The Best Gun Shops in Soap Lake, Washington
Top 3 gun shops in Soap Lake, Washington. Rated 4.5/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
As a well-established national sporting goods chain with a strong presence in central Washington, Big 5 Sporting Goods in Moses Lake serves as a reliable destination for Soap Lake residents seeking firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories. Located approximately 30 minutes from Soap Lake, this store offers a good selection of popular rifles, shotguns, and handguns from major manufacturers. While not a specialized gun shop, they provide consistent inventory of ammunition and basic shooting supplies with the convenience of regular business hours and knowledgeable staff familiar with Washington state firearm regulations.
The Marksman
The Marksman LLC
The Marksman is a highly-rated, locally-owned firearms specialist located in Moses Lake, serving the greater Grant County area including Soap Lake. With exceptional 4.7-star ratings across multiple platforms, this shop is renowned for its outstanding customer service, extensive inventory of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and comprehensive gunsmithing services. The staff includes certified instructors offering concealed carry permit classes and firearms training. Customers consistently praise their expertise, fair pricing, and willingness to educate both new and experienced shooters. Their professional gunsmithing services and efficient transfer process make them a top choice for Soap Lake residents.
Grant County Guns & Ammo
Grant County Guns & Ammo LLC
Grant County Guns & Ammo has built a strong reputation as a reliable firearms dealer serving the Moses Lake area and surrounding communities including Soap Lake. This established local business offers a diverse selection of new and used firearms, with particular strength in hunting rifles, shotguns, and self-defense handguns. They maintain good inventory levels of popular ammunition calibers and reloading components, which is especially valuable in the current market. The shop is known for its knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, and efficient background check processing. Their convenient location and specialization in serving the hunting and shooting community of central Washington make them an excellent resource for Soap Lake residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Soap Lake, Washington
What are the main gun shops in Soap Lake, WA, and what services do they offer?
The primary gun shops serving Soap Lake include Big 5 Sporting Goods, The Marksman, and Grant County Guns & Ammo. These shops typically offer firearms sales, ammunition, accessories, and Federal Firearms License (FFL) transfer services. Some may also provide basic gunsmithing or safety equipment, though specialized training or ranges are more commonly found in larger nearby cities.
What are the key Washington state laws I need to know before purchasing a firearm in Soap Lake?
Washington state requires a background check for all firearm purchases, including private sales, conducted through a licensed dealer. There is a mandatory 10-day waiting period for semi-automatic rifle purchases and a purchase permit requirement for all firearm sales as of July 2024. Additionally, Soap Lake residents must comply with state laws like the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) and safe storage requirements if minors are present.
How does the FFL transfer process work at a Soap Lake gun shop if I buy a firearm online?
When you purchase a firearm online, you must have it shipped to a local FFL holder like Grant County Guns & Ammo or The Marksman in Soap Lake. You will contact the shop to arrange the transfer, pay their fee (typically $25-$50), and complete the required Washington state background check and paperwork in person. The shop will hold the firearm until the background check is approved and any mandatory waiting periods have passed.
Are there any local training or safety courses available through Soap Lake gun shops?
While Soap Lake gun shops like The Marksman may offer basic safety advice or referrals, formal training courses are limited within the city itself. Residents often seek certified training from instructors or ranges in larger Grant County areas or nearby cities like Moses Lake. It's advisable to inquire at local shops for recommended trainers or upcoming courses in the region.
What should I know about purchasing ammunition or accessories in Soap Lake, WA?
Ammunition and accessories can be purchased at Soap Lake shops like Big 5 Sporting Goods or Grant County Guns & Ammo without a background check, though you must be 18 for rifle ammo and 21 for handgun ammo. Washington state has no additional ammo taxes or restrictions beyond federal law, but availability may vary, so calling ahead is recommended, especially for less common calibers.
Finding the Best Gun Stores Near Soap Lake, WA: A Local Guide for Firearms Enthusiasts
This guide helps Soap Lake, WA firearms enthusiasts find the best local gun stores by evaluating options from basic retailers like Big 5 to specialized shops like The Marksman and Grant County Guns & Ammo, with practical advice on selecting shops based on expertise, services, and understanding of Washington's unique firearm laws and local shooting opportunities.
For gun enthusiasts in Soap Lake, Washington, finding the right firearm retailer isn't just about convenience—it's about connecting with knowledgeable professionals who understand our unique Central Washington lifestyle. Whether you're a hunter preparing for the upcoming seasons in the surrounding Columbia Basin, a recreational shooter heading to the range, or someone seeking home defense options, having reliable local gun shops matters. While Soap Lake itself is a smaller community, we're fortunate to have several solid options both locally and within reasonable driving distance.
Right here in Soap Lake, you'll find Big 5 Sporting Goods, which offers a basic selection of firearms and ammunition alongside their broader sporting goods inventory. This can be convenient for last-minute ammunition needs or browsing common rifle models. For more specialized firearms expertise, many locals head to The Marksman, known for its knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed guidance on everything from handgun selection to Washington's specific firearm regulations. Their focus on customer education makes them particularly valuable for first-time buyers navigating Washington's purchasing process.
Just a short drive away in neighboring communities, Grant County Guns & Ammo represents the kind of dedicated firearms retailer that serious enthusiasts appreciate. These specialized shops typically offer broader selections, used firearm options, transfer services, and staff with deeper technical knowledge about maintenance, customization, and local shooting opportunities. When searching for 'best gun stores near me' from Soap Lake, consider expanding your radius slightly—many excellent shops in Moses Lake, Ephrata, and even Wenatchee are within an hour's drive and offer significantly expanded inventories.
What makes a gun store 'best' for Soap Lake residents? First, consider what you need: Are you looking for basic purchase convenience, expert fitting for a specific purpose like cougar protection in the local hills, or specialized services like transfers for online purchases? Second, evaluate the staff's knowledge of Washington laws—our state has unique regulations regarding background checks, waiting periods, and firearm types that a good local shop should explain clearly. Third, consider ongoing services: Does the shop offer cleaning supplies, maintenance advice, or local shooting event information?
My advice? Visit multiple shops with specific questions about your intended firearm use. Notice which staff members listen to your needs rather than just making sales. Ask about their familiarity with local shooting areas—many stores know about informal shooting spots in the surrounding drylands or organized ranges nearby. Check their transfer fees if you buy online, as this can vary significantly. For Soap Lake residents, the 'best' gun store often balances reasonable proximity with specialized expertise that matches your firearms interests, whether that's hunting the nearby wildlife management areas, competitive shooting, or responsible home protection in our rural community.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Soap Lake:
About Soap Lake, Washington
Soap Lake 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 Washington.
Local Expertise
Shops familiar with Soap Lake community and local firearms needs.
Trusted Service
Licensed and reputable dealers with proven service records in Soap Lake.
Expert Staff
Knowledgeable staff and dedicated support for customers.