Sportman's Warehouse
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WayneConrad
Member
I try other gun shops, but I keep going back to the Sportsman's Warehouse here in Phoenix. The help is friendly, the prices are good, and they don't require me to disarm.
They have a HUGE gun counter. It wraps around one entire corner of the store. Literaly hundreds of long-guns and handguns. The long guns were in rows along the wall behind the counter, and all the handguns are in an alcove on a grid of pegs, 3-5 guns deep. The alcove is set up so they can just drop a big steel security door over the handguns at night. The handgun selection was full of Beretta, Glock, HK, Kahr, S&W, Walther, Tarus, FN, Ruger, and any other major brand you'd care to name. Perhaps 75-100 different makes/models or more.
They have a reloading section with dozens of different kinds of powders in 5lb jugs, and a couple asiles of accessories, like cleaning kits, slings, targets etc.
The prices seemed to be good/average. Although that might be because the store had just recentely opened up here in the SW burbs of Milwaukee...
The only (But to me not insignificant) downside I saw is that they don't carry any non-PC long guns, no AR's AK's, and pretty much nothing with a military appearance or an externaly visible box magazine. There was also no milsurp C&R stuff that I could see. Row upon row of bolt action sporters, shotguns, and lever guns. There may have been a Mini-14, an M1A on display with no magazine, and an M1 Garand hiding in there, but I doubt it.
The huge counter and the selection of other gun stuff makes up for the PC decision on EBR's, and the lack of milsurp somewhat. They also started out this way here, so it's not as if they carried EBR's (at least in Milwaukee) then wussed out. It also makes a veneer of sense with thier entire "sporting goods" big-box.
They also have an exccelent selection of safes, and a flashlight and pocket knife counter with all the cool goodies, like Streamlight, SureFire, Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw/Ken Onion, and even higher-end collector/ubertactical stuffetc. etc. etc.
From what I saw at the one here outside Milwaukee, Sportsman's Warehouse would be the best store (from a selection & stock standpoint) in town if they only would carry non-PC long guns, & milsurp, and a few other non-pc pistols like MAC's, AR pistols, the new Kel-Tec PLR16 etc.
Otherwise it's huge.
They have a reloading section with dozens of different kinds of powders in 5lb jugs, and a couple asiles of accessories, like cleaning kits, slings, targets etc.
The prices seemed to be good/average. Although that might be because the store had just recentely opened up here in the SW burbs of Milwaukee...
The only (But to me not insignificant) downside I saw is that they don't carry any non-PC long guns, no AR's AK's, and pretty much nothing with a military appearance or an externaly visible box magazine. There was also no milsurp C&R stuff that I could see. Row upon row of bolt action sporters, shotguns, and lever guns. There may have been a Mini-14, an M1A on display with no magazine, and an M1 Garand hiding in there, but I doubt it.
The huge counter and the selection of other gun stuff makes up for the PC decision on EBR's, and the lack of milsurp somewhat. They also started out this way here, so it's not as if they carried EBR's (at least in Milwaukee) then wussed out. It also makes a veneer of sense with thier entire "sporting goods" big-box.
They also have an exccelent selection of safes, and a flashlight and pocket knife counter with all the cool goodies, like Streamlight, SureFire, Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw/Ken Onion, and even higher-end collector/ubertactical stuffetc. etc. etc.
From what I saw at the one here outside Milwaukee, Sportsman's Warehouse would be the best store (from a selection & stock standpoint) in town if they only would carry non-PC long guns, & milsurp, and a few other non-pc pistols like MAC's, AR pistols, the new Kel-Tec PLR16 etc.
Otherwise it's huge.
Thefabulousfink
Member
Around these parts we refer to it as "the Wall O' Guns"
They have the largest selection of new firearms in my area. Prices and service are about what you would expect form a major chain store. Occasionally you get bad service, but that is usually more indicitive of the person and not the store as a whole.
I have been using the one up here for FFL transfers recently, they only charge $10 on long guns. I usually go there to pick up ammo or components, or to get my hands on a gun that I cant find elsewhere; then I go to one of the smaller local stores and have them order it for me.
All in all, a good store. Great place for archery, fishing, and hunting supplies too.
Edit: Our store has (on average) 8-10 ARs, 6 M1As, 1-2 Thompsons, but no AKs or mil-surplus.
They have the largest selection of new firearms in my area. Prices and service are about what you would expect form a major chain store. Occasionally you get bad service, but that is usually more indicitive of the person and not the store as a whole.
I have been using the one up here for FFL transfers recently, they only charge $10 on long guns. I usually go there to pick up ammo or components, or to get my hands on a gun that I cant find elsewhere; then I go to one of the smaller local stores and have them order it for me.
All in all, a good store. Great place for archery, fishing, and hunting supplies too.
Edit: Our store has (on average) 8-10 ARs, 6 M1As, 1-2 Thompsons, but no AKs or mil-surplus.
