Nappanee Couple Focus on People First at JR Firearms
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
At a business that sells primarily powerful firearms, there is a calm undercurrent of compassion that drives JR Firearms owners Rachel and Jack Penry. Following robust careers in other industries, the Penrys chose to open a community-focused business with purpose in Nappanee.
With a tagline like theirs, it’s no surprise this is a business with a story: “A full-line, woman-owned firearm store in a classically American downtown in northern Indiana.”
Yes, Rachel Penry has been shooting guns her whole life. Together, the husband-wife owner duo share a passion for the people of Nappanee on every level of running their business.
A carefully curated collection of firearms, ammunition and gear fills the retail store of JR Firearms. All in-stock items reflect the requests of customers, including pistols, rifles, revolvers, shotguns and suppressors, as well as ammunition and shooting accessories such as holsters and belts. The focus is hunting, recreation and protection. The Penrys opened their doors more than two years ago with a priority of answering the community’s need for a full-service firearms store.
The business also issues hunting and fishing licenses, with all sporting licenses available in the state of Indiana offered on-site. They can also complete in-store fingerprinting using Bayometric’s ATF fingerprint scan.
For financially savvy customers, the retail store stocks a growing number of items, while the online store offers an endless selection of products from the most respected brands. Customers who purchase online and choose to ship directly to JR Firearms pay no shipping or transfer fees.
The owners admit men make up the majority of customers, but note a growing number of women seek firearms for protection and sport, often as first-time buyers.
“Which handgun should I get?” is a common question from these customers. The Penrys reassuringly answer, “We don’t know. Let’s try out some options to see what feels right as you ‘rack it’ [pull back the slide] and meets your hand dexterity to ensure you’ll want to carry it.”
They know the value of providing customized service to women and first-time customers, because “if we treat them right, they will let others know.”
JR Firearms has been a member of the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce since opening, participating in Visit Nappanee and Friday Fest, and serving as Stage Sponsor for one of the bands in a recent Apple Festival. Another standout since the business’ beginning is staff member Trevor Mast, who has been an asset to the Penrys during busy weekends.
The company also partners with community events, including VFW raffles, and has sponsored local Little League teams and the trap team at Northwood High School, where Rachel Penry attended as a native of Nappanee.
The Conservation Club of Nappanee is another strong partner of JR Firearms, dedicated to preserving local natural resources and supporting the shooting sports. Though they don’t currently partner with adventure travel organizations such as hunt clubs and fishing excursions, the owners find the prospect intriguing.
Partnerships also extend to working with the Nappanee Police Department to offer firearms safety courses. JR Firearms doesn’t have the space to host the courses, so they work with the department to schedule classes as timing permits.
Looking ahead, the Penrys remind customers that on Jan. 1, 2026, a change in federal law will eliminate the suppressor fee. This does not remove suppressors from the Firearms Act, it simply removes the fee. They recommend customers wanting to buy a suppressor do so now, so the store can set the firearm aside. As January 2026 approaches, they predict demand will rise and customers may struggle to find the exact suppressor they want. Contact the store directly to process an order, and they will handle all the paperwork in-house.
The Penrys plan to expand merchandise to include more Core Essentials, military and high-end apparel and gear, as well as Byrna pistols and pepperball items. All of these additions reflect the owners’ response to customer requests.
In addition to radio advertising and features in the Goshen News, JR Firearms has a Twitter presence and Gab Social account. New email marketing campaigns are also forthcoming. For questions and more information, visit jrfirearms.com.
JR Firearms is located at 105 E. Lincoln St. in Nappanee. For more information, email sales@jrfirearms.com or call 574-336-0048.
