I believe in supporting my local gun stores and sporting good stores. They will order what I need and those people have over 150 years experience behind the counter to boot.

Yes, I may pay 25 dollars more for a rifle etc. but it will NOT be a second like Wal-Mart or some of those other places will sell you. I also believe in spending my money in the county that I live in, as what goes around comes around. Piss on all this China crap and same goes for Japan too.

I usually visit the Sportsman's Warehouse in Albuquerque when in the US, as they carry some items that Midway & Cabelas don't or are cheaper without the extra payments for Hazmat, such as powder & primers.
I guess they're the exception to the rule, as their service has always been helpful & informed, plus their prices are pretty good (read as amazingly cheap compared with here in the UK...).

I've dealt with cabelas, gander mountain, scheels, and the loacal store.

gander mountain is my least favorite. they tend to be more expensive, the clerks i dealt with weren't attentive, they have less variety. I know when you trade in a firearm, you are not going to get near what it's worth because they have to make a profit, but gander mountain will only offer less than 50% of what the gun is worth, I mean they really rip you off plus they all seem to have attitudes there.

Cabelas and scheels are ok for me. cableas I use to love because they had the best selection and stocked big bore stuff. Their policy changed over the years and now they don't have much in the store I'm interested in. They would get a lot more money from me if they still stocked like they use to. why have them order it when I can get it cheaper on line. my reason for going there in the first place is because I want to be able to walk in and get what I'm looking for. Over all cabelas is still decent, but I've talked to some workers that said recent changes are going to slowly make the store less quality.

Scheels reps,(at least at this particular store) have been good. they don't pretend to know more than they do and will actually learn from you if they don't know something you do. they do know about their products and they always ask if you need help. in fact it get's annoying when you get asked to be helped 5 times in 5 minutes. They only thing I don't like is that they tend to not cary any bullets or reloading stuff over 30 cal

The local shop here is more expensive, but they tend to have a lot more obscure interesting stuff. the selection is actually really good and the guys are knowledgeable, just the prices are more and they charge for some things cabelas does for free. this is understandable though as they have to compete with the chain store that can move more volume.

I buy a little online, from cabelas, from scheels, and from the local gun shop. I avoid gander mountain though because I've just had too many negative experiences unless they just happen to have something real special in.

dicks is also bad . they have what you need if you need a 30-06 or a 12 gauge. (a little exaggerated, but you get the point)

ACE Sporting goods in Western PA..

Up until recently there weren’t many local sporting goods stores around my area. For a long time ACE was our only option for firearms purchases. I am glad this is no longer the case.

Lack of customer service is an under statement....

Their sales people are rude, condescending, and arrogant. I have made several large firearms purchases there over the years (two Ruger RSMs at $1,300.00 per rifle on the same day) and have still been treated like dirt.

My sister-in-law wanted to purchase a 500 S&W for her husband for his birth day. As they are both PA residence I reluctantly recommended ACE so I told her I would go with her to make sure she picked out the correct model. When we were finally approached by a salesmen I was trying to explain to him the nature of the purchase (so he would not think it a straw purchase) and was cut off mid sentence with his rude shoulder shrug/hand wave and asked to “get to the point”.

We were treated this way when buying a $1,000.00 ++ hand gun. ACE will never get a penny of my money again and I will do my best to share my experiences with other potential gun buyers (be it friends and family or the internet).

They have several one star reviews and a few five star reviews on Yahoo Local etc...

Any one giving them a five star review is obviously either an employee or a friend of an employee....

I will gladly drive farther or pay more for a firearm than subject myself or others to being treated like dirt by people with whom I’m trying to spend my money with.

quote:

Scheels in Reno/Sparks is all right

I agree they are alright.


The worst I have been in is Right here in Elko (Gun World)

about the only show in town and county for that matter.

They just want you to leave your wallet on the counter and they will handle the rest.




Cal30

there's nothing wrong with big boobies that an application of my patented saliva ointment can't fix...

Well, if Gander Mtn's stores are anything like their t.v. ads, then YES, Gander has garnered the top spot!

The Gun Dept. @ Cabela's in Hamburg, Pa. Overall, the knowledge level of the sales staff is pitiful. They may be nice people but their firearms/ammo IQ is +/- .000001.

Plus Cabelas carries neither .22 short hollow-point nor .358 Win. ammo. At all. Dick Cabela would be ashamed.

Bring back Herters!

In Vermont, the worst is as follows...

Dick's- The name says it all. Really awful service and unfriendly staff.

