MidwayUSA is one of the largest online firearms and shooting sports retailers in the United States, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. Founded in 1977 by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, the company started in their basement selling reloading supplies and has grown into a major e-commerce retailer with over 100,000 products.

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Larry Potterfield is one of the most recognized figures in the shooting sports industry — NRA board member, competitive shooter, and founder of the MidwayUSA Foundation that funds youth shooting teams nationwide. MidwayUSA's growth from a basement reloading supply business to a 100,000+ product retailer is one of the great success stories in firearms e-commerce.
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Key milestones:

• 1977 — Larry and Brenda Potterfield start MidwayUSA in their basement; reloading supplies
• 1980s-90s — Expanded to gunsmithing tools, accessories, hunting gear; catalog-based
• Late 1990s — Early internet adopter; transitioned to primarily online sales
• 2000s — Grew to major online retailer; 100,000+ products
• Present — Columbia, MO headquarters; multiple warehouses; MidwayUSA Foundation supports youth shooting

Shopping Guide

MidwayUSA is online-only (no retail stores):

What MidwayUSA does well:

• Massive selection of reloading components, gunsmithing tools, and accessories
• Competitive pricing, especially during sales
• Fast shipping on in-stock items (1-3 business days)
• Detailed product specs and user reviews on most items
• Strong support for youth shooting programs (MidwayUSA Foundation)

What MidwayUSA doesn't do well:

• Customer service has declined (common complaint in recent reviews)
• Inventory accuracy issues ("in stock" items sometimes backordered)
• Automated chat systems frustrate users seeking real help
• Technical support is limited compared to Brownells
• Some complaints about return process speed

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MidwayUSA vs. Brownells: Both are major online firearms retailers. MidwayUSA has broader inventory and often better pricing. Brownells has better technical support, educational content, and customer service. For pure purchasing (you know what you want), MidwayUSA is often cheaper. For research and support, Brownells is usually better.
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Selection & Inventory

MidwayUSA's 100,000+ product catalog covers virtually everything in the shooting sports:

Inventory notes:

• In-stock items ship fast (1-3 business days typically)
• "In stock" status can be inaccurate — verify for critical purchases
• Reloading components fluctuate with market availability
• Sales and promotions can offer significant savings
• Hazmat shipping fees apply to powder and primers

Service & Support

When MidwayUSA is the right choice:

• You know exactly what you want and are comparing prices
• You're buying reloading components or gunsmithing tools
• You want the widest selection from one retailer
• Price is more important than customer service

When other options might be better:

• You need technical support or product guidance (Brownells)
• You want a physical store experience (Scheels, Sportsman's Warehouse)
• You want the absolute lowest ammo prices (SGAmmo, Lucky Gunner)
• You want specialty optics with expert advice (EuroOptic)
• You want guaranteed inventory accuracy (call before ordering critical items)

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Bottom line: MidwayUSA remains one of the most comprehensive online retailers for shooting sports. The selection and pricing are strong, especially for reloading supplies and accessories. But the customer service reputation has slipped in recent years — if you need support or guidance, Brownells may be a better choice. For straightforward purchases where you know what you want, MidwayUSA is hard to beat on selection.
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References

• MidwayUSA official site: midwayusa.com
• MidwayUSA Foundation (youth shooting programs)
• Consumer reviews: Trustpilot, BBB, Reddit r/guns
• Ammunition Depot: MidwayUSA retailer review

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Boise Gun Club Editorial Team

Join the Discussion

Have you noticed any changes in MidwayUSA's service or inventory lately, and would it affect where you shop for your ammo and gear?