Any Gander Mountain Alumni Here?

[CH4]

Never visited a GM out west, don’t recall seeing one. However, I did visit one a couple times when visiting my buddy in TN. It was along the 40, a short distance east of Nashville. It was well stocked. Ammo seemed reasonably priced. Remember buying sig 10mm.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Assuming you're asking about used guns? That's a good question that I've had occasion to put a lot of thought into.

'''''
So, yes, there were some very odd used gun prices seen at Gander Mountain over the years. I hope this puts it into perspective just a bit.

Thank you.

 

[Golddollar]

I used to go to the Gander Mountain in Chambersburg, PA. I think the only gun I ever bought there was a Czech Model 82. I think it came in a box with a cleaning rod and spare magazine.

 

[PhilT]

Gander Mountain, Joliet, Illinois - fond memories of a great store!

 

[kbm6893]

I think the original BGE owner sold the place to another guy back in the late 90’s???
We used to go shooting in an old abandoned quarry in Goshen after first stopping at the Goshen diner for breakfast.
Then we went to BGE. The owner was a real kind gentleman, always willing to talk guns.
That was in the early 80’s. I lived in Westchester at that time.

I never set foot into Bobs until about 2007, and I believe it closed around 2013.

 

[85win]

Gander Mountain, Wichita, KS. Great memories and great people.

 

[bill-in-texas]

I've never set foot in a GM, but remember seeing great deals, online.

I've bought many guns over the years and sold some. My favorite transactions are in-person for vintage hand guns that fly under most folks' radar. I particularly enjoy "talking" guns with other similarly interested gun guys and I appreciate learning from them, too. (I imagine the OP was one such person.) I actively read a lot about older production firearms, as probably most of us here do. Since I am an informed buyer, that has served me well at the "used gun" counter.

Great thread, OP! I've enjoyed reading everyone's recollections.
I wish I could have visited your store.

-Bill

 

[ladder13]

Make the stop. It’s worth the effort. The have an indoor range about two miles up the road too that’s worth some time.

Can’t miss it from I95. I’ll be sure to next trek.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Tell me more about Green Top. I’ve never been in there despite passing by at least 4x a year, 8x if you count the return. Always in a hurry going elsewhere.

When Cabelas opened here, I remember coming out thinking if I really needed something I would rather go to Greentops. Their newer store is well stocked and plenty of helpful associates. Lots of handguns to see and racks of long guns that are out where you can handle them.
My favorite memory is from the old store on rte 1. Friday nights customers were stacked up 4 or more deep at the handgun counter. Cigarette smoke hanging in the air,trading going on out of sight or in the parking lot. I bought my first handgun there in about 1980. A Dan Wesson pistol pack. Good times there.

 

[cd228]

I think the original BGE owner sold the place to another guy back in the late 90’s???
We used to go shooting in an old abandoned quarry in Goshen after first stopping at the Goshen diner for breakfast.
Then we went to BGE. The owner was a real kind gentleman, always willing to talk guns.
That was in the early 80’s. I lived in Westchester at that time.

I purchased my first Semi-Auto from Bob's back in the day. That place used to be awesome. I'm sad to hear it's gone.

To the OP, I used to shop at the Gander in Watetown and Monroe.

 

[Hawg Rider]

One of my closest friends was a Construction Supervisor that traveled around the country building brand new Gander Mountain stores. It's a shame that they couldn't ever seem to compete with Bass Pro and Cabela's because they were really nice stores. I'm sure that online stores also helped to send GM into bankruptcy.

 

[M29since14]

Not a former employee, but I bought a few guns, accessories, and a jacket or shirt or two from them over the years at the two stores that were in reasonable driving distance here in northern Indiana. I still keep a nice rain jacket I bought there in my car and frequently find it very handy. They ran a nice business that I enjoyed visiting whenever I was in the area. Good memories. I was sorry to see them go.

 

[Terry G]

I bought a LOT of guns from Gander Mountain in La Crosse, WI. My Son was Assistant Manager at one and told me that the company was going downhill. He said the company buyer's were crazy. The La Crosse store in northern Wisconsin received $40,000.00 dollars of Fishing equipment for re sale. Salt Water Fishing equipment. Also beautiful hand tooled rifle caes for $700.00 each. They never sold one. He got his quarterly evaluation with all top marks and a glowing Supervisor report. They fired him the next week. They closed then opened briefly as Gander Outdoors then closed for good.