Cabela's in Hammond, IN.

[repeter1977]

I had only seen the rope up around the holidays. However, if you are a veteran, they have had some really good sales on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day last year. I know they put out a paper every week with some sale, but not always the best prices. As for the rope around the counter, if there is not a line, Ive gone up there and they have always helped me. I have even handled more then a couple firearms there as well. As was pointed out before, the gun library is the more expensive ones that they dont want everyone playing with. Good luck with your next visit. I usually try to hit up the local gun stores and try and support them.

 

[Deet]

Cabelas is still looking for a reasonable way to let all gun buyers have a chance at purchasing a new gun. First they had a open counter that was very easy to view the guns, but hard to get someone to wait on you. Then they tried the pick a number like the deli at the grocery store has, that did not work. Now they but up the ropes and you have to wait for a salesman to escort you to see a gun. I refuse to wait in line to view a gun, so I will now shop somewhere else.

 

[Newbomb92]

That's why I said MOST of the stuff, smart alec. There is some BIG $$$ shotguns and rifles in there. MOST of it isn't something they (or any other shop) would have out an a rack in the middle of the store.

OP, I've never seen any banner stating that you must ask for permission to approach the counter. That's really lame. Do you have to back away bowing to the salesman the whole time too, never turning your back on the counter? =)

Ok internet cowboy, 90% of their guns are overpriced. Used glocks for 480+, used xd's for $500. I can think of dozens of examples.

 

[Hoosier8]

It depends on what you go there for. I don't buy new and have found some fantastic deals there. Here is what I have found.

1956 Marlin 39A Mountie for under what it is worth. (in my signature below)
Russian Margolin target pistol with wooden box and accessories for about 1/2 what it is worth.
CZ97B for 1/2 new.
I just picked up a 1970 Marlin 1870-1970 Commemorative 1894 in 44 mag for a very good price. It looks almost new.

I did buy one pistol new, the S&W 44mag Outfitter which is made for Cabelas. It was pricy but not much more than most S$W new.

I get to the point of being afraid to stop by in case I run into something.

The ropes were up for Christmas when it got to be a zoo. They are down now but it is still busier than I have seen before.

 

[Bondhead88]

I don't typically buy guns there unless it is a special (then usually they are hard to beat) but I will go see the guns and handle them.

Then I will go and either get it from my local guy (who has to order it in) or buy it online.

Their ammunition is usually very hard to beat.

The sales guys have always been professional and polite, answering questions when they could.

 

[Bondhead88]

Cabelas is still looking for a reasonable way to let all gun buyers have a chance at purchasing a new gun. First they had a open counter that was very easy to view the guns, but hard to get someone to wait on you. Then they tried the pick a number like the deli at the grocery store has, that did not work. Now they but up the ropes and you have to wait for a salesman to escort you to see a gun. I refuse to wait in line to view a gun, so I will now shop somewhere else.

They put up ropes? In Hammond? When? Show you how long since I have been there. Last may was my last trip there I think.

Sorry but no bank line for me at a gun store.

 

[Dirty Steve]

I think the counter permission thing is related to the Hammond location. I have been to the Cabelas in Sidney and Kearney Nebraska and the one in Scottsdale Arizona many times on hunting trips out west and have never seen that issue.

I have never purchased a weapon at Cabelas, but have purchased a ton of other gear and ammo. They always have what I need and their prices on the gear I buy are reasonable.

Dirty Steve

 

[Hoosier8]

I think the counter permission thing is related to the Hammond location. I have been to the Cabelas in Sidney and Kearney Nebraska and the one in Scottsdale Arizona many times on hunting trips out west and have never seen that issue.

I have never purchased a weapon at Cabelas, but have purchased a ton of other gear and ammo. They always have what I need and their prices on the gear I buy are reasonable.

Dirty Steve

Like I said, they did it for the holiday rush only. People were getting made because they either weren't getting waited on or getting cut in front of. You just can't please everybody as proven with this thread. I won't pass up a good deal when I see one. Don't care where it is.

 

[jontz]

I was just at this store on Friday and I had a very good experience there. I was there to buy a Hi Point 995TS carbine (on sale, $249) and had some time to kill, so I looked around at a few other guns while I was there. The guy behind the counter, whose name escapes me at the moment, was very happy to show me several guns and chat about them for a little bit. I felt like I got a good deal on my sale item, but their normal pricing on things is a little high. They have to pay for that big fancy store somehow! Like other members have said though, there are deals to be had on used stuff if you keep your eyes open.

 

[backfire]

backfire, are you a younger guy? I have noticed that their gun counter is frequented by young males of large economic diversity from the the northern cities in Lake County. I think they stereotype based on age, since they seem to be surprised that I have both knowledge and cash.

40, but feel 60....

