Cabelas strikes again!!

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I'll make this response guys.

She's asked to go shooting and handed it to me and i said sweet what's this for? She says well i told him I'm leaving him and i wanted a gun! I said oh .......! She says see i got a ccw purse too the guy said i can carry it in there and unzips it. I immediately told her return the purse cause that's not a good way cause its too slow i would help her pick one out or a purse holster. She says i really like the wood grips, is it a nice gun? I said yes, its nice but do you really plan on carrying this? Yes, i do someday, he told me i didn't even need a permit! I explained the permit to her and as i got to looking at it i said well the sights and such and then she shows me how it goes in the purse and the hammer snagged on the inside of the pocket. I said did he show you one like this and pulled mine out? J frame 642. She says no a black Ruger the same size and this one. He said S&W brand was better than Ruger and suggested this. I liked the grips and the way it looks and feels. She cocks the hammer back and dry fires and says i like i can do this cause its not so heavy! I nicely explained that she shouldn't SA fire it cause its not real life situation. She looks at mine and hers side by side and says i F up didn't I? I stood there for a minute and said you want my honest opinion? I said its a bit too pricy for your situation, I could have got you a used one or something else a little cheaper at a few mom and pop stores. Right now Cabelas wants over $400 for shields on sale and mom and pop stores have them $350 on sale with or without lasers. She says OMG I'm so sorry i wanted to do this on my own and i remember you guys having S&W brands so that's what i wanted. I nicely explained to her that a Taurus or used Smith or Ruger would have been just fine and maybe even a little automatic. She said the revolver was the ticket cause her dad always had one. I nicely explained how the price is higher than the LGS and the gun without a hammer and sights would be a bad ass ccw gun but i don't like adjustable sights or hammers cause they get caught on stuff. She said i will take it back tomorrow! I said if you want ill go too and tell the manager how the counter guy skipped over 10-15 other types of handguns to sell you an $800 gun. I honestly feel the guy figured ill sell her the most expensive revolver in the case other than say 5-6'' barreled guns.

I told her this morning if she is happy keep it and if she can afford it keep it. I told her at minimum ditch the purse. I also told her if she wanted to i would get 2-3 revolvers and automatics and she could try it. I told her would stand by her with whatever she wanted. As i said before i know 100% this guy sold her that gun cause of the price and not because he was helping her and that's what im most pissed about!
 
I'm going to agree with the other responses here. The Model 60 is a great choice. It is a small J frame and it's all stainless steel. The small J frame makes it easily concealable. The weight of the steel gives it a lower velocity recoil than an Airweight or Airlite. It will shoot .38 Specials which is an ideal cartridge in a gun like that for an inexperienced shooter. The extra barrel length of the Model 60 gives better velocity than the little 1.875" barrels, and makes the .38 about as effective as it's going to get, yet the gun will handle .357 if the shooter can. The price is also reasonable. I paid a lot more for a Model 640 (pro) which is basically the same thing but with a concealed hammer. The exposed hammer spur isn't ideal for pocket carry, but will work fine in a purse and it gives her the option to shoot single-action. There's something of a consensus against cocking the hammer and shooting single action for defense, but if she finds training at all difficult it will allow her easier trigger control while she works on grip, stance, and sight picture before adding the longer, heavier double-action pull.

I would focus on her having fun shooting it, and getting her through whatever CCW permit process you have there so she'll have more options to carry. Her choice of gun was awesome. Just get with the program now.
 
Thats a great gun for a new shooter when loaded with 38s.

Sounds like you rained on her parade and she didn’t buy the gun you wanted her to buy. Sounds like the Cabela’s guy did his job well espcially for somebody that isnt paid commish.

Edit, I don’t know of Ohio’s laws but it sounds like the clerk was correct if he told her she could take it to the range in the purse. The purse is the same as a backpack or gun case.

Not sure what the issue is. The first lesson I ever learned in sales is don’t assume what I can afford or want to buy is what the customer can afford or wants to buy.

