The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley Guns fill the display cases at Wheeler’s Guns and Ammo located on Fifth Street in Elkins. The store currently has more than 600 guns to purchase at its new downtown location.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley
Guns fill the display cases at Wheeler’s Guns and Ammo located on Fifth Street in Elkins. The store currently has more than 600 guns to purchase at its new downtown location.

ELKINS — For decades the name Wheeler has been synonymous in the Elkins area with guns ammo and sporting goods.

Now, after 25 years, Wheeler’s Guns and Ammo has left its longtime location on Route 33/Allegheny Highway and set up shop at a different facility in downtown Elkins, located on Fifth Street, just across Harrison Avenue from the Iron Horse statue.

“The move was rough the first 30 days getting moved in here, but once we got in here people have called every day wanting to know where we are at, how things are going, and if we were still selling guns and ammo, which we definitely are,” said owner Brian Wheeler. “We have well over 600 guns on hand, mostly pistols and business is really good, which we are very appreciative of.”

Wheeler said the move to the new location was made rapidly due to a lease agreement issue.

“We had sold the property to Valley Health Care about three and half years ago, with a verbal agreement that we could rent the building we were in as long as we wanted to,” Wheeler explained. “But because they got a grant, they had to use it or lose it, so we got our notice and had to find something quick. So I had some buddies come get the stuff moved down here, which was a small blessing.”

Wheeler, who took over the business full time from his father Jim in January 2020, is pleased with the way things have gone since taking the reins close to a year and a half ago.

“When I took over I had hopes of selling 1,500 guns in my first year,” said Wheeler. “I ended up selling 1,924 guns and I’m very thankful I have a strong draw of business from Buckhannon, Weston, Fairmont, Clarksburg and Morgantown.

“When I purchased the the business from my dad, he agreed to stay on and help with the paper work and advice, which is a big help.”

Wheeler said the move may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

“I was really scared about the move at first, but now after the first month of being here, I think it’s really going to pan out,” he noted. “Right now is the slowest time of the year and we are still doing really well. It’s going to be a good move for us.”

Wheeler’s is open daily except for Wednesdays and Sundays. The hours of operation are currently 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. but will be extended during hunting season.