Best Gun Stores in Minnesota

Minnesota has roughly 1,800 licensed firearms dealers and a gun culture that runs deeper than most people outside the Upper Midwest realize. Deer camp is a way of life here. Grouse hunting in the northern forests, waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway, and a shooting sports tradition that produced one of America’s largest independent gun shops (Ahlman’s, in business since 1943) all shape the market.

Minnesota requires a Permit to Carry for concealed carry, and there’s a permit-to-purchase system for handgun buyers who don’t hold a carry permit. The dealers here know both processes cold, and this guide walks through the top FFLs from the Twin Cities to the Arrowhead, the laws, and the hunting context that drives what Minnesota shops stock.

1. Bills Gun Shop

19708 KAVA RD, PRESTON, MN 55965

★★★★★ 4.9 (31 reviews)

(507) 765-2762  |  billsgunshoppreston.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

Bills Gun Shop gun store in Preston, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

2. Get Guns Now INC

1949 GENEVA AVE NORTH, OAKDALE, MN 55128

★★★★★ 4.8 (129 reviews)

(651) 340-8209  |  getgunsnow.com

Get Guns Now INC gun store in Oakdale, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

3. Dkmags INC

443 OLD HWY 8 NW #102, NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112

★★★★★ 4.6 (282 reviews)

(651) 633-3624  |  dkmags.com

Dkmags INC gun store in New Brighton, MN
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 – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

4. Scheels All Sports INC

8301 FLYING CLOUD DR, EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344

★★★★★ 4.5 (2,304 reviews)

(952) 826-0067  |  scheels.com/store/eden-prairie/098?utm_source=google&utm_medium=yext

Scheels All Sports INC gun store in Eden Prairie, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

5. Joes Sporting Goods-ski Shop, INC

33 E COUNTY RD B, SAINT PAUL, MN 55117

★★★★★ 4.4 (2,015 reviews)

(651) 209-7800  |  joessportinggoods.com/?utm_source=gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp_website_button_st_paul_mn

Joes Sporting Goods-ski Shop, INC gun store in Saint Paul, MN
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 – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

6. Arnzen Arms LLC

12494 PLAZA DRIVE, EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344

★★★★★ 4.4 (347 reviews)

(952) 944-1875  |  arnzenarms.com

Arnzen Arms LLC gun store in Eden Prairie, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

7. Fleet Farm

10250 LEXINGTON AVE NE, BLAINE, MN 55014

★★★★★ 4.3 (6,065 reviews)

(763) 785-4647  |  fleetfarm.com/visit-stores/blaine-mn

Fleet Farm gun store in Blaine, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

8. Ahlman Custom Gun Shop

9525 W 230TH ST, MORRISTOWN, MN 550520000

★★★★★ 4.3 (369 reviews)

(507) 685-4243  |  ahlmans.com

Ahlman Custom Gun Shop gun store in Morristown, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

9. Frontiersman Sports

6925 WAYZATA BLVD, SAINT LOUIS PARK, MN 55426

★★★★☆ 4.1 (393 reviews)

(952) 544-3775  |  frontiersmansports.net

Frontiersman Sports gun store in Saint Louis Park, MN
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 – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

10. Cabela's 454

8400 HUDSON ROAD, WOODBURY, MN 55125

★★★★☆ 4.0 (3,774 reviews)

(612) 255-0000  |  stores.cabelas.com/us/mn/woodbury/8400-hudson-road.html?y_source=1_Mzk4Njc1NC03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D

Cabela's 454 gun store in Woodbury, MN
View Hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Popular Guns in Minnesota Right Now

Here’s what Minnesota shoppers are looking at right now, priced live across major retailers. No roster, no AWB, no magazine limits: the full national catalog is on the table.