HB
I threw this at two cop buddies if her purse is next to her and the gun is in there its still concealed weapon and they said yes. She had cash in hand for a $400 gun and he conned her into a cabelas credit card for a more expensive gun.
 
you keep mentioning how you are upset that the counter guy never showed her any cheaper options. did she ask to see them? it sounds to me like she asked for a recommendation and he made a recommendation (and a pretty good one at that since she wanted a revolver). then did she just say yes to the first thing he pulled out? if so, it is on her and no fault of the sales guy. she always had the option to say "that is a little more than I want to spend. do you have any lower priced options?"
 
Exactly.

If you are such a good friend, you should have gone with her.

If she’s getting divorced and doesn’t have a lot of money, why is she buying a new pistol in the first place?

I have no idea why she wanted an opinion afterwards, but IMO you did her a significant disservice in several ways
She asked me and another guy Friday about revolvers and we both told her J frame or a Bersa or LCP. Sunday i get a text where are you i want to show you something? I said on my way out ill stop by and she shows me. I asked why she didn't ask me and she said she knew she wanted a revolver and wanted to do it on her own. I said you can call me assistance with anything just don't do rash stuff. Had i been told Friday she was buying this weekend i would have been there. Kind of hard when you don't know.

I told her to return it and go cheaper because she doesn't have money. She lost her job Friday and told him divorce Sunday morning and got the gun Sunday night. I said if you were working and had an extra $1k laying around hell yeah get it but that's just crazy! I could have got her a nice model 10 for under $350. She didn't ask me cause she thought i would tell her she didn't need a gun cause Friday i told her she didn't need to buy anything we had plenty she could shoot with us. I think she was embarrassed about the divorce thing.
 
She had cash in hand for a $400 gun and he conned her into a cabelas credit card for a more expensive gun.

she is old enough to buy a gun and is therefore an adult. they always ask if you want to open a store card and you can always say "no." it isn't the sales-guy's fault she said yes.
 
She had cash in hand for a $400 gun and he conned her into a cabelas credit card for a more expensive gun.

Maybe if she isn’t mature enough to make basic sound financial desicions, she isn’t mature enough to carry a loaded firearm. OR maybe yoh aren’t giving her enough credit.

If you are really her friend you could support her decision as presumably a rational adult woman and coach her a bit on the finer points of marksmenship and mentality.
 
you keep mentioning how you are upset that the counter guy never showed her any cheaper options. did she ask to see them? it sounds to me like she asked for a recommendation and he made a recommendation (and a pretty good one at that since she wanted a revolver). then did she just say yes to the first thing he pulled out? if so, it is on her and no fault of the sales guy. she always had the option to say "that is a little more than I want to spend. do you have any lower priced options?"
Me and the other guy said we carry S&W so she ran with that and said i want an S&W. She handled the model 60 and then the ruger he pulled out and the wood grips and stainless drew her to the 60. He told her the 60 was a better gun. If the woman doesn't know anything but S&W and revolver then how could she look at other options. she said today she thought the others were 22's I said no they are mostly 38spl and 357 in that size. Oh well i don't know i should have just called you!
 
she is old enough to buy a gun and is therefore an adult. they always ask if you want to open a store card and you can always say "no." it isn't the sales-guy's fault she said yes.
Its sales tactics to scam people! Oh you only have $400 cash in your purse you could always open a cabelas card that they try and cram down our throats when we hit the door or try and shop because they get commission because cabelas owns the bank that finances the card!! I was told this by an employee BTW. Oh if you open the card we will give you no tax and $50 off the gun for signing up and a cool hat! Hell i think she was more excited about the damn hat then $50 off and no tax! He seen a vulnerable person and jumped! He persuaded her into opening the card!
 
I may be in a minority here, but I think it advisable that people have a pretty high level of proficiency before they start carrying. I know a lot of my fellow gun enthusiasts want everyone to carry all day, every day... but I only want people who are serious and competent.
 
Maybe if she isn’t mature enough to make basic sound financial desicions, she isn’t mature enough to carry a loaded firearm. OR maybe yoh aren’t giving her enough credit.

If you are really her friend you could support her decision as presumably a rational adult woman and coach her a bit on the finer points of marksmenship and mentality.
She agreed it was a very bad idea and that she screwed up! I told her whatever she decides its her decision she got my opinion. She isn't mature enough financially. Lost her job Friday, gun, purse, divorce, weekend trips. Oh well not my problem! I just don't like people being taken advantage of.
 
