Once I discovered what I had (a S&W M&P Model of 1905-fourth change and looking like it just came from a time capsule--"If it quacks like a Victory?"), that old girl got a good cleaning and lubing and placed in the safe. A form, fully completed with a number of photos, has been sent to Mr. Jinks at the S&WHF for "the letter" on it.

I am now looking for an older S&W 'number model' revolver as a 'shooter' and was very disappointed at what was available at a local rural gun show where most of the dealers are 'good-old-boys' selling selections from their personal collections.
It was suggested I visit a local Cabela's Gun Library for a better selection.
Going on line, many of the listed selections were inflated in their prices.
Has anyone ever bought a used firearm from Cabela's and will they haggle over the marked prices if a potential buyer has reservations over a desired handgun's price and condition?
Just curious.
Echo 47

I have never bought from a Cabela's Gun Library, but it's not for lack of trying. There's only one Cabela's within reasonable driving distance, and I've found them high and reluctant to deal . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I've had exactly the same experiences as Muss Muggins.

Every fair offer I've made in the Buda Texas Cabelas Gun Library was rejected.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I have bought several from the Cabelas gun library. In at least two instances they had to be shipped from one Cabelas store to the one nearest to me. It has been my experience that 10% comes off the advertised price quickly. Anything else requires some work as there seems to be limits as to how much the employees can discount and item. BUT, if you are like me and get those 10 and 15% off coupons in the mail from Cabelas, know that they can be used against your negotiated price. So, the gun you want is listed at $1000, you talk them out of the first 10% so now the price is $900, and then you use your coupon for another 10% off and walk out the door at $810 plus taxes. Gift cards can be used for further reductions if you have any. Anyway that has been my experience. That is how I got my .22 Jet as an example.

I have bought 4 revolvers from Cabela's gun library, from three different stores. I have found most of the guns to be overpriced, but I wondered into those I bought for reasonable prices. Just remembered that I bought a Browning Hi Power from one too.

I always ask about a discount. I got a discount on all of the guns. The smallest I ever got was 5%, and the most was a couple hundred dollars.

I have visited Cabela's a lot, and have found few guns that I was interested in that were reasonably priced. But, I do recall, and kick myself, a 3 1/2 Inch nickel pre 27 in perfect condition they wanted $900 for back in 2004. It sat for quit awhile and when I finally decided I should bite the bullet, it was gone! That is the least expensive nickel pre 27 I have seen since then!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I purchased a few from the Reno store a few years back and they didn't haggle then and I'm sure they don't now. At that time, I didn't feel they were too high in price but it seems to have gone up now.

No experience with their gun library but IMHO, Cabelas is no where near the company it used to be. Cancelled my Cabelas visa after 25 years of caring it last year over various CS and product related disappointments. Just recently got soft and placed back to back orders for fly outfits. Both orders were cancelled two days later without notice because they ran out of stock. I'm all set with these guys going forward.
If you can't find one locally, I'd suggest you look to the big gun auction / brokerage sites for a reputable dealer with fair pricing.

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Dave

The Ft. Worth, Texas Cabela's at one time had a number of nice used field shotguns at decent prices but no longer.
They did come off the listed price on a beat up triple lock they had, but not enough reduction in price to make me reach for my wallet.

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"I gots to know"

I find the prices to be high and the willingness to negotiate poor.
I have made two fair offers on fairly high end firearms and they would not budge on price. Makes me wonder if they are double dipping, as in paying the seller a low purchase price and being steadfast on what I consider above fair market value sale prices. They do have a national base to sell to and a corporation that must allow great patience with holding time.

They slipped once; a few years ago I discovered a Colt 1903 Hammerless with worn-off finish, but mechanically perfect, in the back of a case at a Cabela’s gun library for $249. On the Colt Forum I was accused of stealing the gun, since just the original two-tone magazine was worth more than half that price.

But I have not come across anything like that since; they usually have a few nice guns I’d be interested in at the stores I can get to, but always so highly priced that it seems pointless to even try to bargain.

I have shopped at Cabela's, got screaming deals on a couple of new guns, and have shopped - but never bought - used guns. Same experience as others. Tagged prices are above market, and negotiated prices seem to be at the very high end of acceptable market value. I just don't bother looking for that kind of stuff at Cabela's anymore. My humble opinion.

