MaterDei
Member
Gander Mountain is about to open a store near me. Should I be excited?
Gander Mountain
- Thread starter MaterDei
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lee n. field
Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2002
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It's not a bad thing. "Locally" (it's actually ~50 miles away) they actually have stuff on hand that other places don't. Outside of sales their prices (IMHO) are somewhat high.
Ringer
Member
Huge selection of long guns with the exception of EBRs as mentioned above. The nice thing is they are all accessable without help as they are cabled to open racks. Handgun selection not as good but not all that bad. The one in my area is pretty much on par price wise with gun shops. They also have tons of "stuff" i.e. cleaning supplies, reloading, trap throwers, scope covers etc... All in all I like the one near me pretty well.
Rupestris
Member
Biggest complaint is the service at the store close to me. My wife won't go there because of the crappy treatment that anyone that lacks testosterone gets. Folks at the gun counter are the worst. They should have a sign up that says "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Pe**s - No service!"
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
I was in Amarillo early this month and went by the GM on the west end of town during some slack time. Not a bad selection of longarms, a decent selection of handguns.
The stuff in the display cases that they considered 'custom' was on the odd side...a hideous 10-22 with a fencepost-like stock for $900, a Garand equal to rack-grade for $1000, a 1903A3 for $800.
Lots of shooting accessories, good ammo supply and spread as far as variety (except no 357sig) and every type of hunting camo and accessory piece imaginable.
It's kind of like Bass Pro if it were in a warehouse with no decor.
Regards,
Rabbit.
The stuff in the display cases that they considered 'custom' was on the odd side...a hideous 10-22 with a fencepost-like stock for $900, a Garand equal to rack-grade for $1000, a 1903A3 for $800.
Lots of shooting accessories, good ammo supply and spread as far as variety (except no 357sig) and every type of hunting camo and accessory piece imaginable.
It's kind of like Bass Pro if it were in a warehouse with no decor.
Regards,
Rabbit.
birddog
Member
I'll drink to that. I like my local GM, but reserve my gun purchases to the smaller local gunshops that actually provide some measure of service. GM is good for ammo, reloading components and the occasional expensive item, but their gun-counter service (at least at our local store) is the WORST.
Not a bad store, by any means, but as a trade off for low prices, you get the Wal-Mart treatment, unfortunately.
OH25shooter
Member
Yes, you should enjoy GM. Just be thankful it wasn't a Dick's Sporting Goods.
The gun counter service isn't a whole lot better than Walmart, but they do sell used guns, and sometimes the you'll find a heck of a deal there. I've bought several guns there and it's nearly impossible to complete the transaction without the clerk taking a half dozen phone calls during the process. It was worth the time spent though.
Stevie-Ray
Member
I love going into ours. Just for a look sometimes, but I usually find something I need. I have done business with them for far longer than they have had retail outlets in this area. For the longest time, Wisconsin was the closest.
I was, until opening day when they chased me away with their poor customer service. Since then I've spent thousands at their competition, Sportsmen's Warehouse.
If you do some searching, you might find my original post detailing my experience. Basically, the short version is I was ignored by 3 gun department personnel who were standing in an isle telling eachother stories and dropping f-bombs in within earshot of customers. Meanwhile, 2 employees worked the 20-minute line at the registers. This was a week before Christmas, and after that I decided I didn't need to go back.
JohnMc
Member
I'd be excited because they have a whole lot more than guns, like a complete selection of fly fishing stuff, which I have to mail order here in the RDU area.
Their gun prices did seem a bit stiff to me, but I only visited one in back home at Christmas time.
Their gun prices did seem a bit stiff to me, but I only visited one in back home at Christmas time.
GM has nothing to be proud of except that they have a lot of hunting guns. Their deal for price matching is not that good! Some stores in the metro have more guns then others. IE handguns to long guns. Some do not carry reloading supplies. They opened to Sportsmans Warehouse type locations in the north and south metro. They are not EBR friendly at all sort of like a Scheel's type attitude! Dicks well that is a whole different story. We have one Sportsmans Warehouse in the north metro that has a great selection of guns and stocks EBR and reloading supplies. Their pricing is very good on stuff. But it is 29 mile drive.
