Join the #1 community for gun owners of the Northwest
We believe the 2nd Amendment is best defended through grass-roots organization, education, and advocacy centered around individual gun owners. It is our mission to encourage, organize, and support these efforts throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
I had the privilege of attending a Defensive Handgun 1 class taught by Thunder Ranch in Boise. I've always wanted to train at TR and this mobile course was slightly closer (and cheaper) than a full blown trip to Lakeview. Firstly, let it be known that Clint Smith is no longer affiliated with Thunder Ranch. Him and Heidi sold their stake in the company and moved to Wyoming. Clint isn't retired, but he is not teaching as much as he was when he owned TR. The new director, Jack Daniel, is a retired police officer with a plethora of firearms handling experience. He taught this course along with Chris Zupan, a current detective in southern Oregon, and Wyatt (whose last name escapes me right now), a former Army special operations guy and new cadre at Thunder Ranch.
Jack made it known several times during the class that this was as much a logic school as it is a shooting school. The idea of logic influencing your shooting techniques was apparent in each and every drill we ran during the two days. The class really gave me a new outlook on fundamental shooting skills and how to train those fundamental skills. The class wasn't only about shooting. There was also a few hours dedicated to discussion about tactics and what I can only describe as 'self defense philosophy'. I'm not here to reiterate the instruction material but I have to say it was far and above anything I learned while in the military or working in law enforcement. If you want to figure out what's in the secret sauce I encourage you attend a course yourself.
If you are on the fence about attending because of the price or distance/time commitment - set your worries aside and do it. I'm already trying to see if I can squeeze in a full trip to their actual training facility in southern Oregon later this year. Jack did mention they are looking at acquiring facilities outside of Oregon so they can better deliver training opportunities to those who want it. He acknowledges that Lakeview is a dying town and it's a logistically difficult place to get to (and he was specific in saying that doesn't mean the Lakeview facility is closing. They just want more options for students).
I had a lower receiver shipped to them to do a transfer. Since I am a permanent resident, I'm almost always hit with a one day delay. I went in 06/01 to start my background check, and of course, I'm hit with the delay which I was expecting. I live an hour away but work in the area so I figured I'd have to drive back up on my day off, sucks, but no problem.
Then next day 06/02 (today) I get a call, stating my background has cleared, and I am ready to pick up the receiver. So, I make the one hour drive. I get there, and the gentleman at the front desk starts doing a recertification. I explain to him that I don't need to be recertified and I tell him I have never had to do that in the past. He ignores and continues on saying that's how they do things.
So, after about 25 minutes, Guess what? I'm hit ONCE AGAIN WITH A DELAY If you're familiar with how this works, you'd know, there is no need to recertify. I explain AGAIN that I do not need to be recertified! He says "well, since there's a new application we have to wait for the hold to clear again"
Wasted 2 hours of my day off over them just either not knowing how to do things properly, or just not caring enough to call someone who does. Now, I have to drive up AGAIN once another delay clears.
Informed by Nick the manager that firearm transfer fee was being raised to $60.00 on June 1st, 2026 for up to 2 firearms for individual transfer fee. Reason given when I asked why " because we are losing too much money on transfers".
For me that just equates to more cost to exercise an individual right. I did not ask if the fee was the same for firearms purchased in the store.
Makes the decision to drive out of town easy, even with the current cost of fuel. Newport Pawn, TJ Gun Sales, or HighLine Firearms from now on I guess.
Chris there is a great guy and big supporter/donor of Wolf creek shooting lanes.
great lil shop inside of Aloha Surplus
ffl transfers
silencers etc.
