Author Topic: I hate gander mountain!! (Read 2677 times)

Lloyd Smale · « **on:** May 16, 2007, 11:10:29 PM »

Got stung there twice in that last couple months. First time I sent the old lady up there to buy some small pistol primmers. Told her to buy all they had. She came back with a few bricks of ccis and a bill for almost 40 bucks a brick!!! They charged her individual pack prices and the (censored word) things were even those ones on strips. I cant find small pistol primmers anywhere so i figure what the hell id use them. Then yesterday after the doctor visit we stopped there and i was to hurting to walk in and told her to go and buy me a couple bricks of 22 shells. Never paid attention to it till we got home and I asked her what i owned her and she said they were 25 DOLLARS A BRICK!! I about crap! They told her they didnt have any bulk packed 22s and charged her individual pack prices for 20 packs of 22 shells. I chewed her out till she was about in tears then had to appologize when i realized she has no clue what 22s cost. Im about ready to go back up there with a 5 gallon can of gas and burn that place to the ground!! I will never step foot in that ******* joint ever again!!

Slufoot · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2007, 11:53:30 PM »

Lloyd, Sorry about your bad experiences with Gander Mountain.
If you aren't going to do anything with the CCI small pistol primer strips, I'd like a chance to buy them from you.
Let me know what you want for them.
Thanks!
Slufoot

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2007, 01:24:03 AM »

allready used them by taking them off the strips what a pain in the but!

Slufoot · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2007, 10:40:51 AM »

I meant the strips without the primers.
Would you still like to get rid of just the strips?
Thanks!
Slufoot

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2007, 10:59:29 AM »

sorry pal but they got chucked in the trash.

jaybird · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2007, 11:40:16 AM »

Lloyd,

It seems that the service at our local GM is lacking. About 3 months ago, my wife developed an interest in shooting with me, so we decided to get her a pistol. She found one that fit her well while we were at GM. Even though I knew we were paying a little too much, I decided that we should just purchase the gun there. The guy behind the counter made my wife feel like she was about 2 inches tall. He was very rude, and seemed to be of the opinion that women didn't belong around firearms. Needless to say, we left without buying the gun.

Jim

Luckyducker · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2007, 12:25:56 PM »

I had a M77 Ruger All-weather in 243Win that hadn't been shot much and looked really good that I was going to try to swap for a 270WSM for my wife to shoot deer with. The Gander Mountain store in Wichita, KS. was going to take it off my hands for $240 trade-in value. I told the guy I'd give it to a friend before I'd sell it for that. Last time I darkened their doorway too.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2007, 01:00:37 PM »

there gun prices really make me shake my head sometimes. A couple years ago i was int here and they had a brand new trp springfield and an identical used one and had the new one clearanced cheaper then the used one!!!

Quote from: Luckyducker on May 17, 2007, 12:25:56 PM

I had a M77 Ruger All-weather in 243Win that hadn't been shot much and looked really good that I was going to try to swap for a 270WSM for my wife to shoot deer with. The Gander Mountain store in Wichita, KS. was going to take it off my hands for $240 trade-in value. I told the guy I'd give it to a friend before I'd sell it for that. Last time I darkened their doorway too.

1marty · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2007, 03:05:12 PM »

The GM by me is impossible. They have maybe two salesman in the gun department on a busy Saturday. Needless to say most of the customers become frustrated and walkout. I bought a browning hi power from them and when I went to the range it jammed continuously. When I brought it back to Gander a day latter they said it could "several" weeks before they could take a look at it. I sent it to Browning and they repaired it and had it back in about a couple of weeks. I'd rather deal with a local gun store and get personalized service.