But, alas in the metro we have The Gunstop. A local store that has just about any reloading do dad and supplies to stock several SW locations. The gun end has guns in every nook and cranny! The prices are great! They do lack accessories, but hell we got three *icks, bushel full of GM's, and SW. If you go to Mankato or St. Cloud there is Scheels. Now a Cabelas is coming to Rogers! Holy cow! It is supposed to be bigger then Owatona.
But, alas in the metro we have The Gunstop. A local store that has just about any reloading do dad and supplies to stock several SW locations. The gun end has guns in every nook and cranny! The prices are great! They do lack accessories, but hell we got three *icks, bushel full of GM's, and SW. If you go to Mankato or St. Cloud there is Scheels. Now a Cabelas is coming to Rogers! Holy cow! It is supposed to be bigger then Owatona.
ACORN
Member
Yeah, GM is great for the fishing, archery, camping supplies.
The new firearms are nothing to get excited about, but if you keep your eyes, open you might find a great deal on a used gun. A few months ago I passed on a 70 series Colt Combat Commander in electroless nickel for $400 because the finish was a little beat. Needless to say, when I thought the better of it, and went back to buy it a couple of days later, it was gone. I did snag a Springer WWII that was in as new condition for $300 there recently though.
Look at it this way, another store that sells guns can't be bad.
The new firearms are nothing to get excited about, but if you keep your eyes, open you might find a great deal on a used gun. A few months ago I passed on a 70 series Colt Combat Commander in electroless nickel for $400 because the finish was a little beat. Needless to say, when I thought the better of it, and went back to buy it a couple of days later, it was gone. I did snag a Springer WWII that was in as new condition for $300 there recently though.
Look at it this way, another store that sells guns can't be bad.
I've been to the GM store in Merrillville, IN. Selection was OK, prices were decent but not great. I did buy a Romainian .22 trainer there for a good price. GM opened a store in Indianapolis I believe about a year ago IIRC. An awesome selection of long guns that number in the hundreds if not maybe thousands! Lots of accessories and ammo to check out as well.
But I still am lamenting the takeover of Galyan's by Dick's. Big mistake. I've been to a Dick's a couple of times in Kentucky and that was enough for me, never again. That do have Dick's named right though.
But I still am lamenting the takeover of Galyan's by Dick's. Big mistake. I've been to a Dick's a couple of times in Kentucky and that was enough for me, never again. That do have Dick's named right though.
I lucked out at a GM a few times. Found a Glock 17L in mint condition with all the goodies like Novak sights upgrades. It was marked at $440, and I had a $75 credit from selling a used gun to them before.
I found a Colt CCO customized with all the new internals for $25, and a Lightweight Officer's for about the same. Most of the regular retail prices are only about $50-75 higher than average gun shops. However, the sales can be pretty good.
I found a couple of great deals on large volume rifles like the Savage or Remingtons they have on salw.
Gander Mountain has cheap labor like everyone else, and the calbier of counter people vary. It is a business, nationwide, and local economies are supported by the store.
You will use GM as a retailer, and get teh best bargain when you can. I think you will spend a lot of money in that store over time.
I found a Colt CCO customized with all the new internals for $25, and a Lightweight Officer's for about the same. Most of the regular retail prices are only about $50-75 higher than average gun shops. However, the sales can be pretty good.
I found a couple of great deals on large volume rifles like the Savage or Remingtons they have on salw.
Gander Mountain has cheap labor like everyone else, and the calbier of counter people vary. It is a business, nationwide, and local economies are supported by the store.
You will use GM as a retailer, and get teh best bargain when you can. I think you will spend a lot of money in that store over time.
Andrew Rothman
Member
The Gander in Minnetonka, MN has always treated me well. But the gun section is just a small part of a large hunti/fish/camp department store.
When I stopped in on Friday, the gun counter was staffed by an archery guy. He didn't know what the "ACP" stood for after ".380" and ".45" (because he asked me in order to help another customer)!
They do have cheap .22, a fine selection of Uncle Mike's cheapy holsters, as well as a few holsters from decent brands, and good prices on targets and stuff (much better than the range).
They WILL take a gun out of the case, take off the trigger lock and let you hold it.
Summary: They are good, for what they are.
