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The Best Gun Shops in Heart Butte, Montana

Top 3 gun shops in Heart Butte, Montana. Rated 4.6/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.

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Top Shops
4.6/5
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Top Gun Shops

Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system

1

Browning Mercantile

Browning Mercantile

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Located just 25 miles from Heart Butte in Browning, Browning Mercantile is the closest established firearms retailer serving the Heart Butte area. This family-owned outdoor store has built a strong reputation over 15 years for its extensive selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. The knowledgeable staff specializes in firearms suitable for Montana's big game hunting and outdoor lifestyle. Customers consistently praise their excellent customer service, fair pricing, and deep understanding of local hunting needs. As a full-service outdoor retailer, they also carry essential hunting gear and supplies.

Experience:15 years
Reviews:45 customer reviews
115 Central Ave, Browning, MT 59417
2

Scheels

Scheels All Sports

★★★★☆
4.6/5

Located approximately 100 miles from Heart Butte in Great Falls, Scheels represents the premier large-format sporting goods retailer serving central Montana. Their extensive firearms department features one of the region's largest selections of rifles, shotguns, and handguns from top manufacturers. The store employs certified firearms specialists and offers professional gunsmithing services, FFL transfers, and comprehensive safety training. Customers consistently rate their expertise highly, noting the well-trained staff and exceptional inventory depth. While farther from Heart Butte, many residents make the trip for their unparalleled selection and professional services.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:185 customer reviews
1300 10th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405
3

Hi-Line Sports

Hi-Line Sports LLC

★★★★☆
4.5/5

Situated approximately 70 miles from Heart Butte in Cut Bank, Hi-Line Sports has served Montana hunters and shooting enthusiasts for nearly two decades. This well-established independent shop is known for its personalized service and deep expertise in firearms suitable for the northern Montana terrain. They offer a carefully curated selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns, along with comprehensive gunsmithing services and reloading supplies. The shop receives consistent praise for their knowledgeable staff, fair pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their location makes them a practical option for Heart Butte residents seeking quality firearms and professional service.

Experience:18 years
Reviews:38 customer reviews
119 Main St, Cut Bank, MT 59427

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about gun shops in Heart Butte, Montana

What are the main gun shops in or near Heart Butte, Montana?

Given Heart Butte's rural location, residents often travel to nearby towns for gun shops. The top shops in the broader area include Browning Mercantile in Browning, Scheels in Great Falls, and Hi-Line Sports in Havre. These shops offer firearms, ammunition, and accessories, with Browning Mercantile being the closest option for many Heart Butte residents.

What are Montana's specific laws for purchasing a firearm from a gun shop?

Montana has relatively permissive firearm laws. For purchases from a licensed dealer (FFL), federal background checks via NICS are required. Montana does not require state permits to purchase, registration of firearms, or waiting periods. However, buyers must be 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns, and residents should be aware of local tribal regulations if purchasing on or near the Blackfeet Reservation.

Do gun shops in the Heart Butte area offer FFL transfer services, and what are typical costs?

Yes, shops like Browning Mercantile, Scheels, and Hi-Line Sports offer FFL transfer services for online firearm purchases. Typical transfer fees in Montana range from $25 to $50 per firearm. It's advisable to contact the specific shop beforehand to confirm their transfer policies, fees, and any appointment requirements, especially given the rural nature of the Heart Butte region.

What training or safety courses are available through gun shops near Heart Butte?

While Heart Butte itself may have limited options, nearby shops and organizations offer training. Browning Mercantile or local instructors might provide Montana-specific hunter education and concealed carry courses. For more comprehensive training, residents often travel to larger centers like Great Falls, where Scheels and other outfitters offer a variety of safety and proficiency classes.

Are there any local regulations in Heart Butte or on the Blackfeet Reservation that affect gun shop purchases?

Yes, Heart Butte is within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, which has its own tribal laws governing firearms. Tribal regulations may differ from state law, potentially affecting possession, transportation, and sales on reservation land. It is crucial to verify with the specific gun shop, such as Browning Mercantile in Browning, regarding any tribal ordinances or restrictions before purchasing or transporting a firearm in the area.

Finding Top Rated Gun Shops in Heart Butte, Montana: A Local Guide for Firearms Enthusiasts

This guide helps Heart Butte firearms enthusiasts identify top-rated local gun shops by emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable service, community reputation, and practical support tailored to Montana's hunting and shooting culture, with mentions of establishments like Browning Mercantile and Hi-Line Sports.

For firearms enthusiasts in Heart Butte, Montana, finding a top-rated gun shop isn't just about convenience—it's about connecting with a community that understands the unique needs of hunters, sport shooters, and responsible gun owners in our rugged corner of Big Sky Country. While we might not have the sprawling mega-stores of larger cities, what we lack in quantity, we more than make up for in quality, expertise, and genuine Montana hospitality. The search for the right shop here is about finding trusted partners who know the local terrain, the game, and the firearms that work best for our way of life.

When evaluating what makes a gun shop 'top-rated' in Heart Butte, consider factors beyond just the inventory on the shelves. Look for establishments with knowledgeable staff who can speak from experience about hunting elk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or dealing with the variable conditions on the plains. Customer service is paramount; a good shop will take the time to understand your specific needs, whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for a new rifle or a first-time buyer seeking education and a reliable firearm for home defense.

Several local establishments have earned strong reputations among the Heart Butte community. Browning Mercantile, for instance, is more than just a store—it's a local institution. Known for its deep roots and connection to the Browning legacy, it offers a curated selection of firearms, ammunition, and hunting gear, often with staff who can provide personalized advice based on decades of local experience. For a broader selection of new firearms, optics, and modern sporting goods, many residents make the trip to Scheels, appreciating its extensive inventory and knowledgeable outfitters. Meanwhile, shops like Hi-Line Sports cater to the practical needs of local hunters and shooters, often valued for their straightforward service and understanding of what works in the field around Heart Butte.

The true mark of a top-rated shop in our area is ongoing support. Do they offer reliable gunsmithing services for maintenance and repairs? Can they help with the paperwork for transfers? Will they stand behind their products? In a small, tight-knit community like ours, reputation is everything. The best advice is to visit these shops, ask questions, and gauge their willingness to help. Talk to fellow enthusiasts at the Heart Butte community center or local shooting areas for their personal recommendations. Remember, the right shop for you is one that earns your trust, respects your knowledge, and enhances your experience as a responsible firearm owner in beautiful Montana.

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About Heart Butte, Montana

Heart Butte 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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