I GUESS IT VARIES FROM STORE TO STORE. I'VE BEEN ABLE TO PURCHASE SEVERAL FROM MY LOCAL CABELAS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THEIR PRICES HAVE INCREASED SINCE THEY MERGED WITH BASS PRO. I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE MANAGER & WAS TOLD PRICE DICKERING VARIED WITH HOW LONG THE GUN HAD BEEN IN INVENTORY AND INVENTORY LEVELS OF THAT PARTICULAR TYPE OF GUN AS WELL AS HOW MUCH THIS TYPE OF GUN WAS IN PUBLIC DEMAND. I WILL SAY I'VE NOT LEFT THE STORE IF EVERYTHING WAS AS I EXPECTED & I REALLY WANTED THE GUN. YOUR EXPERIENCE MAY VARY.

Bought a nice CZ 4523 with a scope for $249. I was surprised to see such a low price considering their reputation. In discussing the deal with the sales guy he told me they won't negotiate on used guns unless they have had them over 30 days.

My CZ had just came in and I was lucky to be there.

I have purchased 2 handguns from Cabelas gun library and both were screaming deals. One I am sure they had to have made a mistake on and I figured they would catch it before we were done. Nope---I left with a big smile.

The second was already a decent deal, but I seem to have a gene in me that says always make and offer. So I went large with what I wanted the discount to be. The guy looked it up on the computer right in front of me and says nope I can't go that low. Now knowing what they paid I raised my offer 5 bucks and he says ok we can do that deal. The next thing I very specifically told him was that if they put any of their cheap tape on the box that I would throw a fit and be loud enough that everyone in the store would know something was going on. I literally had to climb the management ladder through multiple guys and get pissed to convince them to NOT put any tape on the box. In this case the pristine box was worth over $100. They finally ended up breaking their policy on securely taping the box shut, but did end up walking it out to my trunk and insisting I close it before handing me the receipt.

The next problem that happened on both purchases is their convoluted system of doing a BG check and paperwork. Both times it was mid week and mid day----picture an almost empty store. Both times took just over an hour from deal struck, until I was walking out the door. If you don't have the patients to deal with this sort of efficiency (my blood was boiling) you should probably go elsewhere.

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"Tastes just like chicken"

Generally prices are high and willingness to negotiate is minimal. However, as noted previously, the coupons they offer and occasional "sales" (and military discount) do help. And Cabelas is like any other business, they make mistakes in pricing and have limited information/knowledge about many items. A few years ago I bought a 3.5 inch nickel 27-2 with S serial number for $500. Couldn't believe it was priced for that, told the clerk I'd take it and jokingly asked "where's the box?" He looked at the tag and said well, there's supposed to be a box, let me look. Took awhile but he eventually came back with the original box and paperwork. Another time I bought a 632 NIB for $600 because "nobody wants 32s so it's on sale." Hard for Cabelas to keep up with market trends for all the products they carry. Not an easy place to get deals but occasionally they can be found. Their national website is a good way to keep tabs on Gun Library inventory and they will ship between stores. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I don't know if all the stores offer it, but the one in Sun Prairie WI will give you 5% discount on any purchase, including firearms, for showing military or veteran identification. This is after you've made your best deal.

Any business operation requires two things to maintain good health: Cash Flow and Profit. Both are monitored closely, and control is maintained by policy. Low level employees who function in accord with policy are rewarded by keeping their jobs. Judgement level employees might be defined here as those who are allowed to deviate from policy----within prescribed limits---with different levels subject to different limits.

Your first question, as a preamble to price negotiation, should be along the lines of "Who do I need to talk to about a better price?"---and go from there with a judgement level employee.

It should be noted there are relatively few business concerns who care even a little bit whether YOU buy any given item----only that the item is sold to somebody----within a prescribed period of time.

All this brings me back to my first ever call to Old Town Station (Jim Supica's collectible firearms operation of yesteryear). I inquired as to the best price for a particular item. I was told they deemed the price to be fair----and that if the item had not sold at that price within ninety days, they would reconsider the matter of price. Fine. I quickly decided the chances of that item still being available in ninety days were non-existent---and placed my order. Most all others did the same. Everybody was happy---except for those afflicted with Imustgetadiscountitus. They went without---and they were the only ones who cared.

