Must-Have Equipment and Inventory for a Gun Shop
- Dec 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Opening or improving a gun shop requires having the right equipment, inventory, and operational tools. The firearms industry is highly regulated, making it essential to stock products and equipment that support both safety and compliance.
This guide covers the must-have items every gun shop should carry to operate smoothly, attract customers, and remain fully compliant with state and federal laws.
1. Firearms Inventory
Your firearm selection determines your customer base. Stock a variety of:
Handguns
Rifles
Shotguns
Hunting firearms
Tactical firearms
Diverse inventory increases foot traffic and boosts sales.
A well-stocked ammo section keeps customers returning. Focus on:
Popular calibers (9mm, .308, .223, .45 ACP)
Hunting ammunition
Bulk ammo options
Specialty rounds
3. Gun Safes and Secure Storage
Secure storage is essential for both compliance and safety. Every gun shop should have:
Firearm display safes
Backroom security vaults
Ammunition lockups
After-hours inventory storage
4. Display Cases and Racks
Professional displays build trust and enhance the shopping experience. Consider:
Glass display cases for handguns
Wall-mounted racks for rifles
Pegboard displays for accessories
LED lighting for visibility
5. Point-of-Sale System (POS)
A specialized POS system for gun shops helps with:
ATF compliance
Inventory management
Age verification
Background check recording
Sales reporting
Modern POS solutions are designed specifically for firearm retailers.
6. Firearm Accessories
Accessories generate strong profit margins. Stock essentials like:
Holsters
Optics and scopes
Cleaning kits
Slings
Magazines
Gun cases
7. Tools and Equipment
Every gun shop needs basic tools even if you don’t offer gunsmithing. Stock and keep on hand:
Bench tools
Firearm cleaning stations
Multi-tools
Calibration and inspection tools
8. Security Systems
Gun shops must invest in strong physical and digital security:
24/7 surveillance
Alarm systems
Controlled entry points
Inventory tracking systems
These measures help protect your investment and comply with insurance requirements.
9. Compliance and Record-Keeping Materials
Stay fully compliant with federal and state regulations by maintaining:
ATF Form 4473
A&D (Acquisition & Disposition) records
Secure digital record-keeping systems
Compliance manuals and signage
Commercial Property and Insurance Protection
Your inventory and equipment are valuable and vulnerable to theft, fire, and property damage. To operate safely and legally, gun shops should have:
Final Thoughts
Having the right equipment and inventory is essential for running a successful, compliant, and profitable gun shop. Prioritize security, quality inventory, reliable tools, and proper insurance protection to ensure your business operates smoothly and safely.
Wexford Insurance is here to help safeguard your gun shop.
Contact us today.