Parro's Gunshop- completely rude. Very high prices on beat up, used hard firearms.

R&L Archery- Also have an attitude, particularly towards female shoppers....

Best-

Dockside Outdoors in Colchester, VT. Owner will import firearms very reasonably, friendly and knowlegable staff, good supply of hunting and fishing gear, baits, etc. They cater to the outdoors person the way it should be done. Veteran owned, they look for US made products first and foremost if possible.

Our teeny weenie Walmart, it's not a typical Walmart being very small but has a good selection of fishing supplies but that's it. Minimal on hunting gear, virtually no sales staff.

All in all, very limited in this state. I've been to the Cabela's in Maine once, memorable bad experience. Again due to snotty, inconsiderate staffers collecting a buck for doing nothing but playing with their cell phones.

Glad to hear the generally positive comments about Sportsmans Warehouse. Until my back fell apart last fall, I worked at our local store fulltime, then part time. After emerging from bankruptcy and with a new CEO, the chain is opening new stores again. Every morning before store opening, the managers revisit the commitment to customer service with store employees. Nobody ever gets it right all the time, but at least at the Medford, Oregon SW, we tried hard.
One other thing: Most folks would be amazed at how small the profit margins are on firearms and ammo.

.I think the best is Cabela's. Quality products. Have been buying from them for about thirty years.

The worst is down at the Exxon: All they sell is .22 and 12ga. and cheap camo caps. No gun oil at all but then they do recommend 30W HD instead.

Another vote for Sportsman's Warehouse as the best.

Only good experience with Dicks and Gander Mountain happened in Hattisburg MS. Dicks doesn't finance or do lay-way, Gander Mountain did and they would match any price. Got the best price I could find at Dicks for my Savage 308 12FVSS. Got Gander Moutain to match it and ordered it.

Do you still have Garth [sp] Brothers in Denver???

Or is it Gart Brothers?

I have dealt with Gander Mountain since the mid 60's (when they had item's of interest)When the quality went to shit I went with Cabela's.Their quality is still excellent but the corporate structure is not.
Since the tax laws have changed + now that if a corporation has a retail store in that state/taxing district then you have to pay a state sales tax even when buying out of state. (Amazon is getting hammered too.)Now here is the problem.The State Of Texas made a deal with Cabela's Inc.that if they would open their grand superstore in Buda,they could keep the taxes as their perks,thus all sales taxes goes back to Sidney.Neb.even those of us citizens pay them here.In case you think this too fantastic;my information comes from the past Manager of the Dept. Of Agriculture of the State Of Texas.His current agenda is discovering government graft,etc.

Does that apply to all the Cabela's in Texas or just the one in Buda?
Wonder how long this "tax break" is supposed to last?

Thanks for your input,thirdbite.I agree wholeheartedly with you that "rumors not be spread".That is why I mentioned my source as the past Sec. of Ag.of the state.Perhaps you are correct. I however refuse to take a Pollyanna attitude + believe that "all is well".In lieu of this+ in response to RVL 111's query;it is common practice here in Texas (maybe everywhere)for companies to move in with the promises of jobs,etc.The carrot is tax reduction incentives as well as P.U.C. deductions to a really low base figure.(sometimes none at all). The general time frame rule of thumb has been 10 years.Also the general time frame is that at the end of the 10 year period,they move.
And that is something that I have seen myself too many times...BTW,you will probably have already heard that by Sunday Amazon will now have to collect + pay taxes to the state of Texas for all online purchases even though there is no physical base here. Other states are expected to jump on this cash cow as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Oddbod:
I usually visit the Sportsman's Warehouse in Albuquerque when in the US, as they carry some items that Midway & Cabelas don't or are cheaper without the extra payments for Hazmat, such as powder & primers.
I guess they're the exception to the rule, as their service has always been helpful & informed, plus their prices are pretty good (read as amazingly cheap compared with here in the UK...).

Same here. When I use to visit the US on a regular basis I always made it a point of visiting either Sportman or Cabela's or both if possible.
It would be great to have something simlar over here in the UK. Alas I think that will never be the case.

Whilst I like the idea of supporting your local store. They just can't compare to or compete with, what is availabe state side.

At least we now have the Shooting Show.

quote:

Those are the reasons I stated that I'm opposed to business development tax incentives. It's a zero sum game.

