The Valley's newest firearms shop takes a twist on your average gun store.
"Hubbard, being our hometown, we put it [the idea] together and said let's do it," said Ron Reed, Co-owner of ERC Firearms & Training.
You can't miss it while driving through Hubbard. It's ERC Firearms & Training's goal to offer expert firearms training, maintenance, and the ins and outs of carrying safely. When you walk in, they offer a variety of guns, ammunition, protective gear, and accessories.
The owners began as a group of guys who wanted to see a more positive culture for firearms owners and also to make it more comfortable for people who are interested in firearms.
"We feel as though the preservation of life and the safe handling of firearms go hand in hand with one another," said Ed Saline, Co-owner of ERC Firearms & Training. "Allowing people to protect themselves is imperative in our crazy and unpredictable world."
"We don't let guns go out the door unless they know what they're doing with it and how to handle it," Saline said. "Ron's an excellent teacher, and he can certify people."
The business takes it a step further and also offers training in first aid, CPR, BLS, tactical medicine, and much more. They pride themselves on low prices and removing barriers to carrying a gun. Saline said they "continue to work diligently to reach out to a larger customer base and aid anyone in their pursuit of the protection of life."
"Firearms are looked at in a negative light," Reed said. "And we wanted to give the opportunity to the people that wanted to do things legally and actually learn the proper way of doing things."
ERC also caters to domestic violence victims. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, they waive all CCW training fees and offer guns to victims at the wholesale price.
"I was just surprised at how many females come in here for that reason," Saline explained. "If you are a victim of a violent crime, domestic violence, or have a protection order against someone, we will do multiple things to help you stay safe."
"We wanted to give them the opportunity to actually learn the proper way in protecting themselves," Reed said. "Not just by bare hands but to also give them a weapon to use in the same sense."
"Our core values of quality and efficiency go into every sale, every class, and every interaction that we have with the public," Saline said. "Our main goal with our business is the preservation of life and the safety of firearm owners."
ERC is hosting a public grand opening Sunday, August 21 at 12 p.m. Contact them at 330-568-8917 or visit their website.