MOSES LAKE - Agency Firearms owner Jake Juarez has enjoyed meeting the public and talking guns and gear during his first year of business in Moses Lake.

"We have a lot of guys just come in and hang out for hours at a time," he said. "I've gotten a lot of support from the community, a lot of the guys accepted us."

This month, the business marks its first year of operations at its 1055 W Broadway Ave. location.

Juarez sells firearms to law enforcement and the public.

He says he's the only true gun store in Moses Lake because he doesn't sell fishing equipment, hunting clothing or shoes.

Even the coats hanging up in his store are considered tactical coats, used by military members and the police.

But his customers are "anyone," he said, including doctors, lawyers and farmers.

"We've had all different types here," Juarez said.

People seeking additional protection in their homes are part of his customer base.

When crime appears in the paper, he sees an increase in customers, he said.

Juarez finds more people are buying handguns because of the crime and the economy. Women wanting concealed weapons are also his customers.

Some customers mentioned the 2012 scare, which alleges the end of the world, he said. As a result, people want to be prepared.

The business offers law enforcement and military firearms, gear, pepper spray and stun guns. Civilian models of some firearms are also available.

One eye-catching display is found at the back of the store. They are cut-outs of a bad guy and a woman, serving as targets.

They're made more realistic because they're filled with red paint that shoots out once the target is hit.

"After a while, people who shoot a lot, get tired of shooting paper," Juarez said.

One target even shows zombies, which have proven to be a hit with some customers.

"We have a lot of zombie fanatics," he said. "They're pretty cool. We sell a lot of them."

Next spring, Juarez plans to move to a larger location where he can expand his inventory.

Hunters and bow hunters asked him to carry more of the products they need. And in response, the store is looking to bring in more hunting rifles, bows and arrows.

For more information, call Agency Firearms at 509-766-9912.