The guys try to help. If they can get a specific firearm they will if they can't they will tell you. On line Services like Davidsons Gun Genie can get you that hard to find item and delivered to Brown Bear. Locally Brown Bear usually has the best out the door price for completing online transactions. Reloading component prices are competitive. Stock varies. Range is adequate and pricing is fair. And yes at times the owners are a bit gruff but then aren't we all. A big box store they are not. I have purchased multiple firearms in store or through Davidsons over the years and also ordered odd caliber ammunition all at fair prices. read more

I hate to see local businesses close, but I've never went into a place to spend money and dealt with arrogant idiots like this. George is a crabby old man that does not care how he treats people. He is a condescending fool. I cannot believe the way he acts and speaks. I can't believe they've remained open so long. Cabela's is busy and sometimes you have to wait, but their customer service is great as is their stock and prices. Good riddance, George. read more

Employee (owner?) brusque, rude and apparently quite uninterested in customer service. I went in to inquire about purchasing a long gun and needed to get some more information. I've been a hand gun shooter for a number of years but have never handled a rifle or shotgun and needed to spend some time getting to know one - weight, recoil, etc. I'm a senior so these things matter to me. Guy couldn't be bothered with questions except to say 'you don't want one', 'we don't have any' and 'maybe this time next year'. I'd gone to Cabela's first to look and ask for the same kind of help. They had only one guy working the gun counter and he was 8 customers deep. I wasn't going to get any help there so I went to Brown Bear hoping a smaller local store would be easier to shop with. Wasn't. read more

I purchased a gun for Christmas to go on a Pheasant hunt. Went on the hunt and shot the gun 1 time and it did not work . So I sat and watch my son hunt!!! Took it back and they said I was suppose to shot 100 rounds to prime it. Sure I have $ to throw out purchasing a 100 rounds just to shoot off! I have been hunting for 40 years and have multiple hunting guns and never had to prime a gun. After taking it in they sent it out and it was missing a barrel retaining ring. It was assemble when I purchase it! After picking it up and open box it was in parts. Why should I have to put it back together. Not very professional. I will pay the extra $ at a more professional location read more

Been there a couple of times for the benefit of the doubt... The first time, there were only one other customer there and two store representative. Neither one of us are being assisted. And when I did asked for help they made me feel I was bothering them and when I asking a question about a merchandise they made my feel like I asked a stupid question. They are not friendly to everyone as if them are selective. The second time I came in the store it felt like the 1st time as before.... I hope they change their attitude... other people I know has mixed feelings about the store. read more

I walked in with my rifle's bolt action open. Was harassed as soon as I walked in. Was told the rifle needed to be in a case. I wanted to buy one there and get my scope sighted-in. I was told it was illegal to transport the gun without a case. Kind of a catch 22. I was also told I was lucky they didn't shoot me, or at least have a shotgun pointed at me. The guy who helped me was carrying-on about the lack of case. He cried like a bitch about my lack of etiquette the whole time he was looking online for a long enough case. He couldn't find one. I was also told I was lucky they didn't call the police. I'll never give them business again. Beware you don't get shot for not having a case!!! read more

Purchased 2 boxes of normal gun range 9mm ammo. They charged $40.00 per box.. then went to Cabalas and both same for $21.99 per box. You decide. Now that there is a new range on M59 open I will never go back. read more

Rude customer experience, especially for a first time buyer. I've never heard such obstinate behavior from someone on the phone while I'm trying to ask a simple question about transfers. Consider directing your business and hard earned dollars elsewhere. read more

I still remember the day my dad took me to brown bear sporting goods to buy my first rifle. I purchased a few from them before I moved to Nevada. I'm happy to see they're still in business. Tomorrow I get to take my sister for her first firearm. It's hard to believe that Brown Bear is now serving 3 generations of my family read more

Went to buy a new handgun Very unprofessional and rude

Love this place! I have bought all of my handguns here with 100% great service. I just got my CPL and went there without calling. Customer service was awesome and they had the exact S&W M&P 45 Shield w/ Integrated Crimson Laser I was looking for. They also had the exact 40 I was looking for. Not sure about the other reviews as I always have a great experience when I go there. Love their convenient Range as well!!! Finally, when I have to order a custom gun online I use them as a FFL Dealer. Easy transactions every time. read more