TB, I must disagree with you on this point. Incentives to create a new business are not a zero sum game. When cities compete with lower taxes, it lowers the cost to business. This if often the difference between a viable enterprise, and one where the investors would be better off just leaving their money in Tbills. New business create Jobs, which create taxable income, and revenue that creates sales tax. Property taxes are traditionally used to fund schools. Since everyone working at a business is already paying property taxes either on their home, or (indirectly) through the rent on their appartment, giving business a break on their property tax help avoid a form of hidden double taxation. Lowering cost to business also helps lower the price to the consumer. When consumers win, the game is not zero sum.

I'm an Economist.
Notice I said they should give breaks, not give the story away, but compete to earn the companies business. Unfortinatly only the first paragraph of your article came through, I would of like to have read the rest of it. Reason prints some pretty good stuff, but I don't subscribe to everything the say.


Here are some detail on the their Economic Development Bonds and Grants from their 2011 Annual Report:

Economic Development Bonds and Grants



In the past, we have negotiated economic development arrangements relating to the construction of a number of our new retail stores, including free land, monetary grants, and the recapture of incremental sales, property, or other taxes through economic development bonds, with many local and state governments. Where appropriate, we intend to continue to utilize economic development arrangements with state and local governments to offset some of the construction costs and improve the return on investment of our new retail stores.



Economic Development Bonds – State or local governments may sell economic development bonds to provide funding for land acquisition, readying the site, building infrastructure, and related eligible expenses associated with the construction and equipping of our retail stores and certain other property. In the past, we have primarily been the sole purchaser of these bonds. While purchasing these bonds involves an initial cash outlay by us in connection with a new store or property, some or all of these costs can be recaptured through the repayments of the bonds. The payments of principal and interest on the bonds are typically tied to sales, property, or lodging taxes generated from the store and, in some cases, from businesses in the surrounding area, over periods which range between 20 and 30 years. Some of our bonds may be repurchased for par value by the governmental entity prior to the maturity date of the bonds. However, the governmental entity from which we purchase the bonds is not otherwise liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to pay the bonds. If sufficient tax revenue is not generated by the subject properties, we will not receive scheduled payments and will be unable to realize the full value of the bonds carried on our consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2011, economic development bonds totaled $87 million and $104 million, respectively.



Grants – We generally have received grant funding in exchange for commitments made by us to the state or local government providing the funding. The commitments, such as assurance of agreed employment and wage levels at our retail stores or that the retail store will remain open, typically phase out over approximately five to ten years. If we fail to maintain the commitments during the applicable period, the funds we received may have to be repaid or other adverse consequences may arise, which could affect our cash flows and profitability. At December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2011, the total amount of grant funding subject to specific contractual remedies was $10 million and $13 million, respectively.

TB,
My brother-in-law is an Urban Planner, most of my work is for private enterprise.

Yes, the details posted above were from Cabela's 2011 Annual report.

I got the link to work, I will say it appears there were some significant holes in their Econometric models. It might be easy to assume all growth in property values in a give area are associated with the building of a particular store, but that doesn't make it good science. I prefer a program structure that provides a near term marginal benefit to both parties involved. But much of this if driven by reaching conditions that make the financing, viable. When tax levels are fixed for 20-30 years, it's typically because that's the term of financing. When your working with a 4.8% net margin, a significant change in property taxes can quickly change a profit into a loss.

In the Denver area, DURA has experienced several apparent successes:
http://www.renewdenver.org/ass...0AnnualReport_LR.pdf

But their have also been some setback as well. A few years back a Cabella's was supposed to be built in Westminster (a suburb of Denver), but when the City balked at the proposed incentive plan, Cabella's took their development else where. This was a significant opportunity for Westminster, and they missed it. Much of this potential developement instead flowed to other area's such as Lonetree, and Westminster is now trying to play catchup. Unfortinatly I believe this may cause them to be overly generous with incentives on the Westminster Center rebuild.

BassPro got their package, and the new store is the centerpiece of the redevelopment effort known as Northfiled at Stapleton.

If the result was one of pure cannibalization, I would agree with you, but I don't belive the evidence supports that conclusion. In general, more stores equated to more competion. Although their may be winners and loosers among businesses, the ultimate winner is typically the consumer. One of the problems being faced in Westminster, is now that their cherrished mall is HISTORY, and in the process of being demolished, it'sdragging all the surrounding business down with it. Most of these businesses, of course, were built after the mall, not before, and capitalized on the traffic attracted by the mall. Although this experiment was unintended, it succeeded in proving the miltiplicitive economic impact of the mall.

