Guys, one of these is about to open in my town (the first one). Never heard of them til perusing gun boards and heard others talk about them. We already have/had a BassPro, and Academys, and Walmarts for guns/hunting, as well as several local shops that I frequent as well for guns/knives. My question is (since this new sportsmans warehouse is on the far, FAR side of town from me), is it going to be worth driving to, over our smallish/medium sized BassPro, for hunting gear? What's it all about? What's their ratio of guns/hunting stuff, relative to other sports, relative to Academy or BassPro? How's their politics? I've gone back and forth over boycotting BassPro due to their not allowing HDRs on the gun ranges in other states (ours doesn't have a gun range). We do not have any Gander Mtn or Cabela's here either. How good (or mediocre) ought I to anticipate from this new store? Will they have more guns/shooting/reloading/optics stuff than BassPro (i.e. not-necessarily-huntin' stuff)? Thanks.
"Sportsman's Warehouse" store
- Thread starter GunGoBoom
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SW has great prices on stuff, far below say Cabelas or GM. They have a great selection of handguns! I mean a wall full! They have EBR's! They have accessories. They have ammo! And, with the exception of the Gunstop in Minnetonka, MN the SW in Coon Rapids has the best selection of reloading stuff at very decent prices in MN. They have 8# jugs, and some times they have sales on already great powder prices! They do not trade guns! But, if you want it down and dirty SW is very good store! They always seem to have promotions for various aspects of hunting, fishing, and reloading. I applaud their involving women in the outdoors!
Have fun!
Have fun!
I've gone to two Sportsman's Warehouse stores - one in the Denver area during a business trip, and another here in Austin, TX. In each case, the folks at the gun counter were friendly and informed - the guy in Colorado actually told me that as a TX resident I couldn't buy a pistol there directly, but they'd be willing to ship to a local FFL of my choice back home.
Generally, I've been treated better there - in some cases much better - than at some of the small, independent local gun shops some people insist we should all be supporting.
The one here in Austin, TX, carries a large section of all the normal guns you'd expect to see, as well as a rack or two of EBRs. Prices are better than most other places in town, too. I got lucky back in February as I was looking for a particular gun and Sportsman's Warehouse had it substantially cheaper than anyone else . . . PLUS they had a 5% off customer appreciation sale going on, PLUS Discover Card had an additional 5% cashback promotion on sporting goods going on, so I did OK on price.
They have a large amount of ammo, and one of the most extensive selections of reloading equipment you're likely to see in a retail establishment. Lots of 'scopes and binoculars.(BUT of course, a lot of what you may want is available cheaper by mail order.)
It's 'way ahead of Academy, and except for the decor (standard warehouse . . . duh) it's ahead of the Gander Mountain stores I've been in . . . I guess you can think of it sort of like a "Cabela's Lite" if you been in any of the immense new Cabela's retail stores.
No problem with their politics - at least here in Texas, they do NOT prohibit licensed concealed carry. (TX has very specific laws on signage dealing with this issue if a business wants to ban concealed handguns.)
Lots of hunting clothing too. I give the store a "Thumbs Up."
Generally, I've been treated better there - in some cases much better - than at some of the small, independent local gun shops some people insist we should all be supporting.
The one here in Austin, TX, carries a large section of all the normal guns you'd expect to see, as well as a rack or two of EBRs. Prices are better than most other places in town, too. I got lucky back in February as I was looking for a particular gun and Sportsman's Warehouse had it substantially cheaper than anyone else . . . PLUS they had a 5% off customer appreciation sale going on, PLUS Discover Card had an additional 5% cashback promotion on sporting goods going on, so I did OK on price.
They have a large amount of ammo, and one of the most extensive selections of reloading equipment you're likely to see in a retail establishment. Lots of 'scopes and binoculars.(BUT of course, a lot of what you may want is available cheaper by mail order.)
It's 'way ahead of Academy, and except for the decor (standard warehouse . . . duh) it's ahead of the Gander Mountain stores I've been in . . . I guess you can think of it sort of like a "Cabela's Lite" if you been in any of the immense new Cabela's retail stores.
No problem with their politics - at least here in Texas, they do NOT prohibit licensed concealed carry. (TX has very specific laws on signage dealing with this issue if a business wants to ban concealed handguns.)
Lots of hunting clothing too. I give the store a "Thumbs Up."
This is not an over exaggeration. They really do. I want a wall like that.
