Small Business Spotlight: Keep and Bear Arms + Gunsmithing

There are a lot of guns in the US – over 300,000,000, according to the Congressional Research Service. Some people use their guns regularly for hunting or carrying/self-defense, but many have guns that were given to them or that they bought years ago that are simply stored away in closets, displays, or safes. Oftentimes these guns are rusty, not functional, or the owner just doesn’t even know if or how they will work.

Fortunately, if you live in the Upstate of SC, there is a local business that specializes in gunsmithing and can help you get your firearm working and looking shiny again. Keep and Bear Arms + Gunsmithing has helped many customers with a variety of gun needs, from modifications (I had them put new sights on a firearm I own) to restoration (don’t worry if it’s all rusted out) and even to purchasing a new gun altogether. In fact, even if you don’t live in the Upstate, Keep and Bear will help you figure out a safe way to ship your firearms their way so that they can help you.

For Keep and Bear, the business is a lot more than making a profit. Owner Matt McCarnan loves what he does and enjoys the challenge of restoring an old firearm. Despite only being in the business a few years, he’s already seen some interesting guns pass through his shop. One such weapon he told me about was an 1871 Snyder Enfield, found in Afghanistan by a US soldier. This rifle was manufactured in England as a muzzle-loader and was converted to use an early breech-loading system. It was likely used by British colonial forces in the battles over the Indian border. And now, thanks to Matt’s amazing gunsmithing ability (and, in the case of this firearm, gun-cleaning ability), it looks like new.

I mentioned before that I used Keep and Bear to put new sights on a gun that I own, but what I didn’t mention is that I also bought the gun itself and ammo through Keep and Bear. And let’s just say that the price and process of purchasing it was much better than walking into Cabela’s. Matt has also found that he is able to help those purchasing firearms online by offering a $20 flat fee on FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfers.

Check out some of Matt’s before-and-after photos below, and if you have a firearm need, give him a shout. You won’t be disappointed.

You can connect with Keep and Bear on Facebook, Instagram, and keepandbear-ag.com. You can reach Matt McCarnan via phone – 864.293.9775 – and email – keepandbear.ag@gmail.com.