Serving Iowa City, IA
Gun Shop Near Iowa City — 30 Minutes. Real Selection.
Black Helmet Gun Shop is located in North English, Iowa — about 30 minutes from Iowa City and Coralville. We carry handguns, rifles, shotguns, thermal optics, hunting gear, and handle FFL transfers for online purchases. No box store. No commission sales staff. Just a licensed FFL dealer who knows guns.
What We Carry
Everything Iowa City Shooters Are Looking For
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone who takes home defense seriously — Black Helmet has what you need, or we can get it.
Handguns
Pistols and revolvers from trusted manufacturers. Whether you're looking for a carry gun, a home defense pistol, or a range shooter — we stock options across price points and calibers.
Shop handguns →Rifles & Shotguns
Hunting rifles, shotguns in all gauges, and modern sporting rifles. We carry options for deer season, waterfowl, and everything in between — along with the ammunition to match.
Shop long guns →Thermal & Night Vision Optics
Black Helmet is one of the few dealers in eastern Iowa stocking thermal optics and night vision gear. We carry scopes, monoculars, and clip-on units from leading manufacturers.
Shop optics →FFL Transfers
Ordered a firearm online? We're your local receiving FFL. We handle the Form 4473, run the background check, and get you on your way. Competitive transfer fees. VIP members get priority service.
Learn about transfers →Hunting Gear
Deer blinds, trail cameras, and hunting accessories. We carry Amish-built deer blinds that are built to last Iowa winters, along with the gear you need to put them to use.
Shop hunting gear →Consignment Sales
Looking to sell a firearm? We handle consignment — you set the minimum price, we handle the marketing, paperwork, and sale. A safer, simpler alternative to private sales.
Learn about consignment →Why Make the Drive
What Iowa City Buyers Get at Black Helmet
Iowa City has sporting goods stores. What it doesn't have is a dedicated gun shop run by a licensed FFL dealer with deep knowledge of the products he sells. That's the difference at Black Helmet.
Josh Humphrey has been a firefighter in North English for 16 years. He built Black Helmet as a serious firearms business — not a side hustle. When you call or walk in, you're talking to the guy who ordered the inventory, knows the specs, and can give you an honest recommendation without a commission motive.
For Iowa City area buyers who want selection, real expertise, and FFL transfer service without the box store experience — the 30-minute drive is worth it. And for online orders, you don't even need to make a trip until your firearm arrives.
Find Us
North English, Iowa — Easy Drive from Iowa City
We're located at 2922 H Avenue, North English, IA 52316 — about 30 minutes southwest of Iowa City via Highway 6 or I-80 West to Highway 149.
Sat: 8am – 12pm
Mon – Thu & Sun: Closed
Online store: always open
North English, IA 52316
Also Serving
Questions? Call Before You Drive.
Want to confirm we have a specific firearm in stock, or check on a transfer that's arrived? Call ahead and save the trip. Josh picks up.