An Artesia Main Street mainstay, Bennie’s Western Wear and Gun Shop has been serving our community since 1947.
The foundational values of God, family, and love of country have helped this store stand the test of time for 79 years. Bennie and Mildred Mason opened the shop shortly after Bennie returned home from his service in the Navy during World War II. His son, Jimmy Mason, began working full-time in the store in 1972 after graduating from college. He married Barbara (Bunny) Milford in 1976. Bunny taught in Artesia Public Schools, and together, they raised three children, Glenn, Audra, and Clay.
As a family-owned, family-focused business, they believe in customer service. Through striving to be good citizens of Artesia and New Mexico as a whole, when they see a need, they meet it. Serving Eddy County has been a tradition. Not only were their kids raised here, but they have also had employees’ kids and grandkids raised inside the store walls. Glenn and Audra are serving their communities in ways that make Jimmy and Bunny incredibly proud. Clay married Ashley in 2013, and she continues to inspire Bulldog students as a science teacher. When Jimmy stepped away from the day-to-day tasks at the store to serve New Mexican’s as District 66 State Representative, Clay took on more of a leadership role. He grew up inside Bennie’s, so he knows a thing or two about cowboy hats and every aspect of the shop.
Bennie’s provides western wear for the whole family. From boots and hats to shirts and jeans, they have you covered. You know the jingle! When looking for a hat, they can talk about off-the-rack or custom work by Wild Wagon Hatworks. Jimmy and Clay do leatherwork in-store as well with MCC Leatherworks. From unique belts, bolo-ties, bracelets, and knife sheaths, they like to put a handmade spin on it.
Additionally, you can find an ever-changing assortment of guns of all calibers and ammunition. They are also passionate about knives, vintage coins, and memorabilia. They are often told that the store is like walking into a western museum. If it is western, they have it.
More than a hurry-in-and-out type of store, Bennie’s strives to ensure customers’ happiness, even if that means special ordering what they need. Prices are low, so no coupon is needed. And when it comes to community events, Bennie’s supports in a variety of ways. They kick off the annual summer sale the Saturday before the fair. Putting clothing and boots on sale serves to help the fair participants who have invested so much into their submissions and animals. In addition, the summer sale helps families get ready for back-to-school. They celebrate the Cowboy Way and the Cowboy lifestyle in everything they do.
Jimmy and family hope to continue serving Eddy County for another 79 years!
Article originally published in Focus on Artesia 2026 Fall edition.