Top-Selling Handguns

Best-priced firearms across 80+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours

Browse All Gun Deals →
Beretta Model 84 BB 3.8" 13rd .380ACP Pistol, LE Trade In Surplus Used Very Good Condition50% OFFHandgun
Beretta
Beretta Model 84 BB 3.8" 13rd .380ACP Pistol, LE Trade In Surplus Used Very Good Condition
$299.99$599.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
CZ Used Surplus C&R Eligible CZ82 3.82" 9x18mm Makarov 12rd Pistol, Black Good to Very Good - CZ8200150% OFFHandgun
CZ
CZ Used Surplus C&R Eligible CZ82 3.82" 9x18mm Makarov 12rd Pistol, Black Good to Very Good - CZ82001
$199.99$399.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
SIG 320XC9BXR3RXX10     P320  9MM   3.6 10R OR BLK38% OFFHandgun
Sig Sauer
SIG 320XC9BXR3RXX10 P320 9MM 3.6 10R OR BLK
$716.82$1,149.99
at Battlehawk Armory
View Deal
Beretta 92X PCO 9mm Pistol 4.9" 15rd Gray Nistan - J92XPCO2139% OFFHandgun
Beretta
Beretta 92X PCO 9mm Pistol 4.9" 15rd Gray Nistan - J92XPCO21
$1,099.99$1,799.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
Ruger LCP 380 ACP Centerfire Pistol38% OFFHandgun
Ruger
Ruger LCP 380 ACP Centerfire Pistol
$209.99$339.00
at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore
View Deal
Beretta 92X PCO 9mm Pistol 4.9" 15rd Gray Nistan - J92XPCO2139% OFFHandgun
Beretta
Beretta 92X PCO 9mm Pistol 4.9" 15rd Gray Nistan - J92XPCO21
$1,099.99$1,799.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
Beretta 92X Performance Defensive Optics Ready 9mm Pistol, Nistan - J92XRD2144% OFFHandgun
Beretta
Beretta 92X Performance Defensive Optics Ready 9mm Pistol, Nistan - J92XRD21
$949.99$1,699.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
Ruger LCP 380ACP Centerfire Pistol with OD Green Frame50% OFFHandgun
Ruger
Ruger LCP 380ACP Centerfire Pistol with OD Green Frame
$199.99$399.99
at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore
View Deal
Sig Sauer P320 X-Compact 9mm 15rd 3.6 Barrel ROMEO-X Reflex Sight Pistol38% OFFHandgun
Sig Sauer
Sig Sauer P320 X-Compact 9mm 15rd 3.6 Barrel ROMEO-X Reflex Sight Pistol
$716.82$1,149.99
at Battlehawk Armory
View Deal
FN 509C Tactical Compact 9mm Semi Automatic Pistol41% OFFHandgun
Fnh
FN 509C Tactical Compact 9mm Semi Automatic Pistol
$652.99$1,104.99
at Discount Enterprise Guns
View Deal
SIG P320 XFULL 9MM 4.7 XRAY-3 ROMEO-X (2)17RD X-GRIP BLACK38% OFFHandgun
Sig Sauer
SIG P320 XFULL 9MM 4.7 XRAY-3 ROMEO-X (2)17RD X-GRIP BLACK
$716.82$1,149.99
at Battlehawk Armory
View Deal
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 9mm Compact Pistol Manual Thumb Safety40% OFFHandgun
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 9mm Compact Pistol Manual Thumb Safety
$299.99$499.99
at Discount Enterprise Guns
View Deal
Swipe or tap arrows

Top-Selling Rifles

Best-priced firearms across 80+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours

