Bear Arms Manufacturing opened their doors in December with the Checotah Chamber of Commerce hosting a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 22. The business, located at 301 W. Gentry, is owned and operated by Barrett (Bear) and Sarah Whitman and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bear Arms Mfg. is a firearms’ retail and manufacturing company started in the owners’ backyard in Checotah in November 2022. The Whitman’s took a Covid- 19 shutdown hobby, paired it with passion and turned it into a business.

In April 2022, Barrett’s brother, Jeremy Miltier (1994-2025) had a traumatic life event. This life-changing event became the Whitman’s final push to get their Federal Firearms License so they could officially open their business to help support Miltier and his wife during this highly stressful time that was not only financially draining but also physically and mentally. Because Jeremy and Barrett had always shared a passion for firearms it seemed only fitting to honor him this way. Now these owners value being in a position to help support other local medical fundraisers in the community as well.

Barrett was born and raised in Checotah and prides himself in bringing more business and employment into his hometown.

“The goals of Bear Arms Manufacturing are:

• To continue to support our community

• To leave a legacy for our family and children

• To educate and support families who are learning or continuing to protect themselves and their freedoms Bear Arms Manufacturing is committed to customer service, community, freedom, and above all – honoring God.

“We can’t wait to welcome each one of you into our store, from those who have never shot a gun to those who have built their own we are here for you. We are ecstatic to have our downtown door open and to be a more present business in Checotah.”

Learn more about this business at beararmsmfg. com or by calling 918-939-8695.