Our Story
Our first major business endeavor and parent company, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa was founded in 2010. After years of riding around the great state of Iowa, we figured out that riding season is great and busy as all get out for an Iowa magazine, but later fall and winter were sort of slow. In 2019, after a life of weapons enthusiasm, and teaching weapons classes, we decided that a great business plan was to move into the weapons world to take up the slack of slow winters in the Iowa motorcycle world. Thunder Guns was born out of a home-based shop. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, Thunder Guns, and Thunder Guns West is making a living from our shared passions of motorcycles and riding, shooting, hunting, and collecting all the above. Things went so well with branching off into the weapons world that after a couple of years, an expansion into Harlan was needed for space and business volume. This expansion made Thunder Guns West the primary retail location.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of firearms including handguns, shotguns, rifles, silencers, and even inclusive of custom-built or customized options tailored to your specifications. We can provide custom coating options, laser engraving, and gunsmithing services as well.
Our Commitment:
Quality and safety are the cornerstones of our business. We rigorously vet all products and advocate for responsible gun ownership. We are also active in our community, supporting local law enforcement initiatives and national firearms advocacy organizations.
Meet the Team
Vernon and Melanie Schwarte, our founders, bring a lifetime of firearms and shooting sports expertise and a deep commitment to customer service. Our team includes experienced gunsmiths, knowledgeable sales staff, and certified instructors, all here to ensure you get the best service and advice.
Customer Testimonials:
Vernon and everyone at the shop are incredible. Always willing to answer any questions and won’t try to upsell stuff. I will continue to do my present and future business with Thunder Guns West and will recommend anyone and everyone I can to do the same. -Matt Greteman
Very friendly staff. Lots of inventory. The staff is very knowledgeable about guns and can easily answer any gun questions that you may have. I highly recommend Thunder Guns West. -Jeremy Lehman
