The Best Gun Shops in Owatonna, Minnesota
Top 3 gun shops in Owatonna, Minnesota. Rated 4.6/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Fleet Farm - Owatonna
Fleet Farm
Fleet Farm's Owatonna location serves as a comprehensive outdoor and firearms retailer for the Southern Minnesota region. Known for their extensive inventory of rifles, shotguns, handguns, and ammunition across all major brands, they provide reliable service with knowledgeable staff. The store maintains consistent stock levels even during high-demand periods and offers competitive pricing. Their hunting department is particularly well-regarded, making them a one-stop shop for outdoor enthusiasts in Steele County and surrounding areas.
Faribault Shooting Supply
Faribault Shooting Supply
Located approximately 20 miles north of Owatonna, Faribault Shooting Supply has earned an exceptional reputation throughout Southern Minnesota for their expert gunsmithing services and personalized customer approach. The family-owned shop features a carefully curated selection of firearms with emphasis on quality over quantity, offering brands like Smith & Wesson, Glock, Sig Sauer, and Ruger. Their certified gunsmiths handle everything from basic repairs to custom work, while their training programs and FFL transfer services are highly regarded by local shooting enthusiasts.
Scheels - Rochester
Scheels
While located in Rochester (approximately 35 miles from Owatonna), Scheels serves as a regional destination for firearms enthusiasts throughout Southern Minnesota. Their massive sporting goods complex features one of the most comprehensive firearm selections in the region, including extensive collections of hunting rifles, tactical firearms, and handguns. The store employs certified firearm specialists and offers professional gunsmithing services, comprehensive safety training programs, and consistent ammunition availability. Their knowledgeable staff and commitment to customer education make them worth the drive for Owatonna residents seeking premium selection and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Owatonna, Minnesota
What are the main gun shops serving the Owatonna, MN area?
The primary gun shops serving Owatonna include Fleet Farm - Owatonna, which offers a wide selection of firearms and ammunition, Faribault Shooting Supply located about 20 minutes away in Faribault, and Scheels in Rochester, which is a larger destination store about 45 minutes south. These shops provide firearms sales, FFL transfers, and various accessories for local residents.
What are Minnesota's specific requirements for purchasing a handgun in Owatonna?
To purchase a handgun in Minnesota, you must have a valid Permit to Purchase or a Permit to Carry issued within the state. These permits are obtained through your local police department (Owatonna Police) or Steele County Sheriff's Office. There is also a mandatory 7-day waiting period for handgun purchases after the permit application is submitted, and background checks are required for all firearm transfers.
Do Owatonna gun shops offer FFL transfer services for online purchases?
Yes, most gun shops in the Owatonna area, including Fleet Farm - Owatonna and Faribault Shooting Supply, offer FFL transfer services for firearms purchased online. You'll need to coordinate with the receiving shop beforehand, provide their FFL information to the seller, and pay a transfer fee (typically $25-$50) plus any required background check fees when picking up the firearm.
What training or safety courses are available through Owatonna-area gun shops?
While Fleet Farm - Owatonna focuses primarily on retail sales, nearby Faribault Shooting Supply offers various training options, and Scheels in Rochester hosts comprehensive firearm safety courses. Minnesota requires a firearms safety certificate for anyone born after December 31, 1979, to purchase a pistol or semi-automatic military-style assault weapon, so many residents take these courses locally or through certified instructors in Steele County.
Are there any local Owatonna or Steele County regulations affecting gun shop purchases?
Owatonna follows Minnesota state law rather than having additional local firearm ordinances. However, Steele County residents should be aware of Minnesota's universal background check requirement for all firearm transfers, including private sales. Additionally, Minnesota has red flag laws and regulations regarding storage around children, so local gun shops can provide guidance on these state-specific requirements when making purchases.
Finding the Best Gun Shops Near Me in Owatonna, MN: A Local Enthusiast's Guide
This guide helps Owatonna, MN firearms enthusiasts navigate local options from Fleet Farm's convenience to Faribault Shooting Supply's specialty services and Scheels' extensive selection, emphasizing relationship-building with knowledgeable local professionals.
If you're a firearms enthusiast in Owatonna, Minnesota, searching for 'gun shops near me' yields more than just storefronts—it reveals a community of knowledgeable professionals ready to serve your shooting needs. While Owatonna itself offers solid options, the surrounding Steele County area provides a diverse landscape for everything from hunting rifles to tactical gear and expert gunsmithing services.
Right here in Owatonna, Fleet Farm stands as a reliable destination for hunters and sport shooters. Their firearms department typically carries a solid selection of popular rifles, shotguns, and ammunition, making it convenient for last-minute hunting trips or range days. What makes Fleet Farm particularly valuable for Owatonna residents is their seasonal promotions and knowledgeable staff who understand Minnesota's hunting regulations and seasons.
Venturing just 20 minutes south to Faribault brings you to Faribault Shooting Supply, a destination worth the short drive for serious enthusiasts. This family-owned shop has built a reputation for personalized service, specialty firearms, and a gunsmith on site. For Owatonna residents looking for custom work, hard-to-find models, or expert advice on builds, this establishment represents what dedicated local gun shops do best: they build relationships with their customers.
For the most extensive selection within reasonable driving distance, many Owatonna shooters make the 45-minute trip to Scheels in Rochester. This massive sporting goods store features an impressive firearms department with hundreds of options, from everyday carry pistols to high-end sporting clays shotguns. Their staff includes certified instructors, and they often host special events and manufacturer demonstrations that are worth the drive for enthusiasts wanting hands-on experience with new models.
When searching for 'gun shops near me' in the Owatonna area, consider what each establishment offers beyond inventory. Local shops understand Minnesota's specific hunting seasons, terrain challenges in Steele County, and the practical needs of area shooters. Before visiting, call ahead to check inventory on specific items—smaller shops like Faribault Shooting Supply may special order exactly what you want. Also, ask about local shooting ranges and clubs; these shops often have the best information about where to practice safely and legally in our area.
Remember that building a relationship with a local gun shop pays dividends. Whether you need a transfer for an online purchase, want to consign a firearm, or need advice on Minnesota's carry laws, having a trusted professional in your corner matters. For Owatonna residents, the blend of local convenience and nearby specialty options creates an excellent firearms ecosystem worth exploring.
Nearby Cities
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About Owatonna, Minnesota
Owatonna 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.
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