BX now offers firearms

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Whiteman Base Exchange now carries firearms and ammunition for customer purchase.

The firearms and ammunition section opened Oct. 6 as an additional segment of Army Air Force Exchange here, and as a result of popular demand.

"There have been many community requests for firearms at Whiteman," said Becky Stover, Whiteman BX store manager. "Many of our stateside (AAFES) facilities are already carrying firearms and ammunition."

Military ID card holders here are able to select from a limited amount of handguns, shot guns and ammunition with prices comparable to local competitors.

"If there is a firearm you are looking for that we don't have on hand, we have two distributors we can go through," said Jeremy Knott, supervisor of the Whiteman BX Power Zone. "It's a two-day turn around."

The BX currently carries a selection of 29 firearms, but is planning to increase selection to 80.

The Whiteman BX falls under Missouri state law for all firearms sales. Those purchasing firearms from the BX should reference Whiteman Air Force Base Instruction 31-101 for the regulations on carrying and keeping a firearm on the installation.

If looking to purchase a firearm, military ID card holders must fill out ATF Form 4473 a federal firearms background check application. Once filled out, the information is sent to the FBI.

"A background check can take about 15-25 minutes to get approved," said Mr. Knott. "The new process is a lot more efficient than it used to be."

Out of state residents must bring their PCS orders to the BX Power Zone for background check and to verify state residency.

For more information and clarification on possessing firearms on Whiteman, customers can contact Tech. Sgt. Jason Hera or Jerry Osban, 509th Security Forces Squadron, at 687-4254 or 687-4482.

In addition to firearms, the BX carries weapon accessories such as holsters, gun cases, gun safes and ammunition, which can be ordered twice a week through the Power Zone.

As a part of the BX grand opening Nov. 12, military ID card holders can enter in a raffle to win a Ruger handgun. The winner will be announced Nov. 29.

According to Ms. Stover, those interested in putting their new weapons to use this hunting season must complete a hunters education certification course. The Outdoor Recreation office will provide hunters with the required safety course. The next course dates are Oct. 23 and 24. Patrons can call 687-5565 to sign up for the course given by Staff Sgt. Ray White.

The new firearms section hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays and holidays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The direct line is 563-3289.