Browse All Gun Deals →
Mcx-R Regulator 7.62x39mm Semi-Auto Rifle - Mcx-R Regulator 7.62x39mm 16'''' Bbl (1)10rd Mag Coyote53% OFFRifle
Sig Sauer, Inc.
Mcx-R Regulator 7.62x39mm Semi-Auto Rifle - Mcx-R Regulator 7.62x39mm 16'''' Bbl (1)10rd Mag Coyote
$1,399.99$2,999.99
at Brownells
View Deal
Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato Semi-Auto Rifle - Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato 16'''' Bbl (1)10rd Mag Coyote53% OFFRifle
Sig Sauer, Inc.
Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato Semi-Auto Rifle - Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato 16'''' Bbl (1)10rd Mag Coyote
$1,399.99$2,999.99
at Brownells
View Deal
Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato Semi-Auto Rifle - Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato 16'''' Bbl (1)10rd Coyote W/Romeo250% OFFRifle
Sig Sauer, Inc.
Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato Semi-Auto Rifle - Mcx-R Regulator 5.56x45 Nato 16'''' Bbl (1)10rd Coyote W/Romeo2
$1,749.99$3,499.99
at Brownells
View Deal
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT, 6.5 Creedmoor, 20 Carbon Fiber Barrel, Bronze w/ Green, Black, Tan Camo, Rifle32% OFFRifle
Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT, 6.5 Creedmoor, 20 Carbon Fiber Barrel, Bronze w/ Green, Black, Tan Camo, Rifle
$1,707.80$2,499.99
at Battlehawk Armory
View Deal
RUGER 10/22 CARBINE35% OFFRifle
Ruger
RUGER 10/22 CARBINE
$241.99$369.99
at Guns.com
View Deal
RUGER LC CARBINE42% OFFRifle
Ruger
RUGER LC CARBINE
$589.99$1,009.00
at Guns.com
View Deal
Ruger LC Carbine 5.7x28 Semi-Auto Rifle 16.25" 20rd - 1930033% OFFRifle
Ruger
Ruger LC Carbine 5.7x28 Semi-Auto Rifle 16.25" 20rd - 19300
$599.99$899.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56mm Semi-Automatic Rifle with 16 Inch Barrel and MFR Rail33% OFFRifle
Daniel Defense
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 5.56mm Semi-Automatic Rifle with 16 Inch Barrel and MFR Rail
$1,349.99$2,013.00
at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore
View Deal
Christensen Arms CA-15 Recon Burnt Bronze 5.56 Rifle35% OFFRifle
Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms CA-15 Recon Burnt Bronze 5.56 Rifle
$2,200.00$3,395.00
at EuroOptic
View Deal
Kimber 84M Open Range (Octane) 6.5cm Rifle 300086841% OFFRifle
Kimber
Kimber 84M Open Range (Octane) 6.5cm Rifle 3000868
$998.99$1,687.00
at EuroOptic
View Deal
Ruger LC Carbine 10mm 16.25" 30rd Rifle40% OFFRifle
Ruger
Ruger LC Carbine 10mm 16.25" 30rd Rifle
$599.99$999.99
at Palmetto State Armory
View Deal
Christensen Arms Christensen Classic 33 Nosler 26" BLK w/ GRY Rifle CA10281-V1541133% OFFRifle
Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms Christensen Classic 33 Nosler 26" BLK w/ GRY Rifle CA10281-V15411
$1,999.00$2,995.00
at EuroOptic
View Deal
Swipe or tap arrows

Finding the Best Gun Stores in Minnesota

The best gun stores in Minnesota are anchored by Ahlman’s in Morristown (5,000+ firearms since 1943), Frontiersman Sports in St. Louis Park, Bill’s Gun Shop & Range, and a network of independent Minnesota gun shops across the Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester, and the northern lake country. Fleet Farm, Scheels, and Cabela’s in Rogers round out the big-box tier.

Minnesota’s FFL count lands near 1,800 active dealers for a state of about 5.7 million people. That’s a high per-capita density driven by one of the deepest hunting cultures in the Midwest. The heaviest retail concentration is in the Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis-St. Paul), with additional strong markets in Rochester, Duluth, and the St. Cloud corridor. Smaller towns from International Falls to the Iowa border have hunting-focused FFLs serving the agricultural and outdoor communities, and the northern lake-country shops often double as the local bait, tackle, and archery source.

Minnesota’s retail landscape has a practical Midwestern character. The big names are Ahlman’s (the largest in the state with over 5,000 firearms in stock), Frontiersman Sports in St. Louis Park, and Bill’s Gun Shop & Range with multiple locations. Beyond those anchors, a deep bench of mid-size independents and sporting goods stores serves specific regions. The stores on this page have been verified through FFL databases, Google Business data, and community recommendations.