I would advise getting what you want from them within the first few months
as I've seen the prices increase on ammo, supplies, and guns. But those initial
prices are awesome. To be honest their prices in general are better than the
big W, Acad, or Bass Pro.
johnmcl
Member
You're Lucky
GGB,
Well, you're lucky in having a Sportsman's Warehouse open up. I live in Virginia and don't have one within several hundred miles.
My experience in both the Denver and Phoenix stores though are simliar. I've found them to have near mail-order prices backed up with great expertise in their staff.
In short, I think you're going to have a great time and spend much money there.
John
GGB,
Well, you're lucky in having a Sportsman's Warehouse open up. I live in Virginia and don't have one within several hundred miles.
My experience in both the Denver and Phoenix stores though are simliar. I've found them to have near mail-order prices backed up with great expertise in their staff.
In short, I think you're going to have a great time and spend much money there.
John
Their guns are priced well, and they will match prices with other local stores. They didn't even call to verify on the last gun I had them price match.
I recently bought a Marlin 60SS, priced at $209. Since I spent over $200, they gave me a $50 gift card because of a promotion they were running.
Every November, my local store runs a No Sales Tax customer appreciation sale, which is nice to do some holiday shopping at.
Ammo is average priced, nothing special. Good but not overwhelmingly great selection.
I really like them personally.
I recently bought a Marlin 60SS, priced at $209. Since I spent over $200, they gave me a $50 gift card because of a promotion they were running.
Every November, my local store runs a No Sales Tax customer appreciation sale, which is nice to do some holiday shopping at.
Ammo is average priced, nothing special. Good but not overwhelmingly great selection.
I really like them personally.
Lennyjoe
Member
Lets just say evertime I head up to Phoenix its on my short list to stop by. Well worth the few extra miles. I always seem to spend ~$150 everytime I go in there.
We have a store opening up next weekend in Marana and I will most likely be there that weekend to stock up on some more reloading equipment.
We have a store opening up next weekend in Marana and I will most likely be there that weekend to stock up on some more reloading equipment.
My wife can't keep me out of the SW here in Round Rock since it opened (she likes to call it "Sportsmen's Outhouse" as a dig on me). Miles ahead of Academy in inventory and selection. Miles ahead of Cabelas on price on guns (maybe not inventory, who can compete with 185,000 square feet). There's no Bass pro or Gander in the Austin area to compare it to.
Only you can decide if it's worth a drive across town, and the only way to do that is to check it out one time. It's at least worth that. Either you'll be back or you won't. Chances are, if you're like me, you'll be going back.
Only you can decide if it's worth a drive across town, and the only way to do that is to check it out one time. It's at least worth that. Either you'll be back or you won't. Chances are, if you're like me, you'll be going back.
SLCdave,
If they are only matching prices, why would you spend your money with a national chain rather than give it to someone who lives in your town?
The SW we have in Portland, OR. is not bad/not great. The prices are about what you can get in other local places.
They do have a good selection of firearms.
The help at the firearms counter has always tried to be helpful.
The help at the firearms counter, although trying hard, has been a little spotty in safety. This was corrected with a phone call to the dept. manager.
I probably go into SW 2-3 times a year, buy stuff there maybe once, there is a lot of stuff they don't carry.
Not good, not bad. If I can buy it from a local shop I will, if I can't get it from a local, SW is no worse than any of the other nationals.
DM
If they are only matching prices, why would you spend your money with a national chain rather than give it to someone who lives in your town?
The SW we have in Portland, OR. is not bad/not great. The prices are about what you can get in other local places.
They do have a good selection of firearms.
The help at the firearms counter has always tried to be helpful.
The help at the firearms counter, although trying hard, has been a little spotty in safety. This was corrected with a phone call to the dept. manager.
I probably go into SW 2-3 times a year, buy stuff there maybe once, there is a lot of stuff they don't carry.
Not good, not bad. If I can buy it from a local shop I will, if I can't get it from a local, SW is no worse than any of the other nationals.
DM
Yes, bratch I'm in SW OKC - the Sportsman's Warehouse store is opening in Edmond as I understand it. Anyone know exactly when it opens to the public? Man it sounds fantastic. EBRs, handguns, reloading stuff, and good prices - wow! Sounds like BassPro and Academy have much to fear from them - I'd wager a lot of my money will be going to them. I still buy some things from the internet, but on things like guns, optics and clothing etc., I like to handle/feel/try on before buying, if possible, so I prefer to shop in person. I buy most guns from the little guys, but the selection on hunting stuff is quite limited, so I look to the chain stores a lot. FWIW, if you live in central OK, my favorite mom & pop hunting (& gun) shop is Outdoor Outfitter at NW 39th & Portland, and my favorite shop to buy guns from is H&H gun range. Outdoor Outfitters has the best archery pro shop, IMO, with BassPro and Oklahoma Archery tying for 2nd place.
