[Lars]

I was just driving down the street today and saw that they are building a sportsman's warehouse about a 1/4 mile from me.:D I wounder if I can get a part time job there to get an employee discount. Just kidding, but I think that this will have a big inpact on my budget.

[Schuey2002]

Where in Or-i-gun are you referring too??;)

[George Hill]

Good store.
Not a real bargain palace. but the selection is generally pretty good if your not needing anything paramilitary or LEO oriented.

[Lars]

It's going in on 82nd Ave in Clackamas a little bit south of Johnson Creek. Right on my way to Johnson Creek gun club.:D

[Carlos]

Cool. Lars come on over to Johnson Creek on Wednesday. Have to show you the new scope on the SAR-1. I was up by myself at the Dump yesterday trying it out. Sweet!!, and very evil looking rifle now.

[Bob Locke]

There's a S.W. over in Loveland, about halfway between myself and labgrade. I love the place. Not a LOT of bargains to be found, but enough that I make fairly regular trips over that way.

This particular store has really good stock in their reloading section, and I think their handgun prices are pretty decent, actually.

[mrt]

Yeah, I like S' warehouse. I thought it was the neatest new store to come out. new guns to look at, stuffed game animals all over, and camping gear. We need more of them to get people involved with the whole sport of guns...that's what I like.

The prices are decent and you can put guns on layaway which is nice...I bought 3 on layaway.
though the smaller shop guys are really mad at S' warehouse. I bought up the name once and just pissed off the gun store owner.
"The great body of our citizens shoot less as times goes on. We should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving peace in the world... The first step — in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come — is to teach men to shoot!"

-President Theodore Roosevelt's last message to Congress.

[Zak Smith]

I live in Fort Collins and there's a S.W. in Loveland - just a short trip from here.

They have a decent selection of guns at too-high prices, and they have lots and lots of reloading supplies at decent prices.

In my opinion, the gun salesmen give extremely poor advice and are generally not very knowledgeable. They treat the guns - the pistols at least - very poorly, all rattling together (touching!) on a rack.

-z

[Robert inOregon]

Sportsman's Hoe-house has a reputation of going after the established locals, shutting them down with predator pricing and then stick it to the consumers once the competition is gone. What's so great about that?

[Robert inOregon]

I was up by myself at the Dump yesterday............

So you're the one shooting up all the garbage on Memaloose road. :neener:

[Lars]

I've personally never been in one so I can't say what I'll think of it. I am excited about it though. I love going to Fishermans and just looking around, and it will be nice having something 5 minutes away. I'd feel bad for the other dealers in the area if any of them decent.

[Shootist45]

:o I worked at Sportsman's previously. They had good pricing and good people when I was there. Now, from what I understand, they are not as good.

They have gone to largely part-time people. That's not so bad if they are knowledgeable in the field but, if someone BS's a shooter, the shooter usually knows and goes elsewhere. Also, they are hiring the typical college kid who doesn't know squat about anything except huggin' a tree!!

They had a HUGE problem with their A&D books.:eek: There were missing firearms in ALL the stores in Utah; stolen guns in two of the stores in Utah and no reports to the local police or the ATF; an employee with an FFL who was buying on his FFL and selling in the parking lot at an Idaho store, etc., etc.:what:

I'd be real careful, they may not be in the firearms business long.

[Double Maduro]

Lars,

You wouldn't be a radio personallity would you?

I was wondering what they were building there. Right across the street from another big drain on my finances--Cascade Cigar shop.

[mrt]

RobertinOregon: "Sportsman's Hoe-house has a reputation of going after the established locals, shutting them down with predator pricing and then stick it to the consumers once the competition is gone. What's so great about that?"

Like I said I brought up the name S' warehouse to the shop owner and he got pissed.
Why? competition...hey I like to buy my guns at the best deal, sometimes that means using layaway too.
$665 for HK USPc
$400 for XD
$175 NAA mini mag
can you clearly beat that price on layaway nib...I know of a couple places but one has no layaway and 80miles one way

yes, does your name end with Larson?

[Lars]

Nope, sorry, not Lars Larson. Carlos I'll try to make it Wednesday. I finally got my Colt back together.:D I think that it needs a good workout. Hopefully when they open up their store they have a big grand opening sale. Oh, and I have lots of money at the same time.

[Zip06]

The Sportsman Warehouse in Salem is pretty impressive. Massive selection but no real bargains. Nonetheless there is nothing like it around Portland.

