Norton Sporting Goods

Norton Sporting Goods started in 1968 when Howard and Susan Dean opened their doors near the Delaware Wildlife Area. The store has grown steadily—adding a tackle and live bait area in the early '70s, expanding display space in 2009, and becoming the largest hunting and fishing selection in the area. Today, James Dean (the youngest of the three Dean children who grew up in the business) manages operations with Zack Stutler, a 20-year veteran employee. Howard still stops by to share his 54+ years of industry knowledge.

"The heart of Norton Sporting Goods is our loyal customers, many of whom have been with us for decades."

This is a Class III firearms dealer carrying new and used firearms from all the major brands. They stock ammunition, optics, muzzleloaders, knives, archery equipment, live bait, and tackle. The inventory is large enough that they've been featured in Inside Archery magazine.

If they don't have exactly what you need in stock, they'll special order it (50% non-refundable deposit required, typically available within 30 days).

Gunsmithing: - Mount and bore-sight scopes on firearms and crossbows - Installation of sling swivels - Fit and install recoil pads - Replace AR-style rifle parts - Firearm cleaning and minor repairs

Bowsmithing: - Complete bow set-ups (draw length and draw weight adjustment) - String peep installation - Drop-away rest installation and timing - Sight, rest, and quiver installation - Arrow cutting, insert installation, and restretching

Other Services: - Firearms appraisals ($25 flat fee + $5 per firearm, in-home appraisals available with trip charges) - Layaway program (10% non-refundable deposit, 30-day pickup window) - Special orders

Conveniently located on State Route 229 just west of US Route 23—right next to the Delaware Wildlife Area, Delaware Rifle and Archery Range, and a few miles from Delaware State Park.

The staff here share genuine passion for hunting, shooting, and fishing. They offer informal guidance based on decades of personal experience in Ohio's fields and waters—not corporate training. The atmosphere is genuinely friendly and welcoming, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance. They accept cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa, and offer in-store pickup on orders.

This is a family business that's served multiple generations of customers and employees. That staying power matters.