In an area where there are abundant hunting and other recreational activities that utilize guns, Blacked Out Arms is a business that provides a needed service for the area. Owner Jason Hryczyk says the business actually began five years ago on the north side of town.

During that time he worked for friends, law enforcement and eventually gained some contract work.

“It snowballed from that point on,” Jason said. With encouragement from those for whom he was working, he opened his storefront in downtown St. Germain.

Prior to opening the storefront, Jason lost his best friend, a man he considered his brother. Gregory Rosenthal was one of three men who died in the tragic crash of Spirit 2 in April 2018. This helicopter was a part of the medical transportation team managed by Ascension Wisconsin Spirit Medical Transport.

Rosenthal was also part of the staff at Blacked Out Arms and was going to man the booth at the gun shows Blacked Out Arms participated. To say Hzyczyk was devastated is no understatement.

But they had to push forward to get the store on its feet. Hryczyk said, “We service law enforcement, sportsmen, and recreational guys. We do everything from basic hunting rifles through machine guns, silencers and everything else in between that is legal.”

Hyrczyk originally started in the gun trade by loading ammunition 15 years ago as a way to supplement the family income. He has been a firefighter/paramedic for more than 20 years. The young Hyrczyk family lived in Kenosha County at that time. 

Jason eventually took a job with a private company that provided both airlift and ground transportation services to Milwaukee Children’s Hospital. He was a paramedic while in Milwaukee.

“When an opportunity to move north came along, we jumped on it in ’07,” he said. He took a job working for an Oneida County medical transportation company. “I was with Oneida County EMS up until three years ago,” he relayed.

He was approached by St. Germain to head up the new ambulance service that was coming shortly. His response — “You bet, I would love to do that!” The new ambulance service would give the town a faster response time and more personnel. He is now the St. Germain Ambulance Director and paramedic.

“It’s a win-win. How can I not want to better my community?” During this time, Hyrczyk was loading blackout brass for a gun shop. Making the brass for one particular gun made a living for his family until they got the store up and running. So when he opened his shop, he named it after the business that kept the family going. 

This is a family business with wife, Renee, helping out as well as the couple’s two young children. The Hyrczyk’s family also includes fire fighting personnel and former military members.

Blacked Out Arms is a one-stop-shop for everyone’s gun needs. As stated on their Facebook page, they, “offer some of the best prices on quality ammo, firearms, and accessories. Class 3 items & transfers. We do consignment, trades, and buy used guns.

“We offer quality remanufactured ammunition, custom-built ARs, low-cost firearm transfers, custom loaded ammo, special orders on firearms and accessories, and low prices. We are a 07 FFL and in July we will be a 02 SOT to handle all of your NFA type needs and wants. We have the capability and resources to be able to handle almost any size order including stocking for stores, ranges, and frequent orders. Shipping is no issue as we have multiple options.” He also loves to stock exotics.

Hyrczyk emphasized that as a businessman locals come first and special orders are filled before the shelves are stocked. He keeps prices so low that he has driven down the market price. He only raises a price when his costs increase and is vigilant about fighting price gouging.

He went on to say the gun business has been directly affected by the health crisis. Sales nationally have increased by 700%. Suppliers had an 18 month supply of 9mm ammo and sold it out in less a week. However, Blacked Out Arms has been able to maintain their stock because of the relationship Jason has with his suppliers. He works very closely with his customers to keep them apprised of his stock.

Also, because he does business with law enforcement and his contract work, his store remains open as an essential business. He reassures his clientele that every sanitation precaution is taken.

Store hours for Blacked Out Arms are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Summer store hours will be expanded so watch for them. The store is located at 140 Sunset Blvd., St Germain. It is located next to Eliason Realty and is across the street from D J’s Northwoods Family Restaurant. Their phone number is (715) 891-5432.

To learn more about Blacked Out Arms visit their Facebook website.