Minnesota Gun Laws at a Glance

Minnesota requires a Permit to Carry (shall-issue since 2003 under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act, MN §624.714) for concealed carry and a Permit to Purchase for handguns and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons. Castle Doctrine is codified at MN §609.065, with a duty to retreat outside the home. Minnesota enacted an ERPO red flag law in 2023.

Minnesota’s gun laws sit in the middle of the national spectrum. More regulated than the Dakotas or Iowa, less regulated than Illinois or New York. Here’s what buyers need to know:

  • Permit to Carry required. Minnesota is not a constitutional carry state. Concealed carry requires a Permit to Carry issued by your county sheriff. Shall-issue since 2003. Training course required. Valid 5 years.
  • Permit to Purchase or Transfer Report for handguns. When buying a handgun, buyers need either a valid Permit to Carry or a Permit to Purchase (issued by local police) or a completed Transfer Report. Dealers handle this at point of sale.
  • No waiting period for long guns. Rifles and shotguns follow standard NICS procedure with no additional state hurdles.
  • Universal background checks. All handgun sales (including private) must go through a background check.
  • Red flag law in effect. Minnesota has an Extreme Risk Protection Order law that allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk.
  • No assault weapons ban. No feature-based restrictions on semi-automatic rifles.
  • No magazine capacity limits. Standard capacity magazines are legal.
  • NFA items legal. Suppressors, SBRs, and machine guns are legal with proper federal paperwork.
  • Duty to retreat outside the home. Minnesota has a duty to retreat if possible. Castle Doctrine applies inside the dwelling.

In practice, buying a handgun in Minnesota works like this: show your Permit to Carry or Permit to Purchase at the dealer (or sign a Transfer Report), fill out ATF Form 4473, pass the NICS check, pay, and walk out. Note that the Permit to Purchase also covers semi-automatic military-style assault weapons under MN §624.7131, not just handguns. Long gun purchases (non-semi-auto) are simpler with no state-specific permit required. The Permit to Purchase from your local police is free and valid one year, so many Minnesota gun owners pull one proactively even if they don’t carry. For the full breakdown, read our complete Minnesota gun laws guide.

The Permit to Carry program is administered through county sheriffs, with background checks run through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Federal dealer licensing runs through the ATF, and NICS checks at point of sale through the FBI. Hunting licenses, deer lottery applications, and season regulations come from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The full text of MN §624.714 and §609.065 is available at revisor.mn.gov.

USA's #1 Gun Price Comparison
100+ Retailers • 100K+ Products • Updated 24/7

Find the Best Price in Seconds

Search once, compare 100+ trusted retailers instantly.

What Makes Minnesota Different for Gun Buyers

Ahlman’s in Morristown is one of the most unusual gun stores in America, and it shapes Minnesota’s firearms retail culture in a way most states can’t match. In business since 1943 and still family-owned, Ahlman’s stocks over 5,000 firearms on site and is the largest source of gun parts in the Upper Midwest. They do warranty repairs for Remington, Winchester, Browning, and Weatherby directly. For Minnesota gun owners, having a destination like this an hour south of the Twin Cities means access to inventory, expertise, and repair services that most rural states would kill for. Ahlman’s catalog has been a Midwestern institution for decades, and the store feels like a combination museum and working firearms emporium.

The hunting culture drives the market too. Minnesota’s deer firearm season opens the first Saturday in November and runs through mid-November in most zones, with shotgun-only restrictions in the southern third of the state. The ruffed grouse hunting in the northern forests is nationally significant. Waterfowl hunters on the Mississippi River and across the state’s prairie pothole country create demand for specific shotguns and loads. All of this shapes what Minnesota dealers stock and what their staff knows. A typical November walk-in at a rural Minnesota gun store means more deer-slug conversations than handgun inquiries.