And when it comes to tape on boxes, how 'bout this for a time saving alternative suggestion? Put THE box in another box---and tape that one. Everybody's still happy---especially with the lack of aggravation. Non judgement level employees are not rocket scientists. Help them out. Neither expect nor require them to think.

Ralph Tremaine

I bought a nice 500 bpe from them

Unfortunately they didn’t bother to take it down (remove barrels from action) before shipping.

They put it in a box without padding and sent it UPS.

Of course, it arrived with smashed stock and hammers.

They did refund my money.

At times deals can be found as a gun missed priced. But once it is priced no haggle for 30 days.

Sent from my LG-K330 using Tapatalk

I've had good luck with the Fort Worth, Kansas City and Sidney stores. All 3 were willing to dicker down to fair market value or slightly less then I got a 10% military discount at checkout.

This was before the Bass Pro takeover and I doubt that it would be that way now. BP has a meager 5% military discount and it is not given firearms of ammunition. I live an hour north of the BP mega store in Springfield and would not waste the time or gas to go there. Reminds me of a Walmart with better dressed customers.

I bought a few guns from the gun library in Glendale Arizona, I found them very nice, and willing to make a deal. They do have a discount for veterans on Veterans Day, if you time that right you can do pretty well. I have a Cabela's card so I can get additional money off with my Cabelas cash points for things I buy any way. The Glendale gun library also has new guns and they go on sale from time to time, you just have to look at their website. Overall I just see the gun library as another outlet to buy a gun. If the price is right I buy, if not I keep looking.

My understanding that in the last Month a new policy has been installed , no lay- aways ,no discounts to employees .sticker price is gun price .Hate to see this as i have bought several guns from them .

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age is just a number

I've bought so many out of the Glendale Library, they know my name.
You just have to play by their rules.
No discounts until on display 45 days.
I've bought many labeled "old S&W revolver".
No model number seems to baffle them and they sell cheap.
Always Veteran/First Responder discounts as well.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

There used to be a pretty good selection of used quality handguns in the ",fine gun room" at the closest Cabela's, and some were very reasonable after some haggling.
After the change of ownership that seems to have changed a lot. Now not much of any account on display. You can play go fish, and ask do you have a _ _ __ in the back?
Seems like they change personnel in the gun section pretty regular.

Change it back.

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LEX ET ORDO

If you get a deal at Cabelas, someone has made a mistake in pricing.
This happens once in a while no doubt. I have not seen a gun in the
Library that wasn't priced top dollar. From what I've seen they are take it
or leave it on prices. Their business model is someone will pay the price
and they are big enough to wait it out. The used guns on the floor they
seem to have some flexibility on. I think it is based on how long gun has
been in stock. Still they have guns that are vintage quasi collector items
that are basically parts guns at inflated prices. The whole concept of the
Gun Library is to burn both ends. They can't take trades using book price
for both guns involved and make the margin of profit they require. Talk
to someone who sold a gun to them.

Our Cabelas near Portland Oregon is only about 2 1/2 years old. Went in to the Library about 2 years ago and they had a beautiful Winchester model 52C for something like $750. There was a sale going on for $50 off any used firearm. We haggled over price and I walked out with the 52 for $600.

I also have never had any luck with Cabela's Gun Library, as their prices are far to high for me to even begin to attempt bargaining with them.

But hey, maybe others have found deals, but as for me, I've never seen any there.

If I remember correctly I think they came down about $100 on a SP-101 I bought from them. I will say though that they do start high. Some used guns are priced like new guns.

I was at the Sidney store and although overpriced, one of the sales staff offered a deal if I bought 2, so I did... I had a FFL in my pocket from LGS and worked out no tax and free shipping.

One place you may want to look into is Williams Gunsight in Davison Michigan. IMO they have the largest selection of used firearms in the state and it's only about a 45-55 minute drive from Birmingham.

