Author Topic: Sign of the times at Walmart? (Read 2543 times)

YRUpunting? · « **on:** March 08, 2013, 01:49:25 PM »

This isn't Handi related, YET. My local Walmart quit selling firearms five maybe even seven years ago. There are stores about 25 miles north and south in much larger towns that have always sold firearms. I was in my local store today and they are starting a remodel. Back at the sporting goods counter was a new gun cabinet. I asked the associate and she said they would start selling firearms again but didn't know when.

Indiana is a very friendly gun state, not quite Texas but it is not far behind. I really didn't expect Walmart to expand gun sales given the current political climate, but they are.

Swampman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2013, 02:12:14 PM »

Walmart announced several years ago that this would be happening.

FPH · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2013, 02:27:03 PM »

My W-M carries everything except AR's. Ammo is almost non existant though.

giddens1972 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2013, 04:09:59 PM »

I saw an AR at a local Walmart a month ago for $599...a store down the road had five on the shelf for $1500 to $2800...at least they aren't price gouging!

zero · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2013, 04:19:34 PM »

My walmart has always sold everything from ARs to bullets to 303 and 45-70 brass and rcbs presses... i've felt quite fortunate in that. They're out of ars right now, seen a couple at a local pawn shop for 1500. Was very surprised

Doublebass73 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2013, 05:37:38 PM »

My Walmart has been out of AR's since the nonsense began.

nanuk-O-dah-Nort · « **Reply #6 on:** March 08, 2013, 06:25:38 PM »

my WalMart carries no guns, and little ammo

I wouldn't be surprised if they drop the ammo soon also

LaDano · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2013, 10:03:05 PM »

Our WM still carry everything, just have to be quick for a AR. My neighbor picked one up 3wks ago, shoots great. I picked 500rds of rem 22 yesterday morning.

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** March 08, 2013, 10:35:49 PM »

Quote from: nanuk-O-dah-Nort on March 08, 2013, 06:25:38 PM

my WalMart carries no guns, and little ammo

I wouldn't be surprised if they drop the ammo soon also

That would be going against their publicly stated company policy.

nanuk-O-dah-Nort · « **Reply #9 on:** March 08, 2013, 10:46:53 PM »

Welcome to the PC arm of Walmart

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 09, 2013, 01:08:10 AM »

There are two Super Walmarts not far from me that has started to sell guns with in the last year. I heard that they were losing male customers and it was one way they were attempting to attract them back in.

I do not know if it makes any difference, but these stores are in Indiana

Good Luck and Good Shooting

garbhead · « **Reply #11 on:** March 09, 2013, 01:16:29 AM »

Quote from: giddens1972 on March 08, 2013, 04:09:59 PM

I saw an AR at a local Walmart a month ago for $599...a store down the road had five on the shelf for $1500 to $2800...at least they aren't price gouging!

Sure that wasn't a 22lr? $599 would prob not buy the total parts list for a .223

My nephew bought a bushmaster 223 about 8-9 months ago for $900 at WM in Spfd, MO, after they matched an Academy Sports ad, and that was a pretty good buy

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #12 on:** March 09, 2013, 02:04:46 AM »

I thought 22 lr also. At $599 I'd have bought all I could. Be about as good of an investment as buying gold 3 yrs ago. I'd take a new Bushmaster @ $900 right now.

scratchmark · « **Reply #13 on:** March 09, 2013, 02:07:57 AM »

fortunately and unfortunately, our political climate has created more gun sales along with ammo sales than even illbombyas first term in office. And these tragic shootings only fuel the matter to no end creating a panic that shows no sign of slowing that ive seen. men and women where i work, that always joked about my interest in firearms have all gone and got guns and their CCW permits. Now im organizing company shoot days. The shootings have only turned pintos into ferraris in the gun world. We are supposed not look at people who walk around with more metal in their heads than war victims, as normal people who are more than meets the eye, yet they judge a good gun from a bad gun by the way it looks. beats me. anyways, walmart sees this growing market and doesnt wanna miss out. it used to be only certain ones had certain items due to local markets, but now guns are the in thing and everyone is buying. Good thing us guys here can sit back and laugh since we've got years of acquiring at our belts. sorry for the rant

Doublebass73 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 09, 2013, 02:46:50 AM »

When they had them my Walmart was selling Sig AR-15's for $897. They had DPMS for less, I think the price was between 700 - 800.

squirrelslayer · « **Reply #15 on:** March 09, 2013, 04:23:58 AM »

Hadn't seen a firearm for sale at wally world here in CA in quite some time. Better than a decade maybe? And damn sure never saw an AR in there. Just a spinning rack with maybe 2 shotguns 2 bolt guns and maybe just maybe a lever gun. But never a pistol or AR.

larry1945 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 11, 2013, 09:43:43 AM »

Our local Wm started carrying guns again. I was in the local Rural King store yesterday and they had a big sign indicating they would start carrying shotguns, rifles and pistols next weekend. So pleased to hear that I hunted down the store manager and then sent an email to the corporate office.

Old Fart · « **Reply #17 on:** March 11, 2013, 10:48:25 AM »

Down here they've always carried them. There have been a few that didn't, but that's based on the local manager and usually bring them back when they move on.
We're still getting shipments of various AR's on a regular basis, but they get snatched up pretty quick. Some to private ownership, others to resell at inflated prices.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #18 on:** March 11, 2013, 10:51:49 AM »

I almost never shop at Wal mart for anything guns.. once in a blue moon Ill check the fishing isle...

