MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new firearms destination is preparing to open in Hutchinson as Gunbros expands into a larger facility featuring a retail gun store, indoor shooting range and cigar lounge.
The new Gunbros location at 2621 E. 17th Ave. will officially celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, May 30.
The business was founded about five years ago by brothers Devin and Jarod Gagnebin after they recognized a need for a dedicated firearms retailer in Hutchinson following the closure of Shooter Supply and Tackle.
“We wanted to make an environment that was more inviting for people, more family friendly,” Jake Wells, sales manager for Gunbros, said during a recent interview.
The company originally operated out of a much smaller storefront at 300 S. Main before plans for a larger destination-style facility began to take shape.
“We really wanted to make sure that whatever was brought to Hutch was top notch, so that people actually had a reason to keep coming back and enjoy the place,” Wells said.
The new building includes a retail space that Wells said is roughly four times larger than the previous location. Attached to the store is an eight-lane, climate-controlled indoor shooting range equipped with automated target systems and interactive shooting games.
According to Wells, the range is designed for both experienced firearm owners and beginners looking to learn in a controlled environment.
“We want to bring people back to this is a piece of metal, it’s all about operating it in a safe manner,” Wells said. “As long as you’re safe, it’s a great time.”
Gunbros plans to begin offering concealed carry, handgun safety and rifle safety classes in the coming months. Wells said the business hopes to focus heavily on education and responsible firearm ownership.
“Before that gun gets put in somebody’s hand, they’re getting walked through every gun safety rule,” he said.
The facility also plans to host women-focused firearm training classes designed to create a more comfortable introduction to shooting sports.
“We really want to get more women involved with firearms,” Wells said. “Most of the time, they come to find out they love it just as much as the average guy.”
In addition to the firearms operation, Gunbros is opening a cigar lounge featuring nationally recognized cigar brands. Wells said the lounge was created to give customers another reason to gather and socialize.
“We really wanted to bring everything at a high level,” he said. “That way this could become not just a gun shop, not just a gun range or a lounge, but more of a hangout spot.”
Gunbros also will offer multiple membership tiers for range access and discounts. Non-members will still be able to rent firearms and use the shooting lanes.
The grand opening celebration on May 30 will include food trucks and an open-house style event allowing the public to tour the facility. While the retail operation and lounge will be open during the event, the shooting range itself is expected to begin full operation the following day.
Wells said the company’s primary goal remains creating a welcoming experience for customers throughout the community.
“We want people to walk in here feeling like the moment you come through this door, you are the reason we get to do what we do,” Wells said.