By Rhys Baker

Longford resident Marcus Seirer has opened The Rusty Trigger, a federally licensed firearms and ammunition shop in Clay Center. He started with a shop six years ago in Longford as a side gig to his full-time job. However, the shop grew as its customer base grew to include Colby, Goodland, Wichita, and Kansas City customers. Seirer hopes the business will grow and become more than a gun shop. “I have an indoor archery range with a cool interactive 3D screen where you can use your bow to hunt deer, elk, or anything else. So we can get guys that are maybe just not into firearms into the shop and give them a place to shoot their bows and possibly even get some kids to come in and shoot and learn as well. I just want people to drink coffee and have a cool place to discuss outdoor topics. I’m not a barista by any means, but after 15 years as a trooper, I know how to drink coffee.”  The interactive 3D Screen also has an option to add trail camera information and practice shooting a deer with a bow before the real-life hunt. The archery range currently rents two entry-level bows by the hour, or users can bring their own bows. 

Seirer says suppressors are a large part of his business, and the process to apply for and purchase one has changed. “It used to be a very hard process, and it took months, but I’ve narrowed it down. The government has gotten better at processing, and I’ve seen turnaround times from a day to a week instead of 8-10 months.”

The name Rusty Trigger came from his love for older guns and the way they were made. He enjoys cleaning up the oldest guns and giving them new life. In addition to firearms and ammunition, he plans to add more archery equipment. This is the first business week for the Rusty Trigger at 429 Court Street. Hours of operation are Monday Through Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday, 8am to 3pm. Seirer says those hours could be flexible if customers wanted something different.