We have a Cabela's about 30 minutes from me. I used to go in there a lot. Even bought a few guns from them. Haven't darkened their door in about 2 years. They just don't have anything I need.
Cabela's
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Alton
Member
If I buy something it is online from Cabelas. In store shopping is worthless
GypsmJim
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I'm confused about all the negative comments. In my local store I don't see any difference. IMHO its the pandemic and politics, because nothing seems to have changed since Bass Pro took over.
We can all remember some "issues" in the last 10 years. I won't mention names because I don't want the thread to get closed down.
Anyway, during the last crisis ALL their ammo was sold out and many of the guns were gone as well. But then during the period roughly 2016-2020 the shelves in MY store were full and the prices were reasonable.
Then, in mid 2020, when only "essential" stores were allowed open, there was a run on ammo and guns. The shelves at Cabelas were bare again.
As of right now, they have about 1/3 of the shelves full of ammo, and the gun counters are maybe 50% full.
OTOH, the shoes, clothes, camping, fishing, boats, etc. are the same as they have always been. No change there.
The gun library was always a farce anyway. Only a novice would buy a gun there.
Now Gander Mountain was the place top go. I bought an unfired Pre-27 8 3/8" for $299, and a Pre-14 for $199. That wasn't all that long ago. Their merge with Camping World is what devastated them.
We can all remember some "issues" in the last 10 years. I won't mention names because I don't want the thread to get closed down.
Anyway, during the last crisis ALL their ammo was sold out and many of the guns were gone as well. But then during the period roughly 2016-2020 the shelves in MY store were full and the prices were reasonable.
Then, in mid 2020, when only "essential" stores were allowed open, there was a run on ammo and guns. The shelves at Cabelas were bare again.
As of right now, they have about 1/3 of the shelves full of ammo, and the gun counters are maybe 50% full.
OTOH, the shoes, clothes, camping, fishing, boats, etc. are the same as they have always been. No change there.
The gun library was always a farce anyway. Only a novice would buy a gun there.
Now Gander Mountain was the place top go. I bought an unfired Pre-27 8 3/8" for $299, and a Pre-14 for $199. That wasn't all that long ago. Their merge with Camping World is what devastated them.
Yep. Cabela's has become about as interesting as Dicks, Sport Authority or any number of corporate takeover/mergers.
Run by bean counters.
Run by bean counters.
I remember when:
Back in the 70s I used to wait with great anticipation for the Cabela's spring catalogue to come in the mail. It was comic book size, in black and white, and on newsprint. Just full of good STUFF. Guess we're not going back. I haven't been to Cabela's store or web site in about two years.
Very sad.
Back in the 70s I used to wait with great anticipation for the Cabela's spring catalogue to come in the mail. It was comic book size, in black and white, and on newsprint. Just full of good STUFF. Guess we're not going back. I haven't been to Cabela's store or web site in about two years.
Very sad.
I'm holding out for Herters to come back.
I go to Bass Pro primarily for their $9 t-shirts, which they seldom have anymore. I would occasionally grab a pound of powder or a pack of primers I wanted to try (they don't sell by the brick) but now they don't even have shelf space anymore for those items.
I go to Bass Pro primarily for their $9 t-shirts, which they seldom have anymore. I would occasionally grab a pound of powder or a pack of primers I wanted to try (they don't sell by the brick) but now they don't even have shelf space anymore for those items.
Wouldn't hold my breath. Bass Pro owns the brand.
firearmsunlimited
Member
I agree. Old Johnny Morris must be trying to recoup the money that had to pay Sportsman's Warehouse for backing out of that deal. We have both a Bass Pro and Cabela's in the Phoenix area and they both suck. I'm done trying to find stuff at either one of them. Sportsman's has more stock and better selection.
I miss the cabelas branded products with the great (lifetime?) warranty. Cabelas gear was never the lightest or most modern, but I've still got goretex winter gloves and a winter hat from at least a decade ago that I beat on constantly and still hold up. The current store brand offerings are ****, even the wool socks that used to hold up great are trash. A damn shame.
You guys don't know how lucky you are to have these big shops. We don't have anything like them in Australia. Only in the past decade we have had a line of franchised national boating, camping, and fishing stores (eg BCF, Anaconda - overpriced or cheap Chinese products - 1/4 the size of your stores). All gun shops in Australia are individually owned along with most other camping and fishing shops. I've been into a couple of Gander Mountain Stores when visiting the US. They just blow me away at how good they are. Maybe things have changed. My last visit was back in 2015.
I only go there for the fudge
The store in Reno does not have a food court any more, closed it down.
I sort of miss the Elk, Bison, and other specialty items that had for a nice lunch.
I have not checked their fudge out, in the last four trips there.
They do have some "Crazy" type Jerky sticks, though. that the kids love for a Christmas gift.
I used to live in PA near Hamburg, and as I said, I go for the fudge.
Bass Pro, I never go in them, and never, never go in Dick's
Year and half ago I bought 2 S&W M-41s one 1st year 7 3/8 the other was a couple years later and it had aftermarket target stocks. Paid 800 for both + 50 dollars delivery? but my FFL picked up. Both were worth 7-800 each. Sold the 2nd one for what I had in both.
I too have mostly bought odd things online from Cabela's...mostly bullets but that has dried up too. yesterday while there they had plenty 223 and 9mm. They also had 2 boxes of Remington 264 Win Mag 75 bucks a box. All ammo was way to pricey
I am truly disappointed with the changes since the buyout.
I am and have been a black card holder for many years with significant points that I am trying to figure out how to use wisely.
I am not sure if any of you remember or received their hardbound catalogues. I have several I received throughout the years that I retained unopened and in the original mailing package as I thought they may have some value in the future.
They used to treat me as a valued customer, however I do not feel that way today.
I may use the points on a signature hunt or experience, but this company is not what it once was.
My status will expire in 2023 and unfortunately, I don't really care at this point. I have moved on to a more considerate rewards card.
I am and have been a black card holder for many years with significant points that I am trying to figure out how to use wisely.
I am not sure if any of you remember or received their hardbound catalogues. I have several I received throughout the years that I retained unopened and in the original mailing package as I thought they may have some value in the future.
They used to treat me as a valued customer, however I do not feel that way today.
I may use the points on a signature hunt or experience, but this company is not what it once was.
My status will expire in 2023 and unfortunately, I don't really care at this point. I have moved on to a more considerate rewards card.
Inland7-45
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After I retired last year I spent a few months as a part time firearms outfitter at the East Hartford CT store. The changes since the buy out are obvious and are not for the better. Their real focus is on pushing the club card on the customer. At one time you could have compared this place to Kittery Trading Post. Now days it is about one notch above Dick's only because they still sell firearms and hunting related stuff.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm not going to jump in here with both feet but I will make a comment. I was very sad when I heard Cabela's sold out to Bass Pro Shop. I knew the prices would go up and the merchandise would be lacking. Unfortunately I was correct, a great loss for the sporting, fishing and camping community
THE PILGRIM
Member
I do have a Cabela's card. It's handy for the club discount.
I found that plus the military discount to be handy.
The cashier asks me if I want to apply my credit balance to my bill.
I say yes And she subtracts the usually two or three dollars I have in my credit balance.
I pay all of my credit card bills as soon as they post So it's not a big deal for me to use their card.
Recently I have bought ammo and Ruger LCP max From Cabalas.
Last time I was there I didn't buy anything.
Went to the nearby Warehouse and bought A 555 box of Win 22.
I found that plus the military discount to be handy.
The cashier asks me if I want to apply my credit balance to my bill.
I say yes And she subtracts the usually two or three dollars I have in my credit balance.
I pay all of my credit card bills as soon as they post So it's not a big deal for me to use their card.
Recently I have bought ammo and Ruger LCP max From Cabalas.
Last time I was there I didn't buy anything.
Went to the nearby Warehouse and bought A 555 box of Win 22.
Not always. The Library at my local store would negotiate a price and you could do a decent deal occasionally.
I bought a S&W 36 (60's mfg) there for $450 in excellent condition. Also a Howa Mini .223 for $250 NIB. Cabela's isn't the same store after the buy out. They lost me.
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A number of years ago saw Steve Scheel talking about their dream to catch-up to Cabela's. Mr. Scheel said they not only caught up to Cabela's but have Cabela's firmly in their rear view mirror and intend to keep them there. No one is perfect, but Scheels is a high integrity retailer.
