Our Story
The Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts has a rich history of small arms production. From companies like Smith & Wesson and Savage Arms, to the great historic Springfield Armory founded by George Washington in 1777, Western Massachusetts has for hundreds of years produced some of the finest arms in the nation. We at Pioneer Valley Arms believe in the right to bear arms, and hope to help continue the tradition of gun ownership in the Pioneer Valley.
Our Vision
Our team is dedicated to providing the best customer service in the industry. Whether you are just learning about guns, or a seasoned shooter, Pioneer Valley Arms will give you the respect and service you deserve.
Our Team
Kendall Knapik - President
Since 2012, Ms. Knapik has helped build multiple successful businesses in the Western Massachusetts area. She is no stranger to running efficient, well-regarded retail operations.
Ms. Knapik's reputation as a smart, hard-working, and dedicated professional precedes her. Her efforts to provide exceptional customer service have garnered a dedicated base of customers who know that she will always make sure they are taken care of.
Ms. Knapik is a certified Massachusetts Basic Firearms Instructor, an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, and an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. She has also received Armorer certifications for GLOCK® and S&W M&P® pistols.
Orpheus Barrows - Social Media Director
Mr. Barrows has been a dedicated professional in the firearms industry since 2017. His knowledge of a myriad of different gun platforms has helped innumerable gun owners choose the right tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Mr. Barrows is a certified Massachusetts Basic Firearms Instructor, an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, and an NRA Range Safety Officer. As a premier instructor at Pioneer Valley Arms, he has guided thousands of students in their journey towards lawful, and responsible gun ownership.
His skills are not just limited to firearms and training, either; a natural talent for photography and cinematography, coupled with his customer service skills have made Mr. Barrows the perfect choice for managing all of Pioneer Valley Arms' social media and digital advertising campaigns.
Michael Meunier - Purchasing & Repairs
Mr. Meunier began working in the industry in 2015, and his passion for both firearms and education has blossomed into co-ownership of the highest-volume firearm retail store in Western Massachusetts. He is a trained Armorer in numerous gun platforms, with certifications in GLOCK® pistols, SIG SAUER® P320 and P365 pistols, and the 22-hour AR-15 Master Armorer certification from the School of the American Rifle®.
As the in-house armorer for Pioneer Valley Arms, Mr. Meunier is responsible for facilitating all repair orders and gunsmithing work for our customers. He brings his love of firearms into the service he provides; every gun brought is treated with the care and respect as if it were his own.
Mr. Meunier is also a certified Massachusetts Basic Firearms Instructor, a USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals Certified Instructor, an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, and an NRA Range Safety Officer.