Gun store to open in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood early next year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville resident Dustin McElroy is currently licensed to sell firearms from his home, but he plans to open a retail shop in the Highlands neighborhood sometime in January.

According to our partners at Louisville Business First, McElroy -- the owner of Madden Firearms -- recently signed a lease to open a gun store in the Bardstown Center at 2525 Bardstown Road.

McElroy said he hopes to have his Federal Firearms License approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by the end of December. He then plans to renovate the building, which is near the Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen at the intersection of Taylorsville Road and Bardstown Road.

McElroy told Louisville Business First he received firearms training during his seven years in the industry, and plans to offer training at his shop after it has been open for awhile.

"I started in the firearms business as an instructor," he said. "I specialized in seniors and even did some children’s classes, teaching people about respect for firearms and self-defense."

McElroy said he knows not everyone in the residential neighborhood lined with businesses will welcome a gun store. That's why he has already begun introducing himself to nearby businesses.

Madden Firearms will carry a variety of rifles and handguns.

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