Its sales tactics to scam people!
I'm not trying to piss you off further, because I can see you are upset and feel your friend was taken advantage of. However, I don't think it's fair to call it a scam. It's marketing. Cabela's is around to make money. The clerk undoubtedly did exactly what his employer instructed him to do, and for some folks, it works out well.

I'm sorry you are this kind of upset about it, but if she made any mistake it's that she didn't look before she leapt. If she's about to go through a divorce also, she probably isn't thinking real rationally right now either. Her mind is undoubtedly spinning in circles.
 
I may be in a minority here, but I think it advisable that people have a pretty high level of proficiency before they start carrying. I know a lot of my fellow gun enthusiasts want everyone to carry all day, every day... but I only want people who are serious and competent.
I told her if she told me she was serious about wanting a gun seeing how shes never touched one before i would have gathered my two buddies who are instructors and had them go shoot with us at the club or had her take a class. She says im trying to be independent. Im standing there last night and she is pointing it all over the place i said can i see that? I opened the cylinder and it was empty and she says whats wrong? I said you pointed that at me 3 times and cocked the hammer back and fired it! Unless your willing to shoot it don't point the gun at it. She says well how am i supposed to know! When it was handed to me it was handed muzzle pointing at me! I showed her cylinder open hand over.

Im 100% for her carrying but i think the choice no matter how bad ass that revolver is because i really do like it i think there were better options and she needed to actually fire a gun before purchasing one!

That 357 goes off in those tiny hands it may scare her and she now has a $800 paper weight.
 
Like the others I don't understand why you are so angry.

Is she your girlfriend?

Otherwise you are not going to get much support on this forum. I agree with the others that she did not necessarily make a bad choice.

The speedometer on your vehicle probably goes to 100. That does not mean you have to drive 100. You probably drive under that. Meaning that just because it says 357 Magnum on it does not mean she has to shoot magnums in it. There are very good 38 Special ammunition at Cabelas.

My wife choice is a S&W M&P 4.25" barrel 17 round 9mm. I am not a fan of plastic striker fired pistols but it doesn't matter. It is what she wants. So rather that make her feel bad about her choice I have helped her improve the gun. It now has a TruGlo Fiber Optic sights, APEX trigger kit and for her birthday earlier this year I gave her a Crimson Trace laser for it. (She wasn't too wild about the laser until Daughter #1 told her how great they are and easy to use for shooting).The result is she has a gun that she really likes.

Years ago the entire family took a Hunters Safety class together. I have since boosted her confidence by taking a conceal carry class together and we go shooting together. I coach her when she needs it but she outshoots me on one of the targets we use. (I use a large happy face target for fun that she for some reason shoots better groups than I can on).

Your friend was right when she said she doesn't know how to handle a gun. In fact she is asking for help. You said you know two instructors. Why not have one of them teach her how to safely handle the gun and how to shoot it? Help her pay for the class as birthday or early Christmas present.

You mention she is getting a divorce. If it is a nasty one those 357 magnum rounds might be mighty useful if her ex decides to attack her.
 
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I'm not trying to piss you off further, because I can see you are upset and feel your friend was taken advantage of. However, I don't think it's fair to call it a scam. It's marketing. Cabela's is around to make money. The clerk undoubtedly did exactly what his employer instructed him to do, and for some folks, it works out well.

I'm sorry you are this kind of upset about it, but if she made any mistake it's that she didn't look before she leapt.
I agree! She understands that now. She said she likes my J frames size and feel i said ok, we take yours back, tell them screw off, shoot my J frame, shield, model 10, 1911, whatever you want and then decide and i will find you the best price. She said it was an emotional purchase cause she was mad and worried when she told him.
 
I offered to let her shoot a j frame with light 38spl reloads with a crimson trace and she said he never showed that too her. I too am concerned about the hammer cause she says the trigger is heavier than mine and says but i can do this and cocks the hammer and dry fires it. I said nope! You need to shoot it in DA only because when its an oh crap situation your not going to mess with the hammer. I also don't like hammer guns in a purse because of it accidently being cocked. Hence why i am adamant about hammerless revolvers for her. I can just see her digging in the purse or not liking the DA trigger and cocking the thing and getting hurt. When i had her dry fire it in DA she jerks it a lot also and says its heavy. I told her maybe a small semi auto with a safety would be good. Not such a heavy trigger pull.

