Another Gander Mountain Story

[nerfsrule2]

A friend of mine went there to look over their pistols (post election curiosity) and was shocked to see the Sig mid size 40 cal that she bought three months ago had risen in price $300!!!!! She said she still buys ammo there because they match prices. I informed her that the reason they "match prices" is because their ammo prices are so high that for every person that comes in to match them Gander hopes that since they are in the store you will purchase something else. IMO Gander has a very poor business model, and in this faltering economy I wonder why they are still in business?? Your comments are appreciated.. Thanks

 

[highorder]

IMO Gander has a very poor business model, and in this faltering economy I wonder why they are still in business??

Well, I worked for GM and I can tell you the gun dept is treated like an albatross.

Its a necessary evil so you can sell Smartwool socks and Kelty packs at 100% margins. Never mind the margins in the fishing dept...

 

[John G]

I had a very good experience at Gander Mtn. recently. I was out of .45acp and heading to the range, needed a few boxes quick. The salesperson was helpful, the price was reasonable.

 

[wnycollector]

9 times out of 10 my gander mtn experiences are pretty horrific. BUT there is that one (or two in my case) time which keeps making me go back. I picked up a S&W model 28-2 4" there for $250 and a 6" Model 27 for $299. Now whenever I'm near one I pop in and check out the used guns!

 

[ilbob]

Any trip to the GM gun (or ammo) counter seems to be a flip of the coin as to whether you will appreciate it or not.

I bought a P1 for $249 at my local GM store a couple of years ago. I thought it was a great deal. Have occasionally bought ammo there, at not unreasonable prices.

 

[usp9]

My Gander Mountain experiences.

ANIB Sig P232 - $315 w/ three mags ...twice!!
95% P7 PSP w/ 4 mags - $550
New Beretta NEOS - $219
Used Beretta 84 w/ 3 mags - $350
ANIB HK USPc stainless - $600
Cases of 9mm ammo at DICK'S prices.

My son bought a NIB Sig 556 recently - $1000


... and they match ammo prices! I love Gander Mountain, (and most any other gun store too for that matter)

 

[ACORN]

I've bought used:

Glock 21 3 mags with night sights $319
Ruger SP101 $250
Ruger SP101 $259
S&W 60-14 $275
IJ18AH Makarov $129
Springer WW II $300

All were in Exc. to LNIB

I drop in there 4-5 times a week to see what the've got.

 

[Fat Boy]

My GM Experiences have been somewhat of a toss up; I think it depends a great deal on the sales person assisting me. Some guys know their stuff, and are helpful, some don't have a clue and offer really goofy comments. I keep checking the used stuff for the occasional bargain

 

[Sam1911]

I am very torn on the whole Gander Mountain issue.

On the one hand, I hate them. They NEVER have the bullets I want. They charge 150% to 200% what other stores are charging for primers and powder. I've left MAD and empty-handed way more times than I've left with a purchase.

On the other hand, this summer I found a red-tag sale, and turned in a $10 gift-certificate I'd gotten at a match, to pick up a Savage Cub-T for the kids for around $150...when my FAVORITE shop who usually has incredible prices on anything and everything, wanted $210.

And many of my friends say the same thing. They're just great for finding a used and/or discounted gun when you least expected it, for a price you really can't believe.

But I REFUSE to buy anything else there.

-Sam

 

[Seafarer12]

I walk out of there with nothing more often then not. I have gotten a couple of good deals there but havent seen anything good in a couple of years.

 

[kmrcstintn]

if you have had bad experiences...stop going to your LOCAL GM store and complain to customer service at their HQ!!! the individual managers, both general store manager & firearms dept. manager, of each store have the final GO or NO GO when it comes to price matching ammo for only 1 box of ammo, all the ammo you buy, or none at all; they determine whether to buy used guns using the blue book vs actual market value in their area; they determine how many staff are scheduled, especially when they are trying to pinch pennies & cut back staff on the busy weekends; :banghead:

I've been intermittently sdhopping at my local GM & have heard about 3 manager changes in the firearms dept. each change brought some BS and some good things; lately the staff vs customer ratio is getting bad & waiting from start of purchase to the escort to the front door has gotten significantly longer; time to check the mom-n-pop shops again :banghead: