Peter’s Fishing and Sports / Plymouth Guns and Tackle

Peter's Fishing and Sports / Plymouth Guns and Tackle is a compact specialist retailer that combines a dedicated fishing tackle shop with an extensive gun shop under one roof, aimed at anglers, airgun users and shooting sports enthusiasts of different experience levels.

The business focuses strongly on air rifles, air pistols, airsoft and associated equipment, while still carrying a useful range of fishing tackle for local coarse and sea anglers. Shoppers tend to find shelves filled with air rifles, CO2 pistols, crossbows and archery gear, with display racks of knives, scopes, gun bags and accessories alongside essential angling items such as rods, reels and terminal tackle. This mix makes the store particularly appealing to customers who enjoy both shooting sports and recreational fishing and want a single point of contact for multiple outdoor hobbies.

One of the aspects that stands out repeatedly in public comments is the emphasis on knowledgeable and approachable staff. Customers highlight the owner and team members by name, describing them as friendly, patient and keen to give practical advice rather than simply pushing the most expensive product. For potential buyers who are new to air rifles or to sea angling, this kind of interaction can be especially valuable, as it balances enthusiasm with guidance on safety, suitability and budget. Several reviewers who contacted the shop by phone before visiting mention clear explanations and straightforward recommendations that helped them decide which kit to buy for themselves or their families.

The store positions itself as a local specialist in air-powered guns and airsoft and promotes a broad selection of rifles, pistols and related accessories. Visitors often comment on how many guns are displayed in a relatively small retail unit, noting rows of air rifles, CO2 pistols and airsoft guns plus cases stocked with scopes, pellets, BBs and other consumables. The shop also advertises brands that many shooting hobbyists will recognise, and the website lists dozens of different rifle models and cases, from entry-level options to more advanced PCP setups. For customers specifically searching for a new air rifle or an upgrade to their existing kit, this depth of choice is one of the clear strengths of the shop.

On the angling side, Peter's Fishing and Sports is not the largest angling shop in the city, and some reviewers point out that the fishing tackle selection is more compact than that of dedicated big-box stores. However, regulars still describe a good spread of gear for local fishing styles, including sea, coarse and general leisure fishing. Customers comment positively on the availability of basic rods, reels and end tackle, and there are remarks that it is a practical place to start for beginners wanting to move beyond simple crabbing outfits. While experienced anglers looking for highly specialist match or carp ranges might need to supplement their purchases elsewhere, many everyday fishing needs can be covered in one visit.

Pricing is frequently mentioned as competitive, particularly on air rifles, airsoft equipment and pellets. The business openly advertises a willingness to match genuine prices from other online retailers and, in some cases, indicates that it may even beat them by a small amount. In reviews, customers describe instances where staff have matched or improved on quotes from larger outlets, which builds a reputation for fair value rather than premium pricing. For hobbyists managing a budget, this policy can make higher-spec fishing rods, reels or air rifles more attainable without feeling pressured into overspending.

Customer service features prominently in many comments, with several accounts describing how the team handled problems with faulty or unsuitable products. There are examples of air rifles that developed issues shortly after purchase being replaced quickly and without argument, with staff focusing on getting the customer back shooting rather than on strict policies or lengthy checks. Other reviewers state that staff were happy to spend time answering questions, offering aftercare advice and giving guidance on maintenance and safe storage. For those who may be purchasing their first air rifle or upgrading to more advanced equipment, this combination of service and support adds a sense of reassurance.

For beginners, the store can be a useful stepping stone into both shooting and angling. People who called in for advice on starter setups for sea fishing, or for an affordable air rifle or CO2 pistol, often report that they received down-to-earth suggestions rather than upselling. Staff were said to guide parents choosing kit for their children, explaining what would be appropriate for age and experience and avoiding unnecessary extras. This approach makes the shop a viable option for someone taking first steps into sea fishing, coarse fishing or recreational target shooting, as well as for more seasoned hobbyists topping up on pellets, BBs, lures or line.

That said, there are negative experiences that prospective customers should consider, particularly in relation to online ordering and communication. While many in-person shoppers describe smooth purchases and helpful service, a detailed recent complaint alleges that an online order for a gun advertised as available was not fulfilled, with no updates by email and no response to calls. The reviewer reports later attempts by the retailer to take payment even after cancellation, leading to strong language about feeling misled and concerns about trust when ordering remotely. For buyers who cannot visit the shop in person and rely on mail order, this suggests that checking stock, delivery times and refund arrangements carefully before committing would be sensible.

The physical store layout is typically described as busy and well-stocked rather than minimal and spacious. Visitors mention shelves and racks filled with guns, ammunition, fishing tackle, clothing and tactical gear, giving the impression of a traditional, slightly packed specialist shop where products are prioritised over polished décor. Some customers enjoy browsing and chatting with staff, even when they are not buying, and note that they feel welcomed rather than hurried out. Others, particularly those used to larger chain stores with wide aisles and extensive signage, may find the space more functional than luxurious.

In addition to guns and fishing gear, the shop branches into accessories and related outdoor equipment. This includes gun bags, scopes, targets, camouflaged game and cartridge bags, and other shooting accessories that support field use and target practice. There are also tactical and outdoor clothing items, with at least one reviewer observing that some clothing lines feel pricey compared with the rest of the product range. For customers, this mix of core equipment and add-ons means they can pick up a broad range of items in one visit, though it may be worth comparing clothing prices with other retailers if budget is tight.

The reputation for stocking a large number of air rifles, air pistols and airsoft guns means that the shop naturally attracts hobbyists from a fairly wide area. Some reviewers describe travelling into town specifically to buy a model they had seen online, while others say they first encountered the business when searching for a particular rifle or pistol that other retailers did not have in stock. When orders and stock checks go as expected, this can be a significant strength, giving the business a profile beyond just local passing trade. The promise to match airsoft prices and supply a big range of brands reinforces this role as a destination for shooting enthusiasts.

For anglers, the shop’s more modest footprint compared with some specialist fishing tackle shops is balanced by personable staff and a selection that suits many practical needs. Comments highlight that it is often the first stop for some local fishers because of the mix of gear, advice and prices, despite not having the widest range in the area. Newcomers to sea angling or casual coarse fishing are likely to find enough basics to get started, along with suggestions on bait, rigs and appropriate tackle for nearby marks. Those whose priority is highly specialised specimen fishing might still view it as a useful top-up shop, especially when combining a fishing purchase with shooting or airsoft items in the same trip.

Overall, Peter's Fishing and Sports / Plymouth Guns and Tackle offers a blend of strengths and weaknesses that potential customers should weigh according to their priorities. In-store, many visitors report courteous treatment, helpful advice and good value on air rifles, pellets, airsoft and everyday fishing tackle, with some highlighting quick and straightforward support if a product develops a fault. The extensive choice of guns and accessories, along with the policy of matching genuine prices, makes it appealing to those who want specialist knowledge without losing out on competitive pricing. On the other hand, concerns about communication and fulfilment for at least one recent online order, as well as occasional comments on limited fishing range and higher clothing prices, show that the experience is not uniform for everyone. For customers able to visit in person, the balance of feedback suggests a shop where direct interaction with staff may bring the best out of what this combined fishing tackle and gun retailer can offer.