Best Gun Stores in Idaho

Idaho has over 1,300 licensed firearms dealers scattered across a state that’s roughly the size of New England, and most of them are concentrated in the Treasure Valley around Boise and Meridian. But even if you’re up in Coeur d’Alene, out in Idaho Falls, or down in Twin Falls, you’ve got legitimate gun stores within easy reach. This is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, and the dealer density reflects it.

1. WARD & SONS

5336 ARBON HWY, ARBON, ID 832120000

★★★★★ 4.7 (102 reviews)

(530) 550-7827  |  wardandsonsauto.com

View Hours

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

2. PAWN 1

3050 EAST 17TH ST, AMMON, ID 83406

★★★★★ 4.4 (265 reviews)

(208) 522-6445  |  pawn1.com

View Hours

• Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

3. CABELA'S 466

3693 S 25TH E, AMMON, ID 83406

★★★★☆ 4.2 (1,913 reviews)

(208) 932-2900  |  stores.basspro.com/us/id/ammon/3693-south-25th-east.html?y_source=1_Mzk4Njc2Ni03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D

View Hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

4. C-A-L RANCH STORES/CAL RANCH

1027 S 25TH E, AMMON, ID 83406

★★★★☆ 4.2 (461 reviews)

(208) 523-3431  |  calranch.com/about/store-locations/idaho-falls

View Hours

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5. WALMART #1902

1201 S 25TH EAST, AMMON, ID 83406

★★★★☆ 3.8 (5,530 reviews)

(208) 522-0204  |  walmart.com/store/1902-ammon-id/?veh=seo_loc

View Hours

• Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Finding the Right Gun Store in Idaho

Idaho’s roughly 1,300 active FFLs give the state one of the highest per-capita dealer densities in the country. For a population of about 2 million, that’s a lot of options. The heaviest concentration is in the Treasure Valley (Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle), which makes sense since that’s where most Idahoans live. But the distribution is surprisingly even. North Idaho around Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls has a dense cluster driven by a conservative population influx over the last decade. Eastern Idaho around Idaho Falls and Pocatello has strong coverage anchored by some genuinely impressive shops. And even the Magic Valley and mountain communities have dealers worth knowing about.

The stores on this page have been verified through the ATF’s FFL database, Google Business data, and customer reviews. We focus on dealers with physical storefronts, real inventory, and enough customer feedback to give you an accurate picture. Idaho also has a large number of home-based FFLs operating by appointment, particularly in rural areas. These can be great for transfers and occasionally have better prices, but call ahead before making the drive.

Idaho Gun Laws at a Glance

Idaho is one of the easiest states in the country to buy a gun. Here’s what you need to know before walking into any dealer:

• Constitutional carry. Any U.S. citizen 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm can carry concealed or openly without a permit.
• No purchase permit. No state permit required to buy any firearm.
• No waiting period. Pass the NICS check and walk out the same day.
• No magazine limits. Buy whatever capacity you want.
• No assault weapons ban. Idaho doesn’t ban any category of firearm.
• All NFA items legal. Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, machine guns, all legal with federal compliance.
• No registration. Idaho law explicitly prohibits any government firearms registry.
• Private sales. No background check required for private transactions.

For the full breakdown including statute citations, self-defense laws, reciprocity, and recent changes, read our complete Idaho gun laws guide.

What Makes Idaho Different for Gun Buyers

Idaho isn’t just permissive by default. The state actively protects gun rights in ways that go beyond most other states. The legislature has explicitly banned firearms registries by statute, prohibited firearms restrictions during declared emergencies, and enacted some of the strongest state preemption laws in the country. Boise can’t create its own gun control ordinances. No city in Idaho can. The rules are the same statewide.

The constitutional carry age threshold of 18 is lower than most states, which typically set it at 21. That means a lot of younger buyers are in the market here, and dealers are accustomed to serving that demographic. The gun culture runs deep. Open carry is common and unremarkable, even in Boise. You’ll see handguns on hips in grocery stores and nobody looks twice.

Mountain Home Air Force Base brings a military customer base to the southern part of the state, and the 366th Fighter Wing’s “Gunfighters” nickname fits right in with the local attitude. Idaho Falls has the Idaho National Laboratory and Naval Reactors Facility nearby, which brings a technically oriented population that tends to be knowledgeable and specific about what they want. North Idaho has seen a massive influx of relocators from California, Oregon, and Washington over the last decade, many of whom moved specifically because of Idaho’s gun-friendly environment. The dealers up there have adapted to serve a customer base that’s enthusiastic about finally being able to buy what they want without restrictions.

Top Gun Stores by Region

Boise / Treasure Valley

The Treasure Valley is Idaho’s population center and its gun retail hub. You’ve got everything from big-box retailers to specialized independents within a 30-mile radius, and the competition keeps pricing honest.