Unfortunately, the 2 closest Scheel's are in Missoula and Reno. If you figure in gas, it would be about the same price. I only go into Cabela's occasionally to check for ammo. But even that is usually more than I want to spend. Rather buy at my LGS. At least then I'm supporting a local business.
I only go into Cabela's occasionally to check for ammo. But even that is usually more than I want to spend. Rather buy at my LGS. At least then I'm supporting a local business.
Fishinfool
Member
My Cabala's story. Went to the grand opening of the Hamburg, PA store. WOW, I was in heaven. Got the Cabals's reward card. Maybe a year later, I had enough points and discount offers to go shopping - purchased a beautiful Canadian made insulated leather jacket, worth almost $400.00, for free.
Fast forward to last month. Went to the same store, after years of absence. Wore my old Cabala's leather jacket. Place looked picked over, though still decent. Noticed in the clothing section a rack of jackets just like mine. Curious, I took a closer look. I was shocked - virtually the same jacket, though now made in Pakistan. Everything looked and felt cheaper, and it weighed about half of what mine weighs. A big dive in quality. Priced at a little over $400.
And that about sums up today's Cabala's.
Larry
Fast forward to last month. Went to the same store, after years of absence. Wore my old Cabala's leather jacket. Place looked picked over, though still decent. Noticed in the clothing section a rack of jackets just like mine. Curious, I took a closer look. I was shocked - virtually the same jacket, though now made in Pakistan. Everything looked and felt cheaper, and it weighed about half of what mine weighs. A big dive in quality. Priced at a little over $400.
And that about sums up today's Cabala's.
Larry
From a Fox News blurb from December 2019. This still bothers me - a lot. Follow the money? You bet!
Major Republican donor Paul Singer has very few fans in this town (Sydney, NE) of 6,300 people, where 80 percent of voters backed Donald Trump in 2016.
The town's mayor, Roger Galloway, told Tucker Carlson Tonight that the merger cost Sidney 2,000 jobs.
The sale of Cabela's to Bass Pro Shops was announced in 2016, a year after Singer's Elliott Management disclosed an 11 percent stake, and said Cabela's should explore a possible sale. Cabala's was profitable at the time, but in mid-November 2015, Elliott Management "stated that they believed the Company should be sold through a public auction process" and that if they didn't engage in the sales process, the hedge fund "was prepared to take further steps with respect to the Company," according to securities filings.
After the sale announcement, the stock price surged and Singer's hedge fund cashed out within a week. Elliott Management reportedly made at least $90 million.
The implication here is that the "merger" was not necessary and happened to fatten an already fat cat. I have complete respect for capitalism but this was just plain unfortunate.
About the time this was happening a hunting buddy was having buyer's remorse on a recent high-powered rifle purchase from Cabella's. He took back the new, in the box, rifle to see how much they'd give him for it knowing they'd low-ball him. He paid just over $800 for the rifle only weeks earlier. They offered him $150 for it. He related that even though he knew they'd try to hose him he flew into a rage (and he's not the raging kind). I was with him when he used this same rifle to take his first elk a few months later. He's learned to like it.
Major Republican donor Paul Singer has very few fans in this town (Sydney, NE) of 6,300 people, where 80 percent of voters backed Donald Trump in 2016.
The town's mayor, Roger Galloway, told Tucker Carlson Tonight that the merger cost Sidney 2,000 jobs.
The sale of Cabela's to Bass Pro Shops was announced in 2016, a year after Singer's Elliott Management disclosed an 11 percent stake, and said Cabela's should explore a possible sale. Cabala's was profitable at the time, but in mid-November 2015, Elliott Management "stated that they believed the Company should be sold through a public auction process" and that if they didn't engage in the sales process, the hedge fund "was prepared to take further steps with respect to the Company," according to securities filings.
After the sale announcement, the stock price surged and Singer's hedge fund cashed out within a week. Elliott Management reportedly made at least $90 million.
The implication here is that the "merger" was not necessary and happened to fatten an already fat cat. I have complete respect for capitalism but this was just plain unfortunate.
