I agree competition from the Bass Pro Shop a couple miles north probably killed, them. But for nice used firearms Gander Mountain had them beat.
Any Gander Mountain Alumni Here?
- Thread starter OutAtTheEdge
- Start date
I agree competition from the Bass Pro Shop a couple miles north probably killed, them. But for nice used firearms Gander Mountain had them beat.
I used to shop at Gander Mtn pretty regularly when we had them, particularly the one in Ashland Va that became Green Top. Always preferred them to Bass Pro and Cabelas.
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.
We used to make the rounds in Orange County BITD.
The Gander in Middletown was pretty good. Thruway Sports was/is good? There was a little shop in Goshen, Bobs Gun Exchange, he always gave more than you expected on trades.
kbm6893
Member
Thruway is OK. Been quite a few years since I've been there. I work right around the corner from what used to be Bob's. It closed probably 10 years ago and is now a CBD hippie shop, selling CBD oils and pot smoking implements. The last time I was in Bob's, they had an NYPD S&W Model 64 NY-1 3" revolver. It was listed at $350! I didn't buy it because Bob replaced the spurless hammer with a spurred one, but it was black, and it didn't match! I didn't know anything about how easy it was to rectify that and I passed on it! When my son was a baby I used to take him on rides so he'd sleep, and I wheeled him through Bob's in his stroller! People looked at me like I was crazy!
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.
Gander Mt was always a must stop when going through Eau Claire. They had the largest viewing selection at the time. Bought a couple of firearms at their old and new stores. An undervalued used revolver at their old store, and a overvalued 3 in Kimber 1911 at their newer store. It was the only store available to me that actually had the Ultra II in 45 acp, and still have/carry it.
OP
OutAtTheEdge
Member
Here's a photo of the once-proud gun counter at the Appleton store, days before the final closure, with one gun left on display.
And then the last day, just before we shut off the lights.
And then the last day, just before we shut off the lights.
kev74
Member
Reading about all the great deals we got over the years, I can't help but think I might know why they went under.
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.
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
Member
Thank you.
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.
Gander Mountain, Joliet, Illinois - fond memories of a great store!
kbm6893
Member
I never set foot into Bobs until about 2007, and I believe it closed around 2013.
85win
Member
Gander Mountain, Wichita, KS. Great memories and great people.
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
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
Can't miss it from I95. I'll be sure to next trek.
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
Member
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.
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.
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
Member
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.