100% recommend
Ive' bought a lot from them over the last 12 years and still get disrespected when I'm in there. My last experience with a CZp09c is enough for me to never go back. It was known that some of the early models had issues. While purchasing I asked if they would help me with warranty work if I had was unlucky enough to purchase a bad one. Mine was bad. When I showed up to try an warranty the CZ they acted all annoyed and said the couldn't do it and that I would have to deal with CZ. CZ said they most certainly could do it and the guy was "being lazy". I was lied to.... Northwest Armory is a much better choice. YMMV
Read through their reviews And checked out their website For the most part they seem like stand up people and their website is very organized and has that classic look to it
This place feels to me like a typical small town gun shop. The staff are friendly and they have a pretty solid selection of hunting related items - which makes sense given the area they're in. They have an isle dedicated to AR15 parts but its mostly Magpul MOE stuff (hence the title of the review). They also have a decent selection of fishing supplies and a small camping equipment isle. The prices seem a bit high, but you're supporting a local business so its a wash. I've only bought from here a few times. It's usually not my first stop if I'm looking for a particular firearm or optic.
He had done some work for me before and did ok. Took a couple of revolvers for work. Couldn't complete task and didn't communicate. Overcharged for work that was done. YMMV
Many people who come in does not realize that there is a process in how they run their business - a sign in sheet by the door for a waitlist to be helped by an attendant. Many people come in and don't sign in for awhile and wonder why they are being ignored. I am guilty of this for my first time visitng there.
Since then, I have come back a plethora of times and the experiences have all been pleasant. Joe does good work with Form 1 and Form 4s.
Very large selection of firearms.
Low private FFL transfer fees. Reliable FFL receiver.
AFS is a great shop that is super reliable resource for FFL transfers, for both private and online purchases. Their processing time for receiving an online order from another retailer was super quick and painless. They're also a great resource for suppressors.
As I grow older, I couldn't live in WA state any longer. I chose freedom. These folks helped me ship my important stuff to my new home in a free state. They helped at no charge,but because they are true patriots. I will miss their excellent service and courteous professionalism.
I looked at their selection of handguns and was impressed with the help and knowledge of Luke. I could not afford what I wanted, so I planned on coming back later.
Well, now I have saved up enough cash to buy a S&W 38+P revolver in a snub nose and that will be this weekend!I examined their selection of handguns and was impressed by Luke's assistance and expertise. Although I initially couldn't afford what I wanted, I planned to return later. Now that I have enough saved up, I am ready to buy a S&W .38 Special +P revolver with a snub-nose this weekend!
Prices a little high on the firearms they had on display.
After my regular FFL/SOT suddenly went out of business, I looked for another. This shop was able to handle a silencer transfer quickly and easily, which is all I really care for an FFL to do these days. Will use them to transfer again, as needed.
Sells suppressors and other accessories at a great price!
Very accomodating for scheduling, even last minute.
Great communicator and always down for a chat.
Best in town, cannot ask for anything more honestly.
Cons
Since he is home based, you have to make an appointment.
Joe is the best, i wish i found him years ago! Ive saved a ton on transfer fees lately. Im sure he is a great gunsmith too, but havent had to use his services yet. He is very accommodating with scheduling. I have never had to wait long to make an appointment. He will even order things for you and usually beats MSRP on things like magazines and accessories. Can't wait to buy some suppressors through him.
I love supporting Sporting systems too, but seriously guys, you need to be utilizing Joe at MTS Gunsmithing!!!!
There's too much to look at, And some of it may be tucked away.
Ammo.
It's a museum, but you can buy Arms here.
I'm a huge fan of the Warfront World War Two museum. They have so much stuff., and they are very knowledgeable. I almost feel bad for them, those employees that have to. Sit there and Have every. War nerd like me come in and talk to them for hours on end.. without being able to tell them to leave. It would be a good idea to Leave them a tip.
Started with Derek LeBlanc, been with and associated with Derek since the birthing of M114. Perhaps someone who can get a group going, and good for someone to take on a state rep, but don't ask, not his thing. And that is fine. Derek is focused on firearm related endearments, training and safety. Know of how to use OLIS.gov in search of bills, seeking to write bills in return. Any who desire to join, please do.