Uncocking a revolver is something that everyone needs to know as well as how to do safely and it would be good if you showed her how to do it with an unloaded revolver and have her repeat it until she shows mastery. Reloading is another task that requires training. Finding a old style cop type retention holster with the hammer strap would also help--even check Numrich as I have picked up some used bargains on holsters from them. Hogue boot grips without the laser can help with recoil for little of nothing. Getting her a copy of either Lovette's book on revolvers or Grant Cunningham's works would also assist her. If I recall right, the lady going by Cornered Cat also had some useful books that mention revolver operation.

It is relatively simple for a gunsmith to bob the hammer on the Smith, albeit a shame, and any smith that works on revolvers can smooth up a Smith trigger pull which smoothness in a DA revolver is preferable to a lighter trigger pull. On the long revolver DA trigger pull, if she can master it, then she can master any firearm and be safe while doing so.

The whole revolver versus semi-auto for beginners is a highly contested field. I learned on revolvers so what I post may reflect my bias and my first exposure to a semi-auto did not leave a good impression in my mouth for awhile. But, having learned to operate both competently has led me to conclude that a revolver has a simpler manual of arms and may be superior as a firearm to someone who spends little time on practice and training. A semi-auto is a bit more complicated in their manual of arms, particularly with a manual safety, and requires a bit more training and practice. Issues of hand strength, fit of the firearm to hand, ability to rack a slide and do malfunction drills, type of concealment, need for reloads, available trainers in the area, etc. all may also play a part in what type works for the individual and may very well outweigh other factors for an individual.

Regarding cocked revolvers,
Jim Cirrillo, in one of his books, recounts when he worked at the police range, a cop came in with a cocked revolver and the hammer tied up with a string to keep it from going off. Apparently the guy cocked it and did not know how to safely decock the revolver--he had been carrying it that way for several weeks if I remember correctly. I suspect that this lack of knowledge on semi-safely decocking a revolver might now be true of quite a few firearms trainers and even more police officers as well.
 
It’s hard to be pissed at a person in sales doing their job. If he sold dresses, he would said it made her look thinner or younger. Paying to much is the fault of the consumer if there are other places to shop for the same item.

Seems like blaming McDonald’s for being fat because one eats their food.
 
I agree! She understands that now. She said she likes my J frames size and feel i said ok, we take yours back, tell them screw off, shoot my J frame, shield, model 10, 1911, whatever you want and then decide and i will find you the best price. She said it was an emotional purchase cause she was mad and worried when she told him.
That's the problem right there.
 
She says im trying to be independent.

LOL! Next time I go to the airport, I'm just going to jump in the pilot's seat. When some member of the airline points out that I have neither a pilot's license nor any training, I'll explain that I'm just trying to be independent!!
:rofl:
 
Like the others I don't understand why you are so angry.

Is she your girlfriend?

Otherwise you are not going to get much support on this forum. I agree with the others that she did not necessarily make a bad choice.

The speedometer on your vehicle probably goes to 100. That does not mean you have to drive 100. You probably drive under that. Meaning that just because it says 357 Magnum on it does not mean she has to shoot magnums in it. There are very good 38 Special ammunition at Cabelas.

My wife choice is a S&W M&P 4.25" barrel 17 round 9mm. I am not a fan of plastic striker fired pistols but it doesn't matter. It is what she wants. So rather that make her feel bad about her choice I have helped her improve the gun. It now has a TruGlo Fiber Optic sights, APEX trigger kit and for her birthday earlier this year I gave her a Crimson Trace laser for it. (She wasn't too wild about the laser until Daughter #1 told her how great they are and easy to use for shooting).The result is she has a gun that she really likes. I have also boosted her confidence by taking a conceal carry class together and we go shooting together. I coach her when she needs it but she outshoots me on one of the targets we use. (I use a large happy face target for fun that she for some reason shoots better groups than I can on).

