Counts come from the current ATF Federal Firearms Licensee list for Ames, Iowa; ratings, hours and range information come from each business's public listing where available.

Transfers and selling in Ames

FFL transfers: 1 dealer in Ames has confirmed it accepts FFL transfers; up to 9 other licensed dealers hold a licence type that can receive one but have not posted a transfer policy. Call ahead to confirm and ask about the fee. See transfer dealers in Ames →
Selling or pawning: 1 licensed pawnbroker can buy or pawn a firearm.

How an FFL transfer works →Typical transfer fees →

Nearby cities with more dealers

Ankeny20 dealers · 21 mi
Des Moines24 dealers · 31 mi
Newton11 dealers · 37 mi
Grinnell11 dealers · 51 mi
Cedar Falls16 dealers · 69 mi

Buying a gun in Iowa

Iowa follows the federal baseline: a licensed dealer runs the NICS background check on ATF Form 4473 and there is no state waiting period or purchase permit for most buyers.

State-by-state purchase rules →

Gun stores in Ames: common questions

How many gun stores are in Ames, IA?

Ames has 10 active Federal Firearms License holders in the current ATF data: 9 Type 01 retail dealers, 0 Type 07 manufacturers and 1 Type 02 pawnbroker.

Can I have a gun shipped to an FFL in Ames?

Yes. 1 dealer in Ames has confirmed it accepts FFL transfers; up to 9 other licensed dealers hold a licence type that can receive one but have not posted a transfer policy. Call ahead to confirm and ask about the fee. The receiving dealer completes the Form 4473 and background check before you take possession.

Where can I sell or pawn a gun in Ames?

1 licensed firearms pawnbroker (ATF Type 02) in Ames can legally buy or pawn a firearm. Bring a government-issued photo ID; the pawnbroker logs the firearm into their federally required records.

What larger cities near Ames have more gun stores?

Ankeny (20 dealers, about 21 miles away) and Des Moines (24), Newton (11) have larger selections of FFL dealers within driving distance.