- Best For: Hunters, anglers, campers, and shooters
- Stores: More than 110 locations, plus Sportsmans.com
- Free Shipping: Orders of $75 or more
- Ship to Store: Free at any order size
- Returns: 30 days on most items, with some exclusions
What Sets It Apart
Sportsman's Warehouse was founded in 1986 and has grown to more than 110 stores. Each store carries an assortment of over 60,000 items, and the mix is tuned to the region, so a store in Utah and a store in North Carolina stock what local hunters and anglers actually use.
The stores also run seminars and special events, and many offer gunsmithing services. Staff tend to be outdoor people themselves, which shows in the advice you get at the counter.
Online, Sportsman's Warehouse extends that selection to your door, with free ship-to-store for anyone near a location.
Shop by Activity in Sportsman's Warehouse
| Activity | What You Will Find | Buying Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Optics, calls, blinds, camo, packs | Buy optics in store where you can compare glass side by side |
| Fishing | Rods, reels, tackle, waders, kayaks | Ask staff what is biting locally before buying lures |
| Camping | Tents, sleeping bags, stoves, coolers | Check weight and packed size, not just price |
| Shooting | Firearms, ammunition, targets, cleaning gear | Pick up ammo in store to skip the shipping surcharge |
| Footwear and apparel | Boots, base layers, jackets | Try boots in store, since base layers cannot be returned |
| Boating and paddling | Kayaks, boating gear, accessories | Large items may ship by freight truck |
Gearing Up for a First Season
New to hunting or fishing? The store layout can feel huge, so go in with a short list.
- First-time angler: a rod and reel combo, a small tackle box, line, and a few local lures
- First-time hunter: safety orange, a pack, optics, and the right ammo for your firearm
- First-time camper: a tent rated for your season, a sleeping bag, a pad, and a simple stove
Ask staff which gear suits the lakes, trails, or hunting units near you. Regional advice is the whole point of shopping here, and it often saves you from buying gear you will not use. Attend a seminar before your trip if one is scheduled.
Shipping Options
| Option | What It Costs |
|---|---|
| Standard shipping | Free on orders of $75 or more |
| Ship to store | Free at any order size, usually 7 to 12 business days |
| Buy online, pick up in store | Free, for items already in stock locally |
| Ammunition shipped to home | $19.99 surcharge for mandated safety handling |
| Hazardous materials | Ground-only, with a possible hazmat charge |
| Large items | May ship by LTL freight truck |
Orders placed before 11:00 AM MST are usually processed the same day. Most ship by UPS Ground. For anything bulky or ammunition, pickup in store is almost always the better deal.
How Firearm Orders Work
Buying a firearm online is legal and straightforward, but it follows set rules.
- Choose the firearm online from thousands of listed models
- Select a Sportsman's Warehouse store, where shipping is free
- Or select a participating local firearm dealer, with a $15 processing fee
- Wait for the store's notice, usually within 7 to 10 days
- The person who placed and paid for the order must pick it up
- Bring valid ID and complete the federal background check
After the transfer, a firearm sale is final. Warranty issues are handled by the manufacturer, and Sportsman's covers reasonable shipping and insurance for warranty or repair claims made within 30 days of the transfer.
The Return Rules in Sportsman's Warehouse
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Store purchases | 30 days with original receipt, resalable condition, original packaging |
| Gift receipts | Exchange or gift card only |
| Online and oversized items | 30 days of delivery in new, unused condition |
| Wrong or damaged items | Ground return shipping may be reimbursed |
| Not returnable | Firearms, ammunition, primers, powder, bullets, bear and pepper spray |
| Also not returnable | Base-layer clothing, mouth calls, software, gas-powered engines |
That exclusion list is the key thing to read before you buy. For boots, jackets, and anything you are unsure about, trying it on in store first is the safest move.
Explorewards: The Loyalty Program
Explorewards is free to join, in store or online. Members earn points on purchases and redeem them as an eGift card. You can also add previous transactions to your account and claim points on purchases made before you signed up, a feature many programs do not offer.
The Explorewards Visa card adds faster point earning, special financing on big purchases, and cardmember events, with no annual fee. Use it only if you pay the balance in full each month.
In-Store Services
- Gunsmithing: mounting, cleaning, and repair services at many stores
- Seminars and events: hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills sessions
- Local advice: region-specific gear and staff who know the area
- Pickup counter: collect online orders, ammo, and firearms
- Price match: bring proof of a lower price on an identical item from a qualifying competitor
The seminars are a real asset for beginners. A first-time hunter or angler can learn the basics and buy the right gear from the same people.
How to Pay Less
- Join Explorewards before your first purchase
- Add past receipts to your account to claim points you missed
- Use free ship-to-store for small orders
- Pick up ammunition in store to avoid the $19.99 home shipping surcharge
- Build online carts over $75 when shipping home
- Ask for a price match on identical items
- Watch for seasonal sales ahead of hunting and fishing seasons
- Check the promo code page, where codes change often
Frequently Asked Questions
When is shipping free?
On orders of $75 or more, and ship-to-store is free at any order size.
Can I return a firearm?
No. Firearms, ammunition, and related items are not returnable. Warranty issues go through the manufacturer.
How long does ship-to-store take?
Usually 7 to 12 business days. Firearms are usually available within 7 to 10 days.
Is Explorewards free?
Yes. Members earn points and can add previous transactions to claim points retroactively.
Does Sportsman's Warehouse price match?
Yes, on identical items from qualifying competitors with proof of the lower price.
Final Verdict
Sportsman's Warehouse is a strong pick for anyone who spends time in the field or on the water. Regional stock, knowledgeable staff, in-store seminars, and a wide online catalog make it easy to gear up for almost any outdoor activity.
Shop it the smart way. Join Explorewards, use ship-to-store for small orders, pick up ammo in person, and read the return exclusions before buying base layers, calls, or anything restricted. Do that, and Sportsman's Warehouse is one of the most practical outdoor retailers you can use.