Which Major Retailers Sell Guns? Complete 2026 Guide

Looking to buy a firearm at a store you already know? Major retailers operate over 5,500 licensed gun counters across the United States—from sporting goods giants like Bass Pro Shops to farm stores like Rural King. Here's a complete breakdown of which retailers sell guns, what they offer, and how to find locations near you.

The Retail Gun Landscape at a Glance

While the United States has approximately 79,990 active FFLs (Federal Firearms Licensees), a significant portion belong to major retail chains. These retailers fall into distinct categories, each serving different customer needs:

Sporting Goods Stores: The Traditional Choice

Sporting goods retailers remain the go-to destination for firearm buyers seeking expert advice and extensive selection. With 1,369 locations across 9 major chains, these stores offer everything from hunting rifles to tactical handguns.

Academy Sports + Outdoors (349 Locations)

Academy Sports dominates the Southern United States with a strong presence in Texas and across the Southeast. Their "gun bar" departments offer:

• Handguns – Glocks, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and more
• Rifles – Hunting rifles, AR-15s, and rimfire options
• Shotguns – Pump, semi-auto, and break-action
• Ammunition – Full selection of calibers

Academy is known for competitive pricing and frequently runs sales on firearms and ammunition. Many firearms are domestically manufactured, helping keep prices stable despite tariff concerns.

Big 5 Sporting Goods (291 Locations)

Big 5 serves the Western United States with stores across California, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. As one of the few major chains selling firearms in California, Big 5 maintains strict compliance with the state's complex gun laws.

Dunham's Sports (272 Locations)

The Midwest's largest sporting goods chain, Dunham's operates across 25 states with strong coverage in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Their firearms departments stock a broad selection of hunting and sporting firearms.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's (219 Combined Locations)

Bass Pro Shops (150 locations) and Cabela's (69 locations) are destination stores for serious outdoorsmen. Since Bass Pro acquired Cabela's in 2017, both chains offer:

• Extensive firearms selection including premium brands
• Pre-owned gun departments at many locations
• Gunsmithing services
• Archery ranges and shooting accessories
• Online ordering with in-store pickup

These stores are known for immersive shopping experiences featuring aquariums, wildlife displays, and restaurant facilities.

Sportsman's Warehouse (144 Locations)

Sportsman's Warehouse operates across 33 states, focusing on hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. Their stores offer everyday low prices plus services like gunsmithing, archery tuning, and concealed carry classes.

Other Sporting Goods Retailers

• Turner's Outdoorsman (43 locations) – California's largest firearms retailer
• Scheels (34 locations) – Employee-owned destination stores in the Midwest and West
• Palmetto State Armory (17 locations) – Known for affordable AR-15s and online sales

Walmart: America's Largest Gun Retailer by Location Count

With 1,809 FFL locations, Walmart operates more gun counters than any other single retailer—more than Bass Pro, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and Academy Sports combined.

However, Walmart's firearm offerings are significantly limited compared to dedicated sporting goods stores:

What Walmart Sells

• Hunting rifles (bolt-action in common calibers)
• Shotguns (12ga, 20ga, .410)
• Rimfire rifles (.22 LR)
• Shotgun shells and hunting rifle ammunition

What Walmart Does NOT Sell

• Handguns (discontinued nationwide in 2019)
• AR-15-style rifles (discontinued in 2015)
• Handgun ammunition (9mm, .45 ACP, etc.)
• .223/5.56 ammunition

Walmart requires buyers to be 21 or older for all firearms and ammunition, regardless of state law. They also will not release firearms without an explicit NICS approval—no "default proceed" after three days.

Walmart Gun Counter Locations by State

Walmart concentrates its firearms departments in states with strong hunting traditions:

Urban and suburban Walmart stores in many markets have phased out firearms entirely. Use our Walmart location finder to confirm availability before visiting.

Pawn Shops: The Second-Largest Category

Major pawn shop chains operate 1,418 FFL locations across 12 well-known brands—but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The United States has 6,147 active Type 02 pawnbroker FFLs in total, meaning the major chains we track represent only about 23% of all pawn shops licensed to sell firearms.

The remaining 4,729 independent pawn shops hold Type 02 licenses and can legally buy, sell, and pawn firearms. These local shops often offer even better deals than the chains.

