The Best Gun Shops in Arapahoe, Wyoming
Top 3 gun shops in Arapahoe, Wyoming. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive evaluation system.
Top Gun Shops
Ranked by our comprehensive evaluation system
Big Horn Guns & Ammo
Big Horn Guns & Ammo
Big Horn Guns & Ammo is a highly reputable shop known for its extensive inventory of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, along with a wide selection of ammunition and accessories. They offer expert gunsmithing services, including repairs, customizations, and maintenance, and provide firearms safety training courses. With a focus on customer service, the staff is praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making it a top choice for both beginners and experienced shooters in the Fremont County area.
Lander Arms
Lander Arms
Lander Arms specializes in custom firearms, reloading supplies, and high-quality hunting gear, with a strong emphasis on personalized customer service. Their experienced team offers comprehensive gunsmithing, including barrel work and stock fitting, as well as training programs for concealed carry and hunting safety. Customers frequently highlight the shop's expertise, reliability, and community-focused approach, making it a trusted destination for firearms enthusiasts in and around Arapahoe.
Scheels
Scheels All Sports
Scheels in Casper is a well-established sporting goods retailer with a robust firearms department, offering a broad range of guns, ammunition, and hunting accessories. While they do not provide on-site gunsmithing, they excel in transfers and have a knowledgeable staff to assist with selections. Known for competitive pricing and a customer-friendly environment, Scheels serves the wider Wyoming region, including Arapahoe, with a focus on quality and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gun shops in Arapahoe, Wyoming
What are the main gun shops in Arapahoe, Wyoming, and what services do they offer?
The primary gun shops serving Arapahoe, WY, include Big Horn Guns & Ammo, Lander Arms, and the larger Scheels store. These shops typically offer firearms sales (new and used), ammunition, FFL transfers, basic gunsmithing, and hunting accessories. Big Horn Guns & Ammo and Lander Arms are known for their local expertise and personalized service, while Scheels provides a broader retail selection.
What are Wyoming's state laws regarding firearm purchases and permits that apply in Arapahoe?
Wyoming has some of the most permissive gun laws in the U.S., and these apply fully in Arapahoe. No state permit is required to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns. Wyoming is a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit is required for concealed or open carry for residents 21+ who can legally possess a firearm. There is also no waiting period for firearm purchases.
What is the process for buying a handgun or long gun from a shop in Arapahoe, WY?
To purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer like Big Horn Guns & Ammo or Scheels in Arapahoe, you must complete a federal ATF Form 4473 and pass an instant NICS background check. For handguns, you must be 21+, and for long guns, 18+. You must be a Wyoming resident or meet federal requirements for out-of-state purchases (long guns only from contiguous states). No local Arapahoe ordinances add further steps.
Do Arapahoe-area gun shops handle FFL transfers for online purchases, and what are typical fees?
Yes, local shops like Lander Arms and Big Horn Guns & Ammo routinely handle FFL transfers. When you buy a firearm online, you must have it shipped to a local FFL holder, who will process the background check and transfer. Transfer fees in the Arapahoe area typically range from $25 to $50 per firearm, plus any applicable state fees. It's best to contact the specific shop in advance to confirm their transfer policy and current rates.
Do gun shops in the Arapahoe area offer firearm training or safety courses?
While Arapahoe itself is a small community, nearby shops like Big Horn Guns & Ammo and Lander Arms may offer or can refer you to local certified instructors for basic firearm safety, concealed carry, and hunter education courses. Wyoming requires hunter education for new hunters born after 1965, and these courses are often available through the Wyoming Game & Fish Department or affiliated local instructors. Scheels may also host or advertise training events.
Why Certified Gun Shops Matter for Firearms Enthusiasts in Arapahoe, Wyoming
This post explains the importance of certification for gun shops in Arapahoe, Wyoming, detailing how it ensures expertise, legal compliance, and safety for local enthusiasts, and advises readers on what questions to ask when evaluating shops like Big Horn Guns & Ammo or Scheels.
For gun enthusiasts in Arapahoe, Wyoming, choosing where to purchase firearms, ammunition, or seek services isn't just about convenience—it's about trust, safety, and expertise. In a state where responsible gun ownership is a way of life, the distinction of a 'certified gun shop' carries significant weight. But what does 'certified' really mean for shops like Big Horn Guns & Ammo, Lander Arms, or the Scheels in our region, and why should it matter to you?
First, certification often refers to a shop's status as a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in good standing, which is the legal baseline for selling firearms. However, the best shops go further. They invest in certified training for their staff through programs from organizations like the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) or manufacturers. This means the person behind the counter in Arapahoe isn't just a sales clerk; they're a knowledgeable resource who can speak authoritatively on ballistics, Wyoming's hunting regulations, firearm maintenance in our dry climate, or the intricacies of a proper background check.
For the Arapahoe-area shooter, this expertise translates to tangible benefits. When you walk into a certified shop, you're getting vetted advice. Whether you're a rancher looking for a reliable predator control rifle, a hunter preparing for the antelope season in the nearby Red Desert, or a first-time buyer seeking a home defense handgun, certified staff can match you with the right tool and the right education. They ensure the paperwork for your transfer is flawless, preventing legal headaches. They can often provide certified gunsmithing services or connect you with local certified armorers, ensuring your firearm is serviced to factory standards.
While Big Horn Guns & Ammo might be your local hub for personalized service, and Scheels offers a broad selection, their commitment to proper certification is what underpins a trustworthy transaction. It's the assurance that they prioritize the lawful, safe, and responsible transfer of firearms above all else.
Here's our actionable advice: When visiting any shop in Fremont County or the greater Arapahoe area, don't hesitate to ask about their certifications. Inquire about staff training, their FFL compliance, and their process for conducting transfers. A reputable, certified shop will be transparent and proud of their standards. This due diligence ensures your hard-earned money supports a business that upholds the values of safety and responsibility cherished by Wyoming's firearms community. In the end, patronizing a certified gun shop isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in the enduring culture of responsible gun ownership right here in Arapahoe.
Nearby Cities
Looking for gun shops in nearby areas? Check out these cities near Arapahoe:
About Arapahoe, Wyoming
Arapahoe 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 Wyoming.
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