Well With this PMR I go thru quite a bit of 22maggies so I am always on the search... I had a RX to pick up so I checked... well well the good lord was a shining on me today!! The girl was unboxing a brick of CCI 22Maggie!

I got my three no problems NO questions asked!!

NO GUNS at this store... I do not think any here in CT sell firearms... I remember K-Mart used to so did Sears...back in the day.

CW

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 11, 2013, 12:04:01 PM »

Here they ask if you are over 21 and if the ammo you are buying is going to be used in a handgun. 'Why no

........I never dream of using this 380/9mm/45acp, etc. in a handgun......'
And the town hasnt any restrictions either, so go figure.

geezerbiker · « **Reply #20 on:** March 11, 2013, 12:36:50 PM »

I got a call from a friend in Forest Grove, OR and the Wallyworld near him is now stocking guns. This is a somewhat new store and never had guns before. Also they previously had a lame sporting goods section so it'll be interesting to see if that improved.

The Wallyworld in McMinnville, OR used to sell guns and the sporting goods manager says they're not going to again. Also she never heard of .45-70 ammo. So even if they get guns again, I probably won't buy any there.

Tony

DTh2o · « **Reply #21 on:** March 11, 2013, 01:19:11 PM »

About 2 weeks ago, I purchased a Handirifle in .223 from a Walmart in a neighboring town (ours does not sell guns) on sale for $199.00.
They also had a .280 and a .243 for the same price. The guy said that was the only 3 they had.

This store occasionally gets a few AR's in as well, but they go real fast.

Ammo is slim pickings though.

Now I just have to decide what other barrel (or two) to get.

DT

gcrank1 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 11, 2013, 01:40:44 PM »

So Ive 'heard' that WM is the largest gun retailer in the country.........but I cant see it. Who they selling to and where?
Or is it a play on words; ie, they are so large, maybe 'the largest retailer' that just happens to sell some guns in some places?
No matter, if they sold you a new Handi for $199+tx, goodonya mate!

YRUpunting? · « **Reply #23 on:** March 11, 2013, 02:11:59 PM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on March 11, 2013, 01:40:44 PM

So Ive 'heard' that WM is the largest gun retailer in the country.........but I cant see it. Who they selling to and where?
Or is it a play on words; ie, they are so large, maybe 'the largest retailer' that just happens to sell some guns in some places?
No matter, if they sold you a new Handi for $199+tx, goodonya mate!

I read somewhere Walmart has about 1800 locations that sell firearms, about half the stores in the US.

cjrjck · « **Reply #24 on:** March 11, 2013, 02:13:05 PM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on March 11, 2013, 01:40:44 PM

So Ive 'heard' that WM is the largest gun retailer in the country.........but I cant see it. Who they selling to and where?
Or is it a play on words; ie, they are so large, maybe 'the largest retailer' that just happens to sell some guns in some places?
No matter, if they sold you a new Handi for $199+tx, goodonya mate!

Nearly every Wal Mart we have around here sells guns. It is one of the reasons I shop there. Sears and other similar stores have chosen not to. I know there are regions in the country that Wal Mart does not sell firearms but given the number of stores nation wide, I can't see who could compete with them for being the biggest firearms seller. More power to them in this day and age. Unfortunately for me, the local Wal Marts do not stock Handi Rifles. I was just thinking that maybe they catalog them though and I will check the prices. My guess is the sb1 based pistol cartridge Handi Rifles will be just under $300 with tax and the sb2 based Handi's right ar $300. No other place around here sells Handi Rifles. Not Dick's or Bass Pro. Sometimes the small shops get one in and then ask over $300 for them.

guzzijohn · « **Reply #25 on:** March 12, 2013, 04:05:02 AM »

Quite a few WMs in central Kansas carry no guns and those that do carry a few singles, bolts and lever actions. I have never seen an AR at a WM. The last time I saw a handgun at a WM was probably over 10 years ago.
GuzziJohn

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 12, 2013, 01:35:06 PM »

I bought a Savage Edge at the local Walmart last week end. The price is pretty good, $277.00. They do not have a large selection, but you can order about anything you want. They are about as cheap as it gets around here. the folks that work behind the counter know what they are talking about. When I bought my gun, while waiting, I was talking to the guy and he is a reloader.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

gcrank1 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 12, 2013, 01:55:29 PM »

I still think they are 'the biggest retailer that sells guns' not the 'biggest gun retailer'.

Sourdough · « **Reply #28 on:** March 13, 2013, 07:46:14 AM »

Our local Wal-Mart is almost totally out of guns, just the big heavy stuff for the big bears left. No ammo. When they have a shipment come in people are standing at the gun counter waiting to see what came in. Monday as the guys were bringing the cartons out of the back they were followed by customers wanting to know what ammo they had. It never made it to the shelves at the gun counter. It was taken off the pallet jack and straight to the cash register at the gun counter. No .22 LR in the shipment.

jdl41389 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 13, 2013, 08:17:13 AM »

Sourdough its the same here in LA lower alabama that is when it comes in if you are not there its gone in minutes. 22lr especialy