Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop

Bob's Gun & Tackle opened in 1962 when Bob and Wilma built a tiny shack behind their Freeport home with 16 guns, some ammo boxes, and reloading supplies. By 1968, they'd moved to their current Hastings location near M-43. Sixty years later, their four children—Larry, Deb, Steve, and Cindy—still run the shop with the same work ethic that built it.

Firearms Department - Thousands of new and used shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, and handguns - All major brands in stock - Full line of gun cases, slings, holsters, vision and hearing protection - Gun scopes, spotting scopes, rangefinders, binoculars - Thousands of boxes of ammunition - Download used longgun and handgun inventory listings online

Hunting Department - Predator accessories, big game gear, food plot supplies - Decoys, scents, and game calls - One of West Michigan's largest camo and clothing selections - Rain gear, footwear, and scent-blocking apparel - Full line of gun essentials and tactical gear

Archery Department - Crossbows to longbows - 30+ major brands in stock - Arrows, carbon shafts, sights, rests, quivers - 3D targets and archery accessories - Youth options available

Fishing Department - Hundreds of styles of rods and reels from all major manufacturers - One of West Michigan's largest tackle and bait selections - Options for trolling, ice fishing, local, and saltwater fishing - Kids' fishing kits and character-themed tackle boxes

Address: 2208 West M-43 HWY, Hastings, MI 49058 Phone: 269-945-4106 Fax: 269-945-4277 Email: [email protected]

Bob grew up in Arkansas on a family farm and moved to Michigan as a kid. He developed a passion for hunting and fishing and later taught himself the skills that would define his life. He met Wilma at a family friend's house back in Arkansas, and they married a year later after a courtship conducted mostly through letters.

For the first five years of the business, Bob worked a factory job while Wilma ran the shop and raised their family. They reinvested every dollar into inventory. By the late 1960s, the shop had grown enough to support the family full-time.

"The thing I always appreciated was you knew no matter what your status was in life, you always got treated the same." — Former employee

Bob and Wilma embodied that approach: hard work, straight ethics, and treating everyone with respect. Bob hunted elk, moose, mule deer, antelope, caribou, and black bear on out-of-state trips. He planted thousands of trees and food plots to benefit wildlife. Wilma was the anchor of the family, known for incredible Sunday dinners. Bob passed in 2019 after a long illness; Wilma had died from cancer in 1992.

Their children now manage the business—Larry, Deb, and Steve work there full-time, while Cindy runs her own pet business. The family has never lost sight of the values that built the shop: hard work, dedication, and knowing your customers.

They stock deep inventory across five departments so you're not driving to three different stores. The staff actually knows hunting, fishing, and archery—not just selling points. They're open extended hours in fall for deer season, close on major holidays to respect family time, and they've been around long enough to know what works and what doesn't.