The Best Gun Shops in Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Top 3 gun shops in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Tanners Sports Center
Tanners Sports Center
Tanners Sports Center is a family-owned and operated full-service outdoor sports store that has been serving the Ephrata community for over four decades. They offer an extensive selection of new and used firearms including handguns, rifles, and shotguns from top manufacturers. The shop features an on-site gunsmith for repairs and custom work, comprehensive firearms training courses, and a knowledgeable staff with deep expertise in both firearms and outdoor sports. Their reputation for excellent customer service and quality inventory makes them a premier destination for both novice and experienced shooters in Lancaster County.
Lancaster Archery & Sporting Goods
Lancaster Archery & Sporting Goods, Inc.
Located just 15 minutes from Ephrata, Lancaster Archery & Sporting Goods has built a strong regional reputation for both archery and firearms expertise. While renowned for their archery selection, they maintain an impressive firearms department with a wide variety of handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Their experienced staff provides exceptional service and technical knowledge, offering gunsmithing services, FFL transfers, and comprehensive reloading supplies. The shop serves both hunting and recreational shooting communities with quality products and professional guidance.
Morr's Sporting Goods
Morr's Sporting Goods
Serving the Lancaster County area including Ephrata for over two decades, Morr's Sporting Goods is a well-established independent shop known for its personalized service and quality firearms selection. They offer a diverse inventory of firearms from popular manufacturers, along with comprehensive gunsmithing services, ammunition, and shooting accessories. The family-owned business prides itself on building long-term relationships with customers through expert advice and reliable service. Their convenient location in nearby Manheim makes them easily accessible to Ephrata residents seeking quality firearms and outdoor equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Ephrata, Pennsylvania
What are the main gun shops in Ephrata, PA, and what services do they offer?
The primary gun shops in the Ephrata area include Tanners Sports Center, Lancaster Archery & Sporting Goods, and Morr's Sporting Goods. These shops typically offer firearms sales, ammunition, accessories, and Federal Firearms License (FFL) transfers. Many also provide gunsmithing services, safety equipment, and some may host or recommend local training courses.
What are the key Pennsylvania state laws I should know before purchasing a firearm in Ephrata?
Pennsylvania requires a background check for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers, facilitated through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). There is no state permit required to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns, but a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is needed to carry a concealed handgun in public. Private sales of handguns must go through a licensed dealer for a background check, while long gun private sales between non-prohibited persons do not require a dealer in PA.
How does the process for a handgun purchase or transfer work at an Ephrata gun shop?
To purchase or transfer a handgun at an Ephrata shop, you must complete a Pennsylvania State Police Form SP 4-113 and pass a PICS background check. The dealer will handle the paperwork and the check, which typically takes minutes. For transfers, such as online purchases, the firearm must be shipped to a local FFL like those in Ephrata, where you will complete the same background check and pay a transfer fee before taking possession.
Do Ephrata gun shops offer firearms training, and is it required in Pennsylvania?
Some Ephrata-area shops, like Tanners Sports Center, may offer or partner with instructors to provide firearms safety and training courses. Pennsylvania does not mandate training for a firearm purchase or for obtaining a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF), but it is highly recommended. Local shops can direct you to certified training programs that cover safe handling, state laws, and marksmanship, which are beneficial for both new and experienced owners.
Can I have a firearm shipped to an Ephrata gun shop, and what are the typical transfer fees?
Yes, you can have a firearm shipped to a licensed FFL in Ephrata, such as Tanners Sports Center or Morr's Sporting Goods, for transfer. You will need to coordinate with the receiving shop beforehand. Transfer fees in the Ephrata area typically range from $25 to $50 per firearm, plus the cost of the required PICS background check (currently $2.00). The shop will handle the transfer paperwork and background check upon the firearm's arrival.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Ephrata:
About Ephrata, Pennsylvania
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