RECOGNIZING COPPERHEAD GUN & RANGE

On 2026-09-23, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING COPPERHEAD GUN & RANGE" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING COPPERHEAD GUN & RANGE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4917] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING COPPERHEAD GUN & RANGE Mr. PAUL. Madam President, as a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, I seek to recognize outstanding Kentucky small businesses that exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit. It is my privilege to recognize Copperhead Gun & Range of Prestonsburg, KY, as a Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2014 by Bill Conley, Copperhead Gun & Range began in Martin, KY, with a mission to provide eastern Kentucky with a locally owned source for firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories while promoting responsible firearm ownership. What began as a small firearms retailer has since grown into one of the region's premier destinations for shooting sports, firearms education, and training. The business later transitioned to Brian Nelson, who saw an opportunity to expand Copperhead. In 2016, Copperhead opened a larger facility in Prestonsburg featuring an indoor shooting range and expanded retail operations. Aaron Scott took responsibility for managing the new location and overseeing its day-to-day operations, beginning nearly a decade of leadership and growth. Under Aaron's management, Copperhead expanded its customer base, products, and services while developing a reputation for knowledgeable service and expertise. In 2025, after years of helping build the business, Aaron purchased Copperhead from Brian and became its owner and CEO. Today, Copperhead's business has grown to approximately three times its earlier size while remaining locally and family owned. Copperhead is now a full-service firearms retailer and indoor shooting range serving customers throughout eastern Kentucky. In addition to firearms, ammunition, optics, accessories, and related products, Copperhead emphasizes education and responsible firearm ownership. The business provides concealed carry certification classes, firearms safety instruction, hunter education, and specialized training opportunities. Following the devastating floods that struck eastern Kentucky in July 2022, Copperhead became an official Floyd County donation collection site, helping gather essential supplies for families who had lost homes and belongings. When flooding again struck Floyd County in February 2025, Copperhead did more than collect donations. The business provided specialized military-style vehicles and personnel to assist the Floyd County Sheriff's Office with emergency response efforts. Working alongside local first responders, Copperhead's team helped evacuate more than 100 residents from flooded areas and transported critical emergency equipment where conventional vehicles could not safely travel. Copperhead's commitment to its customers and community has not gone unnoticed. The business has been recognized as ``Best in the Mountains'' by the Floyd County Chronicle, reflecting the reputation Aaron and his team have built among the people they serve. Small businesses like Copperhead Gun & Range demonstrate the important role locally owned businesses play in their communities. They create jobs, develop expertise, invest locally, and, when their neighbors are in need, answer the call. Congratulations to Aaron Scott and the entire team at Copperhead Gun & Range. I wish them continued success. ____________________