If you’ve been in the business of outdoor, hunting, and/or shooting gear, you already know that the key to success isn’t always about just selling the latest rifles or bows. Sure, those big-ticket items are what bring many customers through your door, but it’s often accessories — the little things that often get overlooked but are relatively easily sold — that can really boost your bottom line.
The big question is, what accessories should you be focusing on? Offering the right accessories can make all the difference in your store’s profitability. Let’s talk about some of the top accessories that can help you not only meet, but exceed your sales goals.
Scopes and Red-Dots
Optics are an essential part of any hunter or shooter’s gear assortment. Scopes, binoculars and rangefinders don’t just improve accuracy — they can completely transform the shooting experience. When you stock high-quality optics from trusted brands, you’re not just selling a product; you’re often selling that customer years of confidence.
Practically every rifle and many of the pistols that go out the door need a quality optic to go with them — whether that’s a magnified scope or a red-dot.
If there’s one name in the optics world that every hunter and shooter knows, it’s Leupold. They’ve built an almost 120-year reputation for making some of the most rugged, reliable and high-performing scopes on the market.
Burris is another heavy hitter in the optics game. If you haven’t given them a serious look lately, you’re missing out on some real innovation and bang for the buck. The new Burris Veracity PH isn’t just a scope — it’s a piece of advanced technology that’s designed to easily make every shot as precise as possible, without the need for math or ballistics tables. What’s really innovative about the Veracity PH is its built-in digital inclinometer, which measures the angle to the target and adjusts holdover calculations on the fly. It gets even better when you pair it with the Burris rangefinder and their Burris Connect app. This setup allows hunters to input environmental data like wind speed and temperature directly into the app, ensuring that when your customer pulls the trigger, the shot is as accurate as possible.
For those who might lean more toward tactical shooting, the EOTech Vudu series can be a fantastic choice, and it comes with huge potential in the big-game hunting market. The Vudu scopes are built like tanks, offering both short and long-range options that deliver precision and durability in spades. Whether your customers are navigating tight quarters or lining up a shot from a distance, the Vudu line has them covered. The new Vudu X line is specifically made as a more affordable option geared toward hunters.
Not everyone wants to drop big bucks on a scope, though, and that’s where products from CVLIFE can fit into your assortment. Their scopes and red-dots are popular among entry-level hunters and shooters who are looking for solid performance without breaking the bank. The lower end of CVLIFE products might not have all of the advanced features of higher-end brands, (though you might be surprised) but they offer reliability and accuracy at a price that’s hard to beat.
Finally, Riton Optics is a brand that’s been making some big waves lately. Riton scopes are known for being affordable and incredibly durable. The good news for you and your business is that Riton does this while still maintaining a healthy margin for the retailer.
Non-Shooting Optics
Every hunter needs a good pair of binoculars. Binoculars that have clear images and lightweight design can be rather expensive — but not always. In addition to the companies named above, look to brands like Swarovski, Zeiss and Meopta for your highest-end customers and German Precision Optics (GPO), Vortex, Nikon and Athlon for the widest range of price vs. quality.
Rangefinders are another essential tool that no hunter or shooter should be without, as knowing the distance to your target can be the difference between a successful finish to the hunt of a lifetime and a miss or, worse, a wounded animal. Leupold, Swarovski, Vortex, Burris, Sig, Bushnell and many others offer a wide range of choices in rangefinders.
Some companies even offer the combination of a rangefinder in the binoculars. GPO’s RANGEGUIDE 10x50 is an impressive optic at a mid-range price that should appeal to every serious hunter.
One to Rule Them All…
Serious hunters and shooters need to know the ballistics of their rifle and load in order to maintain accuracy on those way-out-there shots.
That used to mean setting up a sometimes cumbersome chronograph requiring them to shoot through two different diffusers in order to calculate velocity. If the device wasn’t set up level, the velocity measurement could be affected. Plus, they have to make sure they don’t shoot the device itself!
The new Garmin Xero C1 Pro isn’t just any chronograph — it’s a comprehensive ballistics calculator that can seriously up your customers’ game and fit in their pocket. This device does more than measure velocity, though. It integrates seamlessly with both the Garmin app AND the Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Ballistics watch, calculating windage, elevation and angle to provide real-time shooting data directly to the user’s wrist. It’s like having a personal ballistics expert on hand for every shot, ensuring that your customers are always dialed in.
The Xero isn’t just limited to rifles and pistols, though. It also works with air rifles, bows and even airlift guns.
Multitools
Multitools are versatile, compact gadgets that every outdoor enthusiast needs to carry. They’re the Swiss Army knives of the modern era, packed with functions that range from grabbing, cutting and sawing to screwing and opening bottles. If you’re not stocking multitools in your store, you’re missing out on an essential product that practically sells itself. One of the best on the market is the Gerber Center-Drive. This multitool isn’t just a collection of random tools thrown together — it’s a thoughtfully designed piece of equipment that really works in the field. The Center-Drive is named for its unique center-axis driver, which aligns like a real screwdriver. This might not sound like a big deal, but it gives users more torque and rotation, making it feel like they’re using a full-sized tool. The Gerber Center-Drive also includes a full-size blade, spring-loaded pliers, and a magnetic bit set. It’s incredibly functional and easy to use, making it a must-have for any hunter or shooter who needs reliable tools in the field.
