Firearms retailer to open store in San Antonio

San Antonio's firearms market is set to gain a major retailer.

Gander Mountain, which is based in St. Paul, Minn., and sells guns and outdoor gear, plans to open a 49,000-square-foot store at 8203 Texas 151 in the Westover Marketplace shopping center this fall.

The Northwest Side store will sell thousands of new and used guns, including handguns, hunting rifles and semiautomatic weapons, company representative Jess Myers said. It also will market clothing and equipment for camping, fishing, boating and other activities.

Myers said the company has noticed an increased interest in guns and ammunition across the country. However, that isn't the sole reason for the company's push into the San Antonio area.

Employees at local gun stores said they, too, have seen a rising demand in the area.

Kyle Odom, manager of A Place to Shoot, a gun store and shooting range, said demand has been growing since he began working there a few years ago. Shooting and hunting have become more popular, especially among women, he said, with two female-only shooting clubs now operating in the city. Concealed-carry permits are also on the rise, he said.

In late 2012 and early 2013, there was a spike in demand for guns and ammunition because of the perceived threat of federal legislation limiting gun ownership, employees at local gun stores said.

“Anytime there's a possibility of legislation down the turnpike, it drives up gun sales,” Odom said. “Nothing's been pushed, no one's got the votes, so the buying frenzy has slowed down a lot.”

Gander Mountain is also opening locations in Lewisville, Round Rock and Mesquite, according to a news release. The Mesquite location will be a Firearms Super Center, focusing on selling guns rather than other outdoor equipment. The company already operates 11 stores in Texas.

Phil Telisak, a vice president at the Weitzman Group real estate firm, said he thought Westover Marketplace was a good location for Gander Mountain. He pointed out that nearby Wal-Mart and Academy Sports + Outdoors have done well.

“I think it's a good, strong intersection,” Telisak said. “It speaks strong for the intersection that Gander would put its first location there.”

rwebner@express-news.net

Twitter: @rwebner