About Us

In the midst of the raw fur boom in the early 1980’s, brothers, 23 year old Mark and 16 year old Joe Rupprecht found themselves selling furs to a small fur shop in western Pennsylvania. The fact that Mark and Joe were intrigued by this operation and the possibility of actually making money buying and selling furs, that shop owner agreed to mentor the brothers.

That following summer the new fur shop was built. No more than a large shed, just 12x24, it would be the home of Marlos Fur Post. During the fall of 1983, along with selling trapping supplies and buying raw furs and deer hides, a Federal Firearms License was obtained. Several firearms were actually selling those first few years and amazed at the process of buying and selling at retail, the trade would soon engulf their lives.

In the summer of 1985 they ventured out looking for a storefront for expansion. The new location would be 1000 square feet on a main street in the downtown shopping area of Saint Mary’s, Pennsylvania.

In order to support the two brothers, Mom and Dad (Mark and Joe’s favorite fans) remortgaged their home. On August 5, 1985 in a new building with a new name, Elk County Ammo & Arms would open its doors. The new store held a proud thirteen firearms, hunting and fishing accessories, clothing and a large archery section. As retail business grew the buying of furs and deer hides would soon fade.

In the summer of 1990 at a local estate auction, Joe would shock the neighborhood as he raised his hand with the high bid on the property. Demolition would soon follow. The newest home of Elk County Ammo & Arms, directly across the street, would begin to peek out of the ground January 1991. The new location would be two levels, with sporting goods on the top floor, clothing and footwear on the bottom floor.

In August, eight months later, the move across the street would be an easy one. Mom, Dad, family and friends would fill trucks, carry merchandise and push clothing racks across the street to get the job done.

With better visibility at the new location, the increase of business was immediate and the first full time employees were hired.

In 1996 Elk County Ammo & Arms was accepted into one of the most prestigious buying groups in the country, Sports Inc. The brothers once again found themselves a mentor, this time being some of the largest dealers in America.

As the knowledge of the industry continued to grow, so did the business and the inventory. 2011 found another expansion project in motion. A 40x45 square foot addition at the back of the building would house additional inventory and the Internet Sales Department. Greg (Second Generation) came on board in 2012 to help with the rapid growth of the Internet Sales.

As the years went by and the tools of hunting, as everything else in life, have adapted and changed over time. Mark and Joe continued to work alongside a second generation family. At that time Dad still went to the bank and Post Office several times a week. Family owned and family run was important to this local Saint Mary’s business. In 2021 they retired and handed over the highly custom service business to Greg and his wife Shelly. Together, their knowledge and experience, they have taken on the challenge of one of America’s greatest pastimes.

Throughout the years Elk County Ammo & Arms has focused on the recruiting and retaining of young boys and girls to help keep our American traditions alive. Shooting and recreational sports have expanded with the introduction and advancements in technology.

Moving into a fourth decade for Ammo and Arms, Greg and Shelly have experienced a huge growth and awareness of personal protection and customer interest outside of hunting activities. Essential equipment and accessories have been added to bring the level of excitement to their customers.

Elk County Ammo & Arms continues to grow strong with two full floors of ammunition, new and used firearms and accessories. Full departments of Fishing, Range Gear, Optics, Reloading, and Archery.

Our customers are important to us. We are proud to be a part of local community and will continue to bring the best customer service to you whether you walk through our front door or visit on on our website.