Dee · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2007, 03:43:05 PM »

As far as bad service from the store employees where I live, I haven't experience that, but instead quite the opposite. As far as prices, they are as high on some things and as low on others as most every other chain store. With the 9mm problem, it would seem to me that it was a Browning problem to begin with in the QC department, and as far as the wait from GM, it was probably a first come first serve situation, which is fair to other customers.
They have a few things there that I occasionally want, but if I don't think their price is fair I simply don't buy the item there.
If one looks honestly at the capitalist method of doing business it is the same with cars, boats, and trains. It is about selection, need, and compromise. One only needs to walk away.
With Lloyd's situation his wife bought what he told her to buy. Had he gone in himself, he probably would not have bought the one item on the terms set forth, or in the configuration on the other item. His wife was simply trying to please her husband and did not know any better. Of course one could have gotten a refund if not satisfied.
Just another perspective.

jk3006 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2007, 04:10:34 PM »

Around here we've got a Cabelas, Gander Mountain, and Sportsman's Warehouse within a relatively close distance of each other. Cabelas is okay. I can't think of anything wrong with their service. They're usually busy as heck. The Sportsman's Warehouse is my favorite place to go. The people are helpful, patient, etc.. The two GM's that I frequent suck! Their prices are generally horrible. Their service is so-so. They never have enough people staffed, and the check-out lines are long. I also have noticed how their gun prices are out to lunch. When they clearance a gun it is regularly-priced at any other shop. I can't believe how people are willing to pay those prices. I chalk it up to people that don't know squat about guns (pricing, availability, etc.) and who don't know any better than to pay those inflated prices.

blackwolfe · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2007, 05:51:03 PM »

I've gotten a few deals at Gander on guns. I feel most of their prices are ridiculous, however I have done OK on a couple of new and used firearms. All were on clearance and priced to move. They were heavily overstocked on the used guns and I had some coupons I was able to use on the new ones. For awhile .40 S&W ammo was about $9 a box of 50. I haven't bought a whole lot of anything else from there, i don't get there often as the closest is an hour or so drive.

Doe · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2007, 07:18:08 PM »

Wow around here i buy 95% of my guns and primers and 22's and powder and they seem to be cheaper then my local gun store and cabela's, but the guy i mostly talk to knows guns and reloading.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2007, 09:19:29 PM »

Dee does make good points. Its my own fault that they were bought not the girlfrends and she didnt deserve the ass chewing i gave her. Lots of pain and very little patients made me go off! Hes also right about the ability to return it and thats just what i will do. Hes also right in the fact that they have the right to put any price they want on a product. A few things are sad here to me. First that store has allways hired bsing idiots behind the gun counter. But then i guess knowlege on guns is realitive and alot of us know more then anyone behind the counter willl ever know and you cant exepect them to find Elmer Keith to put behind a gun counter. For the most part there college kids trying to put themselves through school Its just to bad they have to try to come accross as knowlegable when there not. But it probably sells guns to people who know even less. The second sad thing is that i live in a real rural area and its the only place withing 200 miles that sells some of the stuff i need. No other place around has kegs of powder so its there or mail order and they know it and there prices reflect it. Take 22 shells which are the center of my argument here. Its a loose loose proposistion for me. I can either pay there outragous price for a brick of 22s or go right next door and buy them at walmart for half the price. Yes its right next door and i could have just as easily send the old lady in there to buy them. But i dont like walmarts stand on gun control and it urks me to know end when they ask me if the ammo will be used in a handgun. I allways tell them its none of there bussiness and twice now theyve refursed to sell them to me. There anti handguns stand reallly bothers me but whos worse a store with an up front anti handgun attitude or garnder mountain that is pro nra and guns and then turns around and price gouges a pro gun person. I know there not as big of a chain as walmart and cant afford to buy as cheaply but theres no way in my opinion they can justify over 25 dolllars for a brick of (censored word) 22 shells. When you can buy one at walmart for 12 bucks. Im pro american when it comes to buying a car too but if i could buy a toyota for half the price of a chev i think id have to bite me lip and go that route. Im not a rich man. I make a comfortable living but cant afford to give my money away either. I sent an iternet complaint in yesterday and the store must have got it because the manager called while i was outside so we will have to see what they say when i returen the call today.