As for Cabelas they can be a good resource if you are VERY selective. At present I've purchased 2 firearms from Cabelas, a Dan Wesson 15-2 for 400 dollars from the Gun Library in Dundee and a Ruger LC9S Pro for 325 from the Gun Library in the Chesterfield store. Granted not "katy bar the door" bargains but the Dan Wesson isn't an easy to find revolver and this one is a Monson gun in about 90% condition. As for the Ruger, it was totally unfired and about 50-60 bucks less than a new one if you can find one. If my Fun Fund had been ample enough I would have 3 firearms purchased from the Gun Library because the Chesterfield store had a rather nice antique 1892 Winchester in 38-40 priced at only 799.00, about 1/2 of it's true value based on it's condition. That is one thing about Cabelas, sometimes they really "drop the ball" on pricing a used firearm.

Anyhow I took a look at Williams web sight just now and they do have a real Shooter grade M&P in stock, in fact it probably only has about 40-50% of it's finish. However it doesn't have any rust on the side they show in the listing. Bad news is that I think it's overpriced at 895.00. However it is a MODEL 0F 1905 6 1/2" BBL MFG 1906 and I really don't know enough about these early M&P's to say with any expertise that it really is overpriced. One thing that is certain is that this particular revolver absolutely has what Antique Dealers refer to as a "Patina", meaning it isn't at all pretty.

Interesting comments about the Cabella's in Dundee. I have bought five used handguns from them: three revolvers and a couple of semi-autos (including *GASP* a GLOCK!). This was a few years back. They seemed (then anyways) to have much better prices on factory refurbished semi-autos than on revolvers.

Only one of the five came from the GL, the rest were in the show cases in the main room. The one from the GL was a six inch '54 or '55 Highway Patrolman, mismarked "Model 28". They wanted $400 and wouldn't come down. At the time that price was a little high, but with original stocks, dull blue finish only a little worn, and the best, smoothest action of all my HP /M28s, I'm glad I bought it.

The other two revolvers were an M29-3 and an M28-2 reblue, also for $400 each. No regrets on either of them. Come to think of it, the Glock was $400 as well. Maybe that's my magic number (?) Can't remember what I paid for the SIG. They wouldn't haggle on any of these, but I thought the prices were ok / only a little high.

I have been back several times in the past year. The prices on the GL guns are staggering, especially if it is a COLT. I mean like $7,000. You may find a "real bargain" for $2,000. I wanted to look at a couple of S&Ws they had but the tag price dissuaded me from even asking to handle one.

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You're shy a few manners.

I've bought a bunch of guns from my local Cabelas gun library and never paid the marked tag price. In some cases I got up to a 20 percent discount but usually closer to 15 percent and at least 10 percent. But I haven't bought anything since the change in ownership or the supposedly new policies, so I can't comment on the current situation.

I have bought many guns from my local Cabelas Gun Library, and the experience I’ve had with them has been hot or miss. I’ve scored some great deals like a LNIB 1980 Model 41 with 4 magazines for $800, but then again I’ve had some really bad deals like paying $500 for a LNIB 617 that I ended up finding had a bulged barrel.

The bottom line is:

- The pricing there is all over the place, and they won’t negotiate, even if they admit that the marked price is absurd. For example: a new production Ruger 10/22, standard model with wood stock, regular new price for $250, priced used for $380.00.

- They do not inspect any firearm before selling them, so buyer beware. I have found on several occasions that firearms offered for sale in the library have functional or safety issues, and bring it the attention of the staff, only to have them return the gun to case, and not do anything about it, or outright refuse to do anything about it.

- It’s no uncommon to find mislabeled or misrepresented firearms in the library, i.e. a Smolt or Smython, or Colt Trooper with Python barrel tagged and priced as a real Colt Python.

- Trading in firearms usually results in very low offered including on valuable firearms, and again, no negotiating. For example: At one time, I had considered trading a NIB Sig P226 Legion toward a LNIB S&W Model 52, only to receive an offer of $350 on a gun that they will turn around and sell for $1100. I realize that they need to make a profit, but that’s less than half of any other shop’s trade value offer.

- The staff is generally unknowledgeable about firearms. Do your research, know what you are getting first.