[Robert inOregon]

Nonetheless there is nothing like it around Portland.

GI Joes is planning a new super store across the street from Sportsman's here in Portland. It's going to be fun to watch. Unfortunately some local gun stores and tackle shops are going to get wiped out.

[Carlos]

So you're the one shooting up all the garbage on Memaloose road.

Haven't done any shooting up Memaloose Road except at night if I'm camping on the other side of the bridge and there's nobody else around.

Haven't been up he road for a while (many years). A long time ago, I hiked into a sweet, sweet little lake up there.

:)

[mrt]

Keith's Sporting Goods has the largest selection of firearms and their up there in the Portland area. Best deals I know of.
buy-sell-trade
hope this helps save some doe.
Keith's web pg. (http://www.concealco.com/keiths.html)

[Carlos]

Yup, all of the Dump Gang shop at Keith's. Wish he was closer to the house. :(

Looking forward to seeing the new store in Clackamas.

[Dr.Rob]

They certainly have a LOT of stuff (new one here in Aurora) but I agree they sort of treat their handguns pretty poorly. But wow what a reloading shelf!

Not as cool as a trip to Cabela's, but definitely a nice place to window shop.

[Lars]

I can't stand Keith's. I've been screwed twice by him and try to avoid his shop if at all possible. Northwest armory is OK but nothing special.

[SASS#23149]

This is good news indeed!!
I went to the salem store with a buddy last monday to expose him to the store for the first time.He came from Astoria and we left from Scappoose....a bit of a drive compared to the new one.
Selection and variety are what I like,and SW has that.Their prices are ok,and the salem stores' people are very decent .I support my small dealer all I can,but i like to window shop hundreds of items whenever I can,and most small shops stock very little in the way of reloading stuff.
How far along was the building?? any eta on opening date?

[Robert inOregon]

Let me explain something about Keith so that the bashing will stop here and now. He's my best friend, so I'm sure he'll forgive me for saying this.

When it comes to business, he's a hard nose, ego the size of Texas, make a middle eastern merchant blush, rude at time and abrasive lots of the time. He's not going to win a personality contest. That the store resembles more a McDonalds than a pleasurable buying experience, got him there. But he has never screwed anyone! Throws his cards on the table and you either take it or leave it. If you have regrets about a deal you agreed to, that is a poor decision on your part and not that he screwed you.

Keith is the largest gun merchant in the Northwest and one of the top up and coming stores in the country. His credit rating is higher than most chain stores in the area and owns the million or so dollars in inventory outright. That's over 2000 guns at hand for everyone to fondle! Not your typical mom-pop store. All thanks to the thousands of customers that shop at his store annually. He's doesn't have the lowest prices in town, but makes an effort to at least try to be. Something that successful is not built on screwing anyone.

[Lars]

I'm sorry that I said that he screwed me. I have purchased about half a dozen firearms from him. He does have good prices but terrible coustomer service. When I had a problem with the two firearms I bought from him he didn't have the 30 seconds to help me out. I didn't expect him to do anything, just give me a little help. I will still buy from him but would not cry if he lost a little business. I'm sure he is a great friend and I know people that know him on a personal level and he takes care of them.

[Robert inOregon]

That doesn't surprise me at all and falls under the McDonalds atmosphere I mentioned already, but I'm trying to fix that. Hard to teach an old bull new tricks. ;)

[dude]

I shop at Kieth's when it benefits me........only because the item is in stock and just easier to get than the cheaper option if I worked at it a bit. The funniest time I had with him was when he offered me $550 for a nice P7 at one of the big Expo gun shows, lots of folks were around his table and I said "sure, but you will have to choose between the slide or the reliever" He just smiled.

I did buy a few weapons from him when I lived in Boring and I now pick up a box or five of ammo when I pass through just to be sociable.

I will no longer however buy new firearms from him. I do not like his policy of not taking responsibility for the satisfactory operation of the new firearms he sells. I will not buy from a shop that makes the buyer sign a form saying he/she will go to the firearm manufacturer for any repairs or complaints, not the store. He does not believe enough in the products he sells to back them up by dealing with the 'hassle' of covering warranty repairs. I now choose to spend my $$$ for firearms elsewhere.

