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.
Anyone with experience buying from a Cabela Gun Library?
- Thread starter Echo47
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S&WsRsweet
Member
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 .
W.C. Morton
Member
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.
bigolddave
Member
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.
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
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
Gordyf808
Member
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
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.
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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Jack Flash
Member
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."
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."
Weimar
US Veteran
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...
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...
CA Escapee
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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
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I have purchase 2 from Cabelas Gun Library, one online, a Registered Magnum, originally priced at $5000 but reduced to $3000. Another was an old 38 hand ejector that they discounted 10 percent just by my asking.
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My local Cabela's (Huntsville, AL) just received 32 like new pre-lock S&W revolvers from .22 to .45 at good to okay prices. I bought a flat like new, appears unfired 28-2, 4 inch, for $699.
The only Cabela's anywhere within reasonable driving distance for me is the one in Reading, PA. I try to stop in whenever I'm up on I-78. A little while ago I stopped in and there was a 2nd generation Colt Dragoon .44 in the wood box, with a bullet mold, powder flask and cap box. The price, at least in my mind, seemed to be fair, at least compared to what I had seen for cartridge handguns. I had been thinking about acquiring a Dragoon to have a cap and ball revolver to shoot and finally figured that if I left, with my luck, I'd get 20 minutes down the road, decide to buy it, come back and find it gone. So when I thought about it, I decided the price was fair, and the chances of finding a set-up in the beautiful shape this one was in was probably pretty slim, so the Dragoon is now residing in my safe.
policerevolvercollector
Member
I frequently deal wit a Cabelas within driving distance of my home. I have one of the sales clerk's number and we "talk guns" from time to time. There is also a good Cabelas in the area where we vacation every year. The manager there is a nice & knowledgeable "gun guy". I have bought/traded for several guns at both places. It's usually a "win-win" deal. They have guns that show up in their Gun Library that can't be found elsewhere.
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I was hot for a 40-82 '85 Winchester I saw in the Library quite a few years ago. The asking price was $4K, which included the 95%+ rifle, dies, brass, etc. I asked the librarian if he had any wiggle room, he replied "Not on this one." I thanked him and walked out. Looking back it was probably a good thing because without a target weight barrel it would only be good for hunting game animals. I spend most of time target shooting with muzzle loaders and decided over five years ago to go that route rather than black powder cartridge. For that money I could have gotten into a very nice Sharps target rifle in 45-70 or 90, in fact still can because everyone that bought one and tried it out wants to sell.
I find Cabelas overpriced on everything, the one thing they have going for them is that if you want something right now they usually have it. I am over 30 miles from the nearest outlet and have used them when they have a sale, a couple of us will go in on bullets and the guy that lives the closest will pick them up when they come in without having to pay the shipping costs, they are good that way otherwise I stay away unless we are going through the area about twice a year.
I find Cabelas overpriced on everything, the one thing they have going for them is that if you want something right now they usually have it. I am over 30 miles from the nearest outlet and have used them when they have a sale, a couple of us will go in on bullets and the guy that lives the closest will pick them up when they come in without having to pay the shipping costs, they are good that way otherwise I stay away unless we are going through the area about twice a year.
Was in my local Cabelas library about 6 weeks ago. Bought a revolver made by a manufacturer that starts with a "C". Just a shooter, nothing to get excited about. It took about one hour to complete the check out process using my C&R license. They had no idea what to do. Had to call BATF to find out if my potential purchase, which was made in 1932 "qualified" for for a C&R licensee purchase....and I was the only customer at the time. Good grief.
I have bought several from Cabela's gun library. They tend to be top dollar but not unreasonable. I have gotten 10% off in the library and an additional 5% off as a Veteran at the cash register. Also they let you apply rewards from their credit card.
I have picked up some collectibles at very good prices.
I have picked up some collectibles at very good prices.
