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.
Anyone with experience buying from a Cabela Gun Library?
- Thread starter Echo47
- Start date
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 .
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.
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.
Last edited:
lawandorder
Member
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.
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.
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.
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.
But hey, maybe others have found deals, but as for me, I've never seen any there.
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.
scooter123
Member
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.
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.
Jack Flash
Member
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.
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.
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.
Last edited:
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
DHENRY
Member
Shotgun from Cabelas
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
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
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.
IMO they make a far better museum than a place to acquire nice guns at reasonable prices.
Gordyf808
Member
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
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
Capt. F.
Member
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.
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.
silentflyer
Member
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.
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.
Similar threads
