707 Gun Shop reopens at new Myrtle Beach location

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)– The 707 Gun Shop is officially back open for business after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning in Myrtle Beach.

Several area politicians attended and presented the owner, Robert Batista, with various certifications.

It’s the fourth time Batista said the shop has moved locations and the third time he has expanded the shop since he opened the doors more than 30 years ago.

Batista said the new location at 959 Lake Arrowhead Road in the old California Pizza Kitchen building is the area’s largest gun shop. The previous location was in the Socastee area.

“I’m happy to finally be open,” Batista said. “And I’m looking forward to being here in the area. I think this is going to be a really good move for everybody.”

Jason Freer presented a congressional certification on behalf of Rep. Russell Fry. Heather Ammons Crawford also presented a motion from the South Carolina House congratulating Batista on the opening. Horry County Council Member Cam Crawford was also in attendance.

Batista said the reopening means the end of a long hard year.

“I’m going to bring a fresh little business to the area,” he said. “And I hope the area brings me some fresh new business.”

Batista said his business offers a safe space where customers can become educated on what it means to be a gun owner and get comfortable using the one, they decide to buy.

“We’re not looking for consumers,” Batista said. “We’re looking for customers, people want service, and I would feel better knowing they walked out of here a little bit smarter and educated.”

Batista said his gun shop strives for training and insists on first-time firearm owners to take their introductory handgun course. Adding that’s why the shop has an indoor shooting range.

“This way, not only did you walk out of here with the experience of firing a firearm,” Batista said. “But you know the 10 rules of gun safety.”

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

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Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. 

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