Disappointment at Gander Mountain

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I checked out the new Gander Mountain in North Charleston, SC (Yeah, where the policeman shot that guy. I really hate that place even if I did grow up there) Anyway, we were talking about Gander Mountain. FABULOUS store, with most anything you could want. I couldn't find the powder shelf, even an empty one so I asked the guy behind the counter. He said he had ONE kind in the back, some IMR something that wasn't on my (long) list. He said Gander Mountain QUIT stocking powder in stores, but he was going to try to keep some in stock, but you would have to ask at the counter, nothing on the shelf. He did say that he was going to get a complete line of reloading gear though. So I might shop there, but I'm not going to count on them for powder.
 
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Incredible that you found an employee in any store that actually cares. If it were me, I would give them what business I could, and ask for that guy every time you go in. Let them know he made a good impression.
 
I wouldn't waste my time trying to buy powder at Gander Mountain. They'll charge about 5-10 dollars per pound MORE than the vendors at the gun shows who sell powder. My advice would be for Powders and Primers plan on going to every gun show in your area. Here in my area Powder runs about 25-30 dollars per pound and 8 lbs. kegs run 150-180 dollars. Primers run 30 dollars/1000 for Small Pistol and Large Rifle and 35 dollars/1000 for Small Rifle and Large Pistol. Yeah, that makes no sense to me at all but it what the dealers have been charging recently for primers.
 
The new one that opened in Tulsa was the same way. No smokeless powder but they did have black powder types. They had a hodgepodge of other reloading supplies.

Stopped by Bass Pro while I was in town & was surprised that they had some 2400 (my fav) on the shelf. It was over priced but I'm almost out, & I haven't seen any in a long time. What can you do?

.
 
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Went to BPS.....

The new one that opened in Tulsa was the same way. No smokeless powder but they did have black powder types. They had a hodgepodge of other reloading supplies.

Stopped by Bass Pro while I was in town & was surprised that they had some 2400 (my fav) on the shelf. It was over priced but I'm almost out, & I haven't seen any in a long time. What can you do?

.

Went to Bass Pro Shop in Myrtle Beach. Besides having nothing the people behind the counter were too busy to help me so I'm not looking forward to the one they are opening here soon.
 
There's a new GM in Greenfield, IN that I stop at once in a while now. They have had 22 ammo occasionally, but most everything else is over-priced. If it's on sale, not a bad price. No reloading supplies or equipment at all. They have tons of ammo in stock, but I can buy locally for less money. Nice selection of handguns and long guns, if all you want to do is look.
 
I once took a gander in Gander Mountain. That was all I Did take a gander.
 
The Gander Mt. Here in Roanoke dropped all reloading equipment & supplies when they remodeled the store a few years ago. Fortunately, we have a Sportsman's Wearhouse here with better selection and prices than Gander ever did.
 
Gander Mountain here in Dickson City PA is almost a complete waste of time for anything related to shooting. Poor selection (no powders) and high prices on what they do stock, especially the guns. I don't even bother anymore.
 
I was in the Bass Pro in MB last year. They had very little powder. Prices were about the same as the high LGS here locally. Other reloading supplies were in the same price range. Palmetto State Armory is the low price leader in the area. The biggest problem is the drive to Mt P.
 
I quit going to Gander Mountains as they don't have anything I want (at a price I want to pay). Cabelas are good and bad, their problem is the volume of customers, I can imagine how difficult it is to keep things in stock. Their prices are a little higher, but not ridiculous. What I don't like about Cabelas is the "take a number" then stand around until someone can wait on you. I normally only go to the Fine Gun Room, and usually there is someone that you can talk to. Those prices are dependent on the knowledge of the Fine Gun Room mgr. and it is possible to get something reasonable, but most things are priced at 2020 levels.
 
GM in Richmond went broke because they were located right between a Bass Pro and the established regional store Green Top, that bought their store and took over the larger show room. GM in Charlottesville is the smallest one I've been in and has been a major disappointment in all respects. I have been fortunate in the Winchester GM to occasionally find some good stuff, but they seem to have been in a bit of a slump in the last few months as well. You've already heard about the Roanoke GM above, so overall Gander Mountain in VA (at least the ones I've been able to observe) seems to be pretty poor. It's a pity too, since they have the corporate size to buy and sell on a pretty economical scale. :(

Froggie
 
I really like Cabella's. Gander and Dick's? Not so much. In fact, as for Gander, I will never darken their door again. I'd rather hunt with a sick than buy anything from them.

Bob
 
They are always overpriced on almost all items. Yes they have overhead but so does everyone else like Cabelas or Basspro. The other issue: I've never seen any powder at all there. Not in the past 2 years. Recently they had some primers at $4.99/100.
 
They do sometimes have good sale prices and will price match. But have little to nothing to do with reloading.
In northeast Ohio the place to go for reloading is Fin Feather Fur or the new Great Lakes Outdoor Supply in Bainbridge (I haven't checked of Madison since the remodel and Chesterland is very small so the reloading section is tiny by comparison)
 
My initial reaction is to tell the guy don't bother selling reloading gear without selling supplies. Who the hell would sell razors without also selling the razor blades?

Anyhow, that's a first reaction. dunno what I'd say/do if i took time to think about it :)
 
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