Pawn shops offer unique advantages for gun buyers:

• Lower prices on new and used firearms
• Negotiable pricing unlike fixed retail
• Trade-in options for existing firearms
• Layaway programs at many locations

Major Pawn Shop Chains

The following chains are the largest branded pawn operators with firearms departments. Many more independent pawn shops also sell guns—use our search to find all licensed pawnbrokers in your area:

All pawn shop firearm transactions require the same NICS background check and ATF Form 4473 as any other FFL dealer.

Farm & Ranch Stores: Rural America's Gun Shops

Farm and ranch supply stores operate 655 firearms locations across 14 chains, serving rural communities where dedicated gun shops may be scarce. These stores often offer competitive pricing and practical firearms for hunting, pest control, and farm use.

Top Farm & Ranch Retailers

Rural King stands out with its dedicated R.K. Guns division, offering gun repair and transfer services alongside retail sales.

Specialty Retailers

Military Exchange (AAFES) – 75 Locations

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service operates gun departments on military installations. Benefits include tax-free purchases and competitive pricing for eligible shoppers:

• Active duty military
• Military retirees
• Guard and Reserve members
• Eligible veterans (expanded access in recent years)

Silencer Dealers – 94 Locations

For NFA items like suppressors, specialized dealers handle the complex ATF paperwork:

• Capitol Armory (51 locations) – Texas-based, ships to 42 states
• Silencer Central (43 locations) – Online-focused with direct shipping

Range USA – 41 Locations

Range USA combines indoor shooting ranges with full-service gun stores. Their locations offer firearms training, concealed carry classes, and membership programs alongside retail sales.

What Each Retailer Type Typically Sells

How to Choose the Right Retailer

Choose Sporting Goods Stores If You Want:

• The widest selection of new firearms
• Expert staff and gunsmithing services
• Handguns, tactical rifles, and full ammunition selection
• Online ordering with in-store pickup

Choose Walmart If You Want:

• Convenient location while running other errands
• Basic hunting rifles and shotguns
• Competitive pricing on entry-level firearms
• No interest in handguns or tactical rifles

Choose Pawn Shops If You Want:

• Lower prices on new and used firearms
• Room to negotiate
• Trade-in value for existing guns
• Unique or discontinued models

Choose Farm Stores If You Want:

• Practical firearms for rural needs
• Competitive pricing without the "gun store" premium
• One-stop shopping with farm supplies
• Service-oriented staff familiar with rural life

The Purchase Process

Regardless of which retailer you choose, buying a firearm follows the same federal process:

1. Select your firearm – Browse in-store or check online availability
2. Present valid ID – Government-issued photo ID showing current address
3. Complete ATF Form 4473 – The federal firearms transaction record
4. Pass NICS background check – Most return in minutes
5. Pay and take possession – Subject to any state waiting periods

Learn more about the complete process in our guide to buying guns and FFL transfer process explained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which retailer has the most gun locations?

Walmart operates 1,809 gun counter locations—more than any other single retailer. However, their selection is limited to hunting rifles and shotguns. For full-service firearms departments, Academy Sports (349), Big 5 (291), and Dunham's (272) lead the sporting goods category.

Does Dick's Sporting Goods sell guns?

Dick's Sporting Goods largely exited the firearms market after 2018, removing gun departments from most stores. A small number of locations may still sell firearms, but they are no longer a significant player in the market.

Which stores sell handguns?

Sporting goods stores (Academy, Bass Pro, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, Big 5, Dunham's), pawn shops, and some farm stores sell handguns. Walmart does not sell handguns.

Can I buy a gun online from these retailers?

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, Palmetto State Armory, and Academy Sports offer online firearm sales with in-store pickup or shipping to an FFL. Walmart does not sell firearms online.

Do major retailers do FFL transfers?

Policies vary by location. Many sporting goods stores and pawn shops accept FFL transfers for online purchases. Transfer fees typically range from $25-$75. Always call ahead to confirm before shipping a firearm.

Are prices better at major retailers or local gun shops?

Major retailers often offer competitive pricing on popular firearms, especially during sales. However, local gun shops may offer better deals on transfers, used firearms, and personalized service. Pawn shops typically offer the lowest prices but with more limited selection.

Find Gun Counters Near You

Ready to shop? Browse our directory of major retailers with firearms departments to find locations near you.

Or search our complete FFL directory to find independent gun shops and all licensed dealers in your area.