I don’t typically buy from Cabelas anymore, but I don’t advocate that anyone stop going there either. Just be knowledgeable about what you’re buying, and know if the price is right, and the condition is acceptable. Don’t trust their judgement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I bought a Belgian Browning Trap shotgun from Cabelas in Louisville, KY several years ago.
An outstanding gun at a more-than-fair price.
Had it shipped to my FFL here.
The Cabelas salesman called later to make sure I was satisfied.
Was I pleasantly surprised?
You Bet !
Don

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OGCA Life
NRA Life

I have received at least 10% off the marked price on my gun library purchases. The folks there often don't have a clue what they are selling, and that can be used in your favor.

^^^Same^^^

I have attempted to buy from the Boise Gun Library several times. I am not one stuck on having to get a deal, but have an aversion to paying too much.
IMO they make a far better museum than a place to acquire nice guns at reasonable prices.

My experience was good, or satisfactory. No fireworks.
Bought my Smith K frame 32-20 from the Cabellas Wheeling WV
(Surprise?). It had been advertised for $750 I think then discounted to a reasonable level. Was on Guns International.
No Haggle, but the process was painless. UPS to me in Hawaii, (C&R) and pretty much as advertised.
They seem to have an eclectic mix of stuff. Wish we had one here, or a place that carried that kind of stock.
Seems they use guns international a lot to market rather than our favorite auction site, and the bottom line seems better.
Just thoughts. I would do it again if the opportunity presented.
Aloha

Only bought one gun from them from the gun library in Scarborough, Maine three years ago.
Gun was a Model 27, 5 screw, that the barrel had been cut square, no crown, to 3 1/2”, new front ramp and sight and had been reblued.
It had a pristine set of diamond magna stocks.
Obviously a conversion candidate.
Price was $750. Offered them $550 - refused. Sat in the cabinet for 6 months.
Got a flyer, having a gun sale. Went in and offered $550 again.
Manager ok’d.
Turned out to be a good shooter with .357’s but it’s an even better shooter now it’s a .44 Special with a CROWNED barrel.
In general their prices in the library boarder on absurd but every once in a while someone slips up.

I have only been in the store near Richmond Va., they had some nice guns there.
After looking at the the prices and finding no one willing to haggle a bit on prices, they were still there when I headed out the door.

Other than buying primers there when on sale, I seldom go in their store anymore. I've bought several guns from their library but since the merger with Bass Pro, their used guns have become like their new ones, well overpriced.

After being insulted by a trade offer at a cabelas I don't even bother with their gun section,if a local independent dealer can't get me something or I can't find it from an individual I just do without . But ya have to realize the bigger the company the more people up and down the corporate ladder have to be supported the local guy down the street just himself and a couple of helpers so I stick with the local guys they can generaly get anything ya want and they really do appreciate ya business or at least they act like it .

I've bought several guns, mostly Colts, at their Gun Library in Delaware. Some were priced fairly, others a bit dear but as the saying goes, "You never pay too much for an old gun, you just buy it too early." I have never been able to figure their business model on used guns out. I have discussed some of their prices with employees including the Library manager explaining how overpriced a particular gun was. "Oh, that's a very special gun, hard to find!" My response, "Yeah, I've got a couple like it and you're going to have a really hard time moving it at that price." The manager only has a little leeway in offering a discount amount. They do their best if you take the time to discuss the issue, but often the price is still too much. For over a year I have watched a particular rifle I am interested in sit , unsold, because it is so overpriced no one will buy it. I have discussed the gun with the manager to no avail. In desperation I told him that Cabelas is losing money on the gun as it sits because they have spent money buying it and that soon they will be lucky to break even because the gun is returning nothing on that investment. In most businesses if a product does not sell in a specified time, the price comes down to move that product. Not them. I don't know how long a gun has to sit before the manager is allowed to mark it down so it will sell.

I bought two handguns at the Cabela's in Hoffman Estates, a post war HD and an Argentine 1911. It took forty-five minutes looking through books to determine they were both C&R, about another hour waiting in line to pay. It was late Fall, and they were in the midst of a sale. The sale had been over the weekend, so there were a lot of pickups after the waiting period. Felt I got fair, but not extraordinary deals

We were planning a trip to Maine, so I had been watching a nickel HD they had on line at the Scarborough store. They were starting at about $2400, so I wanted to see what was special about it. Nothing. Not near as nice as one I bought for $800 locally.

