D&R Gunsmithing Grows With New Space

A press release this spring noted D&R Gunsmithing was "tucked" in the Kings Plaza shopping center.

Less than a year after opening, the growing business has outgrown those tucked digs and is settling in a more prominent suite in the shopping center at 124 St. James Ave — more than doubling its space.

Diana and Rich Rogers focus on gun repairs and service, while also providing sales, consignment and several different training programs. D&R recently won a Salute to Small Business award from the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce for "New Emerging Business."

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The business started in the couple's garage during Rich's time off installing signs. Now, it's a full time job and growing fast.

When they were first considering a storefront, the couple looked at a large space, but had second thoughts. They were unsure how much space they needed, so they went small.

"We found out real quick that we needed more space," said Rich Rogers.

They expected business in the Goose Creek area, but customers are also coming from as far as Bonneau and Mount Pleasant. 

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The new location was a large 1,200 sq ft. dance studio. Days later, offices were built, along with a work space, sales counter and a large training room.

A TV, XBox and stools provide almost a community barbershop style — with handguns and rifles in mid-repair behind the counter and across the workshop. 

The move has allowed D&R to consolidate service and sales with its growing list of training programs that had to be handled off-site. Now, classes are in an up-to-date training room just off the shop floor. 

Classes started with a concealed weapons program, but it became apparent that some customers were holding a gun for a first time and needed more training. Now there are classes on basic handgun safety, first time gun shooters program, NRA: Refuse to be a Victim and a new class in child predator prevention.

And there are more programs on the way. "People will ask for a type of class and I'll say, 'We don't have it, but we will now,'" said Diana Rogers.

"The Puzzle Part"

Guns are an important, sometimes emotional investment, Rich Rogers notes, so the top priority for the shop is to fix it, not replace it. Fortunately, that's his passion.

Rich Rogers was 26 before he found a passion for fixing guns. He'd never owned a firearm and was invited to go hunting with his brother. When other hunters had guns break, they'd ask the brothers to fix it. That hobby turned into apprentice work and other training.

Now, customers bring guns to the shop in various stages of disrepair, including one completely disassembled in a macaroni box. That gun was fixed, along with another customer's gun that had been rusted from one end to the other.

Other times, when a gun needs a rare firing pin or other piece that isn't available anymore, the shop has to make a part. D&R welcomes a challenge. 

"It's the puzzle part of it," Rich Rogers said.