Another solid option is the Leatherman Wave Plus. This multitool is a favorite for good reason — it’s got 18 different tools packed into a sleek, durable design. From needle-nose pliers and wire cutters to a knife and a saw, the Wave Plus has just about everything an outdoor enthusiast could need. And with its stainless steel construction and a 25-year warranty, it’s built to last. Whether your customers are cutting through a tough piece of rope or fixing gear on the fly, the Wave Plus is up to the task.
Protective Gear
When it comes to protecting valuable equipment, hunters and shooters often need gear that’s as tough as they are. The Sentry Armadillo rifle cover is a great example of protective gear done right. This cover is made from a water-resistant material that keeps rifles safe from rain, dirt, and scratches. It’s designed to fit most rifles, making it a versatile option for your customers. The Armadillo isn’t just about protection, though — it’s about convenience. The cover is easy to put on and take off, which means hunters can quickly access their rifles when it’s time to take a shot, and because it’s lightweight and compact, it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to their gear.
For those who travel, an airline-approved, lockable gun case is a must-have. The Negrini Double Scoped Rifle Case is one of the best options out there, especially for hunters who need to transport multiple firearms. This case is incredibly strong, thanks to its double-wall construction, which provides maximum protection against bumps and drops. Inside, the case is both plush and secure, ensuring that rifles stay in perfect condition during transit. And with secure integrated combination locks, your customers can have peace of mind knowing that their firearms are safe, even when they’re not around.
Hearing Protection
For many years, hunters had a choice to make: hear the game they were pursuing, the tone and pitch of their calls, and the instructions from other hunters in their party, OR protect their hearing. Now they can have BOTH.
Electronic hearing protection has become a must-have for hunters and shooters who want to safeguard their hearing while staying aware of their surroundings. Traditional ear protection often muffles crucial sounds and voice commands from your hunting party, but electronic options can eliminate that challenge. Electronic muffs have been around for a while, with a common one today being the Walker’s RAZOR series. Now, less-obtrusive earbud options like Grizzly Ears and Walker’s Disrupter Bluetooth ear protection are designed to protect your hearing while enhancing situational awareness, the sounds of game in the field, and, perhaps most importantly, voices in the field and on the range. Both come with bluetooth technology to connect to your customer’s smart phone or other bluetooth device with excellent sound quality and clarity.
Knives
No hunter or shooter’s kit is complete without a good knife. Whether it’s for field-dressing game, cutting rope, or any number of other tasks, a sharp, reliable knife is indispensable. The Benchmade Tagged Out Carbon Fiber Knife is one of those tools that your customers will wonder how they ever lived without. This knife is all about performance. It’s lightweight, thanks to its carbon fiber construction, but don’t let that fool you — it’s also incredibly strong and durable. The blade is razor-sharp, designed to handle everything from delicate cuts to tougher jobs. For hunters who need a reliable cutting tool that won’t weigh them down, the Benchmade Tagged Out is an ideal choice.
Smartwatches
One Father’s Day years ago, I received a Timex watch with a built-in compass. It was amazingly useful in the field, and I went through three or four bands and batteries over almost 15 years before it finally gave up the ghost. Today, high-tech smartwatches are quickly becoming a must-have accessory for hunters. Offering a range of features that go far beyond just telling time, they are often an easy upsell to the right customer. From GPS navigation, health and sleep monitoring, taking and making phone calls and sending texts to advanced ballistics calculations, these watches are packed with technology that can make a real difference in and out of the field.
If you’re not already stocking smartwatches, now’s the time to start — they’re a growing market with a lot of potential.
The Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Ballistics is a prime example of what a smartwatch can do for a hunter or shooter. This isn’t just a watch — it’s a full-on tactical tool. It’s got built-in GPS, which is great for navigating remote areas or even finding your vehicle in the after-concert parking lot, and it’s also equipped with advanced ballistics software that provides real-time shooting data. One of its standout features is solar charging, which extends battery life significantly. This is a huge advantage for hunters who spend long days in the field and can’t always stop to recharge their gear.
When paired with the Garmin Xero C1 Pro rangefinder, the Tactix 7 Pro becomes even more powerful. The watch receives real-time data from the rangefinder, including windage, elevation and range, directly to the user’s wrist. This kind of integration makes it easier than ever to take accurate shots.
Another smartwatch worth considering is the Amazfit T-Rex Pro. While it might not have all the advanced features of the Garmin Tactix, it’s still a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The T-Rex Pro is rugged and durable, designed to withstand tough conditions. It’s equipped with GPS, and it’s priced more affordably, making it accessible to a wider range of customers. For those who want the benefits of a smart, GPS-enabled watch without the higher price tag, the T-Rex Pro is a great option.
By stocking these and other top accessories, you’re not just offering products — you’re providing solutions that make your customers’ outdoor experiences better. From the low-light performance of a Leupold hunting scope to the versatility of a Gerber multitool and the advanced features of a Garmin smartwatch, these accessories are all about enhancing your customers’ experience in the field by offering performance, protection and convenience. These accessories aren’t just add-ons — they’re essential tools that every outdoor enthusiast needs. By introducing them to your customers, you can not only boost your bottom line, but also build amazing customer loyalty, ensuring that your store remains the go-to shop for all things hunting and shooting.