We have several in the Denver area. When they first showed up, I figured they were just another Carharrt-wearin', bass-pluggin', big box store. Shortly thereafter, I got the lust for a Bushmaster Carbon 15. My local dealer would order one for me at full MSRP "if I really wanted one" and paid for it up front. Sportsman's Warehouse had 5 or 6 in stock, at a couple hundred off MSRP. Needless to say, I took one home. A couple days later I received a thank you letter from the store manager, along with a gift certificate. The stores here stock a large selection of EBR's, including SOCOM Springfields that keep trying to come home with me. It's a good operation.
Nortonics
Member
You will like that they are in your area!
Excellent prices that border what you would pay on-line, over the Internet - extensive inventory of handguns and long guns - and from what I've witnessed, very knowledgeable and friendly people that I've never seen act like "Mr. wonderful gun guru that knows all".
Picked up a pair of new Kimber CDP's from them over the past couple of years for numerous reasons:
- Had 'em in stock, with brand new, untouched from the factory, still in original packing grease extras in the back room.
- Had the best 'new' price of anywhere else locally.
- In one instance where their price was only $25 higher than the local competition, they matched the price when I inquired.
- Just gotta' love that they're about the only national chain that also stocks a great quantity of reloading supplies.
You my friend have just acquired a store that you will often be visiting.
Excellent prices that border what you would pay on-line, over the Internet - extensive inventory of handguns and long guns - and from what I've witnessed, very knowledgeable and friendly people that I've never seen act like "Mr. wonderful gun guru that knows all".
Picked up a pair of new Kimber CDP's from them over the past couple of years for numerous reasons:
- Had 'em in stock, with brand new, untouched from the factory, still in original packing grease extras in the back room.
- Had the best 'new' price of anywhere else locally.
- In one instance where their price was only $25 higher than the local competition, they matched the price when I inquired.
- Just gotta' love that they're about the only national chain that also stocks a great quantity of reloading supplies.
You my friend have just acquired a store that you will often be visiting.
Graystar
Member
I've bought lots of guns from them. Very good prices. Just know what you want before you go.
aguyindallas
Member
I have been to the store in Lewisville Texas. My experience is that they have pretty good prices on guns (although I have NEVER bought one from them). A great selection of guns and they do carry the occassional AR-15 at my local store.
They have a great selection of reloading stuff and ammo, but the ammo is quite expensive for your run of the mill WWB stuff. Good selection of cleaning gear, safes, and a few holsters. Most of the holsters are the standard Uncle Mikes, Bianchi and even some Galco stuff.
I look at it like this....whether or not I have bought any guns there, its still good to have another local source for guns in the community.
They have a great selection of reloading stuff and ammo, but the ammo is quite expensive for your run of the mill WWB stuff. Good selection of cleaning gear, safes, and a few holsters. Most of the holsters are the standard Uncle Mikes, Bianchi and even some Galco stuff.
I look at it like this....whether or not I have bought any guns there, its still good to have another local source for guns in the community.
nvrquit
Member
Well Now....
.... wouldn't that just figure. The chain sports store that appears to be the friendliest(perhaps, price wise) is on the other end of my state.
Well, all's not so bad. I've got a Cabela's 20 minutes away, a Gander Mountain about an hour and a Bass Pro about the same. I guess I'd just like to be hold'in "four of a kind" instead of triples. Sigh......
.... wouldn't that just figure. The chain sports store that appears to be the friendliest(perhaps, price wise) is on the other end of my state.
Well, all's not so bad. I've got a Cabela's 20 minutes away, a Gander Mountain about an hour and a Bass Pro about the same. I guess I'd just like to be hold'in "four of a kind" instead of triples. Sigh......
chetrogers
Member
The Store here in Oregon "Clackamas" is great.I think the prices are average but the guys there have always seemed to know there stuff.I have only bought one firearm there and that was my Ruger p97dc..I love going into the store its huge and has everything.Last Friday i even put in a Job aplication there.
BozemanMT
Member
I like sportsman's warehouse, but not for guns. They have a lot but they don't know boo. And I have some good gunshops in my area, they get all the gun business. For ammo they are pretty good, but not great, but for reloading supplies they cannot be beat.
They have a great selection and really good prices.
Do not special order anything.
I like 'em, less fluffy stuff and more overall stuff.
They have a great selection and really good prices.
Do not special order anything.
I like 'em, less fluffy stuff and more overall stuff.
Carbon_15
Member
I can't wait. Bummer on the Mil-Surp though
Jason
Columbia,SC
Jason
Columbia,SC
Their selection of components is amazing (to a guy who reloads 28 ga ) Locally, I would have to order 28 ga wads, SW has FIVE kinds in stock! Prices on components are great.
They also have these cool little kid-sized shopping carts so my grandson Tyler can run around the store crashing into people's ankles.
On the downside, my brother lives in Albuquerque, and he says the SW there has already put one local shop out of business, and another is about to go under.
There was a nicely stocked gun store in Colorado Springs, Specialty Sports. When they heard SW was coming to town, they rented (or bought) a building about four times (or more!) the size of their old location. They decided to take SW head-on, I guess. Now SS carries top-of-the-line guns that SW doesn't have, and they match SW's prices on ammo. SS has cases full of Wilson, Baer, Surefire; racks of Giardini multi-barrel sets (4 (!) 20/28 ga O/U's). I wish them luck!