The Twin Cities metro also supports a significant concealed carry and self-defense market. Minnesota’s shall-issue Permit to Carry has issued hundreds of thousands of permits since 2003, and dealers in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the suburbs run regular training classes that combine the permit course with purchase guidance. The best Twin Cities shops integrate training and retail in a way that makes the permit process feel approachable. Cross-border dynamics with Wisconsin (also Permit-required but with different rules) and South Dakota (constitutional carry) produce some cross-shopping on specific items, though both borders are far enough from the Twin Cities that the impact is regional rather than statewide.

Top Gun Stores by Region

Twin Cities Metro (Minneapolis-St. Paul)

The Twin Cities metro has the state’s densest concentration of dealers and ranges. Frontiersman Sports in St. Louis Park stocks over 1,800 new and used guns and offers all-inclusive concealed carry classes. For one-stop shopping combining a permit course with a first handgun purchase, Frontiersman is hard to beat. Bill’s Gun Shop & Range operates multiple locations across the Twin Cities and into Wisconsin, offering indoor ranges, gunsmithing, rentals, memberships, and retail under one roof.

Joe’s Sporting Goods in Little Canada (St. Paul area) is a traditional sporting goods destination with a serious firearms department and expert staff. DKMAGS in New Brighton has been family-owned since 1999 with full-service gunsmithing alongside retail. Get Guns Now in Oakdale focuses on fast, hassle-free firearm sales. Stock & Barrel Gun Club in Chanhassen is an upscale private range and retail operation, and Arnzen Arms rounds out the Twin Cities lineup with a concealed-carry focus.

Southern Minnesota (Ahlman’s Territory)

Ahlman’s in Morristown deserves its own section. The store has been in business since 1943, carries over 5,000 firearms in stock, and is the largest source of gun parts in the upper Midwest. It’s a destination shop that draws buyers from across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Their gunsmithing operation handles factory-authorized warranty repairs for Remington, Winchester, Browning, and Weatherby, plus custom work and re-barreling. If you’re in Minnesota and haven’t been to Ahlman’s, you’re missing a piece of Upper Midwest firearms culture.

Rochester is southern Minnesota’s largest city and has a solid independent dealer scene, serving both the local Mayo Clinic population and the surrounding agricultural counties. Mankato, Owatonna, and the smaller towns along I-35 and Highway 14 have FFL dealers serving the agricultural communities. These shops tend to be hunting-focused with strong long gun selections, and the fact that southern Minnesota is a shotgun-only deer zone means the slug-gun inventory depth here surpasses anywhere else in the state.

Duluth and Northeast Minnesota

Duluth serves as northeast Minnesota’s gateway city, and local dealers here cater to a hunting-heavy customer base pursuing deer, bear, grouse, and waterfowl across the Arrowhead region. The North Shore, the Boundary Waters area, and the Iron Range all have their own small-town FFLs. These dealers tend to stock practical hunting firearms, with limited tactical or collector inventory. If you’re outfitting for a northern Minnesota deer camp or grouse hunting trip, the Duluth-area shops will steer you right on calibers, loads, and the cold-weather gear that Minnesota winters demand.

Western Minnesota and the Prairie

Western Minnesota, from the St. Cloud area out to the Red River Valley, is pheasant and waterfowl country. Gun stores in this region stock heavily for upland bird hunting (Over/under shotguns, side-by-sides, and pumps from every major maker) and the waterfowl that move through the prairie pothole country each fall. St. Cloud has grown as a regional hub with dealers serving a mix of farm, military (St. Cloud VA, nearby National Guard installations), and recreational shooters. Alexandria, Willmar, and Fergus Falls have established dealers serving their regional markets.

Northern Minnesota

Northern Minnesota is deep hunting country, and the gun stores are tuned to that reality. Bemidji, Brainerd, Grand Rapids (MN, not MI), and the smaller towns across the North Woods all have dealers stocking rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and the ammunition volumes that deer season demands. The customer base here includes year-round residents, summer cabin owners, and the steady stream of hunters who come north for Minnesota’s premier whitetail zones and grouse cover. Small-town FFLs in this region are where generations of Minnesota hunters have bought their first deer rifles, and the trade-in flow on bolt-action .30-06s and .308s that came north to the cabin decades ago keeps the used-gun racks stocked with solid working rifles.

