After uncertainty about future, Mars Hill's Big Ivy Guns announces new ownership team

MARS HILL - In the past few months, there was speculation among residents that the Madison County's lone gun store, a longtime fixture in Madison, participating in parades throughout the county, would soon be closing.

But last month, Big Ivy Guns store owner Quincy Brock confirmed the Mars Hill location would remain open, despite a temporary closing on Nov. 17.

Weaverville-based company Blueridge Firearms Unlimited, owned by Jason and Jerica Lawson, bought the Mars Hill location. Jason Lawson said he plans to maintain the Big Ivy Guns brand at the Mars Hill store when it reopens later this month.

"We are very excited for the fact that this gun store here in Mars Hill is going to remain open," Big Ivy Guns owner Quincy Brock said in a Facebook video Nov. 16. "I know for so many of you, we were uncertain of this. I'm going to ask you to support them. I am. My family will. They love our freedom and they love our liberties. They're here to try to make business, and it only works if you guys continue to give the support that you guys have given over the years."

The Mars Hill store is located at 635 Carl Eller Road in Mars Hill.

Big Ivy Guns also operates a shooting range in Burnsville, as well as two other locations in Unicoi, Tennessee, and in Canton.

Lawson told The News-Record & Sentinel in a message Dec. 6 that he planned to update the news outlet at a later date on the plans for the shooting range and the other two locations.

Lawson said Madison County residents have been supportive of the new ownership since the announcement.

"Everyone has been so welcoming to us," Lawson said. "We love this community and the people here. It’s great to feel so welcomed right off the bat like this."

The outdoor and sporting goods store specializes in firearms, ammunition, hunting, fishing and camping gear, as well as knives.

"We're very thankful," Brock said. "I've enjoyed the conversations over the years. I've enjoyed meeting so many new people. Blueridge Firearms, they are excited to have each of you in and out of their stores in the future."

Big Ivy Guns opened in 2015.

According to Lawson, Blueridge Firearms Unlimited's brick and mortar location in Weaverville opened in 2020.

"I was a home-based federal firearms license before that," Lawson said.

Lawson said he plans to host a grand opening at the Mars Hill location later this month.

"Thank you all for your love and support for Big Ivy Guns and our family," said a sign posted on the Big Ivy Guns front door. "May God richly bless each one of you."

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: After uncertainty, Mars Hill's Big Ivy Guns announces new ownership