Hoover Tactical Firearms

Gene Smith and Thomas "Whit" Wright opened Hoover Tactical Firearms in 2009 as a neighborhood gun store. The demand was immediate. By 2011, they moved into a 52,000-square-foot former Bruno's grocery store and added what they envisioned: a serious indoor range with training facilities.

The range setup: - 12 pistol shooting lanes - 8 rifle shooting lanes - 2 dedicated classrooms for training - Specialized video simulator for law enforcement training - Southeast's largest indoor training room

The retail space upfront stocks firearms, accessories, and clothing. Out back, in-house gunsmiths handle custom work and refinishing—they even use leftover Bruno's equipment to bake on Cerakote finishes. Gun rentals are available if you want to test before buying.

Training runs the full spectrum: - Free classes for children - Women's-focused instruction - Handgun safety certification - Law enforcement training (agencies use their simulator regularly) - Team-building and specialized courses

"We pride ourselves on education." — Thomas Wright

Cubby's Corner Deli, run by former police officer "Cubby" Manzella, serves hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches with specials like Sloppy Joe Fridays. The menu includes items like the Diablo, Widow Maker, and Heart Attack for the adventurous.

They draw customers from across the region—Demopolis, Cullman, Clanton—plus visitors just passing through who've heard the reputation.