Vicksburg gun shop doing booming business

While most retail businesses are seeing a downturn or are closing, Greg Brown’s is busier than ever.

His shop, Brown’s Gunsmith Repair, is open, and the phone is ringing with constant requests for ammunition, guns and repairs.

“I got a huge order in last Friday of firearms, and most are gone already,” Brown said while working on a shotgun.

The 62-year-old has operated his shop at 1193 Sherman Ave., adjacent to his home, for almost 20 years. He retired last year from Ameristar Casino and now devotes his time to manufacturing, repairing and selling firearms and related accessories. He also carries archery equipment including the APA Archery line.

“From the age of 21, I have been working towards having a place where I could work on guns,” Brown said. He particularly enjoys restoring firearms that need special attention.

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, some states and municipalities have ordered non-essential retail shops to close to prevent the spread of the virus. Gun stores are not singled out as essential by most of the orders, causing a rash of lawsuits to challenge the closures. Rumors that gun stores are being specifically targeted for closure have some city’s  ammunition sales rivaling that of toilet paper. In Mississippi, firearm and ammunition manufacturers and retailers have been deemed essential.

Brown says inventory is well stocked with more on the way. He carries or has access to just about every brand on the market today including Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Sig Sauer, along with many lesser-known brands. He also holds a federal license as a manufacturer so he can custom build and modify firearms of all types. The small shop is filled with many hard-to-find firearm and hunting accessories.

He also recommends that anyone purchasing a weapon, in particular a handgun, should consider taking a training course from a certified trainer. He stresses firearm safety above all else.

Visit Brown’s Gunsmith Repair on Facebook, or give Greg a call at 601-415-4734.