Idaho Arms & Ammo in Meridian claims the largest handgun selection in the Treasure Valley, and based on what I’ve seen, they back it up. They have a certified AR armorer on staff, carry NFA items as a Class III dealer, and the staff collectively brings over 130 years of experience. If you’re looking for a specific handgun or want to compare multiple models side by side, this is where you go.

Buckhorn Gun & Pawn in Boise has been operating since 1981 and is one of the most established independent shops in the valley. They buy, sell, trade, and transfer, with dedicated gunsmithing staff on site. It’s a traditional gun shop in the best sense: deep inventory, knowledgeable staff, and no pretension about it.

Armageddon Armory in Nampa is where you go for ARs, AKs, and military surplus. They carry what they claim is Idaho’s largest selection of AR-15s and AK-47s, plus .50 BMG rifles and other hardware that smaller shops don’t stock. They’re a Class III SOT dealer, do Cerakote and custom engraving, and offer Utah CCW permit classes. If you like things that go boom in a big way, this is your shop.

Idaho Guns & Outdoors has locations in Boise and Nampa (plus one up in Athol near Coeur d’Alene), making it one of the few multi-location independent dealers in the state. Cabela’s on West Franklin and Sportsman’s Warehouse in Meridian and Nampa round out the big-box options with deep inventory and consistent pricing.

North Idaho (Coeur d’Alene / Post Falls / Lewiston)

North Idaho’s gun market has exploded over the last decade. The panhandle has seen massive population growth driven by people relocating from restrictive West Coast states, and a lot of those new residents are enthusiastic gun buyers hitting the market for the first time without restrictions. Dealers up here are busy.

Black Sheep Sporting Goods in Coeur d’Alene has been locally owned since 1975 and is one of the most respected sporting goods and firearms retailers in the region. They carry a full line of hunting, fishing, and shooting sports gear, with a staff known for exceptional customer service. They also have a location in Moscow serving the Palouse region and University of Idaho community.

Cabela’s in Post Falls is a major anchor right off I-90 Exit 1, practically at the Washington state line. It draws buyers from Spokane and eastern Washington who want inventory and selection that’s harder to access across the border. The firearms department is well-stocked and the location serves as a regional destination.

North 40 Outfitters has locations in Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, and Ponderay (near Sandpoint). It’s a family-owned chain spanning Montana, Idaho, and Washington that mixes farm supplies with firearms, which gives you a sense of the customer base. They handle FFL transfers and carry a solid selection of hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Praetorian Armory in Coeur d’Alene specializes in Cerakote coatings and gunsmithing alongside retail, which is a niche that’s grown as more people customize their builds.

Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls / Pocatello)

Eastern Idaho’s gun market punches way above its weight, largely because of one store. Guns N Gear in Idaho Falls is a 20,000 square-foot facility with over 3,000 guns in stock, an indoor shooting range, full-auto rentals, and training courses from beginner to expert. It’s arguably the most impressive single gun store in Idaho by sheer scale. Transfer fees are $25, and the staff has built a reputation for actually helping customers rather than just pointing at a case. Owner Dixie Murphy has been running the operation for over a decade.

Bass Pro Shops in Ammon (adjacent to Idaho Falls) and Sportsman’s Warehouse on 25th East provide the big-box options. For a more personal experience, The Gun Shop in Idaho Falls carries firearms, suppressors, and gun safes with a focus on both first-time buyers and experienced shooters.

Down in Pocatello, Hux Customs is the standout. Owner Jared Huckstep operates the only SOT Class III dealer in Bannock County, meaning if you want a suppressor or SBR in the Pocatello area, this is your shop. They also do Cerakote, Duracoat, and general gunsmithing alongside retail sales of new and used firearms. Sportsman’s Warehouse on Yellowstone Ave provides the chain option in town.

Twin Falls / Magic Valley

Twin Falls is home to what might be the most historically significant gun shop in Idaho. Red’s Trading Post has been in business since 1936, when Lowell “Red” Kinney opened the original shop on Shoshone Street. The current location in the Historic Warehouse District dates to 2008, and the store is a Class III SOT dealer that’s been featured in national publications. It’s an Idaho institution. If you’re anywhere near the Magic Valley, Red’s is worth the visit for the experience alone, let alone the inventory.

Revolution Gunworks in the Jerome/Twin Falls area offers competitive pricing on Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Winchester, and handles transfers and consignments. Lock Stock And Barrel Gunworks carries the major brands and does firearms repair. Sportsman’s Warehouse on Bridgeview Blvd provides the big-box option. The Magic Valley market is smaller than Boise or Idaho Falls, but the options are solid and the dealers know their hunting customers well.

Sun Valley / Central Mountains

The mountain communities around Sun Valley, Ketchum, and McCall represent a different Idaho gun buying experience. The customer base skews toward higher-end sporting firearms, precision rifles for long-range shooting, and the kind of gear you’d want for serious backcountry hunting in the Sawtooths or the Frank Church Wilderness.