[IRONFIST]

I got my Bulgarian SLR-95 at Keiths and my Stainless P14 "Limited" also. Great guns, the prices could have been better but thats my fault, not his. My dislike is the way you seem to be pretty much ignored unless you are a "Friend" or practically shoot up a signal flare to get some attention. I dont care for cliques and thats how Keiths strikes me. Mind you, I will still buy something there if I need it, but a little friendly civility would go a long way to making me want to come back again. I dont need someone to kiss my a**, but it would be nice for someone to shake my hand. Just my two cents on the issue and I dont consider it a slam towards Keith at all.

Michael in Sandy, OR

[mrt]

well in the past few months I had 2 handguns that Sportman's sent back to the manufacture for repair...and there was no arguments...
Regarding Keith's I'm just trying to help us all out here by offering my best advice for good deals...I mentioned S' warehouse first and that I liked the fact that I could layaway stuff (and the store is closer to me)...you guys said the price wasn't so good...so then I mentioned Keith's...which he also deals with used guns... now I'm getting a little upset with all the griping
Am I missing some great deal out there? I've bought 3 guns in the past 6 months. In our area and between these two stores, can you tell me a better place?
customer service - price - selection???

[Robert inOregon]

What's Sportsmans layaway policy???

One point that I'm surprised no one has mentioned is the fact that Sportsman's does not take trades.

[Lars]

There is a new shop in Oregon City that opened up a few months ago. I think it’s called Phoenix Armory. The guy was nice at the counter, they take trades but I’m not sure about layaways. They have an on sight machine shop and gunsmith. They are a class 3 dealer with rentals. They have a Mag 58 that I would love to put a few hundred rounds through.:D

[SASS#23149]

Very interesting but confusing string of posts re: Keiths.
I"ve never been there,and from the sound of it it would['t be worth my time.I'm in retail,and being treated rudely/abrasively/alooofly just rubs me the wrong way bigtime.
Ok,so he has a large store,good selection,ok prices.
He wold only treat me bad one time!!
the two dealers I buy from go the extra mile on customer service,just like I do.Tha's the way it should be.
I will visit the store out of curiousity,and will buy something most likely.Just wanted to figure out why some of you aren't crazy about the service but still buy there.

Lars,I was just in Oregon city gunshopping on monday,wish I'd knwn of the new store.Is it on the main drag??

Lars,I see you spell orygun like the cas shooters do.do you shoot with us at sherwood?

[hops]

My experience at Keith's was positive. Picked up a USP45 Expert - asked if one was in stock and counter person went back to the inventory and brought one out. Also picked up a HK91 with PGS1 stock and grip that was on consignment. Answered all my questions and called owner of HK91 to get answers to questions he did not have.

Even did not charge me for the NICS check on the HK91 - when I came back to buy it, after already paying for the USP and he did warn me that he'd charge me again for a NICS check if I did decide to purchase the HK91. To eat 11 bucks when I dropped 3600 bucks in his store seems like no big deal, but it's a nice gesture nonetheless.

I'll buy my next USP (the 9mm tac model when it's out) there.

Keith's does have a huge selection of handguns last time I visited the place.

[dude]

by mrt>>"well in the past few months I had 2 handguns that Sportman's sent back to the manufacture for repair...and there was no arguments..."

You ask what you are missing here..........well what you are missing is that if you had bought those guns from Kieth's, you would have had to send them back to the manufacture on your own with no help from Kieth's shop

[Zip06]

Man did this thread get hijacked or what? I have bought several guns from Keith and am not displeased. I think I heard he sold something like 7000 guns last year and he has about 50 or so tables at the Portland Gun shows. His shop must be about 3000 square feet (but he is going to move soon). He cannot give much "service" with such a high volume of business and he does not. He sells 'em' and its so long dude. Everyone knows that. He is top dog in the gun business, at least in Portland. Its price, price, availability, availability. Actually, I got him to send a Beretta back once. I'm not disappointed.

[dude]

that's cool zip, but I choose to only buy used weapons and Fiocchi .357 from him. I am one of 'those' guys who gets greeted when I go in but I resent the added charges for using a credit card and the not backing up the firearms he sells. The last new firearm I bought from him was the IAI .30 Carbine he ordered for me a few years back. That's when he made me sign the 'do not return here' form, which I did............ but will never do again. America is a wonderful place 'aint it!

Good to see lots of Oregon shooters here on the High Road!