When I stopped in on Friday, the gun counter was staffed by an archery guy. He didn't know what the "ACP" stood for after ".380" and ".45" (because he asked me in order to help another customer)!
They do have cheap .22, a fine selection of Uncle Mike's cheapy holsters, as well as a few holsters from decent brands, and good prices on targets and stuff (much better than the range).
They WILL take a gun out of the case, take off the trigger lock and let you hold it.
Summary: They are good, for what they are.
Detritus
Member
let's see... from my point of veiw they're a pretty good deal (i go to the houston store). but their draw with regard to firearms in MY case has to do with making an effort to make gun browsing at least semi-enjoyable for my wife. See there is only one "local" gunshop that we both like and well, being a Mom & Pop type place their selection ain't so good.
upside of GM for her browsing with me, is that the gun area is well lit and has a decent selection of guns and they're where you can get at them (long guns at least) instead of having to ask a guy behind the counter just to get a decent look at something, ie she can try em out without dealing with anyone but me (yes we've experienced the dreaded "customer not male = crappy service").
as for prices, as of three weeks ago we've discovered that they sell 28ga ammo for about half what carter's country (a local chain, for the non houstonians) does, as in ~$35 Vs $75+, therefore we WILL return for a case or two as time goes on. But right now the gun prices don't really impress me, been looking at getting a savage 12FV for awhile now and the last round of price quotes had GM beating that small local FFL by less than $50, so i think i'll spend $50 to help keep the local guy open
so my summary of my experience with GM is that their easier for my wife to shop than either of the Shops i frequent, the ammo prices are good, gun prices not enough to bypass "my local", Oh and i really like their "Guide series" line of shirts.
upside of GM for her browsing with me, is that the gun area is well lit and has a decent selection of guns and they're where you can get at them (long guns at least) instead of having to ask a guy behind the counter just to get a decent look at something, ie she can try em out without dealing with anyone but me (yes we've experienced the dreaded "customer not male = crappy service").
as for prices, as of three weeks ago we've discovered that they sell 28ga ammo for about half what carter's country (a local chain, for the non houstonians) does, as in ~$35 Vs $75+, therefore we WILL return for a case or two as time goes on. But right now the gun prices don't really impress me, been looking at getting a savage 12FV for awhile now and the last round of price quotes had GM beating that small local FFL by less than $50, so i think i'll spend $50 to help keep the local guy open
so my summary of my experience with GM is that their easier for my wife to shop than either of the Shops i frequent, the ammo prices are good, gun prices not enough to bypass "my local", Oh and i really like their "Guide series" line of shirts.
Smokey Joe
Member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2003
- Messages
- 2,617
GM vs. SW
Gander Mt. does do used firearms. Sptmns Whse doesn't. Sometimes a deal can be found in GM's used guns. We have both in my area (the SW is new) and I think the competition will be good for the consumers. There is a Bass Pro at a distance if you want to make the drive. As to shooting supplies, sometimes I think the Bass Pro is trying to drive business away.
Hurrah for capitalism.
Gander Mt. does do used firearms. Sptmns Whse doesn't. Sometimes a deal can be found in GM's used guns. We have both in my area (the SW is new) and I think the competition will be good for the consumers. There is a Bass Pro at a distance if you want to make the drive. As to shooting supplies, sometimes I think the Bass Pro is trying to drive business away.
Hurrah for capitalism.
a few things. gander has managers who have power. if you see something you do not like go complain to the manager, I have and have gotten good service and response.
Deals. they match prices on in stock merchandise at competitors, and give you the difference in store credit. ie 435 at GM vs 400 at SW, they will match and give you a store credit for the 35 difference.
They also will deal on new and used firearms if you get a dept manager to talk to you. I talked one down 100 bucks on a Kimber 84 rifle a few weeks after deer season.
For the most part a no nonsense exchange policy on non gun items. I had a fenwick fish rod that snapped and they handed me a new one off the rack.
Ask managers about clearance stuff. Often buy BULK reloading stuff for significant discounts.
Deals. they match prices on in stock merchandise at competitors, and give you the difference in store credit. ie 435 at GM vs 400 at SW, they will match and give you a store credit for the 35 difference.
