the 'best' shop depends on your specific needs.

For gun enthusiasts in Dresden, Maine, the search for quality firearms, expert advice, and reliable service doesn't mean you have to travel far. While Dresden itself is a peaceful, rural community, you're strategically positioned within reach of several excellent establishments that cater to everything from the first-time buyer to the seasoned collector. Understanding what makes a gun store 'the best' often comes down to more than just inventory—it's about knowledgeable staff, fair pricing, and a commitment to the local shooting community.

Starting close to home, Howell's Guns & Ammo, located right in Dresden, offers a convenient local option. This shop is known for its personalized service and deep roots in the community. For Dresden residents, having a trusted neighbor who understands firearms can be invaluable, especially for quick questions, transfers, or supporting a local business. It's the kind of place where they might know your name, and that personal touch counts for a lot.

When your needs extend to a broader selection or specialized gear, a short drive expands your horizons significantly. Just a bit south, in Richmond, you'll find C & R Sporting Goods. This shop has built a strong reputation among Midcoast Maine shooters for its well-stocked shelves, fair prices on both new and used firearms, and a staff that genuinely enjoys talking ballistics, hunting, or the latest optics. For those in Dresden looking for a one-stop shop with a robust inventory without heading to a big city, C & R is a prime destination.

For the ultimate Maine firearms retail experience, many Dresden enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to the legendary Kittery Trading Post. While it's a longer drive south, it's considered a 'best in class' destination for a reason. It's more than a gun store; it's an institution. Their firearm department is massive, featuring an unparalleled selection of rifles, shotguns, handguns, and accessories from all the major manufacturers. Their gunsmithing services are top-tier, and their staff are some of the most knowledgeable in the region. Planning a trip to Kittery is a worthwhile adventure for a major purchase or to simply browse one of the best collections in New England.

My advice for finding the 'best' gun store near Dresden? Define what 'best' means for you. For routine ammo and local camaraderie, Howell's is perfect. For a great all-around selection with a Midcoast feel, C & R Sporting Goods excels. For the ultimate selection and expert gunsmithing, Kittery Trading Post is worth the drive. Always call ahead to check inventory, especially for specific models, and don't underestimate the value of building a relationship with your local shop. Here in Maine, that personal connection and trust are part of what makes our gun community strong.

Nearby Cities

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About Dresden, Maine

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