Gun shop West Plains, Missouri
Order online, pick up at a licensed dealer in Howell County. West Plains is the regional hub for the southern Ozarks, close to the Arkansas line and the North Fork and Eleven Point rivers.
CountyHowell
LicensesHowell County Sheriff
Hunting zone—
Public rangeAbout 100 mi
How buying a gun in West Plains works
Pick an FFL dealer near you that accepts shipped transfers and name it at checkout. We confirm their license and ship the firearm to them. Ammunition, optics and parts ship straight to your door where Missouri law allows.
Missouri has no permit to purchase, no gun registration and no state waiting period. When you pick up a firearm at a licensed dealer you show a valid photo ID, complete ATF Form 4473 and pass the federal NICS background check. Federal law sets the dealer minimum age at 18 for rifles and shotguns and 21 for handguns. Ammunition, optics and most parts ship straight to your door in Missouri.
Dealers in these communities all work for West Plains-area buyers:
- Willow Springs
- Pomona
- Mountain View
- Brandsville
- Peace Valley
- Caulfield
- Moody
- Thayer
Carrying a gun in Howell County
Since January 1, 2017, Missouri residents who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit from age 19 (18 for members of the armed forces). Many carriers still get a Missouri concealed carry permit from the Howell County Sheriff, because it is honored in more states and speeds up some purchases. The permit requires a firearms safety course of at least 8 hours with live fire. Private property owners, schools and some public buildings can still prohibit carry, so check the posted rules.
Hunting near West Plains
The Missouri Department of Conservation sets the deer seasons. For 2026-27 the November firearms portion runs Nov. 14-24, with an early antlerless portion Oct. 9-11 in open counties, youth portions Oct. 24-25 and Nov. 27-29, a late antlerless portion Dec. 5-13 and an alternative methods portion Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. Centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, handguns and muzzleloaders are legal during the firearms portions; .22 rimfire is not. Check the MDC Fall Deer and Turkey booklet for Howell County's antlerless permits and any magazine limits.
Howell County borders Arkansas in the southern Ozarks, with large blocks of Mark Twain National Forest for deer and turkey.
Public land is close: the national forest and several conservation areas are within a short drive of town.
Public shooting ranges near West Plains
The Missouri Department of Conservation runs staffed shooting ranges near the big metro areas and more than 35 free, unstaffed ranges on conservation areas. Check the MDC range page for hours and fees before you drive.
- Huzzah Conservation Area rangeCrawford County · Rifle, pistol, shotgun (unstaffed)
About 100 miles - Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education CenterGreene County · Rifle, pistol, shotgun trap, archery
About 100 miles - Little Indian Creek Conservation Area rangeFranklin County · Rifle, pistol, shotgun (unstaffed)
About 115 miles
Source: Missouri Department of Conservation shooting range list, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.
Deer rifles for West Plains
Hunting guide →Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 5.0 (5)
$491.04
Caliber: .243 Winchester | Capacity: 4
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 5.0 (5)
$492.19
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (5)
$697.46
Caliber: .308 Win | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.8 (5)
$503.69
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor | Capacity: 4
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.6 (5)
$480.69
Caliber: .300 Win Mag | Capacity: 3
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 4.4 (5)
$711.84
Caliber: .270 Winchester | Capacity: 4
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 5.0 (4)
$558.31
Caliber: .243 Winchester | Capacity: 5
Ships to FFL
Mossberg
★ 5.0 (4)
$492.76
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor | Capacity: 4
Carry pistols for West Plains
Carry guide →Ships to FFL
Springfield Armory
★ 4.9 (21)
$698.61
Capacity: 17 | Barrel Length: 3.7
Ships to FFL
Smith & Wesson
★ 5.0 (20)
$502.54
Capacity: 13 | Barrel Length: 3.1
Ships to FFL
Smith & Wesson
★ 4.6 (20)
$729.09
Capacity: 8 | Barrel Length: 3.8
Ships to FFL
★ 5.0 (18)
$1033.85
Capacity: 18 | Barrel Length: 4.6
Ships to FFL
Canik
★ 5.0 (18)
$459.99
Capacity: 15 | Barrel Length: 3.18
Ships to FFL
Ships to FFL
Smith & Wesson
★ 4.7 (18)
$629.61
Capacity: 12 | Barrel Length: 3.1
Ships to FFL
Smith & Wesson
★ 4.5 (18)
$628.46
Capacity: 8 | Barrel Length: 3.8
Buying a gun in West Plains: common questions
Can I buy a gun online and pick it up in West Plains?
Yes. Order here, name a licensed FFL dealer in Willow Springs, Pomona, Mountain View, West Plains or anywhere in Howell County, and we ship the firearm to them. You fill out ATF Form 4473 at their counter and they run the background check.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in West Plains?
No. Missouri has no permit to purchase. You show ID, complete Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check at the dealer who receives your order.
Is there a waiting period in Missouri?
No. Missouri has no state waiting period. Once the background check clears, your dealer can hand over the firearm the same day.
Can I carry a concealed handgun in West Plains without a permit?
Yes, if you are 19 or older (18 in the military) and can legally possess a firearm. A permit from the Howell County Sheriff is optional but useful when you travel to other states.
How does a gun I order get to West Plains?
We ship every firearm to a licensed dealer near West Plains that you choose at checkout. The dealer runs the background check and completes the transfer; ammunition and gear ship to your door.
What does a Missouri dealer charge for a transfer?
Transfer fees are set by each dealer, commonly $25 to $50 per firearm. Ask the dealer near West Plains before you order.
What rifle can I use for deer near West Plains?
Any centerfire rifle or handgun, a shotgun with slugs or a muzzleloader is legal during the firearms portions. Popular Missouri choices are .243, .270, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor and .30-06. Check the MDC booklet for Howell County's antlerless rules.
What does an FFL transfer cost in West Plains?
Each dealer sets its own fee, commonly $20 to $75. Call before you order to confirm the price and that they accept firearms shipped from an online store.
Nearby cities
All 22 cities →More Missouri guides
General information, not legal advice. Rules current as of September 2026. See our Missouri gun law overview and check with Howell County Sheriff or a local attorney about your own situation.