Bomgaars is a family-owned farm, ranch, and home supply retailer operating 180+ locations across 15 states in the central United States. Founded in 1944 in Iowa, the company serves rural and suburban communities with agricultural supplies, tools, hardware, and sporting goods — including firearms and ammunition.

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Bomgaars fills a critical niche: in small Midwestern towns where dedicated gun stores may not exist, the farm supply chain's sporting goods department is often the only local source for firearms, ammunition, and hunting accessories.
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Key milestones:

• 1944 — Founded in Iowa as a farm supply operation
• 1950s-60s — Expanded across Iowa and neighboring states
• 1980s-2000s — Grew to 100+ locations; added firearms departments
• Present — 180+ stores across 15 Midwestern/Plains states; family-owned

Company slogan: "What You Need...When You Need It." Competes with Tractor Supply, Fleet Farm, and Rural King in the farm supply segment.

Shopping Guide

Bomgaars is a farm supply store with a sporting goods department — not a dedicated firearms retailer. Set expectations accordingly:

Best reasons to shop Bomgaars for firearms:

• Local convenience in rural areas without dedicated gun shops
• Competitive ammunition pricing (similar to other farm supply chains)
• Hunting licenses and basic accessories
• One-stop shopping: pick up fencing supplies, feed, ammo, and a hunting license in one trip

What Bomgaars isn't:

• Not a destination for serious firearms shopping
• Limited handgun selection at most locations
• Don't expect deep product knowledge at the counter
• Modern sporting rifles and tactical gear are minimal

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Appointment-based firearms sales: Many Bomgaars locations require scheduling an appointment to purchase firearms. Call ahead before making a special trip for a gun purchase — walk-in availability varies by store.
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Firearms Department

Bomgaars' firearms offerings focus on the practical needs of rural customers: hunting rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and basic accessories.

Typical inventory:

Ammunition:

• Common hunting calibers reliably stocked
• Rimfire (.22 LR) usually available
• Shotgun shells for hunting and clay sports
• Pricing competitive with Tractor Supply and Fleet Farm
• Selection more limited than big-box sporting goods stores

Accessories:

• Basic cleaning kits and supplies
• Soft cases and gun socks
• Basic optics (low-end scopes)
• Hunting licenses (where applicable)
• Archery basics at some locations

Store Locations

Bomgaars operates 180+ stores across 15 states in the Midwest and Plains region:

Store format:

• Typically 15,000-30,000 sq ft
• Warehouse-style layout similar to Tractor Supply
• Firearms department usually a dedicated counter area
• Located in small to mid-size towns, often along main highways

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Bomgaars vs. competitors: Bomgaars' firearms offerings are comparable to Tractor Supply and slightly behind Fleet Farm. For dedicated firearms shopping, Rural King or Scheels will have significantly better selection. Bomgaars' advantage is its deep presence in small Midwestern towns where it may be the only option within 30 minutes.
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References

• Bomgaars official site: bomgaars.com
• Store locator and department information
• Consumer reviews from Midwestern rural communities
• Farm supply retail industry analysis

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

Join the Discussion

Have any of you shopped at Bomgaars for ammo or firearms gear, and how does their selection and pricing compare to what you're finding at the bigger box stores?