Gander Mountain – Germantown Store

Went in to buy my first handgun with a friend who is an avid shooter. I had a very nice experience. Chris was very helpful, they had lots of options and let me try many options. Everyone was professional, helpful and friendly. They price match on ammo which is nice. Lots of accessories, clothing and other shopping options in the store as well.

I’ve had mixed experiences in the five or so times I’ve shopped there. There were days I couldn’t get the attention of an employee and walked out empty handed. There were days when the employee was a complete hero and sold me on something I was still in the research phase and they convinced me to buy. Here’s an example of the two ends of the service spectrum:
I was thinking of buying an AR-​15 and had done some reading on them, preparing myself to make a good decision. Gander Mountain’s newspaper ad had a Smith and Wesson for a very competitive price, so I went in to look at it. When I approached the counter, I frankly told the salesman I knew very little about AR-15’s and saw their ad. His response was, «Well then let’s have a class on the AR.» He began placing AR after AR on the counter, explaining their differences, explaining why some are more expensive than others, and taking them apart to make sure I knew what I was shopping for. The model I had come in to see was out of stock. I knew and liked Sig Saur, and was prepared to spend more to get one. He talked me out of it, explaining that they had a Stag Arms AR-​15 that was every bit as high a quality, and would save me a few hundred dollars. By then I had developed a trust in this guy, and I bought the Stag Arms. I love it. It shoots great, and I was thrilled.
I went back a couple more times, and had so-​so experiences.
The last time I went there, three days ago, I was shopping for .308 ammunition for a rifle I bought elsewhere. I haven’t had a long distance rifle before, and I want to develop my long range skills with the goal of being a consistent 500 yard shooter. I zeroed in my scope for Federal 168 grain BTHP at 100 yards. That’s pricey stuff. So I walked up to the counter and told the salesman (different guy) that I wanted some advice on ammunition. I told him what I was shooting for (pun intended) and also told him I was looking for a round that would be consistent with law enforcement or military sniping. He recommended a 150 grain FMJ that was cheap. Said the difference was negligible and the money I saved would be worth it. Now I’ve done more talking to people and more research, and I find that the 168 grain BTHP is considered practically the standard round for precisely what I needed. I called the store, and they told me that all ammunition sales are final. I understand they have a policy, but I bought the stuff entirely on THEIR recommendation. I think that should make a difference.
So now I have sixty rounds of an ammunition I’m not really interested in shooting because I want to keep my scope zeroed in accurately.
There you go. Two experiences. I don’t think I’ll be going back there any time soon. Especially when I can purchase exactly what I want on the internet and have it shipped to me. The only reason for going to a brick-​and-​mortar store was for the expertise, and that is spotty at best at Gander Mountain.

If you’re buying a gun in Gander Mountain, well then you just don’t know better. Its a very overpriced store for anything and mostly everything you could be looking for. Even with ammo they pulled the ol’ bait and switch. We picked up some 9 mm for $ 14 only to be slapped with $ 16 per box at the register. Not trustworthy.

Gunworld, Firearms Supercenter… Whatever they are calling it now, the Gander Mountain in Germantown is a decent place to buy ammo and supplies for shooting sports. With ammo becoming more available after the ban scare, they have a decent supply in all calibers at competitive prices.

On my way back from Cabela’s I stopped at Gander Mountain, «GUN WORLD» its called.
They weren’t kidding. This was definitely a gun world. Guns were on every wall of the store. They had typical Gander stuff, but way more guns.
I just poked in to see what selection they had after the Assault Weapons Ban scare — none, actually.
All in all, it’s a fine store that is specifically designed for gun sales.

Gander Mountain is the same type of store and carries the same merchandise as the flashier Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop, but their prices are more competitive on many items. They had a sale recently on cast iron «Lodge» cookware and I purchased a dutch oven (20% off) plus I also received 10% off for being a Boy Scout Leader. Store is a bit cramped but their prices are great. In the past I purchased hiking boots and a kayak at this store.