Local/Regional gun shops vs. Chain sporting goods stores - Cabela's etc.

[Wayne02]

In your experience do the independent local/regional gun shops have higher or lower prices on firearms and ammo vs. the chain sporting good stores (Cabela's, Dicks, Bass pro etc), generally?

I realize we are currently in an unusual market and the answer in many cases may be that, "it depends", but I'm wonder what your overall experience has been?

Secondly, do the Cabela's et al tend to offer more or less services compared to the local/regional independents? Services such as gunsmiting, transfers, range, classes.

I've never been in a Bass pro or Dicks and only been in Cabela's once. Do they usually offer these types of services?

 

[Wayne02]

In your experience do the independent local/regional gun shops have higher or lower prices on firearms and ammo vs. the chain sporting good stores (Cabela's, Dicks, Bass pro etc), generally?

I realize we are currently in an unusual market and the answer in many cases may be that, "it depends", but I'm wonder what your overall experience has been?

Secondly, do the Cabela's et al tend to offer more or less services compared to the local/regional independents? Services such as gunsmiting, transfers, range, classes.

I've never been in a Bass pro or Dicks and only been in Cabela's once. Do they usually offer these types of services?

 

[Mortech]

Normally I would say that the local shops offer better prices on buying used guns but lately Cabela's has been offering about 25% more for used guns even to the point of advertising that fact locally . I recently wanted to trade/sell off a Steyr in order to finance a S&W purchase , most of the local dealers made it plain up front that they weren't interested in it . Cabelas offered me cash up front in excess of the current book value (they actually use an average of selling prices from sites like Auctionarms and Gunbroker as their main source of what to offer you) . Any way I spotted a nice S&W 411 in the case and now its home with me , not only did they offer top dollar for my pistol they were willing to dicker on the price for the 411

. Over all a GREAT experience , as for the gunsmithing classes I haven't seen the local one offer such , I'm hoping they will offer a reloading class ...

Unfortunately their ammo prices are much higher than say Sportsmans or Sportco .

 

[Guest]

The Chains can buy everything; guns, ammo, reloading gear etc. much cheaper than a small local shop but then there are the "local" such as Bear Arms which is a franchise type operation something like a co-op. They too can buy at much better prices and without purchasing in large numbers such as case lots etc.

 

[diamonback68]

I have found much better gun prices and deals at local pawnshops and gunshops than the chains, but the chains win hands down when it comes to ammo. I think the small local guys have to sell higher because their volumes are much lower than the chains.

 

[redlevel]

My local shop that I have been doing business with for 40 years happens to be one of the biggest dealers in Georgia. They are distributers for most of the major brands. Chances are they have the gun you want in stock. They offer minor gunsmithing services. They handled a transfer for me last week at no charge, other than shipping. Their prices are much lower than the chains. Right now, they have pallets and pallets of ammo, but I don't know how their prices compare, because I have been in an ammo hoarding mode for 16 years, and haven't had to take part in the frenzy.

They are also a major NAPA dealer. I buy batterys, chainsaws, weedeaters, lawn mowers, tractor parts, pruning shears, starters, Brownings, Marlins, S&Ws, Colts, and even toaster ovens there. It is a five minute drive from one of my homes, and a twelve minute drive from the other, and they are both in the country. I spend way, way too much money there.

 

[shovelwrench]

I know Cabelas has idiots doing their used gun pricing. I've gotten a few for better then half what they are worth.

And all used guns are negotiable pricing.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Gander Mountain's pricing on new Smiths is suggested retail. They had a new 642 priced to sell @ $749 while my favorite local gun shop had the same gun for $300 less. The atmosphere of the local shop is a lot more appealing too...

 

[FirebirdV8]

In Northern AZ there are no chain sporting goods stores that sell guns, so our local dealers only competition is the pawnshops. However, when I am in Phoenix, the big stores tend to have higher prices on the guns, but have a better selection.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Our local shops are always more expensive than the chains, however, the local shops have the selection that you need beyond the most popular firearms and supplies.