[Erie] Bob's Gun Shop

[doug]

Bob's Gun Shop is the premier indoor range and store in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is owned by C. Robert 'Bob' McDowell, and his wife Donna.

It features ten indoor lanes with Detroit armor power target holders. It is open to the public, Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5, closed on Sunday and Monday. 4PM is the cutoff for admittance to the range. Price is $8 per hour, with various paper targets available for $0.50 each. The range is limited to pistols only, however there is no restrictions on caliber that I am aware of. Bob's is truly a top of the line range for our area, and the patrons are generally very friendly and eager to talk about their favorite hobby.

Bob's Gun Shop stocks a large selection of new and used firearms on premises. I purchased my HK P7M8, P2000, a Beretta Cx4, it's accessories, a Beretta Px4, a Savage Mako .22, and a Para-Ordnance 1911 .45 from Bob, and he spent quite a bit of time and attention with me making sure I absolutely understood everything about the firearms before I left the store. I was quite impressed to say the least. I have enrolled in some of his Lethal Weapons Training classes, which I found to be informative and enjoyable.

Bob's Gun Shop rents firearms by the hour, which I've never personally done, but think is sort of a neat idea. Obviously the rented firearms are not permitted to leave the premises, and are only to be used on the indoor ranges. Bob and Donna stock the store with proper safety equipment like earmuffs, and eye-shields, and they have plenty of ammunition on site. They have and sell a wide range of targets and firearm accessories, too.

There are lots of amusing posters and signs on the walls, and the store has a warm atmosphere. There is a large sign on the entrance door which proclaims 'we don't dial 911', and there is a very large 2nd amendment poster with full text behind the main counter. Another sign states "The official language spoken here is English. For security purposes, if you cannot speak English, DON'T TALK". There is a stack of PAFOA stickers on his counter for the public.

Bob is a retired USMC bulldog who very fun to talk to. He is very energetic and enthusiastic about firearms, firearms safety, and constitutional protections. A large US Marine Corp flag and a US Flag are proudly displayed on his property, and are clearly visible to motorists on state route 99.

Bob teaches several firearm training courses, including act 235 certification. He has a very large classroom on premises, and an even larger 300 acre training complex in Crawford County, on a chunk of the former Keystone Ordnance Works plot. Classes are very easy to get into. The handgun 101 course in McKean, PA is only $50, and the handgun 201 course, which is taught down at 'Bobs World' in Crawford County, is $150. I've personally attended both of these courses, and I can attest that they are worth every penny. Both were full of useful information, tactics, and safety tips.

Overall I give Bob's Gun shop and indoor range, and the Lethal Weapons Training Academy an A+.

Website Url: Lethal Weapons Training Academy

Mailing Address:

Bob's Gun Shop Inc.
8470 Edinboro Rd (State Route 99)
Mckean, PA 16426
(814) 476-7523

[doug]

[Republicrat]

I went to Bob's Gun Shop today with my wife and it was a good experience. We did not deal with Bob but Dave and he was extremely helpful.

I have a lot of experience with rifles/shotguns but not handguns and my wife has had no real experience around guns at all.

Dave took the time to show us a lot of different guns and talked about the pros and cons of each. He also got us set up on the range to test a few different models with their rental guns so we could actually feel the difference in shooting the various guns.

He was also very patient with my wife who had trouble cocking some of the automatics.

In the end, she ended up with a Glock 9mm and me a Springfield XD9.

We also signed up for their upcoming handgun class.

Overall, I definitely recommend Bob's Gun shop.

[CHAUKA]

I purchased my Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm there. Great Deal & Friendly staff.....A+ Gun Shop!!

[doug]

bob's indoor range was completely destroyed by a collapsed roof. apparently there was not enough coverage, and there's a $110,000 dollar gap which he needs to come up with. his classes in Erie are on hold until the weather breaks.

I was going to start a fundraiser for him, but 110k seems pretty high

[Koli01]

Man, that really sucks. I like that strore. I stop in there a couple times a year when I'm up in Erie for work.

One of the really neat things they have is small quantity vials of reloading powder. You can get a small quantity to try some loads without having to buy a whole pound.

Best wishes to Bob and his family and crew.

[Republicrat]

Shame to hear...fill us in on any updates you get.

Great shop.