Sun Valley Firearms in downtown Ketchum buys, sells, and trades all firearms and serves as a receiving FFL for online purchases. In a resort town where the average income is well above the state median, you’ll find inventory that leans toward quality over quantity. The Hurtig Shooting Center serves the Bellevue, Hailey, and Ketchum communities with NRA-certified instruction, gun rentals, and year-round competitions.

For most purchases in the mountain communities, the reality is that you’ll probably order online and transfer through a local FFL. The selection is more limited than in the valley cities, but the dealers who operate here know their market and the transfer fees are reasonable.

What to Look for When Choosing a Gun Store

Idaho’s permissive laws mean compliance isn’t the differentiator it is in restrictive states. Instead, the things that separate a good Idaho gun store from a mediocre one come down to inventory depth, staff knowledge, transfer fees, and whether they have services beyond just selling guns.

Range access matters if you want to try before you buy. Guns N Gear in Idaho Falls has an indoor range, but most Idaho gun shops don’t. The state has excellent outdoor shooting on public land (BLM land is plentiful in southern Idaho), so the range-attached-to-retail model is less critical here than in states where you can’t just drive 20 minutes and shoot on public land.

NFA expertise is increasingly worth asking about, especially with the federal tax stamp elimination on suppressors in 2026. Class III SOT dealers like Armageddon Armory, Red’s Trading Post, Idaho Arms & Ammo, and Hux Customs can handle the paperwork. Transfer fees in Idaho are generally in the $20 to $35 range at independent shops, with big-box retailers often charging more. If you’re doing multiple transfers per year, the fee difference adds up.

Hunting in Idaho

Idaho is one of the premier hunting states in America, and it’s not even a debate. The state has an estimated 100,000+ elk, making it one of the top three elk hunting destinations alongside Colorado and Montana. The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness alone covers 2.4 million acres, the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48, and it’s loaded with elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion. If you’re a serious hunter, Idaho is a destination state.

Mule deer are widespread across the central mountains and southern desert. White-tailed deer concentrate in the panhandle’s forested areas. Pronghorn roam the southern plains. Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat are available through the controlled hunt draw system, and the tags are among the most coveted in western hunting. Idaho also allows wolf hunting, which remains controversial but draws significant interest.

Upland bird hunters know Idaho for its chukar population in the Snake River canyon country. If you’ve never chased chukar up a steep basalt canyon, you haven’t truly earned your legs. Hungarian partridge, pheasant, ruffed and blue grouse, quail, and Merriam’s turkey round out the bird hunting. Waterfowl opportunities exist along the Snake River corridor and at spots like Market Lake WMA and Silver Creek.

Idaho is approximately 63% public land, including six national forests, massive BLM holdings, and designated wilderness areas. General season tags for deer and elk are available over the counter in many units. The gun stores near major hunting access points stock accordingly: flat-shooting calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Win Mag, and 7mm Rem Mag for the open country, plus appropriate optics for long-range shooting in terrain where 400-yard shots aren’t unusual.

Online vs. In-Store: Getting the Best Price

Idaho’s competitive dealer market and low transfer fees make the online-vs-local calculation pretty favorable either way. Transfer fees at most independent shops run $20 to $35, which means an online deal only needs to save you about $50 after shipping to make the math work. On common handguns and rifles, local dealers are often close enough to online pricing that the convenience of buying in person wins.

Where online buying makes the most sense in Idaho is for niche items, hard-to-find configurations, and specialty calibers that your local shop doesn’t stock regularly. The mountain communities especially benefit from online ordering since local inventory is limited. Check our gun price check tool to compare what guns are selling for across major retailers before you commit to a price at any store. You can also browse the best online gun stores for trusted retailers that ship to Idaho FFLs.

Gun Shows in Idaho

Idaho has an active gun show circuit, primarily run by Lewis Clark Trader. The biggest regular events happen at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa (serving the entire Treasure Valley), with shows running multiple times per year. Post Falls hosts shows nearly monthly at the Greyhound Park & Event Center, which also draws Spokane-area buyers from across the Washington state line. Twin Falls, Lewiston, and Idaho Falls all have periodic shows at their respective fairgrounds and event venues.

Idaho gun shows are worth attending for ammunition deals, used guns, accessories, and the chance to handle a lot of different firearms in one place. Since Idaho has no universal background check requirement, private sales at gun shows follow the same rules as private sales anywhere else in the state. Admission is typically $10. Check Lewis Clark Trader’s schedule for upcoming dates.

Compare Prices Before You Buy

Idaho’s gun-friendly market and competitive dealer density mean you shouldn’t be overpaying for common firearms. But knowing the real market price before you walk in gives you leverage whether you’re buying locally, at a gun show, or ordering from one of the best online gun stores. Use our gun price check tool to see live pricing across major retailers. It takes 30 seconds and can save you real money, especially on higher-ticket purchases where even small percentage differences add up.