) Locally, I would have to order 28 ga wads, SW has FIVE kinds in stock! Prices on components are great.They also have these cool little kid-sized shopping carts so my grandson Tyler can run around the store crashing into people's ankles.
On the downside, my brother lives in Albuquerque, and he says the SW there has already put one local shop out of business, and another is about to go under.
There was a nicely stocked gun store in Colorado Springs, Specialty Sports. When they heard SW was coming to town, they rented (or bought) a building about four times (or more!) the size of their old location. They decided to take SW head-on, I guess. Now SS carries top-of-the-line guns that SW doesn't have, and they match SW's prices on ammo. SS has cases full of Wilson, Baer, Surefire; racks of Giardini multi-barrel sets (4 (!) 20/28 ga O/U's). I wish them luck!
Sportsman's Warehouse has it's pros and cons, just like any store. I like that they have a wider variety of products at reasonable prices and their staff here couldn't be friendlier. However, I don't like that they hurt the local retailers who've been here for years and their product selections can be a little eclectic. I admit, I prefer to support the local economy directly rather than just through the payroll of a big-box store but then as the local guys will go the extra mile for you. I'm willing to pay a little more to lower volume local or in-state retailers to keep the local guys in business to keep the good service around.
Dan Morris
Member
Larry, when SW opened by me, I was totally impressed. However, we are due to have a Cabellas in a few months, this should prove quite interesting as to items and pricing!
Dan
Dan
Autolycus
Member
Becareful though. Its nice to have the big box retailers but they will destroy the local competition. And after the local competition is gone what happens if Sportsmans Warehouse stops selling black rifles and handguns? Or guns at all? I remember reading that they do not allow CCW classes anymore.
Its nice to have these stores but they can destroy local competition and eventually hurt gunowners in the end.
Its nice to have these stores but they can destroy local competition and eventually hurt gunowners in the end.
Lennyjoe
Member
I go to Sportsmans quite a bit. They have decent prices on guns but I mostly go there for reloading stuff. Their powder is about $5 cheaper on average than the local gun shop down the road from me.
armoredman
Member
The one here in Marana is awesome. I get all my reloading supplies there, except for the few I still have to order. There are ARs on the shlef, but no AKs, and again, no milsurps. The staff is knowledgable, and friendly. My wife and I love shopping there. As for driving out competitors, only Jensen's is failing, and they deserve it.
redloki
Member
I went to a Sportsmans Warehouse for the first time this past weekend. We just had a new one open up here in Rogers, Arkansas. These guys are not kidding. Wall to wall guns and reloading. I was in heaven and my girlfriend thought I reverted to a five year old and had to drag me out telling me she would bust my butt if I didn't listen. All this right next to the biggest Walmart on the planet. I bought a brick of Remington Subsonic .22lr while I was in Walmart at 2.17 a box. Sportsman Warehouse had them for 1.69 a box
I know where I will be buying ammo.
All this right next to the biggest Walmart on the planet. I bought a brick of Remington Subsonic .22lr while I was in Walmart at 2.17 a box. Sportsman Warehouse had them for 1.69 a box I know where I will be buying ammo.
ugaarguy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
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- 13,828
Boise Area
I suppose I've got it great where I am. Locally, near the base is a little store that deals in hunting firearms primarily, but keeps a decent stock of handguns and ...umm... "patrol" rifles. Then a bit further into town is the other small local store -- that specializes in Mil Surps, AKs, ARs, is a Class III manufacturer, and basically has all the cool toys that gun grabbers hate 
Then about an hours drive to Boise and there's a Sportsmans Warehouse that has a huge selection of ... well everything. Also in Boise is a small local shop that specializes in reloading and gunsafes, but is also a huge Springfield dealer along with keeping a pretty large variety of all types of new and used firearms. Finally there is another local store in Boise that has a very large selection of new and used weapons of all types, but they're a little light on the milsurps and "patrol" rifles. I reckon there's a shop for whatever niche that needs filled here locally. As for the SW here they've got good prices, friendly knowledgeable sales people, and lots of attractive young ladies running the cash registers .
I suppose I've got it great where I am. Locally, near the base is a little store that deals in hunting firearms primarily, but keeps a decent stock of handguns and ...umm... "patrol" rifles
. Then a bit further into town is the other small local store -- that specializes in Mil Surps, AKs, ARs, is a Class III manufacturer, and basically has all the cool toys that gun grabbers hate Then about an hours drive to Boise and there's a Sportsmans Warehouse that has a huge selection of ... well everything. Also in Boise is a small local shop that specializes in reloading and gunsafes, but is also a huge Springfield dealer along with keeping a pretty large variety of all types of new and used firearms. Finally there is another local store in Boise that has a very large selection of new and used weapons of all types, but they're a little light on the milsurps and "patrol" rifles. I reckon there's a shop for whatever niche that needs filled here locally. As for the SW here they've got good prices, friendly knowledgeable sales people, and lots of attractive young ladies running the cash registers .- Status
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