Davenport Guns

Davenport Guns is Iowa's only female-owned and female-oriented gun shop, located on Commercial Row in Davenport. Owner Jeanelle Westrom isn't new to firearms—she grew up shooting, competes in long-distance rifle and pistol competitions, and still travels to Camp Perry, Ohio every summer for the National Matches where she both shoots and sells high-power rifles.

This isn't your grandpa's gun shop. You won't find a cracker barrel, dust, or dog-eared magazines. Instead:

• •1911 pistols (big frame and compact)
• •AR-15s (modern rifle options)
• •Small-caliber pistols (low recoil, perfect for first-time shooters and smaller hands)
• •Firearms accessories and gear across 3,000 square feet

12-lane indoor shooting range for pistol and handgun practice. Upstairs, there's an archery range that hosts ladies' nights. The store also provides on-site daycare for mothers using the range—solving one of the biggest obstacles for women shooters with kids.

• •All-female concealed carry classes
• •Women-focused shooting clubs
• •Instruction from certified trainer (Jeanelle Westrom)
• •Hands-on, pressure-free sales approach

"A lot of our customers are women who've never touched a gun. We change that. Our store is hands on. There's no pressure or intimidation in our sales style." — Jeanelle Westrom

Davenport Guns keeps extended hours because they understand shooters' schedules aren't always 9-to-5. They're open late and Sunday is not a day of rest. The shop goes the distance—they once stayed open past closing to accommodate a woman police officer attending the annual Iowa Women's Police Conference who wanted to visit.

Staff includes a retired law enforcement officer who handles special requests and questions from police and security professionals.

Jeanelle's first TV and radio commercials made an impact. The radio spot opened with gunshots, then: "Women: you're not as big. You're not as strong. But you're smart enough to know you can defend yourself." The TV commercial featured male shooters at the range—until the third shooter turned around to reveal a woman. That's the vibe here: no pink-gun gimmicks, no pepper spray as a punchline. Just serious firearms training and selection for everyone.

• •Location: Davenport, Iowa (between Chicago and Des Moines in the cornbelt region)