Quote from: Dee on May 17, 2007, 03:43:05 PM

As far as bad service from the store employees where I live, I haven't experience that, but instead quite the opposite. As far as prices, they are as high on some things and as low on others as most every other chain store. With the 9mm problem, it would seem to me that it was a Browning problem to begin with in the QC department, and as far as the wait from GM, it was probably a first come first serve situation, which is fair to other customers.
They have a few things there that I occasionally want, but if I don't think their price is fair I simply don't buy the item there.
If one looks honestly at the capitalist method of doing business it is the same with cars, boats, and trains. It is about selection, need, and compromise. One only needs to walk away.
With Lloyd's situation his wife bought what he told her to buy. Had he gone in himself, he probably would not have bought the one item on the terms set forth, or in the configuration on the other item. His wife was simply trying to please her husband and did not know any better. Of course one could have gotten a refund if not satisfied.
Just another perspective.

Dee · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2007, 02:25:51 AM »

Llyod I know your frustration. I won't buy a Ford because of their support to gay rights, and their advertising in gay and lesbian magazines. That's MY choice. However, wal mart is an even strong supporter of these two factions. If we dig deep, we will find issue with most large corporations. We cannot control what they do with their profits, for after all the profits are THEIRS. One can drive one's self into a frenzy by boycotting stores with cheaper prices, or into bankruptcy looking for a store that agrees with one's own political views.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2007, 03:11:01 AM »

Lloyd'

you have a chance today when you speak to their manager to give a lot of customers in your area some real help if you will make it a constructive conversation. for your own sake and for the sake of the others you can help i'm asking you to 'keep it clean' when you speak to the manager. in the long run you will accomplish what needs to be done here......i believe.

they don't need us sore at them. i can go to a gun show and get anything in a firearm or handloading supplies that Gander Mountain can possibly hope to sell me. if the manager hears decently from you that we will all pursue that option then he will hopefully apply pressure where it's needed to make some decent, common-sense changes.

best regards,

ss'

blackwolfe · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2007, 04:24:56 AM »

I'm not defending Walmart, just trying to offer what I think might be going on. I think Walmart's cash register prompts the cashier to ask whether it's for a handgun or not. Under 21 can't by handgun ammo I believe according to either federal or maybe Michigan law. Of course the clerk would probably be able to tell that Lloyd isn't under 21 they're probably just doing as trained and don't even know the reason they are asking. I'm not sure, but I think if you say handgun the register then prompts the clerk to verify the buyer is 21 or older. While I have come across a few knowledeable employees in the sporting goods dept., many Walmart employees aren't very knowledgeable about firearms. I'm obviously over 21 and the clerk started to ask me something when I replied handgun then stopped and continued the sale when she looked up at me. When asked once at Walmart about the .22 shot shells, I replied shotgun and the sale proceeded. The clerk didn't have a clue. I have had other stores ask me the same, especially when I was younger. When we were in high school way back when, we always knew to tell the clerk at the local K-Mart the ammo was for a rifle.
At one time Walmart had handguns for sale in their display counter. Then they were removed from the counter and only available by special order. I don't think they are available at all anymore. Remember that Hillary is a relative of Sam Walton and use to sit on the board of directors.

teddy12b · « **Reply #17 on:** May 18, 2007, 04:35:23 AM »

The Gander Mountain in Fort Wayne, IN is what I would consider to be decent. It's no different than any other store. They're going to be a little higher on some guns and a little lower on some other ones. That's just the nature of the beast. I think the guns I've bought there have been reasonably priced and competitive, but sometimes I see what they have on the shelf and scratch my head.

I took them in a Rem 700 BDL 300 RUM and I didn't get $250 for it. At the time it was a lapse in judgment because I was so frustrated with the rifle I just wanted it to be gone. I know I got hosed on that deal, but lets face it they can't give top dollar for trades and stay in business.