Buying experiences from Cabela's Gun Library
I/'d communicated thru the Forum my recent experience buying a used S&W M 64-5 from the Gun Library at Chesterfield, MI about ten days ago. After bringing the revolver home, I partially stripped it for a full cleaning of the frame, yoke, and cylinder assembly when I discovered the previous owner or his representative had dropped the revolver on its front sight causing moderate damage to same. I'd taken the revolver to a few local 'smiths after after some outrageous quotes to rebuid it, I visited ToolTech in Oxford, MI, and explained my dilemma. We discussed options and I really didn't need a rebuilt front sight with tritium insert and asked if he could mill off the damaged sight and insert a pinned patridge front sight with the same height as the original so I could fire 158gr LSWC ammunition to point of aim. He acknowledged in the affirmative and quoted me $165. I left the revolver with him.
I them contacted Cabela's to find out if they would cover the repair cost.
A salesman from the Gun Library contacted me today with a 'vague offer'. As the repairs had not been completed, I was instructed to obtain the revolver from ToolTech, return it to Cabela's, they would inspect the damage, and then 'decide their course of action'.
I came away from the Cabela offer with a less-than-confident-feeling, as the salesman had copies of the photos taken from the revolver showing the front sight damage, but not willing to commit himself.
I've decided Cabela's has seen the last of me as I won't be going back there any time soon.
The revolver finish was terribly scratched from a snatch-resistant holster (it was used in LE & had a serial number in large letters hand-stamped to the frame) but the action was pristine and timing was right on the mark.
I'll work on the scratches with some Mother's wheel polish and Scotch Brite ultra fine pads, let ToolTech perform their magic on the front sight, and possibly replace the stock hammer with a target-grade hammer. I should be good-to-go.
Once I have the new front patridge sight installed, I'll photograph the before and after work and send them to the Forum for comments.
Echo47
I/'d communicated thru the Forum my recent experience buying a used S&W M 64-5 from the Gun Library at Chesterfield, MI about ten days ago. After bringing the revolver home, I partially stripped it for a full cleaning of the frame, yoke, and cylinder assembly when I discovered the previous owner or his representative had dropped the revolver on its front sight causing moderate damage to same. I'd taken the revolver to a few local 'smiths after after some outrageous quotes to rebuid it, I visited ToolTech in Oxford, MI, and explained my dilemma. We discussed options and I really didn't need a rebuilt front sight with tritium insert and asked if he could mill off the damaged sight and insert a pinned patridge front sight with the same height as the original so I could fire 158gr LSWC ammunition to point of aim. He acknowledged in the affirmative and quoted me $165. I left the revolver with him.
I them contacted Cabela's to find out if they would cover the repair cost.
A salesman from the Gun Library contacted me today with a 'vague offer'. As the repairs had not been completed, I was instructed to obtain the revolver from ToolTech, return it to Cabela's, they would inspect the damage, and then 'decide their course of action'.
I came away from the Cabela offer with a less-than-confident-feeling, as the salesman had copies of the photos taken from the revolver showing the front sight damage, but not willing to commit himself.
I've decided Cabela's has seen the last of me as I won't be going back there any time soon.
The revolver finish was terribly scratched from a snatch-resistant holster (it was used in LE & had a serial number in large letters hand-stamped to the frame) but the action was pristine and timing was right on the mark.
I'll work on the scratches with some Mother's wheel polish and Scotch Brite ultra fine pads, let ToolTech perform their magic on the front sight, and possibly replace the stock hammer with a target-grade hammer. I should be good-to-go.
Once I have the new front patridge sight installed, I'll photograph the before and after work and send them to the Forum for comments.
Echo47
357-RevolverGuy
Member
I've gotten a few good deals from their Library. I would visit the actual Cabela's store in person. A lot of times I have seen them mark up prices online and then tagged lower in-store. Also from my experience it seems like they are a little slow at updating their online inventory. If you can get a coupon it helps as they normally send out $20 off $100 every few months. And their layaway plan also helps.
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