Comparison of Top-Rated Minnesota Gun Stores

The table below highlights consistently top-rated Minnesota dealers. Review counts are included because rating alone doesn’t tell the full story.

StoreCityRatingReviewsTypeBest For
Ahlman’s Gun ShopMorristown4.7300+Retail + gunsmithingLargest in MN since 1943, 5,000+ guns
Frontiersman SportsSt. Louis Park4.6800+Retail + training1,800+ guns, Twin Cities, CCW courses
Bill’s Gun Shop & RangeMultiple4.52,000+Range + retail chain4 locations, indoor ranges, rentals
Joe’s Sporting GoodsLittle Canada4.6600+Sporting goods + firearmsTraditional, expert staff, St. Paul area
DKMAGSNew Brighton4.7400+Retail + gunsmithingFamily-owned since 1999, repair services
Get Guns NowOakdale4.6300+RetailFast, hassle-free, east metro
Arnzen ArmsTwin Cities4.7400+Retail + trainingCCW focus, quality inventory, classes
Stock & Barrel Gun ClubChanhassen4.5500+Range + retailUpscale private range, membership

What to Look for When Choosing a Gun Store

The best Minnesota firearms dealers separate themselves on four signals: inventory depth across Glock, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and SIG Sauer, an active consignment case, real Class III / NFA paperwork experience, and a working indoor range or on-site gunsmith.

In Minnesota, the factors that matter are inventory depth, staff knowledge (especially for the state’s permit system), Permit to Carry course availability, and transfer fees. Minnesota’s permit-to-purchase requirement for handguns isn’t onerous but it does require a shop that handles the paperwork smoothly.

Permit to Carry course availability. The Permit to Carry training is a one-day course that covers the required curriculum plus range qualification. Shops like Frontiersman, Arnzen Arms, and Bill’s Gun Shop run these classes regularly. If you’re pursuing your first permit, taking the class at the same shop where you plan to buy your first handgun simplifies the whole process.

Transfer fees in Minnesota typically run $25 to $40 at independent shops. Some of the chain stores are lower. For online purchases, the dealer needs to verify your Permit to Carry or Permit to Purchase for handgun transfers, so find an FFL that handles this regularly.

Hunting expertise matters more in Minnesota than in most states. If you’re buying a deer rifle, a grouse gun, or a waterfowl setup, find a shop whose staff actually hunts the same species and terrain you do. Ahlman’s, Joe’s Sporting Goods, and many of the northern Minnesota shops have hunters behind the counter who can give you real recommendations rather than reading spec sheets.

Hunting in Minnesota

Minnesota hunting is administered by the DNR, with one of the nation’s largest whitetail deer programs, Mississippi Flyway waterfowl across the prairie potholes and Minnesota River bottoms, a limited moose lottery in northeast Minnesota near the Boundary Waters, bear in the northern forests, and pheasant in the southwestern prairies. Carlos Avery WMA anchors the Twin Cities public hunting, and Superior National Forest covers 3.9 million acres.

Hunting shapes Minnesota’s gun market as much as any state in the country. The deer firearm season opens the first Saturday in November and runs about two weeks in most zones. Minnesota is a shotgun-only state for deer in the southern third (zones 200-299), which is why slug guns with rifled barrels and high-quality shotgun slugs are a major inventory category. The central and northern zones allow rifles, and the standard calibers dominate: .30-06, .308, .270, .243, 6.5 Creedmoor. Minnesota’s large body deer (the far north in particular produces big-bodied bucks) justify the step up to 6.5 PRC and .300 Win Mag for some hunters.

Ruffed grouse hunting in Minnesota’s northern forests is legendary. The state consistently ranks among the top grouse producers in the country, with population cycles that make the good years spectacular. Side-by-side and over/under shotguns in 20 and 28 gauge are popular with the dedicated grouse crowd. The Chippewa and Superior National Forests offer vast public grouse cover. Dealers in northeast and north-central Minnesota stock light upland guns heavily, and during high grouse years the pre-opener weekend is as busy in some northern shops as deer season.

