Back in 2009, we decided to venture into the shooting sports industry as a side gig. We both worked full time jobs but wanted to support our community while establishing a profitable hobby we could enjoy into retirement. And so, Carter Firearms was born (named after you know who). The "office" started as a small desk in the corner of our living room. We didn't keep inventory or set hours. We only offered gun transfers and the occasional special order; and only to friends and family.

Word spread (as it does in a small town) and our customer base grew to friends of friends and then total strangers. In 2014, we moved the operation out of the house and into a 128sqft building in our front yard. We had one display case, a small stock of ammo, and minimal accessories. Growing into a "real" business, we restructured into Carter Firearms LLC. The shop was open by appointment only; in the evenings and on weekends.

The ability to expand surfaced again in 2020. We moved the shop into a 1600sqft store front (still in our front yard) and added several firearm services: cleaning and minor gunsmithing, firearm consignment, and scope mounting with bore sighting. We also broadened our range of products to include more firearms and ammo, as well as optics, parts, accessories, gifts, and apparel. We established regular (but limited) shop hours and welcomed walk-in traffic.

Half way through 2020, Genny's health took a sudden decline. She was ultimately diagnosed with three debilitating conditions: a genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), an immune disorder called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and an autonomic disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). All parts of the body are effected. She was forced to resign from her full-time, day-time career and decided to try expanding store hours. The shop was open to the public 40 hours/week.

A store front setup proved to be too physically demanding. So in January 2025, after trying several configurations of open hours and days, we made the very difficult decision to close the store front and downsize the business. It's still in our front yard, but has decreased to a cozy 200sqft "tiny shop" where we specialize in a few personalized services and house a very small inventory of shooting necessities. 

 We extend a big THANK YOU to our loyal customers who have stuck with us all these years! We aren't throwing in the towel yet. Please continue to shop local and support small businesses. God Bless!!