All About Us
Blue Coat Arms Company is proudly dedicated to serving all firearm owners and enthusiasts, from all walks of life. As strong supporters of the 2nd Amendment, we believe that gun ownership is an important and unique American symbol. Our focus is to help our customers get the most out of their firearm experience- whether it is building you a completely customized firearm with the type of quality and craftsmanship that you can take pride in, customizing and servicing your current firearm, or simply supplying you with parts and guidance.
We will do whatever it takes to make sure that when your firearm is returned that it is ready to go for the next outing or ready to defend you. We do this as a courtesy for our customers because we believe that owning a firearm should not be a burden but an enjoyable exercise of your rights as a United States citizen.
Our goal is to produce the best possible work at a reasonable value. We are not into working for free but we are not out to rob anyone either. We take what we do very seriously and want to give our customers the best possible end result.
Gunsmithing is the name of the game here: from cleaning and safety inspections, to installing accessories and building custom firearms, even bringing historic and sentimental relics back to life. There is no job to big or small for our professionally trained gunsmiths.
Meet the Team
Lead Gunsmith / Founder
Kevin "Hootey" Cline
Hootey graduated from Sonoran Desert Institute's (SDI) Associate of Science in Firearms Technology program in 2017. While with SDI he was trained in the following areas: ballistics, inspection and troubleshooting, finishes and engraving, firearms customization, woodworking, hand checkering, accurization, sights and optics, as well as machining and manufacturing. Hootey has also taken part in various advanced armorer courses offered by SDI, including: AR-10, AR-15, and 1911.
​Some of Hootey's notable instructors and mentors at SDI included: Kip Carpenter (American Gunsmithing), Ray Vaughn (Moss Pawn and Gun), and Chris Barrett (Barrett Firearms Manufacturing)
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Phone: 217-416-5962
Email: Bluecoatarms@gmail.com
Chief Operations Officer
Lydia Cline
Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, our “First Lady,” Lydia is the heartbeat of Blue Coat Arms Company’s operations. bringing her organizational skills, fresh perspective, and a whole lot of heart to our small but mighty team. Lydia manages everything from admin and customer communications to content publishing and marketing, making sure our shop runs smoothly and our story reaches the right audience.
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Lydia’s passion for firearms started early, but truly took off when she landed the role of Annie Oakley in a local production of “Annie Get Your Gun.” Trained by Hootey in stage marksmanship and trick shots, she’s been hooked ever since.
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Email: bluecoatarmsmarketing@gmail.com
Phone: 773-236-2629
Chief Security Officer
Zephyr
What’s a shop without its security team? Zephyr is our Bernese Mountain Dog and the self-appointed Chief of Security here at Blue Coat Arms Company. He takes his job seriously—meaning you’ll usually hear his “big bark” the moment someone new steps into his space. Don’t worry though: he’s not aggressive, just alert, watchful, and very dedicated to making sure everyone is accounted for.
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When Zephyr isn’t on duty at the door, you’ll find him right where his people are… and yes, sometimes directly behind you (despite having an entire floor to choose from). He’s a loyal shadow, a proud shop mascot, and a total softie—especially when it comes to his favorite people: his kiddos.
Zephyr’s Security Credentials
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Birthday: March 1st, 2023
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Favorite snacks: Bully sticks
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Special skills: Big-bark alerts, expert customer greetings, and “strategic” floor placement that may cause a trip hazard