Ridlen brings vision to life; SmokeTrails now open

One can't miss Haxtun's newest main street business with an American flag designed front door and Americana-themed sign and open flag. SmokeTrails opened for business on Aug. 23 and owner Dave Ridlen is ready to fill a need and serve a specific niche in northeastern Colorado.

Haxtun's gun and ammo store is located at 321 South Colorado Avenue, just directly south of the local building center.

"I had a vision to fill a gap, to have a storefront business," said Ridlen, who opened his new business venture just several weeks ago. Ridlen said his goal is to fill a main street business while offering hunters and fisherman of the area an opportunity to shop local. "Northeastern Colorado is known for pheasant, goose and deer hunting," he said. "This is the biggest area for that and I hope to hit that niche."

SmokeTrails offers customers guns and ammo along with cleaning equipment and gear. The local business also offers gun smithing and fishing supplies while also offering local concealed carry classes and private range training. Additionally, Ridlen deals with consignment and displays his own private collection for customers. "It's also a history piece," he said.

Ridlen is a certified NRA instructor and range safety officer. Every other month, Ridlen offers concealed carry classes including one slated for Saturday, Sept. 18. While everyone is invited, Ridlen does ask attendees to call and RSVP as seating is limited. The only requirement, he said, is to be the age of 21. He does allow individuals who are nearing their 21st birthday to take the class so that when they do turn the appropriate age, they can take the test.

In addition to his own inventory, Ridlen features items from local home-based businesses including prints from Vine Studios, designer cups from ZZ Creations, baked goods by Fancy Farm Chic and t-shirts from local high school student Ryan Davis.

Ridlen said SmokeTrails is different from other local gun and ammo stores in that his business offers so many services in just one place. "I can also show them proper care and train them," he said.

SmokeTrails offers a wide variety of ammo and works in conjunction with Cerberus Munitions and other dealers along the front range to offer other hard to find calibers.

To purchase a gun, Ridlen said the process is simple, customers should present a valid photo identification and complete a 4473 form for a background check, which can all be completed in house. Ridlen said right now, wait times for a background check are about 15 minutes.

SmokeTrails is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information or to sign up for a local concealed carry class, call Ridlen at SmokeTrails at (970) 466-4085.