Checkout time when buying a gun from Cabela's

[tfergusonracing]

What a nightmare!

-Found the gun I wanted
-Salesman (who was actually very helpful) begins filling out a bunch of paperwork
-Found out that was just some internal inventory type paperwork, NOT the 4473
-Was directed to the firearms purchase checkout area where my license was inspected by a "hostess" that gave me an ipad
to fill out all of my information and a restaurant style "buzzer" to notify me when my turn was up
-Filled out 4473 info on ipad and gave it back to the hostess and was told that they'd buzz me when they were ready
-25 minutes later, I was buzzed
-Went back to the area and signed the 4473 that was printed from the info I entered in the ipad
-Was then told they'd need another 10 minutes to have the other person, a manager, a janitor, the guy that installed their plumbing, and a boy named Sue verify that everything was correct

45 minutes after saying "I'll take it," I was finally able to leave with my new gun. There were only a few of us in the firearms checkout purgatory, too. It wasn't even crowded. NEVER again with them. I've bought from other big box stores and it was never that much of a pain in the butt. The only reason I bought there was because I had a gift card, otherwise I would've dealt with a smaller store.

 

[cooley2189]

I bought two guns from Bass Pro one time, it wasn't much better. I usually don't buy new guns from big chain stores because of all the B/S that goes with it.

 

[the_great_white]

sounds like you have never purchased a firearm from AO........your experience at cabelas sounds like a dream comparatively

 

[inkdaddy]

If you have a Georgia Weapons Carry License, I can have you out the door in less than 10 minutes........Without a GWCL.......probably less than 15.......These big box stores are uber paranoid and do a poor job training their firearms people when it comes to processing out.

 

[Willy Leadwell]

I did a transfer at Bass Pro one time. Took about as long and ended with an escort to the door. Also bought one at Wal-Mart years ago, same thing and once at Gander Mountain. I don't do gun purchases at any big box stores any more. Gander Mountain was the best out of all of them, but still a lot more rigamarole than dealing with a LGS.

 

[sniper22]

Sounds like they have people checking to make sure everything is in compliance. Can't blame OP for being unhappy, but can't blame the store for making sure it's being done right. If OP had gotten out quicker, the the store caught a mistake, I bet OP would have been really upset for having to go back and make the corrections, if he even would..

 

[Dirty J]

sounds like you have never purchased a firearm from AO........your experience at cabelas sounds like a dream comparatively

Sadly... AO's process is remarkably streamlined compared to Cabelas.

I've bought one or two at AO... and was with a buddy that bought at Cabelas (also with a GC). Seriously... It's every bit of an hour from the "ill take it" to getting out the door. Shenanigans.

 

[Wallace's]

I did a transfer at Bass Pro one time. Took about as long and ended with an escort to the door. Also bought one at Wal-Mart years ago, same thing and once at Gander Mountain. I don't do gun purchases at any big box stores any more. Gander Mountain was the best out of all of them, but still a lot more rigamarole than dealing with a LGS.

My last WalMart purchase ( a few years ago) went quick. Just filled out the info at their kiosk, manager came back and I was walked out with it. Maybe 15-20 minutes max.

 

[ClassicBlue]

Sounds like you're really down about your new gun. I'll tell you what.....I'll buy it for 60% of your purchase price and and you won't have to be reminded of it ever again. I'm happy to do good deeds like this for my fellow ODT peeps.

 

[Wallace's]

sounds like you have never purchased a firearm from AO........your experience at cabelas sounds like a dream comparatively

Never had an issue at AO with checkout times. Not as quick as smaller shops, but not the nightmare people make it out to be.

If you see long lines at the registers, that is when the longer waits happens. Other than that, they get it done pretty quickly. Maybe 5-10 minute for me to get a Glock a couple years ago on Black Friday of all days...