Waterfowl hunting spans the state. Western Minnesota’s prairie pothole country produces ducks and geese in numbers that draw visitors from across the Midwest. The Mississippi River flyway on the eastern border and the Minnesota River corridor through the south-central region both support serious duck hunting. Twelve and 20 gauge semi-autos, plenty of steel and bismuth loads, and blind accessories all sell in volume during fall.

Black bear hunting happens statewide with concentration in the northern zones. Turkey hunting has expanded significantly as Minnesota’s turkey population grew across the southern and central regions. Small game hunting (squirrel, rabbit, pheasant) remains traditional in the agricultural counties.

Online vs. In-Store: Getting the Best Price in Minnesota

Minnesota’s online buying process is straightforward for long guns and requires the permit/report step for handguns. Order from any of the best online gun stores, ship to a local FFL, present your Permit to Carry or Permit to Purchase (for handguns), fill out the 4473, pass NICS, and walk out. Transfer fees run $25 to $40 at most independent shops.

Local pricing is competitive across most of Minnesota, especially at Ahlman’s which often beats online prices due to sheer volume. For hunting rifles and shotguns, Minnesota dealers often have better regional pricing and practical advice than online retailers. For handguns, online shopping with a local transfer typically wins on popular models. Use our gun price check tool to compare real prices before deciding. Minnesota’s 6.875% state sales tax plus local add-ons can push total tax past 8% in the Twin Cities, so that’s a real factor to plug into any online-vs-local comparison on a larger purchase.

USA's #1 Gun Price Comparison
100+ Retailers • 100K+ Products • Updated 24/7

Find the Best Price in Seconds

Search once, compare 100+ trusted retailers instantly.

Gun Shows in Minnesota

Minnesota has a regular gun show circuit with events at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the St. Paul RiverCentre, and smaller venues in Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud. Shows run frequently during fall and winter. Given Minnesota’s universal background check requirement for handgun sales, private transfers at shows must go through a licensed intermediary. Shows remain useful for used firearms (especially hunting rifles and shotguns), ammunition in volume, accessories, and connecting with dealers from across the state.

Compare Prices Before You Buy

Minnesota’s competitive dealer market and the Ahlman’s factor mean pricing tends to be fair. Knowing the market price before you walk in helps. Use our gun price check tool to see live pricing across major retailers, and check the best online gun stores for current deals.

The best gun stores in Minnesota are not just the biggest ones. A Minneapolis Minnesota gun shop with a working consignment case, a Duluth Minnesota firearms dealer that knows grouse loads and Boundary Waters staging, or a Rochester dealer who handles NFA paperwork monthly will outperform a flashy chain every time. Fleet Farm, Scheels, and Cabela’s in Rogers cover the big-box end for Minnesota gun shops. Use this list of Minnesota gun stores as a starting point, then call ahead to compare transfer fees and confirm inventory before you commit.

USA's #1 Gun Price Comparison
100+ Retailers • 100K+ Products • Updated 24/7

Find the Best Price in Seconds

Search once, compare 100+ trusted retailers instantly.

Minnesota Gun Store FAQ

What is the best gun store in Minnesota?

Ahlman's in Morristown stocks over 5,000 firearms and has been operating since 1943. It is widely considered the largest gun store in Minnesota. Frontiersman Sports in St. Louis Park and Bill's Gun Shop & Range (multiple locations) are the other top-tier Minnesota gun shops.

Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Minnesota?

For handguns and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons, yes. You need a Permit to Purchase from your local police (free, valid 1 year) or a valid Permit to Carry. Standard rifles and shotguns require only a NICS check at the dealer with no state permit.

Is Minnesota a constitutional carry state?

No, as of 2026. Minnesota requires a Permit to Carry for concealed carry under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act (MN §624.714). The permit is shall-issue through your county sheriff with a required training course and is valid 5 years.

What are transfer fees in Minnesota?

Typically $25 to $40 at independent Minnesota gun shops. Ahlman's, Bill's Gun Shop, and Frontiersman Sports are all competitive on transfers. Fleet Farm, Scheels, and Cabela's in Rogers handle transfers at their firearms counters.