You mention she is getting a divorce. If it is a nasty one those 357 magnum rounds might be mighty useful if her ex decides to attack her.
Not GF we are just friends. I don't roll that way. :)

I'm upset because I'm tired of people screwing people over! Just like the same cabelas telling a guy he couldn't shoot hollow points or FMJ ammo through a certain gun! Hey you cant shoot FMJ out of that so buy these gold dots cause they aren't selling very well. I don't want to sound rude but I'm sure your wife had your guidance with getting the M&P and possibly firearm experience being married to a firearm enthusiast?
 
Uncocking a revolver is something that everyone needs to know as well as how to do safely and it would be good if you showed her how to do it with an unloaded revolver and have her repeat it until she shows mastery. Reloading is another task that requires training. Finding a old style cop type retention holster with the hammer strap would also help--even check Numrich as I have picked up some used bargains on holsters from them. Hogue boot grips without the laser can help with recoil for little of nothing. Getting her a copy of either Lovette's book on revolvers or Grant Cunningham's works would also assist her. If I recall right, the lady going by Cornered Cat also had some useful books that mention revolver operation.

It is relatively simple for a gunsmith to bob the hammer on the Smith, albeit a shame, and any smith that works on revolvers can smooth up a Smith trigger pull which smoothness in a DA revolver is preferable to a lighter trigger pull. On the long revolver DA trigger pull, if she can master it, then she can master any firearm and be safe while doing so.

The whole revolver versus semi-auto for beginners is a highly contested field. I learned on revolvers so what I post may reflect my bias and my first exposure to a semi-auto did not leave a good impression in my mouth for awhile. But, having learned to operate both competently has led me to conclude that a revolver has a simpler manual of arms and may be superior as a firearm to someone who spends little time on practice and training. A semi-auto is a bit more complicated in their manual of arms, particularly with a manual safety, and requires a bit more training and practice. Issues of hand strength, fit of the firearm to hand, ability to rack a slide and do malfunction drills, type of concealment, need for reloads, available trainers in the area, etc. all may also play a part in what type works for the individual and may very well outweigh other factors for an individual.

Regarding cocked revolvers,
Jim Cirrillo, in one of his books, recounts when he worked at the police range, a cop came in with a cocked revolver and the hammer tied up with a string to keep it from going off. Apparently the guy cocked it and did not know how to safely decock the revolver--he had been carrying it that way for several weeks if I remember correctly. I suspect that this lack of knowledge on semi-safely decocking a revolver might now be true of quite a few firearms trainers and even more police officers as well.
If she decides to keep it i will show her this. Thanks for the reminder! I can so see her loading the damn thing and cocking it and not knowing what to do.
 
She agreed it was a very bad idea and that she screwed up! I told her whatever she decides its her decision she got my opinion. She isn't mature enough financially. Lost her job Friday, gun, purse, divorce, weekend trips. Oh well not my problem! I just don't like people being taken advantage of.

I’m with you on not liking people being taken advantage of.
That said, you were in a tough decision and you did what you thought as right. Many disagree with the way you handled it.

Personally I agree that you could have handled it better. Yes she could have saved money, maybe there were better choices. But she made the decision. And while Cabelas is what it is, it sounds like the salesperson did their job and only messed up with the conceal carry part.

Now I don’t know the law in your state so if he told her wrong about conceal that’s the thing that needs to be addressed, not the price, or the credit card or the choices. In fact I think its something you should address so that that employees and others dont do it again and get somein in trouble.

Now not to tell you what to do, but if she’s a good friend, why not buy a box or two of ammo for her and take her to the range? Teach her safety basics and good range etiquette and the basics. Help her find a conceal carry class and get her signed up. It won’t undo the disappointment and the hurt but maybe that and an apology will show that while you weren’t thoughtful about her feeling you were trying to look out for her.
 
OP,

As others have said, your friend had the opportunity to ask you for help prior to purchasing the gun but chose not to, so that's on her. I bought a car not to long ago. Not being much of a car guy I had quite a few conversations with my oldest son and my brother, both of who are, and they steered me in the right direction. Had I walked into a dealership having done no research, ignored the resources I had available to me and made a poor decision based on what the sales guy told me, that would have been on me. I don't know the answer to this, but given the number of anti-Cabala posts you've made, I'm wondering how much of you blaming them are based on the fact that you just don't like them.
 