Sportsman's Warehouse is a pretty cool store to look around in... as far as prices on guns, I thought they weren't bad, even on handguns. The staff was knowledgeable, and willing to take a moment to answer questions.
The reloading section (here in CO) is big.. maybe not as big as Gander Mountain, but plenty big. Accessories are cheap (holsters, scabbards, cases) and they seem to have a little bit of everything. Good selection of Black Powder and CAS/Cowboy leather.
I don't like how they 'display' their handguns on steel wire/pegboard racks... you'd imagine it's pretty easy to get a scratched up 'new' pistol handled/stored/shown and replaced in this manner.
The reloading section (here in CO) is big.. maybe not as big as Gander Mountain, but plenty big. Accessories are cheap (holsters, scabbards, cases) and they seem to have a little bit of everything. Good selection of Black Powder and CAS/Cowboy leather.
I don't like how they 'display' their handguns on steel wire/pegboard racks... you'd imagine it's pretty easy to get a scratched up 'new' pistol handled/stored/shown and replaced in this manner.
Sportsman's Warehouse is based in Utah, which is where I am. They may be a national chain to you, but they are a hometown shop to me.
Sportsman's Whse in Alaska
They opened a SW in Anchorage nearly 2 yrs ago - fortunately, it's 50 mi away and occassionally obliterated by blinding snowstorms! Up to that time, Cabela's had cornered the market on toys and gadgets for the outdoorsman, freight being extremely expensive, and many items unshippable. There was no store in Alaska that had everything - REI/nice clothes, but no wolf traps - gun shops/guns and wolf traps, but no clothes! All in all, great store, good prices - you can go broke saving money.
Seriously, we ran a poll the month it first opened: "How much did it cost you the first time you went there?" The "winner" said SHE spent $2400 and had not bought a firearm yet! Another said they spent $1500 the first day, $800 the second and we were talking to them inside SW on the third day they were open. I asked him: "How much are you spending today?" (looking into his overflowing shopping cart) He said "If I don't put most of this back I'm afraid I'll be walking home" (The wife was nearby, smiling tightly, but tolerantly).
They opened a SW in Anchorage nearly 2 yrs ago - fortunately, it's 50 mi away and occassionally obliterated by blinding snowstorms! Up to that time, Cabela's had cornered the market on toys and gadgets for the outdoorsman, freight being extremely expensive, and many items unshippable. There was no store in Alaska that had everything - REI/nice clothes, but no wolf traps - gun shops/guns and wolf traps, but no clothes! All in all, great store, good prices - you can go broke saving money.
Seriously, we ran a poll the month it first opened: "How much did it cost you the first time you went there?" The "winner" said SHE spent $2400 and had not bought a firearm yet! Another said they spent $1500 the first day, $800 the second and we were talking to them inside SW on the third day they were open. I asked him: "How much are you spending today?" (looking into his overflowing shopping cart) He said "If I don't put most of this back I'm afraid I'll be walking home" (The wife was nearby, smiling tightly, but tolerantly).
Old Dog
Member
Our local Sportsman's Warehouse has, by far, the best prices on firearms (that I've found) in this whole region. Then the store also periodically offers sales where it pays all sales tax (which in WA is over 8%). Additionally, the store gives another 5% discount to military ... Suffice it to say, I've had to buy guns at SW, the deals were too good to pass up. The store slashed prices on all the discontinued S&Ws (66, 686) and has the lowest prices in the area on Springfield Armory and Kimber 1911s.
Excellent selection of reloading stuff, gun accessories and the hunting equipment and clothing selection is very good as well. The guys at the gun counter might not always be the most knowledgeable (though some are good in that regard) but they're always very friendly, courteous and willing to let you fondle all the guns for as long as you want (even when you're not buying).
Excellent selection of reloading stuff, gun accessories and the hunting equipment and clothing selection is very good as well. The guys at the gun counter might not always be the most knowledgeable (though some are good in that regard) but they're always very friendly, courteous and willing to let you fondle all the guns for as long as you want (even when you're not buying).