Does Minnesota have a red flag law?

Yes. Minnesota enacted an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law in 2023 allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed an immediate risk. Family members, law enforcement, and health care providers can petition.

Can I hunt moose in Minnesota?

Yes, by limited lottery. The Minnesota DNR issues a small number of moose permits annually for northeast Minnesota near the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest. Drawing a Minnesota moose tag is extremely competitive.

What hunting is available in Minnesota?

Minnesota has one of the nation's largest whitetail deer programs, Mississippi Flyway waterfowl across the prairie potholes, black bear in the northern forests, ruffed grouse in the Superior National Forest, pheasant in the southwestern prairies, and turkey statewide. Carlos Avery WMA anchors Twin Cities public hunting.

Are there gun shows in Minnesota?

Yes. Shows run at the Minneapolis Convention Center, St. Paul RiverCentre, and venues in Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud. Minnesota's universal background check law requires all handgun private sales at shows to go through a licensed intermediary.

Before purchasing in Minnesota, review our Minnesota Gun Laws (2026): Permit to Carry, Permit to Purchase & Red Flag guide.

Explore More States

Best Gun Stores in Alabama, Best Gun Stores in Alaska, Best Gun Stores in Arizona, Best Gun Stores in Arkansas, Best Gun Stores in California, Best Gun Stores in Colorado, Best Gun Stores in Connecticut, Best Gun Stores in Delaware, Best Gun Stores in Florida, Best Gun Stores in Georgia, Best Gun Stores in Hawaii, Best Gun Stores in Idaho, Best Gun Stores in Illinois, Best Gun Stores in Indiana, Best Gun Stores in Iowa, Best Gun Stores in Kansas, Best Gun Stores in Kentucky, Best Gun Stores in Louisiana, Best Gun Stores in Maine, Best Gun Stores in Maryland, Best Gun Stores in Massachusetts, Best Gun Stores in Michigan, Best Gun Stores in Mississippi, Best Gun Stores in Missouri, Best Gun Stores in Montana, Best Gun Stores in Nebraska, Best Gun Stores in Nevada, Best Gun Stores in New Hampshire, Best Gun Stores in New Jersey, Best Gun Stores in New Mexico, Best Gun Stores in New York, Best Gun Stores in North Carolina, Best Gun Stores in North Dakota, Best Gun Stores in Ohio, Best Gun Stores in Oklahoma, Best Gun Stores in Oregon, Best Gun Stores in Pennsylvania, Best Gun Stores in Rhode Island, Best Gun Stores in South Carolina, Best Gun Stores in South Dakota, Best Gun Stores in Tennessee, Best Gun Stores in Texas, Best Gun Stores in Utah, Best Gun Stores in Vermont, Best Gun Stores in Virginia, Best Gun Stores in Washington, Best Gun Stores in Washington D.C., Best Gun Stores in West Virginia, Best Gun Stores in Wisconsin, Best Gun Stores in Wyoming

View All State Gun Stores →

Author

  • A picture of your fearless leader

    Nick is an industry-recognized firearms expert with over 35 years of experience in the world of ballistics, tactical gear, and shooting sports. His journey began behind the trigger at age 11, when he secured a victory in a minor league shooting competition—a moment that sparked a lifelong obsession with the technical mechanics of firearms.

    Today, Nick leverages that deep-rooted experience to lead USA Gun Shop, one of the most comprehensive digital resources for firearm owners in the United States. He has built a reputation for cutting through marketing fluff and providing raw, honest assessments of guns your life may depend on.

    Beyond the range, Nick is a prolific voice in mainstream and specialist media. His insights on the intersection of firearms, lifestyle, and industry trends have been featured in premier global publications, including Forbes, Playboy US, Tatler Asia, and numerous national news outlets. Whether he is dissecting the trigger pull on a new sub-compact or tracking the best online deals for the community, Nick’s mission remains the same: ensuring every gun owner has the right tool for the job at the right price.

    View all posts Editor/Chief Tester