I'm not upset with anyone on this forum so please no one take it that way. Do i feel she got taken advantage of? Yes! Its like her being 16yo looking for her first car and the dealer sells her a corvette she cant afford just because HE CAN! She as an adult walked into Cabelas who employs people who unsuspecting persons may think actually know what they are talking about or selling and asked for advice because she was afraid i would tell her she didn't need a gun! IDK why i would have said hell yeah, lets go! She asked the salesman's advice and i feel he took advantage of her ignorance. Not only with the firearm but credit card also. She was vulnerable because of the situation and wasn't thinking but when someone is employed by a store who sells firearms you would think they would steer a new person into the correct direction and not the most expensive. I asked how much the 357 ammo was and she wouldn't tell me. I told her cheap 38spl ammo is about $15 on sale and she wouldn't respond how much the 357 ammo was. Again how could i not think she was suckered to buy the most expensive stuff?

She takes what people say seriously. She purchased a car part 2 weeks ago online the store gave to someone else and told her too bad someone signed for it. She gave up and purchased them again i said are you crazy! go get your money back! She finally stood up for herself and they refunded her everything and gave her the parts for free. Im just glad he didn't sell her a super red hawk or something!
 
I’m with you on not liking people being taken advantage of.
That said, you were in a tough decision and you did what you thought as right. Many disagree with the way you handled it.

Personally I agree that you could have handled it better. Yes she could have saved money, maybe there were better choices. But she made the decision. And while Cabelas is what it is, it sounds like the salesperson did their job and only messed up with the conceal carry part.

Now I don’t know the law in your state so if he told her wrong about conceal that’s the thing that needs to be addressed, not the price, or the credit card or the choices. In fact I think its something you should address so that that employees and others dont do it again and get somein in trouble.

Now not to tell you what to do, but if she’s a good friend, why not buy a box or two of ammo for her and take her to the range? Teach her safety basics and good range etiquette and the basics. Help her find a conceal carry class and get her signed up. It won’t undo the disappointment and the hurt but maybe that and an apology will show that while you weren’t thoughtful about her feeling you were trying to look out for her.
I did! I called her first thing this morning and said look! If you want to keep it and you can legitimately afford it then ill support it. Do i think there are better choices and do i think we should have let you actually shoot a 38spl revolver before you dropped almost a grand on one? yes! I said if you decide you want to take it back call me and ill go with you and handle it! She says is it a bad gun? I said no but im afraid the hammer and size will cause you issues otherwise its a bad ass gun! She says yeah, it kind of hit me i paid too much and i should have called you but i wanted to do it on my own. She says its about time she starts doing things on her own without help! I have a $50 cabelas gift card that im not going to use that im going to give her if she decides to keep the gun and if anything go up there and ask them to take the $50 gift card off the price.
 
OP,

As others have said, your friend had the opportunity to ask you for help prior to purchasing the gun but chose not to, so that's on her. I bought a car not to long ago. Not being much of a car guy I had quite a few conversations with my oldest son and my brother, both of who are, and they steered me in the right direction. Had I walked into a dealership having done no research, ignored the resources I had available to me and made a poor decision based on what the sales guy told me, that would have been on me. I don't know the answer to this, but given the number of anti-Cabala posts you've made, I'm wondering how much of you blaming them are based on the fact that you just don't like them.
Your right i honestly don't like them because they do legitimately suck! I visit Michigan and its great! When the employee tells someone they cant use FMJ ammo they have to shoot hollow points its either the manager telling them push hollow points or he really doesn't know jack about firearms and will get someone hurt! If academy or gander did this to her id still be ticked off! Not just ticked cause its cabelas. We have another chain store here in Ohio and they would have pulled 50 handguns out for her not just tell her what will make them $. When i was in the market for a shield i asked what the difference was between 1.0 and 2.0 and was told not enough to justify the extra cost. He didn't try and sell me the more expensive 2.0, he showed me a glock 43, ruger, etc. My buddy wanted a deer hunting handgun and they steered him the right way instead of saying buy this $1k ruger or smith it will shoot the deer for you! I don't play games when it comes to firearms. If you don't know guns you shouldn't apply for the job nor should cabelas employ them! Its a dangerous thing and an expensive investment to leave in the hands of someone who doesn't know squat.
 
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