I know their is a lot going on right now, but the rudeness is unnecessary, when more ammo is available I will not be getting it here. Joe could at least look up from his computer to give his one word answers. I've already had bad experiences at the range here, but first time experiencing rudeness while just trying to buy ammo, I will never pass the threshold of this business again. read more

Solid guys running the place. I've been shooting here for years. COVID-19 hasn't deterred the shop. Wear a mask, go shoot.

The person behind the counter was rude, and did not seem to know or care about me being a customer. The range had no safety officer, and was very smoky, stuffy, and hot. I have been to many ranges, and this is one of the worst ranges I have been to. read more

Spence S. I first visited the store in 1984 and was treated exceptionally poor. I have visited the store once a year until 2014, and each visit was as bad as the previous one. After 30 years I gave up on the surly attitude, condescension and more than once vulgerness. Brown Bear is under a mile from my front door and I'll drive the extra distance to be treated decently. Even with the addition of the range, I shoot weekly, I will spend the money in gas and time to go else ware. I'd rate them on the negative scale if available. read more

Friendly and helpful staff even for novice shooters. They go out of their way to help and educate you on the firearm you are thinking of purchasing. They also have a in store range and gun that you can rent to try out before you purchase. The range is very clean and well ventilated. I took their cpl class which is run by Detroit Arms with the shooting portion at B.B. Most weekends there are fresh homemade cookies on the counter (the choc. chip are the best) for you to snack on. They are so good at training you most ppl end up able to shoot a business card in half edge on although i wasn't one of them read more

OK, this is not a big store like QCT, Dick's or Gander mountain. It is a small locally owned store that does their best to service their small community of local users. They have a small clean shooting range designed mostly for pistols. Their stock of guns is small but varied. The owner has been into guns for many years and does share his experience, which can turn off some buyers, but they are truly trying to help improve the long term experience of owing a fire arm. While their prices are not low they are fare market rates. During the 22LR ammunition shortage they always had a box of 100 rounds available for their repeat business customers wanting to use the range. While the store could use a remodel uplift and a fresh coat of paint, the true value of this little store cab be found in the owner who will spend time helping a new gun owner learn to be responsible one or an avid gun collector find a special gun which they can assist with transfer process. So for flash visit others, for help and assistance brown bear can be worth the visit. read more

This store was awful! If you're a woman looking for a personal weapon do not ho to this store. A large man with a beard I believe his name was Joe was eating a sandwich when we entered. He did not look up and said "what do you need?" I told him I was looking for a personal automatic handgun. He was misogynistic, rude, and didn't want to be kept from his sandwich. I have a CPL as was prepared to buy a weapon today. My husband and so walked out they're not getting our business. Horrific customer service. read more

I had to qualify at this range for the final part of my CPL class. I enjoyed it. The employee (didn't catch his name), ran down the basics for me before I even put the mag in the gun. I'm a novice shooter, so I appreciated that. The building itself is a little rough around the edges to look at, though. I didn't look at any firearms and prices, so I can't speak on that. I will be going back to use their range though. read more

This place is great. Staff are really knowledgeable and helpful and it's a great place for gear and for practice. I see the other reviews commenting on Joe. I think he is awesome and adds some character to this place. He can eat his sandwich and give me one word answers all day if he wants. read more

I have been dealing with George the owner since the early 1970's. I have owned, shot and hunted with firearms since 1966, including rifle and pistol competition. But, when I what to know something about firearms I consult George. For example, when I needed a varmint rifle for my grandson I told George I was looking for a rifle that had a guaranteed MOA accuracy and the rifle I wanted was over $1000. George agreed my choice was a good rifle but there was a different rifle with an MOA guarantee for less than half that. I took his advice purchased his recommendation, the rifle was exactly what my 11 year old grandson needed and he has hit prairie dogs as far as 400 yards. I encourage people to see George ask his venerated opinion and then follow through and take the advice. He has over 50 years of shooting, hunting and competition experience with handgun, rifle and shotguns. read more

