The Best Gun Shops in Cooke City, Montana
Top 3 gun shops in Cooke City, Montana. 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 Billings is a premier destination for firearms enthusiasts serving the greater Yellowstone region, including Cooke City. This massive 220,000 sq ft store features an extensive selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns, and tactical firearms from top manufacturers. Their dedicated firearms department includes knowledgeable staff, an indoor shooting range, professional gunsmithing services, and comprehensive training programs. Customers consistently praise the exceptional customer service, vast inventory, and expert advice for both beginner and experienced shooters.
Billings Bench Rest Firearms
Billings Bench Rest Firearms
Billings Bench Rest Firearms is a highly specialized shop known for its exceptional customer service and expert gunsmithing. Serving the entire Yellowstone region including Cooke City, they specialize in precision rifles, custom builds, and high-quality firearms from premium manufacturers. The shop is renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, custom fitting services, and extensive knowledge of ballistics and precision shooting. Their gunsmithing services include custom barrel work, trigger jobs, and accurizing services that attract serious hunters and competitive shooters from across Montana.
Bob Ward & Sons
Bob Ward & Sons
Bob Ward & Sons has been a trusted Montana outdoor retailer since 1999, serving Cooke City and the surrounding Yellowstone area with a comprehensive firearms department. They offer a wide selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns from leading manufacturers, complemented by extensive ammunition and accessory inventory. The store is particularly noted for its knowledgeable staff who understand Montana hunting regulations and can provide expert advice for backcountry hunting in the Beartooth Mountains. Their gunsmithing services and reliable firearm transfers make them a go-to destination for both local residents and visiting hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Cooke City, Montana
What gun shops are available in or near Cooke City, Montana?
Cooke City is a small mountain town with limited retail options, so residents often travel to nearby cities for gun shops. The closest notable shops include Scheels and Billings Bench Rest Firearms in Billings (about 2.5 hours away), and Bob Ward & Sons in Bozeman (about 3 hours away). These shops offer firearms sales, ammunition, accessories, and FFL transfer services for Cooke City residents.
What are Montana's specific firearm purchasing requirements that apply in Cooke City?
Montana has minimal firearm purchasing restrictions. For long guns and handguns, no permit is required, and there's no waiting period or firearm registration. Federal requirements still apply, including the completion of ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check through a licensed dealer. Private sales between Montana residents are generally legal without a background check, but both parties must be state residents.
Can I have a firearm shipped to a gun shop in Cooke City for transfer?
Yes, you can have firearms shipped to an FFL holder in Cooke City or nearby areas for transfer. Since Cooke City has limited FFL options, you'll typically need to coordinate with shops in Billings or Bozeman. When purchasing online, specify the receiving FFL dealer (like Scheels or Billings Bench Rest Firearms), who will conduct the required background check and complete the transfer for a fee, usually $25-$50.
What types of firearms and services are most relevant for Cooke City's outdoor environment?
Given Cooke City's location near Yellowstone National Park and extensive wilderness, local gun shops and those in nearby cities typically stock firearms suitable for hunting and bear protection. This includes bolt-action rifles for big game hunting (elk, deer), shotguns for bird hunting, and larger caliber handguns like .44 Magnum or 10mm for bear defense. Many shops also offer gunsmithing services for maintenance and customization of outdoor firearms.
Are there any local Cooke City or Montana-specific regulations affecting gun ownership or carry?
Montana is a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit is required for concealed or open carry for anyone legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, there are restrictions in certain locations like schools, government buildings, and federal properties including parts of Yellowstone National Park. Cooke City residents should be aware that while Montana has minimal restrictions, federal lands and buildings have their own regulations that must be followed.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Cooke City:
About Cooke City, Montana
Cooke City 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 Montana.
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