Mills Gun Supply in Chattanooga: Full-Service Gunsmith for Local Shooters and Hunters
Mills Gun Supply operates as a full-service gunsmith shop on Chattanooga's North Shore, handling repairs, custom work, and sales for rifle and handgun owners across the region. The shop combines retail inventory with in-house gunsmithing, making it a destination for both routine maintenance and specialized builds rather than a quick-purchase stop.
What Mills Gun Supply Actually Is
Mills functions as a gunsmith-first operation, not primarily a high-volume firearms retailer. The shop handles scope mounting, headspacing, trigger jobs, action refinishing, and custom builds alongside a curated inventory of firearms and ammunition. This positioning distinguishes it from big-box retailers that stock firearms but lack on-site technical capability; most gunsmithing work at those locations requires shipment to outside vendors, adding weeks and shipping costs.
Services and Pricing
The shop charges $50 to $75 per hour for standard gunsmithing labor, with common jobs running predictable totals. A scope mount and bore-sighting runs approximately $75 to $125 depending on the firearm and optic system. Trigger work ranges from $60 for a basic cleaning and adjustment to $200+ for precision trigger jobs on precision rifles. Custom builds start at $400 and scale upward based on parts and complexity. Ammunition pricing tracks national market rates; confirm current stock and pricing by calling ahead, as ammunition availability and cost fluctuate weekly.
The shop accepts both walk-in work for simple jobs and advance scheduling for complex builds. Turnaround for standard services is typically five to seven business days; custom work can extend to three weeks depending on the queue and scope of the project.
How Mills Compares to Other Chattanooga Gunsmiths
Mills Gun Supply is one of two established independent gunsmiths in Chattanooga offering full in-house repair and custom work. The other primary option, Tennessee Gun Company on the South Shore, operates on a similar gunsmith-plus-retail model at comparable hourly rates but specializes more heavily in handgun customization and carry-gun work. Mills leans more toward rifle work, making it the better choice for hunters with field rifles or long-range builds; Tennessee Gun Company suits handgun owners seeking carry-gun tuning or competition modifications.
Neither shop requires appointment for simple jobs like cleaning or ammunition sales. For complex work, advance scheduling at Mills ensures your firearm reaches the schedule sooner rather than entering a backlog.
Who This Suits and Who It Doesn't
Mills serves rifle hunters, long-range shooters, and gun owners with older or less common firearms needing specialist attention. It is the right choice when you need a firearm problem diagnosed and solved locally without shipping delays or when you want to watch work happen and ask questions in person. The shop does not suit buyers seeking new-rifle pricing competition against national retailers, nor does it cater to impulse purchases or walk-in-and-leave transactions for common ammunition calibers. It is a working gunsmith shop, not a showroom.
What the First Visit Involves
Walk in during business hours with your firearm or a description of the work needed. Staff will examine the gun, discuss the issue or desired modification, and provide a ballpark estimate on labor and any required parts. If the work is straightforward and parts are in stock, you may leave the firearm for same-week completion. For custom builds or parts requiring ordering, you will schedule a start date. Bring your firearm unloaded and secured, and be prepared to provide a valid ID and comply with all applicable federal and state transfer documentation if purchasing a firearm.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Mills Gun Supply operates Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays. The shop is located on the North Shore with street and lot parking. Call ahead to confirm hours during holidays, as holiday schedules can shift.
Mills Gun Supply fills a genuine gap in Chattanooga's service landscape: a gunsmith who can execute the work without outsourcing or delay, backed by local presence and the ability to handle follow-up questions or adjustments face-to-face.