George was great. Told me on the phone pricing and that he would order what I wanted. Got there, best prices, fast services and knowledgeable guys. Bought two guns. read more

Don't bother asking questions because you will be more less belittled and made fun of for attempting to question them. They are the superior power, full of knowledge. If you know what you're shopping for they may have the gun you want, if you go in ask for just that. This is the only reason I can't give them a negative rating. Do not support the range. read more

I went in there as well for the first time fully intending on buying a pistol. I chose a pistol and was ready to purchase it when they began telling me I was stupid for buying that one and I needed to buy one of their choice. The 2 guys talked themselves out of a guaranteed sale. They were rude and thought they knew it all. Don't waste your time going here when gander mountain is right down the road. read more

Yep!! It's that bad!! Actually, it's worse than that!! You will be verbally abused and belittled at every turn!! Whether it's buying gun or using the range, these people love to make you uncomfortable. They only want to sell you large caliber guns with big markups!! Don't spend a dime with these people!! read more

This review is based on an experience from winter 2012.. I was bored, had cash to burn, and I'm always looking for decent-priced range ammo. I walk in and wow, its dark, dingy but hey I'm there to buy ammo so I don't really care. While there I decide to look at their stock of well, everything. I own multiple weapons which means I need multiple types of rounds, holsters, cases, cleaning equip, etc. The larger gentleman sat behind the counter and seemed to treat me as a "guy looking for trouble" as he says. I tell him I'm just looking around as I've never been there and was generally curious. Well I saw ZERO long guns, with a small selection of pistols and probably 2 or 3 revolvers. Prices were nothing to write home about so I ask about range ammo. Thats when the counter guy gets a little more agitated. The ammo reloads were poorly marked as to the calibers so when I asked he seemed very snooty and gave me the "its right there in front of you". I'm sorry your plastic bin with zip lock bags of loose ammo isn't marked. Very disappointed. Was excited when I realized I had a gun store in nearly my back yard but was extremely disappointed in the "staff", stock, and overall aspects of this "sporting goods" store read more

Over priced, small and almost no stock. Fat guy behind the counter was rude and of no help. Stay away

Bob N that gave the 5 star review, the ONLY other review besides mine must either be the owner or related to them. I have never been treated so rudely in my life from the time I walked in the door to the time I left. I stopped in to see if they had any ammo that I had been looking for. I was the only person in the place one early Saturday morning. The guy sitting behind the counter surfing the web didn't even look up, much less acknowledge I had entered his store. After walking past the idiot at the computer, the lady in the back acknowledged I was there. Then in a snide tone, asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. I told him and in a terribly condescending manner, proceeded to explain to me basically how big of an idiot I was for even looking for it. I immediately left the placed shocked in how I was treated. Never again will I step foot in their establishment. read more

Well, after reading the reviews, I still decided to go there to see about having my scope mounted to my rifle. I needed some parts and when I asked the guy behind the counter, I found him to be rather rude. He stated the rifle I had, did not show which mounts I needed on the Remington website. I thought he was going to do some research to help me out but, nope and was not the case. I told him it should use the Remington 700 mounts and plus the barrel was already tapped so easy to test the mounts. He just seemed not to care and said it was bad if you have to use Remington mounts only. While he was fixing his printing device for the credit card machine, I looked up the parts on my phone and told him, this is what I need and he can keep the gun to order parts and it would be ok. Nope, not the case, he showed no interest what so ever in helping me and it was like I was not even there. I left there and went to Dicks Sporting Goods where they mounted the scope and bore sighted the gun for free and it was done while I was there in 40 minutes. I will never go back to the "Brown Bear" again, he was so rude and I am a very calm person for the most part but, this guy, which is the same guy people have been writing the reviews on, is horrible and should not be running any store; let alone work in customer service. I have been there before but, always had the older guy which I think is the father and owner of the store, not sure but, he was great to work with. I bought pistol from him (the other older gentleman) at "Brown Bear" in the past. read more

