Big Bear Hunting & Firearms

Two separate shops — one for fishing and one for hunting/​shooting. The fishing side is very bare, looks like they hadn’t put all their product out yet. The hunting side had items for archery, cross-​bow and firearms.

The woman who owns this place is very rude and obnoxious. I will not be treated in such manner, I will take my business elsewhere.

Stopped by just before closing time one night last week. Fishing is a brand new hobby and the man behind the counter was very helpful. They seem to have a ton of supplies and gear, live bait, and definitely very friendly service.

not bad place but know ur firearm before entering and dont deal with the wife. she knows bare minimum about things and is a real *itch with capital B.

I visit a lot of stores that sell hunting and fishing supplies. I don’t like the huge chain stores. Mostly because the guy at the counter only knows how to lean on it and stuff I want most often doesn’t have a price tag on it. I’ve been to all of the gun stores in Rhode Island and most are ok but they are usually cluttered to the point where the customers are bumping into each other and the staff for some reason ignores you or worse, see’s you as income.
Not the case at Big Bear Hunting and Fishing. I knew in under 30 seconds this was going to be my go to store and the hour drive from Middletown was worth it. There were a few customers already inside but the two people running the place greeted my wife and I cheerfully and said they would be right with us when they finished with their customer. This doesn’t really happen in gun stores. While we waited we walked around and it was not lost on us that there was a lot of pride and ownership in this store. Big Bear carries everything I could ever want or need. I hunt with firearms and compound bow. Like most veterans I like small arms. This place had almost everything that the 2014 buyers guide had just printed. In other words, Big Bear knows quality. Aside from fire arms, there were crossbows, compound bows, and all the gear and accessories needed. Full service for archery. Throughout the store everything was in it’s place with labels out and everything had a price tag on it. From cover scents to a .45 ACP round, to a gun safe. Great knife display. We even took our blue card test here. They have it all. Beverly, the owner is a professional and don’t let the pretty face fool you. This very nice lady knows guns and details. It’s obvious she takes her business seriously. Big Bear takes safety seriously and they explained laws and regulations. Made me feel ok about asking her to take rifles and shotguns off the wall for me to have a look at and I looked at a lot. it’s nice to focus on the weapon instead of hurrying because the person is standing there visibly irritated that you are only curious and want to look at so many items that you do not intend to purchase. We wanted a side arm and were not sure of which one because all under the glass were on our list so she showed them all and even gave suggestions and never made us think we were being a bother. Nor did anyone in Big Bear attempt to steer us towards the most expensive stuff which is one thing that will send me out the door in a hurry. When other customers came in she greeted them as she did us and said she would be with them as soon as she was finished with us which showed consistent customer service. She didn’t walk off like a lot of stores do. Driving up to the store, my wife and I wondered if there would be this macho type atmosphere that I would have to make go away and if my wife would be patronized when asking questions. Beverly was not like this. I’m sure she could tell our experience and knowledge was not on her level. Beverly took her time with us and even shared proper holding technique vice tea-​cupping for future referance. After the mandatory wait time we met George who is equally awesome and down to earth. He helped me choose some items and was very kind and explained each item.
Knowledge, experience, great personable staff, and stocked with everything and everything I could ever want puts Big Bear Hunting and Fishing at the top of my go to list. I’ll drive right past other gun stores to get to this one.