About Black Helmet Gun Shop
Iowa's Trusted Firearms Dealer - Built by a First Responder
Black Helmet Gun Shop is a licensed FFL dealer in North English, Iowa. Founded by Josh Humphrey — a 20-year firefighter and 14-year emergency management director — the shop serves customers across Iowa with firearms, optics, hunting gear, and professional FFL transfer services, online and by phone.
Our Story
Started at the Range. Built for Iowa.
Josh Humphrey grew up hunting with his father in rural Iowa — a tradition that shaped both his appreciation for firearms and his commitment to responsible ownership. He built his first modern sporting rifle in his mid-teens and never stopped learning.
Black Helmet Gun Shop started as a practical solution: Josh wanted a way to save money on FFL transfers for himself and fellow first responders. What began as a side venture quickly grew into something larger — a trusted local resource for Iowa shooters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who wanted straightforward advice and honest pricing.
Today the shop serves customers statewide through its online store, with most orders placed online or by phone and shipped to the customer's local FFL dealer anywhere in Iowa.
Why "Black Helmet"?
In fire service, the black helmet belongs to the "door kicker" — the first firefighter through the door when a structure is on fire. It's a symbol of being first in, taking the hardest job, and getting it done. Josh built this shop with that same mentality: show up, do the work, and take care of your community.
"I'm not going to try to push you into buying something. My goal is to help you find the right firearm at a price that makes sense — whether that's something I have in stock, something I can order, or a transfer from another dealer."— Josh Humphrey, Owner & Licensed FFL Dealer
First Responder Roots
Josh brings 20 years of firefighting experience and 14 years in Emergency Management to everything he does at Black Helmet. That background means a bias toward practical, reliable gear — not flashy products with inflated margins. He knows what holds up under pressure because he's tested alot of it himself.
That perspective shapes every product recommendation, every transfer processed, and every conversation with a customer who walks in or picks up the phone.
What We Stand For
How We Do Business
No Pressure. No Upsell.
We help you find what you actually need. If the best option for you isn't something we stock, we'll tell you. Repeat customers matter more than one-time margins.
By the Book, Every Time.
Every transfer is processed correctly. Every NFA item follows ATF Form 4 protocol. As a licensed FFL and Class III dealer, we don't cut corners — there aren't any to cut.
Straight Answers.
Josh gives you real information — on products, regulations, NFA wait times, and what's worth the money. No sales spin. No jargon designed to confuse.
Community First.
Black Helmet started by serving fellow first responders in Iowa County. That community focus hasn't changed — just expanded to serve hunters, competitive shooters, and responsible owners statewide.
Online-First Convenience.
Most customers never visit the physical store. Browse online, order by phone, and we ship to your FFL dealer anywhere in Iowa. Rural shouldn't mean limited.
Fair Pricing.
FFL transfer fees are straightforward. Product pricing is competitive. We'd rather earn a loyal customer than win a one-time transaction on inflated margins.
What We Offer
Products & Services
From handguns and thermal optics to NFA suppressors and FFL transfers — Black Helmet covers the full spectrum for Iowa's shooting and hunting community.
Find Us
Located in North English, Iowa
The physical store is at 2922 H Avenue in North English — in Iowa County, roughly 30 minutes from Iowa City and accessible from Cedar Rapids and the surrounding region.
That said, most of our customers never need to visit in person. The online store is always open, and we handle orders and transfers by phone during business hours. We ship to your FFL dealer anywhere in Iowa.