New firearms store opens in Van Wert

The Van Wert independent

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce helped a local family cut the ribbon on its firearms business located in downtown Van Wert.

On Wednesday afternoon, Rick Smith and his son, Nathan, cut the ribbon on their business, Smith and Sons Firearms, located on the corner of Main and Market streets (former Shine’s Theater building).

Although the Smiths have been involved in selling firearms at trade shows for several years, this is the first formal business location for the family.

Both Rick and Nathan Smith are licensed firearms dealers, while the younger Smith is also a National Rife Association-certified instructor.

Nathan Smith said he and his father plan to emphasize customer service in their shop. “If you have shopped for a firearm recently, you would know that everyone gets treated like a number, and we want to get away from that,” he said. We want people to come in, get a cup of coffee and talk with us. We want to be a strong part of this community.”

The new firearms store’s hours are from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays, although Nathan Smith said that could change to keep pace with customers’ needs. The store’s telephone number is 567.259.8478.

The Smiths noted that their store would specialize in modern weapons and concealed carry and home protection needs. The store currently has more than 100 handgun models and “long” guns on display, with special orders also taken, as well as ammunition for most firearms, other than .22-caliber long, which Rick Smith said has been difficult to find.

Because of the shop’s emphasis on safety, the Smiths said they don’t plan to stock the cheap “Saturday night special” type of firearms.

The Smiths also plan to partner with a shooting range in the future to provide firearms instruction and information to new gun owners.