The Best Gun Shops in Melrose, Minnesota
Top 3 gun shops in Melrose, Minnesota. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Scheels
Scheels All Sports
Scheels in St. Cloud is a premier destination for firearms enthusiasts serving the Melrose area, located approximately 25 miles away. This massive sporting goods store features an extensive firearms department with hundreds of new and used guns across all categories. Their knowledgeable staff includes certified experts who provide exceptional customer service and guidance. The store boasts an impressive selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns, and tactical firearms, complemented by comprehensive gunsmithing services, extensive ammunition inventory, and premium optics. Their indoor archery range and shooting simulator add to the customer experience, making them a top regional choice.
Cold Spring Gun Shop
Cold Spring Gun Shop
Located just 15 miles from Melrose in Cold Spring, this family-owned gun shop has built an outstanding reputation over 25 years of operation. Specializing in personalized service and expert gunsmithing, they offer a carefully curated selection of quality firearms including hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Their gunsmithing services are particularly renowned, handling everything from simple repairs to custom builds and scope mounting. The shop maintains strong relationships with local hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts, providing reliable transfers, ammunition, and accessories with old-fashioned customer care that keeps clients returning for generations.
The Bunker Arms & Gear
The Bunker Arms & Gear LLC
Serving the Melrose area from Waite Park (approximately 20 miles away), The Bunker Arms & Gear has established itself as a top-tier firearms retailer since 2012. This modern shop combines traditional firearms expertise with contemporary offerings including NFA items, tactical gear, and custom Cerakote services. Their knowledgeable staff provides comprehensive services ranging from basic firearm purchases to advanced gunsmithing and specialized training. The shop maintains an excellent inventory of popular brands alongside unique and hard-to-find firearms, supported by competitive pricing and exceptional customer service that has earned them numerous positive reviews and loyal customers throughout central Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Melrose, Minnesota
What are the main gun shops in or near Melrose, MN, and what services do they offer?
The primary gun shops serving the Melrose area include Scheels (with a location in St. Cloud), Cold Spring Gun Shop in nearby Cold Spring, and The Bunker Arms & Gear in Sauk Centre. These shops typically offer firearms sales, ammunition, accessories, and FFL transfer services. Some, like Cold Spring Gun Shop, may also provide gunsmithing and specialized local hunting expertise.
What are the key Minnesota state laws I should know before purchasing a firearm in Melrose?
Minnesota requires a Permit to Purchase or a Permit to Carry for handguns and 'assault weapons' purchases from a dealer, which involves a background check through your local police or sheriff. There is no state waiting period, but federal NICS checks are mandatory. Private sales of these firearms also require a transfer through a licensed dealer in Minnesota, including in the Melrose area.
Do gun shops in the Melrose area offer firearm safety or training courses?
Yes, local shops often provide or can refer you to certified training. For example, The Bunker Arms & Gear and other area instructors offer Minnesota DNR-certified firearm safety courses, which are required for hunters under 18, and Permit to Carry classes. It's advisable to contact shops directly or check community bulletins for upcoming course schedules in Stearns County.
How does the FFL transfer process work at a Melrose-area gun shop for an online purchase?
To complete an online firearm purchase, you must have it shipped to a local Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, such as Cold Spring Gun Shop or The Bunker Arms & Gear. You will need to contact the receiving shop in advance to confirm their transfer fees and policies, provide your shipping information to the online seller, and then complete the required background check and paperwork at the shop upon arrival.
Are there any local Melrose or Stearns County regulations affecting gun ownership or use?
While Minnesota state law generally preempts local firearm regulations, local ordinances in Melrose or Stearns County may affect discharge of firearms within city limits for hunting or target practice. Always check specific city codes regarding discharge and transportation. For example, discharging firearms is typically prohibited within Melrose city limits except at authorized ranges or under specific hunting regulations in designated areas.
Finding the Best Gun Stores Near Melrose, MN: A Local Enthusiast's Guide
This guide for Melrose, MN gun enthusiasts evaluates local shops like Scheels, Cold Spring Gun Shop, and The Bunker Arms & Gear, explaining their unique strengths and advising readers on how to choose the best store based on their specific firearm needs and interests.
When you're searching for the 'best gun stores near me' in the Melrose, Minnesota area, you're not just looking for a place to buy a firearm—you're looking for expertise, selection, and a community that understands your passion. As a hub for hunters, sport shooters, and responsible firearm owners in Stearns County, Melrose offers convenient access to several excellent options, each with its own strengths. Let's explore what makes local shops stand out and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Right here in Melrose, Scheels is a major retail destination known for its vast selection. Walking into their firearms department, you'll find everything from popular hunting rifles and shotguns to modern sporting rifles and handguns. They carry major brands and often have knowledgeable staff who can help with basic questions. For a big-box experience with a wide inventory, especially for new shooters or those seeking common models, Scheels is a solid starting point. However, for more specialized service or hard-to-find items, you'll want to look a bit further.
A short drive south brings you to Cold Spring Gun Shop, a true local institution. This is where you go for personalized service and deep expertise. The staff here are often seasoned hunters and shooters themselves, capable of offering nuanced advice on everything from deer rifle calibers suitable for the woods around Melrose to the best shotgun for Minnesota waterfowl. They excel at special orders, used firearms, and fostering a community feel. It’s the kind of place where conversations about local hunting spots are as common as transactions.
For a focus on tactical gear and modern firearms, many enthusiasts head to The Bunker Arms & Gear. This shop caters to a specific segment of the market with a selection of AR-platform rifles, defensive handguns, optics, and related equipment. Their expertise in this niche is valuable for those interested in competitive shooting or home defense setups. It’s worth the trip for anyone looking to build, customize, or accessorize a modern firearm.
So, how do you determine the 'best' store for you? Start by defining your need. Are you a first-time buyer seeking education? Cold Spring Gun Shop's patient expertise is invaluable. Need a specific, common-model hunting rifle before deer season? Scheels' inventory might have it immediately. Building a custom AR? The Bunker should be your first call. Always call ahead for item availability, and don't hesitate to visit multiple shops. The best store is the one that meets your specific requirement with knowledge, fair pricing, and a commitment to safe, responsible ownership—values deeply respected in the Melrose community.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Melrose:
About Melrose, Minnesota
Melrose gun owners and enthusiasts deserve quality service when choosing a firearms dealer. Our featured shops specialize in firearms sales, gunsmithing, and training services with expert staff in Minnesota.
Local Expertise
Shops familiar with Melrose community and local firearms needs.
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Licensed and reputable dealers with proven service records in Melrose.
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