Overmountain Rifleman aims to be trusted source for area gun owners, collectors

Morganton’s South Sterling Street features a gun shop fully stocked to meet the needs of any shooter or firearms collector.

Overmountain Rifleman offers a wide selection of guns and accessories for firearm collectors, hunters, and individuals seeking personal protection. The store also offers monthly concealed carry handgun classes. 

According to owner Elijah Fisher, the two-year-old business has hit the mark with local gun enthusiasts. The Morganton native is himself a longtime gun collector who aims to provide excellent service to experienced as well as novice gun owners.

"I opened the shop because I've always had a passion for firearms, especially antique arms,” Fisher said. “My fascination began when I was 12 years old when I bought my first rifle, a Japanese Arisaka, at a yard sale. 

“From then on, I was obsessed with history and collecting firearms,” he added. “After college, I knew I wanted to stay local to Burke County, so I took a chance and opened Overmountain Rifleman here in downtown Morganton.

“In our nearly two years open I've been able to connect with our community and meet some amazing people who share my passion in this field and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us here,” Fisher said. “We definitely have some big plans for this year."

Fisher opened the store in March 2022 and has grown the establishment into a trusted source for local hunters and collectors. 

Overmountain Rifleman now offers an in-house gunsmith, a service Fisher says has been popular among his customers. “We have a full gunsmith now,” he said. “That’s been a big draw for us, having a gunsmith and machine shop on site.”

According to Fisher, gunsmith Tyler Shaw offers a variety of services, including building precision rifles, repair work, cleaning, maintenance, refinishing, and rebluing firearms. 

“He went to school at Montgomery Community College, which is one of the few NRA-Rated gunsmithing schools,” Fisher said. Shaw earned his degree in 2022. Fisher and Shaw work alongside employee Jesse Marusarz-Foley in the store.

Shoppers visiting Overmountain Rifleman will find new and used firearms, ammo, accessories, and scopes, as well as older used guns.

“We have a big focus on antique and collectible firearms,” Fisher said, “from old black powder stuff to more modern collectible items. We stock a lot of local-made products as well,” he added. 

According to Fisher, the store carries several locally produced brands, such as Zro Delta, Unbranded AR, and US Optics. 

Overmountain Rifleman carries everything local gun owners may want or need. “We have pistols, rifles, shotguns, parts, and we do some reloading supplies,” Fisher stated. The store also carries magazines, optics (which allow hunters to extend the distance at which they can shoot with accuracy), and holsters.

Fisher said while the gun store sees seasonal heavy selling periods, business has been steady year-round. “We sell loads of rifles during deer season,” he said. 

The store is also a popular place for shooters seeking to stock up on ammo. “We sell a lot of 9 mm and 5.56 (ammo),” Fisher said, “both of which are fairly easy to get. 

“We’re seeing some bumps in the supply chain again, but we have good connections with our distributors so we can get them,” he added. 

Shooters looking to obtain their concealed carry permits can also depend on Overmountain Rifleman for certification classes. 

“We do them once a month, usually,” Fisher said, “and we also do them by appointment as well.”

Overmountain Rifleman’s next concealed carry class is scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27. “We break up into two days,” Fisher said. “So we take the eight hours (the class requires) and split it up.

“In winter, it’s hard to fit in the class and get out to the range (for the required shooting component) before it gets dark and cold,” he stated. “We find it helps with retention, too; there’s a lot of information being thrown at you in 8 hours.

“We do two hours on Friday and six hours on Saturday,” he said. The cost for the class is about $75.

Overmountain Rifleman is located at 404 S. Sterling St., Suite 100. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Their phone number is 828-838-8408.

Fisher hopes to continue to provide excellent service and a wide-ranging inventory for his customers. He said the store’s location has helped bring in customers who happen upon the business.

“Lots of people drive by and see the sign,” Fisher said. “They pull in and say “‘I didn’t know you were here.”’

Sandra Wilkerson Queen is the education and business reporter for The Paper. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, Ext. 2002, or via email at sandra@thepaper.media.