The gunsmith at the GM is a local joke. A buddy took him a 22 rimfire and it took the guy over a year to put a new firing pin in it. I use a local gunsmith and not the burned out stoner at GM.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2007, 11:52:41 AM »

I often wonder if these places don't just feed off each other. We had a Scheels in the town down the road that always seemed to have decent prices..... Until Cabela's came . Everybody thought Cabela's was going to put them out of business. Not only did they stay in business but they were able to RAISE their prices and still stay competitive with Cabela's

PeterCartwright · « **Reply #19 on:** May 18, 2007, 03:56:39 PM »

Sorry 'bout your bad experiences with Gander, Lloyd. I suspect you and I have frequented the same establishment. A couple of observations: 1. It's been my sense that their behind the counter gun staff are kids hired "off the street" with about as much gun background as Sara Brady. At one time, there were knowledgeable gunnies in there, but I think they've long since moved on. (I made my home in that town for about 4 years and watched the changes). 2. I spoke to a smaller gun shop owner last winter. He told me that he got no break on his cases of primers and couldn't afford to give one to me either. I believed him. Gander, on the other hand, surely has better access because of their volume.

In any case, my experiences (sadly) mirror yours.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #20 on:** May 18, 2007, 09:49:27 PM »

I think your gunshop owner is blowing smoke up your but too. why is it that he cant get case prices on primers when i can when i order them through the mail myself. Ive got a buddy who owns a local hardware store that stocks a small ammount of loading gear and i bought the last case of fed lg pistol he had about 2 weeks ago and he sold them to me for 92 dollars out the door. Now granted he probably didnt make much profit off of that deal but still made something. now gander mountain charging 350 a pack for them is selling the same case for $175 dollars plus tax and no doubt buying them cheaper then Jim did. Id sure like to find a product i could buy and turn over for a 100 percent profit. I doubt if even a big store like walmart is getting a profit margin like that. It aint no differnt then the price gouging going on right now at the gas pumps!! Some people are getting rich greasing up us working class people. They have me by the balls too as if theres two things in life that i need as much as oxegen and food its gas and primmers.

PeterCartwright · « **Reply #21 on:** May 19, 2007, 10:45:58 AM »

"Blowing smoke up my butt?" Maybe. I can be a pretty gullible guy.

Still, as I understand it, the shipping costs eat everybody (private party and store owner alike) because primers have to be shipped as "hazzardous material".

Anyway, my experience at Gander is pretty much the same as yours. (Although I have scored a couple nice buys on used guns by checking in from time to time.).

teddy12b · « **Reply #22 on:** May 20, 2007, 01:09:36 PM »

Of course these kinds of stores are more likely to have high school aged kids working behind the counters. That's just a given, but most of them at the one near me at least know enough to be dangerous about guns in general. This last weekend we had a "gun show" in town and it was a pretty sad display. Lately I've been checking prices on Marlin 1894 44mags and I the gun show had blued ones just over $500 and Stainless ones just over $600. A local gun store has them for the same prices. THe local GM has the blued ones for just over $400 and the stainless ones for just over $500. I just can't bring myself to do it just yet but if I ever bought one, it'd be from the Gander Mountain.

The local GM is pretty decent on rifle sales, but when it comes to ammo, you'd better get it when it's on sale.

GeneRector · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2007, 03:36:13 AM »

Howdy! A new Gander Mountain has their grand opening in College Station, TX on June 8, 2007. I have never been in one of their stores. Interestingly, there is an Academy store right beside this Gander Mountain. I will probably go in for a look around when I am over that way. Take care!

Buckskin · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2007, 05:56:48 AM »

I have had my issues with all of the big box outdoor stores. Gander, Cablelas and Sportsmans. Sportsman's is my least favorite. I know its sportsmans Warehouse, but I have a tough time typing it because the are always out of what I want. Here is a short list of what I can remember:

STS Slugs
Federal small rifle primers
20gr Hornady VMAX
10X powder
peanut oil
arrow vanes
size 12 hip waders
ect, ect, ect.