About the time this was happening a hunting buddy was having buyer's remorse on a recent high-powered rifle purchase from Cabella's. He took back the new, in the box, rifle to see how much they'd give him for it knowing they'd low-ball him. He paid just over $800 for the rifle only weeks earlier. They offered him $150 for it. He related that even though he knew they'd try to hose him he flew into a rage (and he's not the raging kind). I was with him when he used this same rifle to take his first elk a few months later. He's learned to like it.
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johnjohn
Member
From what you folks say;Scheels is the place to go. Wish we had some down here. I don't know of any in the state of La. Please tell me I'm wrong.
Poncho Catalina
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I used to take my daughter to cabela's to see all the mounts. She said it was like going to the zoo. I bought some clothes from them. Never bought a firearm from Cabela"s or BP, always bought from a local Mom and Pa store. A lot of small m&p stores have come and gone. It the last few years several stores with ranges have open in my area, but are part of a larger co. They are nice clean well lit stores. Nice place to go and shoot.
Another Scheels story: I purchased a 7mm-08 that had a terrible copper fouling problem. Scheels sent it back to the manufacturer to see if it could be corrected. It could not be corrected to my satisfaction so Scheels gave me back every cent I paid for that rifle including taxes and the fancy scope mounts I bought for it as well. No questions asked.
Cabela's in Allen, Tx is a nightmare when buying a gun. I went in 2 months ago wanting to buy a gun and waited 40 minutes for a salesperson to sell it to me. He shows up and acts like he is doing me a favor showing me anything. I left after he told me it would be 1.5 to 2 hour checkout. 3 Weeks ago, I went back at opening time and got a really nice salesman. We walked down the counter to the Sig 365XL and i said I will take it. He found a NIB in stock and we proceeded to check out. 1 hour after we started to checkout, I left the store. I went through the turmoil to use my capital one card points. Never again will go through a 1 hour checkout to buy a gun.
I just tried to buy a revolver from a Cabela's in another state. They needed a credit card and the state sales tax which was about 7%. Then they could ship it to a Cabela's near me. If I transferred the revolver in my state I have to pay the 9% sales tax again. I know state laws can become cumbersome but why can't they just ship the revolver to my state and do the sale/transfer/tax here? I have the option of refusing the actual sale at my local store so it's not a sale until I say it is. I was agreeable with the $25 shipping but not double sales tax. That would have been $125.
Cabela's just needs to get out of the business of selling firearms on the internet if they can't figure this one out.
Cabela's just needs to get out of the business of selling firearms on the internet if they can't figure this one out.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That same Cabela's is my closest store too. I used to take a trip there with my wife every few months unless a sale came up before that. My wife really liked their cloths but that has now all changed, not the same quality. I still have a gift card with over $50 on it that I just can't find anything worth buying online. It's very sad since the store is only 72 miles from my home.
The gun library in that store was not all that bad but I have to agree, they never seem to offer a fair price for buying anything you bring them.
They also closed the food court like mentioned in this thread. I too will miss the elk and other game meat especially the gator burgers.
I see no reason for the buyout at all. Very sad indeed. They ruined a very good outlet for the fisherman, hunter, shooter and outdoorsman.
Bumpus13
Member
I'm going to agree wholeheartedly with you. My local Cabelas (Wheeling, WV) doesn't seem much different … other than the effects of the current panic that have hit literally everywhere else as well. Seems to me the ammo came back there first, and the prices began their decent there first as well. New firearms started filling their cases again before pretty much anywhere else locally & the prices were basically MSRP (no change from previous times) … Sure, I could find better deals on GB but not much locally that I could inspect in person first.
Except for the gun library (which usually was on the high side anyway) … now, it's just plain nuts. I actually saw a beater M10 there last weekend that they wanted $1,100 for. As recently as late 2019 you could still find the occasional deal there - not these days. ALL of their used S&W revolvers are sky high.
That being said, I absolutely still go in. Mainly to keep tabs on ammo prices as I wait for them to continue to drop (I'm still well stocked from before the current insanity on most calibers) I did replenish a little bit of the .45 acp I've been burning through the last couple of years. They had Herters for $27/box - not great yet, but not completely insane either.
The Herters 45s at Billings the other day were also 27 dollars and no limit... But only 7-8 boxes on the shelf. I load my own 45s. The 9mms IIRC were19 dollars. Cheaper 9s at the local farm store...no tax in Mt though...4% in Powell Wy