My first buying experience with Cabela's was a few years ago when I saw a S&W M-41 at a 'fair' price offered on GI at a western Cabela's. I arranged to have it shipped to the Dundee, MI store where I inspected and bought it for the asking price with discounts for opening two new Cabela VISA accounts (one for myself and one for my wife).
A M-41 collector & shooter helped me field strip and clean & lube it when we discovered the action would not close properly. Not knowing about a repair policy on used firearms by Cabela's, I called Springfield and had it shipped to them. $150 and a few weeks later, I had it back and pleased with the repair.
I then called the Gun Library manager regarding my issue, but since it had been shipped from another store, he wasn't able to help.
Earlier this week, I saw two LE-trade-in M64-5s offered on the Cabela website at the Chesterfield, MI location.
Price was $399.99 for each. Lots of surface scratches from anti-snag holster usage, but mechanically pristine. Tight springs, no warpage, and reminded me how much I had missed a handgun with a true sear!
The salesman opened the conversation with, "it's been here for a while, but the price is firm as it's as low as they can go on it."
For a 4" barreled stainless K-frame revolver in (mechanically) great shape, I couldn't leave it there. I was asked to shoot it at a range within the next ten days, and should I find any mechanical issues, just bring it back, and it would be fixed at no charge to me. Sounds good to me!

I've bought a few new and used handguns from Williams in Davison, MI., but we've had a whole lot snow falls lately, so I opted to drive there on a clear day, whenever we get another one. They DO have an extremely-large selection of both new and used handguns for sale.
Echo47

I'll bet that the Cabela's on I 80 just Nevada side of the California line is a busy place now.
It is the only gun library I have ever been in and for a coconut boy it was pretty cool.
Aloha

I bought a couple, the last was a few years ago at a relatively new store in South Denver area. A .455 MKII, 2nd model. Appeared is really original excellent condition, but something wasn't quite right. I asked them to take it out of the case (in Fine Gun Room), so I could look it over. What wasn't quite right was the front sight had been filed down considerably. When I popped open the cylinder I saw why, it had been "sleeved" chambers and barrel for 38 Special. It was done so well the original finish wasn't disturbed.

It wasn't priced too bad as it had no caliber markings on it at all (normal for many .455 MKII) and I asked for a 38 Special round, and was supplied a snap cap round. A little haggling got me a $50 price reduction, but then it took another hour looking up the exact model in the BATF book so I could use my C&R, and another half hour to go through check out. The salesman had to walk the sale through the check out as they didn't know what to do with the C&R. The salesman was pretty savvy about S&W's and even whispered to me "Those are collectable" as I showed him my S&W Collectors Assoc belt buckle. I did get the piece for a little less than it was worth.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Regarding the comments that the sales people (even managers) can't or won't reduce prices / haggle: I think that is a company policy, at least in the stores I've been in.

I once saw an M29-2 at the Dundee Cabelas in like new condition. The only "flaw" for me was the 8-3/8" barrel. Man it was nice and truly looked all original. But I thought it was at least $100 overpriced and probably more like $200 over what it should have been. They wouldn't budge on the price so I walked. About a week later I thought I should just go ahead and get it so I took enough cash and went back. As you have probably guessed, it was gone.

I could give a couple more examples like the above but you get the idea. Back to my first paragraph, I believe Cabellas tells their employees something like this:
"Nine guys out of ten are going to paw at the gun, try to get you to come down on the price, then walk when you will not. The tenth guy will buy it."

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You're shy a few manners.

I have only looked at Cabellas - although I know folks that have had an item shipped to another store. Question, that is free and no requirement to buy? Seems crazy to me

My feeling on local gun stores is that many folks don't know collectables at all, and large chain stores know far less...

As said above, I am sure they just show and sell but mostly show and put back and that is their job...

That's interesting, the Thornton, Colorado store has both PC's and now iPads for the 4473. Since I've bought stuff there they've never used paper copies. It certainly sounds like no paper copies is a store policy.

Bill