It is the one place that I don't go to anymore if I know what I want to buy. And avoid it entirely if I can.

blhof · « **Reply #25 on:** May 21, 2007, 12:18:29 PM »

Thanks for the input on GM, we're getting one here in Bowling Green. I was looking forward to it until I saw all the comments. I've had the same with Bass Pro in Nashville. One visit I couldn't get the attention of a clerk at the gun counter. I gave up and left. On another visit, while looking at powders(not a bargain) a clerk actually came over and asked if he could help me. I told him I wanted to look at some guns and he took me over and let me handle several. As to buying guns; most places subscribe to the pawn shop creed, 25% of market value. Knowing this I've gotten some bargains in pawn shops, but would never bring one in. The worst place to buy is at auctions; guns always go for much more than market value. If you are going to buy a used gun; check the auction sites on line for going price, before purchasing.

navyneil · « **Reply #26 on:** May 24, 2007, 03:28:45 PM »

The GM near me rocks! And the prices for firearms are as low as I have seen anywhere. When you can get a large fram Ruger SA for four bills brand new, I dunno, thats pretty good.

As far as knowledgeable staff, well, what do you want for minimum wage? Seriously, how many of you would work a gun counter for min wage? I would guess very few. I think your right, if you want knowledgeable staff and the best customer service, go local gun store route. If you want the lowest price, go GM. Of course the local gun store always gets pinched by folks that bone up on their knowledge at their store and then lay out their cash for hardware at a big chain.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #27 on:** May 25, 2007, 12:02:33 AM »

ya but he pays basicaly the same hazmat and near the same shipping wether he buys one brick of 5 cases. Go to grafs or even midway and they give there customers a big break if you buy a case of 5000 and im sure the place hes buying his does the same. What it usually comes down to is that if you buy a case of 5 bricks you get one brick for free so your talking a reduction of 20 percent off the top which is no small potatoes. Same goes for priceing of a brick of a 1000 usually there priced where you get two packs for free for buying 10 packs. So buying them by the case should save a guy about 40 percent over buying the same ammount by the individual packs. so you can see the profit margin the guy is making off a case of primers. Another thing is that most places you order from give free hazmat with large orders and even reduced shipping so the aveage gun shop isnt really paying for hazmat charges either. Same goes for powder orders so dont let the gunshop owner cry to you to much. If hes not taking advantage of this hes not a very smart bussiness owner and id about bet a dime to a dollar he is and is just using it for an excuse for his high prices.

Quote from: PeterCartwright on May 19, 2007, 10:45:58 AM

"Blowing smoke up my butt?" Maybe. I can be a pretty gullible guy. Still, as I understand it, the shipping costs eat everybody (private party and store owner alike) because primers have to be shipped as "hazzardous material".

Anyway, my experience at Gander is pretty much the same as yours. (Although I have scored a couple nice buys on used guns by checking in from time to time.).

warrior1 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 25, 2007, 03:41:34 PM »

i'm in the middle of something with them rite now and hopefully by this time wednesday i'll know whAT
THEY ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT.

THEIR POWDER AND PRIMERS ARE THE highest in the area, and they flat out stop matching prices.

the other thing is i had my eye a 1894 marlin and the visit before last about 30 days ago i talked to the manager he said they just got it in and they generally will move on the price in 3-4 weeks. last week i'm there and there sat the marlin, i inquired of the employee if they might lower the price to sell it today,and he says no they just got the gun in.

i left it at that and left the store. once my other problem is remedied i will not enter their store.
i may may pay a little higher price and sometimes cheaper ,but at least my local merchant may still be in
business. besides with the costs of gas it is cheaper to deal with a couple of locals.at very least i do not have a bad taste in my mouth when i leave.

gander mountain should have stayed in the catalog business.

corbanzo · « **Reply #29 on:** May 26, 2007, 03:22:59 AM »

There are a few places who should of stayed in the catalog business. I don't have much experience with GM, there are none of their stores around where I live, but I did visit a cabelas and noticed that their gun prices are VERY high. They had a used 8- 3/8 run of the mill .500smith for $1000, you can get those brand new at quite a few places for $800. I was not at all impressed. I thought about calling them and asking them what the heck happened to cabelas prices? Then I decided that I will take my gun business elsewhere, and keep the camping and fishing business with cabelas like always.