Some of the prices are awful, some are just okay, and I really didn't see any good deals. Here's a breakdown:
Guns- At least $100 more than the other stores around here, Green Top and DeGoff's. This guarantees that I will never buy a gun from Gander.
Ammo- Slight markup. 250 round shotshell packs for $50, whereas Green Top has them for $40-$45. I didn't do a real detailed check, though.
Bullets (for reloading)- Actually the worst in terms of markup. $19-24 for 100 bullets that I can get for $11-14 at Green Top.
Reloading components- Not bad, actually. Shotshell wads are only an extra $1 or so. Powder is about the same as Green Top ($19/lb). Didn't check primers. The more esoteric reloading stuff (MEC charge bars) are marked up like 30%, though. Lead shot is the same as it is everwhere ($45/25 lbs).
Skeet- The only good deal in the entire store. $9/135 as compared to $11/135 elsewhere.
So it's a pretty bad store in terms of prices. But, I am still glad they opened. Why? Well, two reasons. First, they let you handle everything. Guns, scopes, everything. The only thing that was behind glass were hand guns and special display rifles/shotguns. I appreciate this, because this means I can go to Gander and handle a rifle...and then get it from DeGoff's for $150 less
.
Secondly, they have stuff that, previously, I could only find online. I am the kind of person that would rather pay more to have it right now than to wait for midwayusa.com to ship.
So, as long as they don't drive out the less expensive stores, I don't see how it hurts to have Gander Mountain around.