While I truly believe in supporting my local gunshops (oh wait, the closest "local" gunshop to me that actually stocks new guns is 50 miles away), my view is that anyone in any retail business should at least keep their prices close to what the big-box stores offer, and if they cannot, they need to give me another reason -- any reason (great service, friendliness, ambience, competent gunsmithing, good selection on accessories)-- to come in and buy something -- anything ... Sadly, in this area, the small local stores have nothing to offer, not even good customer service.
+1 to Double Maduro's post. Not great, but not bad, either.
Double M: So they finally got it that it's not polite to muzzle-sweep the customers?
Double M: So they finally got it that it's not polite to muzzle-sweep the customers?
Stickjockey,
LOL, I think so, I have only been back once since I talked to the firearms manager, a very nice, polite guy, who thanked me for letting him know what was going on. That day it was much better.
I actually kind of like the store, most of the folks are helpful and fairly knowledgeable, some not. If (when) I get into reloading I will probably get my stuff there, that is one thing they seem to have good prices on.
Like I said, not good, not bad, just another sporting goods store.
It is almost next door to my cigar shop, and I couldn't wait for it to open. I'd heard that at their grand openings they practically gave stuff away. I was dissapointed, the prices seemed about the same as the locals. Oh well.
DM
LOL, I think so, I have only been back once since I talked to the firearms manager, a very nice, polite guy, who thanked me for letting him know what was going on. That day it was much better.
I actually kind of like the store, most of the folks are helpful and fairly knowledgeable, some not. If (when) I get into reloading I will probably get my stuff there, that is one thing they seem to have good prices on.
Like I said, not good, not bad, just another sporting goods store.
It is almost next door to my cigar shop, and I couldn't wait for it to open. I'd heard that at their grand openings they practically gave stuff away. I was dissapointed, the prices seemed about the same as the locals. Oh well.
DM
I want to say it will open on Oct 15th, but I may be remembering incorrectly. Since every store in town has cut way back on their reloading inventory lately (I'm really tired of hearing "we can order it for you", I can order it for me. 
) I can't wait.
) I can't wait.Nice to know, DM.
One of the guys behind the counter gave me a hand with an IWB holster I was having problems with. Talked me into trying a Galco "Fletch" OWB. I think it was a good trade.
One of the guys behind the counter gave me a hand with an IWB holster I was having problems with. Talked me into trying a Galco "Fletch" OWB. I think it was a good trade.
I was about to whine that we didn't have one in the D/FW area when lo and behold! They snuck one in on me up in Lewisville! SO we have REI (Tofu man's sporting goods), Dicks, Academy, Cabellas, Bass, SW, and best of all....
Cheaper Than Dirt
Now if we only had a Big 8 so I didn't have to go to Abilene...
Cheaper Than Dirt
Now if we only had a Big 8 so I didn't have to go to Abilene...
I have 2 near me here in Denver and I love 'em.
I can find pretty much anything there I want. Plenty of reloading stuff.
Prices are fair to good. They always have something good on sale.
I can browse to my heart's content without anybody pestering me.
I also like that it seems to be a politics-free zone. Sometimes I just want to get what I want to get and not have to talk about politics. :banghead:
.
I can find pretty much anything there I want. Plenty of reloading stuff.
Prices are fair to good. They always have something good on sale.
I can browse to my heart's content without anybody pestering me.
I also like that it seems to be a politics-free zone. Sometimes I just want to get what I want to get and not have to talk about politics. :banghead:
.
I use the one at 84th in Denver. The selection of reloading components is great, and the prices can't be beat. In Pueblo I can't even buy 28 ga wads, SW has four different types. Hodgdon Universal is $55.00/4 lbs. and they carry #8 1/2 shot.
They have these great little kid sized shopping carts, so my grandson Tyler can race around the store crashing into people's ankles.
Also, where else could we have found a camo dress trimmed in lace for Sadie?
They have these great little kid sized shopping carts, so my grandson Tyler can race around the store crashing into people's ankles.
Also, where else could we have found a camo dress trimmed in lace for Sadie?
Larry Ashcraft,
So you're who that little guy belongs to.
I thought every store hired one to do the ankle bashing.
DM
So you're who that little guy belongs to.
I thought every store hired one to do the ankle bashing.
DM
As others have posted we have 2 in the Denver metro area. I haven't been in one for what, 2 hours now. When they first came to town I figured great, another big box store selling Carharts stuff. I was looking for a Bushmaster Carbon 15, the local gunshops didn't have them, said they could get them, quoted me list. I went to the SW in Aurora, they had 5 or 6, a couple hundred less than list. I took one home. A couple days later I received a thank you letter from the store manager with a $50 gift certificate. I now shop there a lot.
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