Brad’s Guns Opens Second Location in Historic Kellogg, Idaho Building
A new firearms dealer has opened its doors in uptown Kellogg, Idaho, bringing a fresh business to one of the Silver Valley’s most historically significant commercial properties. Brad Flinchbaugh, owner of Brad’s Guns, recently launched his second store at 8 McKinley Ave. — inside a building that once housed a JC Penney department store near the corner of McKinley Avenue and Division Street.
Flinchbaugh has been in the firearms industry for more than a decade, including operating his first Brad’s Guns location in Bonney Lake, Washington. Expanding into Idaho had been a priority for several years, he said, and Kellogg ultimately proved to be the right fit.
Idaho’s Regulatory Climate Draws Washington Gun Dealer Across State Lines
According to Flinchbaugh, the business environment in western Washington played a significant role in his decision to relocate. Frequent changes to state firearms laws and mounting regulations made operating a gun dealership increasingly difficult there.
“My insurance actually dropped me,” Flinchbaugh said, as reported by the source publication. “I had to go seek out new insurance because companies were saying they weren’t insuring any Washington dealers.”
Idaho’s approach to firearms regulation — which largely follows federal guidelines rather than adding layers of state-level restrictions — made the move appealing. Flinchbaugh’s familiarity with North Idaho and the Silver Valley also factored into the decision. The story underscores a broader trend: business owners exercising their freedom to relocate to states with more favorable regulatory and commercial environments, a hallmark of free-market principles that Idaho has long embraced.
Idaho’s Second Amendment-friendly legal framework stands in sharp contrast to states like Washington, where increased government regulation has imposed a growing burden on lawful firearms dealers. For Flinchbaugh, the move represents not only a business decision but a calculated step toward long-term stability.
Historic Building Gets New Life After Years of Vacancy
The building at 8 McKinley Ave. carries significant history in Kellogg’s commercial landscape. After serving as a JC Penney for years, the property changed hands multiple times and was most recently used as a private residence before falling into vacancy. When Flinchbaugh came across the listing, a single visit convinced him it was the right location.
“I drove over here to take a look, and after I saw it, I thought, ‘man, I think this is it,'” he said.
Reopening the building required substantial work. Flinchbaugh oversaw months of restoration, including roof repairs and significant electrical upgrades, before the multi-floor structure was ready to welcome customers. The rehabilitation of such a property reflects positively on Kellogg’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its historic uptown district — a community where economic momentum appears to be building. The Bunker Hill Mine near Kellogg is also nearing a June restart expected to bring approximately 200 jobs to the Silver Valley, a sign that the local economy may be entering a new period of growth.
Brad’s Guns now carries a wide selection of new and used handguns, rifles, and shotguns, along with ammunition, gun parts, and shooting accessories. Major brands on the floor include Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer. The store also accepts used firearms and trade-ins, offering local residents an alternative to making the drive to Coeur d’Alene for purchases.
“If I hear enough people saying they have to drive over to Coeur d’Alene to get something, we’re going to put it in here,” Flinchbaugh said.
Looking ahead, Flinchbaugh said he is considering adding a small coffee shop and a hangout area to the space, along with shooting-based video games — amenities intended to make the store welcoming to the broader community, including families. The building already includes a small coffee bar area near the entrance that caught his eye when he first toured the property.
What Comes Next
Brad’s Guns at 8 McKinley Ave. in Kellogg is currently open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store can be reached by phone at (208) 640-7484 or through its Facebook page, Brads Operators Kellogg, ID. Flinchbaugh said he plans to continue refining his inventory as he becomes more familiar with the local market. Residents and shooting enthusiasts looking for a locally owned, full-service firearms retailer in the Silver Valley now have a new option closer to home. For broader economic news affecting North Idaho, readers can find additional coverage at KootenaiCountyNews.com.