FWIW- the best prices and service I've found in Oregon is at SM Guns in Eugene. A great selection, authorized HK, Berreta and several others dealer and nice freindly folks. I always stop by when in Eugene and often spend more than I had planned going home with a new-ish gun in the truck/beetle!

[Shweboner]

Not a big fan of Keith's either. My first and only purchase from there was my Springfield XD. I went there because they were the only shop that still had the one I wanted in stock.

1. If he's such a high roller in the business, why does he stick us with that CC fee? Keith's isnt a mom & pop store, so he shouldn't act like one.

2. Customer service SUCKED! I got the feeling that they could have cared less if I had walked right out of there with or without a gun. There was absolutely NO ENTHUSIASM, some woman helped me, the store wasnt that busy, she could have at least smiled or made eye contact, or dare I say.... talked to me?

Had I known, I would have gone elsewhere. Ive had good times at Gunbroker in Tigard. As well as another shop, next time I will wait and have them ORDER it for me, before going back to keith's.

With all the attitude and crap you get in most gun shops, someone would open up a place and treat you right?


~Brian

[dude]

boner.......what do you expect when you drive up in that truck!

eve suggests you check out SM in Eugene for a friendly shop like you describe

[Zip06]

Why does he do it? Because he can.

Dude, Where in Eugene is that shop?

[dude]

the NW area beyond Costco and over the river to the west (like heading to the arport from I-5 on Beltline Hwy)............exit River Rd to the south (left) about 1/2 mile or so on the left, a ground level SM Guns sign in red

[Double Maduro]

I think that if someone told the credit card company that keith was charging extra for them they would pull his account. It is against the contract I signed to charge extra for cc purchases.

However it is legal to give a discount for cash.

I have 2 gunshops in the area that I like;

Northwest Armory, they can be a little snooty and hard to get to know, but have a lot of knowledge and when they find out you seriously want to know, will answer all your questions.

The Gun Broker, a small place in Clackamas, GREAT customer service and a good selection. I bought my P90 there. Good people, my wife even likes them.

I will not buy anything from The Gun Room, ever, period.

[Lars]

The gun room has to be the worst. What ever he has in stock is the best and what ever is not there is crap.:rolleyes: Oh and it canges as his stock changes.

[Dave R]

"Sportsman's Hoe-house has a reputation of going after the established locals, shutting them down with predator pricing and then stick it to the consumers once the competition is gone. What's so great about that?"

Wow, that is EXACTLY what happened in Boise/Meridian. Sportsmans' Warehouse drove Intermountain Outdoors out of business, then prices crept up. Ammo prices are particularly bad.

I don't buy much there.

[Shweboner]

I will not buy anything from The Gun Room, ever, period.

I second that. I cant believe he's still in business!



eve suggests you check out SM in Eugene for a friendly shop like you describe

Once we get the FFL, I will be the shop I described!
check out my sig.line... hopefully in April.
www.gunshop.s5.com


~brian

[Double Maduro]

Brian,

You have to get someone else to host your website. I was there for about 38 seconds and had to close about 6 popups.:cuss:

Let us know when it happens, I will be at your grand opening, you will have coffee and donuts, right?

I get my picture and prints for my CHL April 15th so I will be looking for something a little smaller than my Ruger P90.

:D

[Zip06]

I'll help plan the Grand Opening. What ever other events happen there has to be a lot of skin, booze and promotions. How about, with every box of 7.62...a free...tatoo?

[Shootist45]

Hey, Double M:

Actually all of you out there try WebWasher. It works. I've been using it for 5 days now and boy, does it help.

Here's the URL:

http://www.webwasher.com/en/products/wwash/download_license.htm

It's free for personal use.:D Give it a try.

[Double Maduro]

Shootist,

Thanks for the tip on webwasher, I'm using it now and it seems to work.

[Lars]

If you need any help let me know Brian. I can donate electricial work for a good cause. Stoped buy the Gun Broker on the way home, I always forget about them but they're nice and the prices don't seem too bad.

[Shweboner]

You have to get someone else to host your website. I was there for about 38 seconds and had to close about 6 popups.Let us know when it happens, I will be at your grand opening, you will have coffee and donuts, right?
I get my picture and prints for my CHL April 15th

Yeah it gives one popup for each page opened... once I make some money I'll be able to afford the "deluxe" package... ie no popups.
Definitely donuts @ my first show. dont know about coffee though, they charge you for using elec. @ the table its like $65 or something! I get my CHL on March 17!!!

