Piasa Armory — Local services in East Alton

I have to give a shout out to Kate. I believe her actual capacity at Piasa Armory is Gun Range Manager, but she honestly can do anything that is requested of her. I have been there several times and when Firearm Ranges and Federal Firearm Licensed locations are dropping left and right, we as a community, are extremely fortunate to have what I believe is the most educated, well-stocked, and staffed armory, located right in our own backyard!

Dan is another great employee that I have worked with on questions concerning firearms. Like any other highly skilled professional, he and Kate both will first ask a few fact-finding questions, to determine your existing knowledge of firearms, what are you wanting to do for you, size, etc. Like all great professionals, they will take the necessary time to diagnose your current situation. For example, 2020 has been a record-setting year, month after month for the most first time gun buyer’s ever in history. A lot of individuals received their stimulus checks and decided they wanted to buy a firearm, without ever doing any research to know the first thing about firearms, which is perfectly fine Piasa Armory will always welcome you. Their motto is there is no dumb questions. Please do not be intimidated at all!

That is where Piasa Armory separates itself from a typical “outdoor” store, that happens to also sell firearms. At Piasa Armory they work with every type of firearm, the staff stays abreast of the manufacturers and what is going on in the firearm industry. Because, everyone that works there, are also shooters, collectors, or firearm historians themselves. You could say they are the physicians of the firearms industry and they will help you find what is the best firearm or ammunition for your needs! You might be a complete novice to the firearms industry or an expert yourself, and it is staff such as Kate and Dan that are going to be able to guide you through the process of finding the absolute most accurate item(s), the entire purchasing process, all at a very reasonable price. Plus, be there for you if you have any questions at a later time. The employee turn-over is extremely low, you can ask them when you go in to visit.

Plus, having an large modernized indoor range on-site is a wonderful resource. Because, it gives you the opportunity once you own the firearm to be able to ask the same staff members questions as you get to know and become comfortable with your new firearm. Piasa Armory also offers professional on-site Gunsmith work. So, make sure to reserve some range time, or you might want to sign up for one of Piasa Armory’s numerous instructor taught classes; to start your own personal love of our phenomenal...

Outstanding experience! Very knowledgeable and down to earth staff with impressive qualifications and certifications. Willing to take the time to educate and inform you so that you can make a well thought out and informed decision/purchase.

Went through concealed carry training and it was very interactive and informative with some additional hand to hand defense training as a bonus. It wasn't some guy reading out of a book! The training classes exceeded my expectations as an experienced shooter yet I would recommend this class to beginners and experienced shooters alike. Will absolutely be my recommendation to my wife and niece for their training when they decide they want to get their Concealed Carry Certifications as well.

Staff is very helpful with paperwork and honestly wants to see you become more comfortable and proficient with your firearm. Well worth the 45 minute drive it took me to get there. Will gladly bypass that poor excuse for a gun store and range in Belleville going forward.

They also offer gunsmithing services at competitive prices and want to make sure that they understand what you want instead of telling you what they think you want. FIrst class experience from Paul, Randy, Jason and Dave!!!!!! Thank you...

Unlike many other firearms stores and ranges in the area, this place is super personal, and everyone generally seems to enjoy being here, both customers and employees are always chatting in a friendly manner, and the staff seems to enjoy taking the time to work with customers.

That said, the biggest drawback is that there aren't as many firearms to check out, hands on, but they can order you pretty much whatever you want.

I've not encountered any time where there was any wait time on the range, and there always seems to be a lane open.

The selection of rental firearms is decent, as well as good selection of targets.

Overall, the place takes the often stuffy atmosphere of other shops, and turns it on its head, with friendly staff, training classes, and an overall relaxed...