Veteran-owned Battle Brothers Tactical opens

NEW LONDON — For Justin I. McDougle opening a storefront in downtown New London is about much more than selling firearms—it is about building community, fostering safety, and passing along a culture of responsible ownership.
McDougle, a U.S. Army veteran, recently opened Battle Brothers Tactical, LLC at 213 W. North Water St., across from El Tequila in the former downtown district.
The business originally launched in 2022 operating out of a small space in Greenville. As demand grew, McDougle collaborated with co-owner Nick Van, owner of Fox Cities Towing, to expand into a full retail space in New London.
“Nick and I ended up looking at a shop out in New London where we’re at now,” McDougle said. “It worked out that this was a good time to expand and put a full retail space in.”

About the name

McDougle joined the military later in life at age 31, serving four years in the U.S. Army as an 88 series transportation specialist attached to an infantry battalion. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010–2011 with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson during major combat operations.
The company name stems directly from his military service.
“When I was going through basic, you referred to your comrades as ‘battles’—Battle Brother, Battle Sister,” McDougle explained. “I always felt like that was very important because it gave some meaning to the person that was beside you.”
McDougle says he brought that philosophy into the civilian world to create a welcoming network for local gun owners.
“It gives a sense of community,” McDougle said. “If you’re part of the Battle Brothers family, that’s important to me. You’re coming into the community with me.”

Training and custom builds
While Battle Brothers Tactical is a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer and National Firearms Act (NFA) dealer offering suppressors and transfers, McDougle places a heavy emphasis on hands-on education and safety.
A certified instructor through the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), McDougle offers small-group instruction—capped at 10 students per class—covering conceal carry, basic and advanced handgun, basic and advanced AR platforms, marksmanship, and one-on-one personal training.
“For me, the training is a big part of it—being able to safely handle firearms,” McDougle said. “You come in, you buy a handgun because you want to be able to defend yourself in your home or wherever, but you want personal safety too. We want to prepare, train, and defend.”
In addition to sales and instruction, McDougle specializes in custom AR-15 and AR-10 builds, scope mounting, firearm cleanings, and general gunsmithing repair.

Local partnerships
Though McDougle continues to work a full-time job in Appleton, putting in 12- to 14-hour days between his job and the shop, he remains deeply committed to regional partnerships.
Battle Brothers Tactical collaborates with the New London Fish and Game Club to utilize their pistol range for safety classes. McDougle also serves as a board member for the club, helping build and expand the local pistol range facilities.
“I want everybody to understand... when you come to my shop, I’m going to do my best to take care of you,” McDougle said. “I’m always going to have your back.”

Shop information

Location: 213 W. North Water St., New London
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (planning to extend to 7:30 p.m.); Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Contact: 920-810-8904 | www.battlebrotherstactical.com.