Small shop, small range, short drive! Staff was friendly and I like that they issue a range card so you don't have to sign a release every time. read more

Ive never had a bad experience here. No its not brand new and carrying the latest and greatest at cheap discounted rates but it doesnt claim to be. I find good ammo deals here all the time and will continue frequent the place as long as i live within a reasonable distance. read more

Brown Bear is exactly what we were looking for. My wife and I went there the first time about a month and a half ago and have been shooting there since. The gentlemen that work there have given us a tremendous amount of knowledge, assistance (and moral support) along the way. Not only have they helped us improve our shooting tremendously but they really know about their products and how to use them. I have read in other reviews on here that the customer service isn't good but in my honest opinion I really think it is top notch. Sure there is no sales person pestering you the entire time you are in the store but I find that refreshing. There is no pressure here at all. You can browse until you have questions and then get honest answers to them. There have been several times I have read about a product online, that they sell in the store, and have had them tell me to not waste my money because the product wouldn't be good for my uses / how I carry, etc. Any time a store owner / operator tells me to NOT give them money I tend to take notice and it has happened multiple times at Brown Bear. When I have asked about different firearms I have received not only honest opinions but entire history lessons on how and why the firearm was made, what is good and bad about the design, who owned the company at the time, when, why and who bought the company for different periods of time and how each owner changed the production and reliability of the firearm and more. They are truly a wealth of knowledge and very happy to share if someone wants to take the time to listen. If you feel you already know "EVERYTHING" this might not be the place for you, but, if you value facts and you want to learn about your firearms and how, why and when they will be useful and which are going to be the best for your circumstances I cannot imagine finding a better resource. read more

No complaints. I've come in asking for oddball calibers in the past (3040 krag, 22 TCM), they always have what I need. They're extremely knowledgeable and promote responsible gun care/safety. The owner behind the counter has a handful of marksman awards on the wall as well; which to me, is more reason to revisit and (hopefully) absorb some knowledge. read more

I was interested in buying a particular pistol and was told why it was a mistake. I didn't bother explaining my reasons or experience for showing interest in this firearm - just drove down the street to Cabellas and saved $20 bucks. I don't always want to buy online or at a big box store, but this place isn't making it easy... read more

A couple years ago I was a newbie looking to buy my wife her first pistol, went to BrownBear looking for a 22 pistol and it was more like a fight with the guy behind the counter to get it. Left there wishing i hadn't bought it and vowing to never give them another penny of business. Against my better judgement I called them yesterday about their range availability and the guy who answered the phone was as helpful as a wart! Might be the worst customer service in the county! The sad thing is that the owner seems like a really nice guy but the guy working behind the counter is horrible. read more

I really don't understand why there are so many negative reviews. I am a novice shoot and was treated great. I came in and let them know I was a novice and they actually gave me the name of their resident NRA rep that does small shoot sessions for $15 for 30 minutes. He always made sure I felt comfortable and wanted to know if I had any questions along the way. When I signed up for a range card, they walked me through the process and made sure that I understood all the rules. They didn't treat me like a kid, but they didn't just blow me off as if I should KNOW what I was doing. The few times I have been there since then (I wouldn't call myself a regular), I have been treated the same every time. I will continue to spend my money there for range time. The only thing I can say, is their range rules might be a little tighter than some ranges. I know they don't allow rapid firing. Which can be an issue if someone is training for competition. But I am not, nor do I need to rapid fire. But when I did witness someone rapid firing, they came in and politely requested the person to stop. read more

I can't believe this place manages to stay open. The owner is resentful and treats paying customers like garbage. Me and 3 friends met up at the range around 6:15pm. The employee or owner, I'm not sure, told us there wouldn't be enough lanes for us until 7:00. Alright, I understand. I mean 3 people is a decent sized group for the range. So we decide to grab a bite to eat. We get back at 7:05 and the guy told us something like "Nope, you guys came too late. I have a CCW class at 7:30". Thank buddy, couldn't have said anything the first time? I'll never go here again. read more