Waterfall Arms & Outdoor opened late last year at the Polofields Crossing shopping centre in Waterfall. The store is the result of a three-year project to create the best outdoor and firearms lifestyle centre in South Africa.
The expansive store is set over two levels. Upstairs you will find a large array of camping, outdoor and tactical gear – think tents, sleeping bags, torches, camping chairs, bags, binoculars, and so much more. The variety of outdoor clothing and accessory brands includes Under Armour, Suunto watches, Black Diamond rock climbing gear, North Face, Salomon and Beretta clothing – a top firearm brand specialising in outdoor apparel.
You will also be able to explore the Victorinox collection. Waterfall Arms & Outdoor is the biggest South African stockist of this famous Swiss knife brand. From kitchen and steak knives to cutlery and swiss army knives, you name it, they have it. As an additional free service to clients who buy Victorinox, a chef from the Chef’s Association gives in-store training on these knives.
The downstairs level houses the firearm collection: air rifles, handguns, semi-automatics, sporting shotguns and more. From .22 rifles to .50 Browning machine guns, Waterfall Arms & Outdoor features an extensive range of arms. “This is a friendly and safe environment for those who are not familiar or comfortable with firearms,” explains Marthinus Scholtz, Project and Procurement Manager.
Enthusiasts will enjoy one of the country’s biggest optics and reloading displays. The shop also features over 100 demo models. This allows customers to familiarise themselves with the different firearms, find their comfortable fit and start training in the basement shooting ranges.
Waterfall Arms & Outdoor boasts two automated indoor shooting ranges; a 30m range for handguns and shotguns and a 100m range for rifles. There is a reloading centre, where two experts handle the ammunition and offer training, and you can rent a bench with reloading equipment at the shooting range. In addition, there is an exclusive Beretta shotgun lounge on-site, the first of its kind on the African continent. Here, customers can have their own Beretta shotgun custom built.
What makes this store really stand out is the wealth of knowledge of its team; the owner has over 26 years’ experience in the firearm and shooting industry. Senior management all have a minimum of nine years of experience each, and all employees undergo rigorous training despite any previous experience. On the shooting range, you will find accredited tactical instructors. They are there to ensure safety protocols are met at all times and offer training and advice.
“Recreational shooting, hunting, sports shooting and protection – we have specialists in every department,” explains Marthinus. “This is one of the biggest drawcards of Waterfall Arms & Outdoor. It is a completely interactive shop with highly-trained professional staff who can discuss anything from the latest footwear trends to what ammunition to use. You will struggle to find a question we do not have the answer to.”
Since the opening of the store, Waterfall Arms & Outdoor has had clients from all walks of life – young, old, and from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In fact, their clients hail from all over South Africa. “Most people who visit just love the outdoors,” says Marthinus. “Some clients come and shoot the demos in their lunch break. We even have clients from Durban who have a new firearm and want to learn how to use it correctly and safely. And we deliver outdoor gear across Southern Africa.”
“Our location makes it easy for visitors from far and near to pop in,” he adds, “and Polofields Crossing is conveniently located between Joburg and Pretoria. There are lots of activities in Waterfall, but apart from us, there is no other indoor shooting range and, since weather plays a massive role in South Africa, being indoors is a huge advantage.”
Waterfall Arms & Outdoor offers a Sports Club, recognised by the International Firearm Academy. This is for shooters who want to improve their skills in a club scenario. Every week there are matches, and participation gets you points. “We teach safe ways of handling and shooting firearms. We pride ourselves on our fully-trained staff and the great advice on offer,” says Marthinus. “We have a Scout Shooting Club too, which supports kids who want to learn to shoot. Experienced instructors teach and assist in a fun but safe environment.”
Waterfall Arms & Outdoors caters to anyone who loves the outdoors. “The owner always wanted a one-stop-shop that was experiential and interactive. Whether you are going hunting, camping, birding or looking for tactical gear, we have it all,” says Marthinus. “Waterfall Arms & Outdoor prides itself on being a market leader and hopes to change the way people look at and experience the outdoor and firearm industry.”
Store times
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday 09:00 – 15:00
Sunday 09:00 – 13:00
Range times
Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 09:00 – 17:30
Wednesday & Sunday 09:00 – 12:30
Saturday 09:00 – 14:30
Contact details: 010 055 3122, info@waterfallarms.com