About Us

Our story

1. 1976 · PETERSBURG

   Back in early 1976, the Dance brothers, Forrest and Marlon, and their father W.F. had an entrepreneurial spirit that could not be tamed. They had grown up outside hunting and fishing, and they wanted to serve the folks around town with something they wanted and needed. So in April 1976, Dance's Sporting Goods was born in a small shop on Wakefield Street in Petersburg. The other side of the building housed Marlon and Forrest's mother's dance studio.

   The Bear's Den. The original store had just a small section for each of the departments we have today, but even back then it had a snack bar, now known as "The Bear's Den" after Forrest and Marlon's father, "Bear."

2. 1996 · COLONIAL HEIGHTS

   After a lot of late nights making sure every customer was taken care of and the shelves were stocked, the brothers moved the store to the blossoming shopping district of Colonial Heights. It began as one small section of a strip mall. As neighboring tenants moved on, we kept expanding.

3. TODAY

   We're just over 20,000 square feet, and Marlon and Forrest still run the store. Make no mistake about it: we are no big box store. When our staff aren't helping customers choose the right gear, they're in the woods or on the water themselves, and their combined knowledge covers everything from hunting and fishing to reloading.

What you'll find here

We're much more than a hunting and fishing store. We also serve the tactical and target shooting communities, and we love getting new shooters started or helping someone find their first concealed carry gun.

Why shop with us

• Seasoned associates. Between us, our team has hundreds of years of cumulative experience in the industry.
• People who use the gear. Ask us anything. Chances are someone here has hunted it, fished it or shot it.
• Special orders almost daily. Need something specific? Just ask. If we can't get it, we'll point you in the right direction.
• Classes. Our NRA Home Firearm Safety Course is a great start for new shooters.
• Fast shipping. In-stock online orders usually ship within 1–2 business days, and firearms ship to your local FFL dealer.
• We make it right. If an item isn't what you hoped, we'll work with you. See our return policy.
• Same service online. Can't make it in? We'll answer your questions quickly and get you on the right track.
• FFL transfers. Bought a firearm somewhere else? Have the selling dealer ship it to us. See FFL Transfers for how it works.

Proud supporters

We support the groups that keep hunting, fishing and shooting going for the next generation.

Come see us