Business: Guns of Glory

Guns of Glory

Area Business Training People with Firearm Knowledge

by Mike Wilt

Arming people with firearms knowledge and training is the target of the professionals at Guns of Glory – an indoor range and pro shop that opened its doors in September.

Guns of Glory is owned by Daniel Dawson who at the age of 21 joined the U.S. Army Infantry. Unfortunately, during his second tour in Baghdad, he fell into a hole blowing out the cartilage between his vertebrae and incurred 24 stress fractures in his L3 and L4.

“They gave me the option of a desk job or an honorable medical discharge,” he said. “I had a son on the way, so I decided to take the discharge and college money to pursue an education.”

Equipped with a degree in business as a human resources specialist, Dawson felt a calling.

“My wife and I prayed where God wanted us to be. He answered ‘Oklahoma.’”

Given his love for firearms, Dawson pursued a career in them. With the help of his mother, Dawson was able to acquire a business loan and build his own range and pro shop at 427 S. Osage Avenue along Highway 75 in Dewey. Sadly, his mom succumbed to complications from COVID-19 in March 2020.

“I continue to honor her by giving the public the best range experience around. But at the end of the day, all of the glory goes to God.”

To assist him operate Guns of Glory, Dawson didn’t have to search too far. He turned to David Romine and Kara Gage after they helped him obtain his latest certifications. A native of Sapulpa, Executive Director David Romine has carried a firearm professionally for 30 years. He was an active USAF security police officer from 1991-1994 and retired from the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2012. He was also a federal police officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs. A native of Tahlequah, Executive Marketing/Creative Director Kara Gage also serves as Lead Instructor. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing as well as an MBA. She is an NRA-certified training counselor, and she is certified by the State of Oklahoma to teach a wide variety of classes and programs.

“We are not your typical gun shop or training facility,” Romine said. “Kara and I gladly provide information, answer questions, and conduct indepth training for people who have never handled a firearm as well as those who have military or law enforcement experience.”

The pro shop carries firearms, ammunition, and an assortment of accessories. The indoor range is open to the public and includes seven 25yard shooting lanes for pistols and rifles. An outdoor range is currently under construction off Highway 60 about five miles east of Bartlesville. It will include six 25-yard bays and one 300-yard rifle range.

“It’ll be the best in the business,” Romine said. “In addition to our regular training and full competition schedule, we will have a variety of courses specifically for law enforcement once it opens in the spring.”

Speaking of classes, Guns of Glory offers private and group training for all ages and skill levels. Memberships are also available with special offers for first responders, active and retired military, seniors, and educators.

Both were asked what they would say to someone who has never owned or handled a firearm, but is now considering the idea.

“I was that person about 15 years ago,” Gage said point-blank. “But I picked up my first gun after being a victim of domestic violence. I’m a survivor turned loud-mouthed advocate for domestic violence awareness. God used that to lead me to where I am today.”

Romine emphasized the focus on customer service.

“Yes, we pride ourselves on our knowledge, but we also understand how there’s always hesitation in trying something new, especially when it comes to firearms. We strive to put people at ease and help them settle their curiosity.”

There have been over eight million new gun owners during the past year and roughly half of those were women. On Thursday, December 16, Guns of Glory will kick off its ladies-only membership, Steel Grace with Glock! The first round will be 10 a.m. to Noon while the second round will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.