How about, with every box of 7.62...a free...tatoo?
I get to pick the tatoos though. ;)

If you need any help let me know Brian. I can donate electricial work for a good cause. Stoped buy the Gun Broker on the way home, I always forget about them but they're nice and the prices don't seem too bad.
Thanks for the offer, no elec. work yet, but when we actually open a storefront we might be able to work something out. I like gunbroker, thats where I did my CHL class. Good people.


~Brian

[VictorLouis]

So, I have a few questions.

Just how many long-guns and handguns do they tend to keep on-hand at any given time?

Do they tag guns at MSRP, and negoitate, or show a discounted price already on the tag?

Someone said they don't take trades? Do they carry used guns at all, such as L.E. turn-ins?


Truthfully, it sounds just like a chain we already have here in town called Arizona Sportsman. They tag at MSRP, and don't negotiate. They do, however, put out a sales flyer every week with reasonably decent pricing on a dozen or so randomly selected guns. Their help is overwhelmingly young and gun-ignorant, or aged and rude. All in all, the 'little' shops don't have much to fear from them in the way of competition.

[mrt]

yes Victor it is probably a lot like AZ Sportsman's
they have decent display (I trying to guess here) ~80 long guns
and 130 handguns
No trades no deals... just the price you see, which isn't "bad."
They got young guys in there running the gun counter...
"Their help is overwhelmingly young and gun-ignorant, or aged and rude." yup same deal here.
Here's some short stories: one time I asked to see a Kahr and the guy dropped the gun in front of me and some boss person, and it was like no big deal.
Another time I asked this kid what they had in J frames and he didn't know what one was, asked another guy, he didn't know either, till they found this more knowledgeable guy. I can go on and on... but frankly I getting tried of writing. I'm usually light hearted and smile in there :rolleyes: On the other hand I have found a *few guys that seemed like they knew stuff though, well maybe two. :p

Prices are decent, but there are no sales that I've seen, yet they do sell a lot of guns so yes the smaller gun shops are very irked at S.W. :fire:

[Robert inOregon]

VictorLouis

They are well stocked, but its the bread and butter stuff (some eye candy SKU's but nothing "oh my god" exciting). And like all corporate entities, they buy specific SKU's for the entire chain. The typical one size fits all mentality. Prices are very competitive when they first move into a new location, but they do creep up as the store gets established. Product knowledge is near nonexistent and procurement personnel have little experience with areas specific sports gear and needs.

[WYO]

We like the Sportsmans' Warehouse in Loveland, CO. It's only half the distance to Cabela's in Sidney, NE. I find that the gun, shooting and reloading section is slightly better than Cabela's, although Cabela's has better fishing and clothing sections. The gun prices look very reasonable to me, but it's only because there aren't any high volume dealers in my part of Wyoming, and prices tend to be higher here. The other thing I like is that they have a good selection, so we can actually touch something rather than having to look at a picture on the Internet and order it. This is particularly important when trying to see if a rifle fits.

In terms of prices, I find some things that are cheaper than Cabelas, and some that are more.

[bbrins]

I must have gone to the S.W. in Loveland, CO a half dozen times while I was visiting my family in March. They have a huge selection of shooting accessories and outdoor gear as compared to what I have in my area. I like to handle things before buying, so that good selection comes in handy. That and I was too lazy to drive to Cabela's.

[VictorLouis]

to advise that I am pleasantly surprised by our new one here. Their prices are either competitive, or better than some of the other shops.

I put a pistol on layaway, and the clerk walked back to pick out a fresh NIB example for me from the back rather than giving me the display.:)

Now, I've just received two coupons in the mail good for $10 off of any one purchase exceeding $50. Gee, that won't be hard to do!

The only portion of the gun section that I don't care for is in the way they display the handguns. They are hung on a large pegboard somtimes three-deep on a peg. That's not just 3 examples of the same model, either. It can be 3 differing guns. It makes it very difficult for the casual browser, and it forces you into asking(and waiting) for staff assistance. Rifles are upright and 4-5 deep, but are naturally much easier to see because of their size.

[larry_minn]

Yep I also hate the pistols hung 3 deep. Some compitition for Gander may help. They also matched the $10 off on $50 or more.

[Lars]

They had the best price in town on Henry Youth lever actions. I found that out after paying more on one at Fishermans. Thats alright though, they have probably spent $30 on window cleaner over the past few years because of me.

Lars