I generally am quiet, polite and courteous when I go into any gun store, because as a former small business owner myself, I don't want to be "one of those guys" type of customer that is a PITA to deal with. I don't typically ask to handle any gun or even bother a salesman unless I'm 85%-90% serious on buying it and I always let the "other guy" go first or ahead of me, just out of personal courtesy.

I know the kind of respectful service I always gave my customers- even the bad one's, so I guess I expect that in return now that I'm on the other side of the gun case. Unfortunately, that kind of good service, (no matter if a sale is made or not) is getting harder and harder to come by these days.

I'm loyal to the businesses that treat me fair and respectful, no matter who they are and a hearty handshake means a lot to me.... Notice I didn't say "bend over backwards for me", but rather "fair and respectful", as I don't want anything more or less then the next guy.

 

[1911 DeadHead]

Next time they ask for your phone number just say, "it's unlisted." No need to be a smart guy. And last time I was there I didn't see any 1903's, maybe I should head over.

 

[jedi]

Cabelas is still looking for a reasonable way to let all gun buyers have a chance at purchasing a new gun. First they had a open counter that was very easy to view the guns, but hard to get someone to wait on you. Then they tried the pick a number like the deli at the grocery store has, that did not work. Now they but up the ropes and you have to wait for a salesman to escort you to see a gun. I refuse to wait in line to view a gun, so I will now shop somewhere else.

^This!
Cabela's is still trying to find a balance between allowing people to see the guns and taking care of each customer in a fair (first in, first out) order. They have tired different methods as Deet has said and evaulate them and re-evaulate them to see if they work.

OP best thing you can do is call the store or email the store and let them know how you feel about the ropes. The more customers that give them feedback the quicker they are to adjusting. The "deli system" was in and out very quickly compared to the orders.

Next time they ask for your phone number just say, "it's unlisted." No need to be a smart guy. And last time I was there I didn't see any 1903's, maybe I should head over.

Phone numbers are asked because their check out system is similar's to The Sport Authority zip code entry. A # is required to be enter (it can be a fake) so that the system can start the sale. The phone # is used for 2 things:

- to determine where customers are coming from (city/town, etc)
- to send sales ads to you if you are within a certain distance and their ads do not come in the newspaper (ie. sunday ads)

-Jedi

 

[backfire]

Next time they ask for your phone number just say, "it's unlisted." No need to be a smart guy. And last time I was there I didn't see any 1903's, maybe I should head over.

Good point.

BTW- What's a 1903 and what's a FOID?

Sorry for noob questions that I probably should know the answer to, but don't...

 

[actaeon277]

a FOID is: Firearms Owner Identification. It's an Illinois thing.

1903 is: Springfield rifle model 1903. A nice bolt action weapon.

 

[jedi]

a FOID is: Firearms Owner Identification. It's an Illinois thing.

To expand on this even more. BEFORE an Illinois resident can buy ammo or even touch a firearm (ie. looking at firearms, rent a firearm, etc) they must obtain an FOID.

-Jedi

 

[Titanium Man]

Why does the OP keep hating on Lowes I go there all the time and find all sorts of useful stuff at good prices. I have been to the Cabela's in Hammond. Didn't see anything at a good price.

Probably because, if anyone's ever remodeled their house, they know if they shop correctly, Lowe's is there as a back up only. We saved thousands buying at Menards with our different remodels.

 

[Regionnus Rattis]

I usually stop in the bargain cave for clothes or shoe deals and stop upstairs to browse. Sometimes you can get a good deal on ammo. Last time in I saw the theatre barriers along the counters, but I just paid no attention to them and was showing my wife a few different models. One of the salespersons came up and asked if I wanted to see anything...so I can't say that I've had a bad experience.

 

[1911 DeadHead]

Phone numbers are asked because their check out system is similar's to The Sport Authority zip code entry. A # is required to be enter (it can be a fake) so that the system can start the sale. The phone # is used for 2 things:

- to determine where customers are coming from (city/town, etc)
- to send sales ads to you if you are within a certain distance and their ads do not come in the newspaper (ie. sunday ads)

-Jedi

I have always just told em it's unlisted. They probably just type in some nonsense.

 

[2cool9031]

I was there about a month ago and saw no sign that said I had to ask permission to approach the gun counter. Their prices are high but they do have some good sales. I bought a New Henry 22 rifle that was onsale for $229. I had a coupon that I got in the mail for $20 off a $150 purchase so that meant I got the rifle for $209 + tax.
My only gripe was that it took me about 45 minutes to leave with the rifle...and there was only 3 people in front of me waiting for their guns.

 

[cyprant]

Cabellas is my go to spot to buy ammo, I check out what ever guns I may be interested in purchasing there and if something catches my eye and its on a good sale, ill buy from them. Otherwise I take advantage of the internet... I wish I had a decent local shop to support, but as of now I do not...