The Best Gun Shops in Cedar Crest, New Mexico
Top 3 gun shops in Cedar Crest, New Mexico. Rated 4.6/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Calibers Gun Shop & Range
Calibers
Calibers is the premier firearms retailer in the Albuquerque metro area, serving Cedar Crest residents with exceptional service and comprehensive facilities. They operate a massive 25,000 sq ft facility featuring an extensive showroom with hundreds of new and used firearms, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, and professional gunsmithing services. Their staff includes certified instructors offering extensive training programs from basic handgun to advanced tactical courses. Known for their knowledgeable, patient approach and excellent customer service, they maintain one of the largest inventories in New Mexico with competitive pricing and frequent specials.
Ron Peterson Firearms
Ron Peterson Firearms, Inc.
A family-owned Albuquerque institution since 2000, Ron Peterson Firearms has built an outstanding reputation for expertise, quality, and customer service that draws clients from Cedar Crest and throughout central New Mexico. Specializing in high-end sporting firearms, collectibles, and custom work, they offer an impressive selection of rifles, shotguns, and handguns from premium manufacturers. Their experienced gunsmiths provide comprehensive services including custom builds, repairs, and modifications. Customers consistently praise the staff's deep knowledge, fair pricing, and personalized attention, making this a top destination for serious firearms enthusiasts.
Sportsman's Warehouse
Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc.
As a major outdoor retailer with a strong Albuquerque presence, Sportsman's Warehouse serves Cedar Crest residents with extensive firearms inventory and competitive pricing. They offer a wide selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns, and tactical firearms from leading manufacturers, complemented by comprehensive ammunition and accessory departments. Their firearms staff receives regular training and maintains up-to-date knowledge of current products and regulations. While being part of a larger chain, they provide personalized service and have established strong relationships with the local shooting community, offering convenient FFL transfers and regular sales events that make them a popular choice for practical firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Cedar Crest, New Mexico
What are the main gun shops serving the Cedar Crest, NM area and what services do they offer?
The Cedar Crest area is primarily served by shops in nearby Albuquerque, including Calibers Gun Shop & Range, Ron Peterson Firearms, and Sportsman's Warehouse. These establishments offer firearms sales, FFL transfers, ammunition, accessories, and in some cases, indoor shooting ranges and certified training courses. While Cedar Crest itself has limited dedicated gun shops, these Albuquerque-based retailers are the go-to destinations for local residents.
What are the key New Mexico state laws I should know before purchasing a firearm in Cedar Crest?
New Mexico requires a background check for all firearm purchases, including private sales, conducted through a licensed dealer. There is no state permit required to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns, and no firearm registration. However, New Mexico has a 'red flag' law and recently enacted a 7-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. Always consult with your local FFL dealer in Cedar Crest or Albuquerque for the most current regulations.
How does the firearm purchasing process work at a gun shop near Cedar Crest, NM?
The process involves selecting a firearm, completing ATF Form 4473, and passing an FBI NICS background check conducted by the dealer. Due to New Mexico's 7-day waiting period law, there will be a mandatory delay before you can take possession of the firearm, even if the background check is approved sooner. Local shops like Calibers or Ron Peterson Firearms will guide you through each step and ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements.
Can I have a firearm shipped to a gun shop in or near Cedar Crest for transfer, and what are the typical fees?
Yes, you can have an online purchase shipped to a local Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for transfer. Shops like those in Albuquerque serving Cedar Crest typically charge a transfer fee ranging from $25 to $50 per firearm. You will need to coordinate with the receiving dealer in advance, provide their FFL information to the seller, and then complete the standard 4473 form and background check with the waiting period upon the firearm's arrival.
Where can I find firearm safety or concealed carry training near Cedar Crest, NM?
Several options exist, including training courses offered at Calibers Gun Shop & Range in Albuquerque. New Mexico recognizes concealed carry permits, and while the state does not require a permit to openly carry, a permit is required to carry concealed. Many local instructors offer New Mexico Concealed Carry classes that satisfy the state's training requirement. It's advisable to check with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office or a certified instructor for the most current class schedules and requirements.
Finding Certified Gun Stores in Cedar Crest, NM: Your Guide to Quality Firearms Services
This guide explains the importance of certified gun stores for Cedar Crest, NM firearms enthusiasts, highlighting how local certifications ensure expertise, compliance with regulations, and services tailored to New Mexico's specific needs and climate.
For gun enthusiasts in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, finding a certified gun store isn't just about convenience—it's about safety, expertise, and peace of mind. In our high-desert community where responsible firearm ownership is a way of life, knowing where to find properly certified establishments makes all the difference. Whether you're purchasing your first hunting rifle, seeking professional gunsmithing, or looking for advanced training, certified gun stores provide the foundation for a secure and knowledgeable firearms experience.
What exactly makes a gun store 'certified'? In Cedar Crest and throughout New Mexico, this typically means the business holds proper Federal Firearms Licenses (FFL), employs staff with certified training credentials, and often maintains affiliations with industry organizations like the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). These certifications ensure that when you walk into a store like Calibers Gun Shop & Range on Highway 14, you're dealing with professionals who understand both federal regulations and our specific New Mexico laws.
Local certified establishments like Ron Peterson Firearms bring specialized expertise to our community. Their certified gunsmiths can handle everything from routine maintenance on your favorite hunting firearm to custom modifications for competitive shooting. This local expertise is particularly valuable when you consider New Mexico's unique climate—the dry air and dust of Cedar Crest can affect firearm performance, and certified professionals know exactly how to address these regional considerations.
When visiting certified gun stores in our area, look for visible credentials. Sportsman's Warehouse, another local option, displays their certifications prominently, giving you confidence in their background check processes and transfer services. Certified stores also typically offer notary services for firearm-related paperwork—a convenience that saves Cedar Crest residents trips into Albuquerque.
Beyond sales, certified gun stores in Cedar Crest provide essential services like certified training courses. These aren't just basic safety classes; they include advanced certifications that satisfy New Mexico's requirements for concealed carry and specialized hunting permits. The value of learning from certified instructors who understand our local terrain and regulations cannot be overstated.
For transfers, repairs, or purchasing, always verify a store's certification status. This ensures your transactions comply with both state and federal laws—particularly important given New Mexico's specific regulations regarding private sales and transfers. Certified stores maintain meticulous records, protecting both you and the community.
In Cedar Crest's tight-knit shooting community, certified gun stores serve as more than just retail spaces; they're hubs of knowledge and responsibility. By supporting these certified local businesses, you're investing in safer firearms practices for yourself and our entire community. Next time you need firearms services, consider starting with our local certified options—their expertise is tailored specifically for Cedar Crest enthusiasts living the New Mexico firearms lifestyle.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Cedar Crest:
About Cedar Crest, New Mexico
Cedar Crest 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 New Mexico.
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