They also will deal on new and used firearms if you get a dept manager to talk to you. I talked one down 100 bucks on a Kimber 84 rifle a few weeks after deer season.
For the most part a no nonsense exchange policy on non gun items. I had a fenwick fish rod that snapped and they handed me a new one off the rack.
Ask managers about clearance stuff. Often buy BULK reloading stuff for significant discounts.
I have had pretty good experiences at GM. My wife was looking for a pistol and was treated very well. It was one of the few gun stores that she had gone to that didn't try to steer her towards a .22 or a "ladysmith" and politely answered all of her questions. I had also bought some rain gear for a hunt that was 8 months after I made the purchase. The gear leaked terribly and I took it back for a full refund almost a year after purchasing it. They were pretty understanding.
Overall, the ones I have been to had a decent selection of long guns and handguns and the prices were average.
Overall, the ones I have been to had a decent selection of long guns and handguns and the prices were average.
jefnvk
Member
The ones I have been to are great. You can find some great deals when they get to clearancing everything in the store, as they sometimes have the urge to do. Gun selection is pretty good, but as most other stores, geared more towards hunting. They have a good selection of pistols, too.
I just happen to have a huge privately owned sporting goods store by me (much bigger than GM, approaching Bass Pro size), so I don't make it to GM much.
They'll make a nice addition to the neighborhood, though.
I just happen to have a huge privately owned sporting goods store by me (much bigger than GM, approaching Bass Pro size), so I don't make it to GM much.
They'll make a nice addition to the neighborhood, though.
The GM near me is OK for new firearms "on sale"., but their regular prices are a bit high.
I have found NOTHING of value in the used rack...Savage 99 in 300Savage cal that looked like it had been dragged down 10 miles of gravel road $995. A Century Arms M-1 Garand for $850, tagged as a Springfield. Everyt time I moved the op-rod handle to open the action, it came un-atttached. Guy behind counter is screaming that I 'broke' the M1.
I said "Show me where it is marked "Springfield Armory" anywhere on the rifle."
"Here it is, on the side" GM guy says.
ME: "That is the marking (CAI) of Century Arms, the greatest Drunken Monkey gun ass-emblers in the world. NOT a true Springfield."
GM Guy: "CAI is a wholly-owned division of Springfield."
Me: "Not a chance of that. There are/were 4 legitimate M1 manufacturers...Springfield & Winchester through WWII, then Harrington & Richardson and International Harvester in the '50's. That [ahem] rifle is worth about $50, IF AND ONLY IF the barrel is good. Maybe the BATF should investigate you guys for selling mis-marked firearms."
GM Guy yanks rifle from my hands and runs behind the counter into back room, never seen again. Neither is the fake Springfield M1.
so, no I don't buy firearms from Gander Mountain. Other stuff, yes. (ammo, cleaning stuff, etc OK. But after the guy claimed I broke his fake M1, and then tried to bufallo and BS me into buying it because I broke it...NO WAY.
I have found NOTHING of value in the used rack...Savage 99 in 300Savage cal that looked like it had been dragged down 10 miles of gravel road $995. A Century Arms M-1 Garand for $850, tagged as a Springfield. Everyt time I moved the op-rod handle to open the action, it came un-atttached. Guy behind counter is screaming that I 'broke' the M1.
I said "Show me where it is marked "Springfield Armory" anywhere on the rifle."
"Here it is, on the side" GM guy says.
ME: "That is the marking (CAI) of Century Arms, the greatest Drunken Monkey gun ass-emblers in the world. NOT a true Springfield."
GM Guy: "CAI is a wholly-owned division of Springfield."
Me: "Not a chance of that. There are/were 4 legitimate M1 manufacturers...Springfield & Winchester through WWII, then Harrington & Richardson and International Harvester in the '50's. That [ahem] rifle is worth about $50, IF AND ONLY IF the barrel is good. Maybe the BATF should investigate you guys for selling mis-marked firearms."
GM Guy yanks rifle from my hands and runs behind the counter into back room, never seen again. Neither is the fake Springfield M1.
so, no I don't buy firearms from Gander Mountain. Other stuff, yes. (ammo, cleaning stuff, etc OK. But after the guy claimed I broke his fake M1, and then tried to bufallo and BS me into buying it because I broke it...NO WAY.
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