Unfortinatly, in so many area's, the tax and finance system are so screwed up the only way these business become viabile is with an incentive package the essentially offsets the ills (at least for that business, or group of businesses) of the system. Wheatridge used to have a 4.5% tax rate. Small business flocked there. Now their tax rate mirrors that of the surrounding area, and growth has stagnated. I suppose their next move will be to start offering special deals to specific businesses, seeking marginal revenue on a deal, by deal basis.

I agree the current system is less then optimal. I would prefer one governed by a consistant rule of law, providing an enviroment encouraging to all businesses. Unfortinatly most urban planners have a background in political science, not economics. Big showpieces get politician reelected, a thriving small business community, not so much.

But ultimatly I suppose that's what happens when you hire a political scientist to do an economist job.

Actually I think we agree in principle.

The best solution is to fix the system so the special incentives are not necessary.

I think we can also agree that most politician are too stupid to do this.

I work for the highest bidder.
In the past, yes I have worked for companies that received tax incentives, but not necessarily tax financed incentives. Some of my experience is analyzing the effect of these agreements after the fact, and the risks (or opportunities) they may create for a company, or a competitor, when they expire.

quote:

The worst hunting/sporting goods store in America.

Chain stores, Gander Mountain. I've always been treated well by the staff but the G/M branded stuff is junk and I never seem to be able to find what I need in these stores.

Locally (Memphis, TN) Guns&Ammo. These are the rudest people in the business. When you walk in the door all they see is dollar signs and they get pissed if you tell them "I'm just looking." Years ago I went in this store three different times to look at a Springfield 1911. Back then the price of this pistol was considerable for me and I wanted to look around at different options before I dropped the cash for it. On the third trip I asked to see the pistol again. I had ruled out the Glock and this was the day I was going to buy. The salesman huffed and handed me the pistol, then he asked very sarcastically, "well, are you going to buy it today?" I handled the pistol and then handed it back to him and said, "yes I am, just not from you" and walked out the door. I had to order it at the pawn shop and paid and extra $25 for it but it didn't matter.

Terry

You are welcome.
I enjoyed your perspective as well.

Aproximately 20 to 25% of the township I live in is covered with Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The TIf has paid for a lot of infrastructure on the positive side but once again the governement is picking losers and winners.

The problem I have with TIFS is that the politicians never say that if the taxes generated do not cover the bonds than the tax payers are responsible for the payment of those bonds.

Secondly TIFS increase the tax burden on rest of the population. As new levies for police, fire, schools... are [assed everyone else is paying more for those services because the TIF areas are not included in the allocation of those new tax levies.

When government is involved they are taking money from one group and giving it to another.

The sad part is most people do not relize that they are paying more in taxes because of these TIF's.

Jim

Here are some Random Thoughts about the BIg Box Sporting Goods Stores.

I have been into most of the major brands, in several different states, in several different Cities.

Whenever I am on the road, I stop in at any of the Big Box Stores and in any of the Small Gunstores I run across.

I do busines with the small gun stores whenever I can, for the items they carry.

However, when it comes to the Big Box Stores, they do have several THOUSAND different items in stock. However I might just need only one, two or maybe five different items...

So, IF they have what I need/want in stock, I will buy it there.

Went to the Cabelas store here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to buy a marlin 22 lever action. Walked up to the gun counter and found a very nice very young man who told me they had three in stock but it was not his department so he passed me over to the middle aged, unshaven guy. He said I don't thnk we have any. I told him he had three. He said they were probably on a truck inbound. I told him to go back and check. He glared at me and went back. He came out with one. I said exactly what I'm looking for. Can I see the other two because I want a nice stock. "Nope. you take the gun I bring you". I said no thanks and saw the manager. The policy is yoiu get your choice within reason and three is reasonable. I took the manager back to the gun counter and pointed out the salesman who, on ssing us, high tailed for the back. I didn't buy the rifle and I probably won't do business there anymore.

Regards,

Carpediem4570

GOOD!!!!
Maybe you did a favour for the next guy who tries to do business there.

Sorry for your bad experience carpdeim.This kind of "non service" is all too prevalent in our society today.If I have to frequent Wal=-Mart or their ilk it will because I need a drain cleaner (or something else that requires NO customer service)You go to the firearms counter in ...mart + you get a moron who knows absolutely nothing + if a service needs to be done...well,I rest my case. For my firearm related purchases I go to the local gun shop,in my case "McBrides",that is what they do;I support them.Do the same in your home town.