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The Best Gun Shops in Monticello, Minnesota

Top 3 gun shops in Monticello, Minnesota. Rated 4.6/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.

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Top Gun Shops

Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system

1

Fleet Farm - Monticello

Fleet Farm

★★★★☆
4.4/5

Fleet Farm's Monticello location is a well-established regional retailer offering a comprehensive firearms department with a solid selection of rifles, shotguns, and handguns from major manufacturers. Known for competitive pricing and regular promotions on ammunition and shooting accessories, this store serves as a reliable destination for both hunting and recreational shooting needs. The staff maintains good product knowledge and the store benefits from the corporate buying power of the Fleet Farm chain, ensuring consistent inventory availability for the Monticello area.

Experience:8 years
Reviews:85 customer reviews
1001 W 7th St, Monticello, MN 55362
2

Joe's Sporting Goods

Joe's Sporting Goods

★★★★☆
4.6/5

Located approximately 15 miles from Monticello in Buffalo, Joe's Sporting Goods is a family-owned business with over two decades of experience serving the Wright County area. They offer an exceptional selection of firearms including hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns, complemented by professional gunsmithing services. The store is particularly noted for its knowledgeable staff, personalized customer service, and comprehensive hunting department. Their expertise in local hunting regulations and quality equipment makes them a top choice for serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts throughout the region.

Experience:25 years
Reviews:142 customer reviews
405 Highway 25 SE, Buffalo, MN 55313
3

Scheels - St. Cloud

Scheels

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Located about 25 miles northwest of Monticello, the St. Cloud Scheels features one of the most extensive firearms departments in central Minnesota. This massive sporting goods store offers an impressive inventory of rifles, shotguns, handguns, and tactical firearms from premium brands, along with an indoor shooting range and professional gunsmithing services. The knowledgeable firearms staff provides excellent customer service and the store regularly hosts shooting sports events and training sessions. Their comprehensive selection of ammunition, optics, and shooting accessories makes the drive worthwhile for serious firearms enthusiasts.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:187 customer reviews
4130 2nd St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about gun shops in Monticello, Minnesota

What are the main gun shops serving the Monticello, MN area and what services do they offer?

The primary retailers serving Monticello include Fleet Farm - Monticello (offering firearms, ammunition, and hunting accessories), Joe's Sporting Goods (known for firearms sales, transfers, and outdoor gear), and Scheels in nearby St. Cloud (providing a wide firearms selection, FFL transfers, and gunsmithing). These shops typically offer firearms sales, FFL transfers, ammunition, safety equipment, and hunting accessories, with some providing additional services like basic gunsmithing or hunting license sales.

What are Minnesota's specific firearm purchasing requirements that apply in Monticello?

In Monticello, as in all of Minnesota, handgun and 'semiautomatic military-style assault weapon' purchases require a Permit to Purchase or a Permit to Carry from your local police chief or sheriff, which involves a background check. There is no waiting period for long guns, but all firearm transfers from a licensed dealer require a federal NICS background check. Minnesota also requires reporting of lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery.

How does the FFL transfer process work at Monticello-area gun shops for online purchases?

When you purchase a firearm online, you must have it shipped to a local Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder like Fleet Farm, Joe's Sporting Goods, or Scheels. You contact the chosen shop to confirm they accept transfers, provide their FFL information to the seller, and once the firearm arrives, you complete the required Minnesota paperwork (Permit to Purchase for handguns/assault weapons) and pass the NICS background check at the shop. Expect a transfer fee, typically $25-$50 in this area.

Are there any local Monticello or Wright County ordinances that affect gun owners beyond state law?

Monticello and Wright County generally follow Minnesota state preemption laws, meaning local governments cannot enact firearm regulations stricter than state law. However, you must comply with state laws regarding transport (handguns must be unloaded and in a case, separate from ammunition during transport in a vehicle unless you have a Permit to Carry). Always check for any posted restrictions on discharging firearms within city limits, as local noise or discharge ordinances may apply in certain areas.

What training or safety resources are available through gun shops near Monticello, MN?

While the Monticello Fleet Farm and Joe's Sporting Goods may offer basic safety materials or referrals, for formal training you'll often need to look to nearby organizations. Scheels in St. Cloud and other regional outfitters frequently host or can direct you to certified Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety courses (required for hunters born after 1979) and Permit to Carry classes. Local gun clubs and ranges in the broader Wright County area also provide hands-on training and safety courses recommended for new owners.

Finding Certified Gun Stores in Monticello, MN: Your Guide to Trusted Firearms Retailers

This guide helps Monticello, MN gun enthusiasts identify truly certified gun stores by examining local options like Fleet Farm, Joe's Sporting Goods, and Scheels while providing practical criteria for evaluating retailer expertise, safety protocols, and service quality beyond basic licensing.

For gun enthusiasts in Monticello, Minnesota, finding a certified gun store isn't just about convenience—it's about safety, expertise, and supporting local businesses that understand our community's values. When we talk about 'certified gun stores' in the Monticello area, we're referring to retailers who go beyond basic licensing to demonstrate commitment through staff training, secure operations, and comprehensive services that meet or exceed industry standards.

While Monticello itself offers several excellent options, understanding what makes a store truly 'certified' in practice can help you make better purchasing decisions. Local favorites like Fleet Farm - Monticello provide accessible firearm options with knowledgeable staff who can guide both new and experienced shooters. Their commitment to proper procedures and customer education aligns with what many consider certification standards in action.

Just a short drive away, Joe's Sporting Goods has built a reputation among Monticello residents for personalized service and deep firearms knowledge. What makes establishments like Joe's stand out is their investment in ongoing staff training—a key component of what many enthusiasts consider true certification. When employees can discuss ballistics, maintenance, and local hunting regulations with authority, you're dealing with professionals who take their responsibility seriously.

For those willing to venture to nearby St. Cloud, Scheels offers another dimension of certified service with their extensive selection and dedicated firearms experts. Their rigorous staff training programs and commitment to safety protocols exemplify the higher standards that define quality gun retailers in our region.

When evaluating certified gun stores around Monticello, consider these practical factors: First, look for stores with certified safety officers or staff who have completed recognized training programs. Second, observe their handling procedures—do they treat every firearm as loaded and follow strict safety protocols? Third, ask about their gunsmithing services or whether they have certified armorers on staff or as partners. Fourth, check if they participate in industry certification programs or manufacturer-authorized dealer networks.

Remember that certification isn't just about paperwork—it's about consistent, knowledgeable service that prioritizes safety and customer education. The best stores in our area will happily discuss their qualifications, training programs, and safety measures with serious buyers.

For Monticello firearms enthusiasts, building relationships with these certified retailers means supporting businesses that invest in proper training and uphold the responsible gun ownership values central to our Minnesota community. Whether you're purchasing your first hunting rifle or adding to a collection, choosing stores that demonstrate this commitment ensures you get quality service while promoting safety standards that benefit all gun owners in Wright County and beyond.

Nearby Cities

Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Monticello:

About Monticello, Minnesota

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