Walk into some gun shops and you feel like you’re in a sterile jewelry store. Not here. If you’ve spent any real time in the Oklahoma shooting scene, or if you’re a reloader who takes their craft seriously, the name Gene Sears Supply Co. carries a specific kind of weight. It’s located at 2003 South Shepard Avenue in El Reno, and honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a living piece of history.
People drive from three states away just to pick up lead shot or specific powders they can’t find anywhere else. But it isn't just about the inventory. The shop is inextricably linked to the man himself—Gene Sears—a legendary figure in the trapshooting world who basically turned El Reno into a pilgrimage site for competitive shooters.
Who Was the Man Behind the Counter?
You can’t talk about Gene Sears El Reno OK without talking about the legend of Gene Sears. He wasn’t just a shop owner; he was a titan of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA). He passed away in 2022, but the legacy he left in the dirt and the smoke of the range is massive.
He was inducted into the Trapshooting Hall of Fame back in 1983. Think about that. To get into that Hall of Fame, you don’t just have to be "good." You have to be dominant. Gene was the first shooter in history to lead the nation in both singles and handicap averages in the same year (that was 1965). He was a perennial All-American.
When you go to the store now, you’re standing in a business founded by a guy who could break 200 straight targets like he was breathing. That expertise trickled down into how they stock the shelves. They don’t just sell you a shotgun; they understand the mechanics of the sport from a championship level.
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What Makes the El Reno Shop Different?
Most big-box retailers treat reloading supplies like an afterthought. They might have a couple of jugs of Titegroup and some generic primers, and that's it. Gene Sears Supply is the opposite. They are a wholesale and retail powerhouse, particularly when it comes to the "heavy" stuff.
- Reloading in Bulk: This is where they really shine. If you need 25-pound bags of lead shot, wads by the case, or specific hulls, this is the spot.
- Hard-to-Find Components: Because they’ve been in the game so long, they have relationships with manufacturers like Hodgdon, Alliant, and Winchester that go back decades.
- The Expertise: Most of the staff actually shoot. If you’re having trouble with a specific load or your press is acting up, they’ve probably seen the issue before.
The vibe is very "old school Oklahoma." It’s professional but casual. You might find yourself in a twenty-minute conversation about the upcoming state shoot or the price of lead while you're waiting for your order.
Navigating the Inventory
It’s a bit of a maze if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. They carry a massive range of firearms—not just trap guns, though they are famous for those. You'll find everything from Vortex optics to Smith & Wesson revolvers and AR-15 parts.
Interestingly, while they are a "small business," their reach is huge. They operate as a distributor, meaning many of the smaller gun shops you visit in Oklahoma or Texas are actually getting their supplies from the Sears warehouse in El Reno.
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If you're looking for something specific, like a specialized recoil pad or a particular choke tube, they often have the weird, niche items that aren't profitable enough for the giant retail chains to carry.
Why El Reno Matters to the Shooting Community
El Reno isn't exactly a bustling metropolis, but it’s the perfect location for a business like this. It’s right off I-40, making it easy for travelers to pull over, load up the truck, and head back to the ranch or the range.
There’s also a sense of continuity there. Gene’s son, Garland, and the rest of the family have kept the wheels turning. In a world where every local shop is being bought out by private equity firms or turned into a "lifestyle brand," Gene Sears Supply remains a gritty, authentic shooting supply house.
They also handle FFL transfers, which is handy if you’ve bought something online and need a reliable place to pick it up. Their fees are usually fair, and they don't treat you like a nuisance for using their license.
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Pro Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Gene Sears El Reno OK, keep a few things in mind to make the experience smoother.
- Check the Hours: They are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are usually closed on weekends. This catches a lot of people off guard who try to make a Saturday run.
- Call Ahead for Bulk: If you’re driving a long distance for a specific type of powder or a large quantity of primers, call them. Inventory in the reloading world is still a bit volatile, and they’d rather tell you "we're out" over the phone than have you waste a tank of gas.
- Know Your Terms: If you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but be specific. The guys there are helpful, but they appreciate it when you’ve done a little homework on what your press requires.
- Bring a Truck: Seriously. If you start looking at the prices for bulk shot or cases of shells, you’re going to want to buy more than will fit in the trunk of a Corolla.
The Actionable Bottom Line
Whether you're a competitive trap shooter or just someone who likes to spend their Saturdays at the reloading bench, this place is a must-visit. You’re not just buying supplies; you’re supporting a family legacy that has defined Oklahoma shooting sports for over sixty years.
If you are heading that way, make sure to:
- Verify their current inventory by calling (405) 262-2647.
- Plan your trip for a weekday morning to avoid the lunch rush.
- Check their website or Davidson's Gallery of Guns portal if you're looking for specific firearm models they might have in the warehouse but not on the floor.
It’s one of the few places left where the person behind the counter might actually know more about your hobby than you do. Respect that, learn something, and you'll likely become a regular.