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Posted

A year ago in December I bought my son a Mossberg youth semi auto 20 gauge shotgun for Christmas at Gander Mountain in Mankato. Then last month in early December, right in the middle of Pheasant season something broke in it so I took in in to have them send it in or repair it.

I hadn't heard from them at all until yesterday when I got a letter from the general manager stating that effective Feb 1st they are closing down the in house gun smithing and will go to a regional location instead.

So I called there today and one of the guys in the firearms section told me that the gunsmith came in and was told he had one week and they were letting him go and now the stores don't even know how the customers are going to get serviced. Apparently this is a corporate decision and they are leaving the stores hung out to dry and deal with pi$$ed off customers like yours truly.

I told the guy that the gun was under manufacturers warranty and asked why they didn't send it in instead of letting it sit on the shelf for 6 weeks if they didn't have time to look at it. I was told "It is company policy to look at the guns first and make repairs if possible instead of sending them in. Then of course I had to mention that they were not fixing the gun but instead letting it sit on the shelf. I can't believe that it was so busy that there wasn't an opportunity in 7 weeks to do a simple test fire to see if it was something they could do.

I was told that they will now have 2 gunsmith locations- One in Woodbury and one in Duluth but they don't have the ability to send the guns in limbo to those locations and they don't even know if they will be able to ship the guns or whether we will have to bring them to these locations ourselves.

I do believe that after I walk in and pick the gun up that I will never again spend a dime in any of their stores again.And I have spent a fair amount of money there over the years.

So if anyone has a gun at a GM or is looking for a smith, I would look somewhere else.

Posted

I have had the same gun...a Mossberg field and deer combo (20 Ga. youth)on order from the same store since before X-mas...they claim they cannot get the gun in the store for me to buy. I can't understand why a Mossberg dealer has such a hard time trying to move a Mossberg gun...even from store to store.

The gun is for my son...who has holiday and birthday gift cards saved up to buy it...it just seems they don't want to sell it to us.

Posted

Thanks for the update.

sad to say, but another disappointing story coming from GM.

Posted

Doesnt supprise me, buddy had a free cleaning form their for buying a gun, took a month for them to call and say it was done.

Went in there the other day(have a bunch of gift cards) to buy a new carry pistol for the wife, looked at guns for 20 minutes, think anyone came over to see if we wanted to hold anything?

Posted

Gander used to be one of my favorite stores. It is sad to see how it has gone downhill. Customer service is poor at best, and selection is not comparable to most other sporting goods stores.

Posted

I wouldn't be surprised to see the chain fold this year. I went in there to talk to them about the gun and asked what they were going to do to get it fixed.

I was told that they could not give me a time estimate on how long it would take to fix because they had so many guns to deal with and that they didn't know what type of surge in guns the new central locations would have to sort through.

I told the guy that it was really their responsibility and not mine to determine how the gun got repaired and where but that they needed to do it. I also commented that it was strange that in 7 or so weeks that they didn't have the time to put one shell in the chamber and fire it to see what the problem was and whether they could fix it in house or send it to the factory. I was told that they had a very large number of guns there to work through and they didn't have time.

I then responded by saying if they were that backlogged and if the gun was under warranty by the manufacturer why didn't they send it out and let them fix it so my son could have it back as soon as possible instead of waiting on their schedule. I then told him that I wanted it boxed up now and sent back rather than having them sit on it for another extended time so they agreed to do that.

The question I have is this:

If they had that type of backlog of guns why in the world did they need to consolidate the smithing operations to a regional center? Any business that has a six plus backlog of work on the bench should not be having a cash flow problem if the smith is doing his job. You would also think that it is not from a lack in demand for the service.

I did note as I left the store that it really looks empty compared to any time I have ever been in it. The amount of products they are offering is lower and they have things spread farther out to make it look more full than it is.

I have spent quite a bit of money there in the past but at this point i believe that is going to come to a halt.

Posted

Just for future reference if I do need gun smithing serivce, is there a gun smith around the metro that anyone could recommend? Thank you.

Posted

Agree 100% customer service to selectin on products is garbage.

Posted

That would make a guy really mad.

The biggest complaint I have is how unorganized the stores are. There are so many items that don't have a price on them. There have been things I have considered purchasing but without a price I won't.

Posted

I typically do not shop at the Ganders. I do know there are some nicer stores and then others that could just as well close the doors.

Posted

Yeah I can never get over the fact that when i walk up to the gun counter to look at handguns, or just ask a question you pretty much need to wave benjamins in the air to get any attention.

Harvey 1:45 am crazy glade to see im not the only one who has trouble sleeping.

Posted

Agree on their selection being not-so-good. Maybe if they weren't always trying to push their own cheaply-made stuff, they'd be able to carry a better selection of higher-quality goods from other manufacturers (guess that's just a pet peeve of mine, kind of like what the Sportsman's Guide started doing years ago with their "Guide Gear", which is total [PoorWordUsage], IMO).

Love to see a Cabela's in northern MN.

Posted

I miss Sportsmans Warehouse.....

Posted

When I was in afghanistan in 06 my wife decided it was over, put all my stuff in the garage, including my guns. In North Carolina. All my guns were stacked up against my stuff next to the garage door...ya you can see where this is going. She apparently left the door opened only when it was raining. Long story short, I Browning BSS looked like it had spent many years on the bottom of the lake. Brought it into Gandermountian in North Carolina to get the barrels reblue'd. Came back, looked great no issues. About 6 months later, the bluing could be wiped off with your fingers and the rust was coming back. Living back in Minnesota now, brought them back to gandermountain in forest lake, gander did reblue them at no-cost, only to ship me back the wrong set of barrels. Then argued with me about the serials numbers, and told me I was wrong. Even had the in house gunsmith asking me if i wanted a lesson in taking care and cleaning my gun. Then even said you have a pair of barrels isn't that good enough, well after about 6 monts, i finally recieved my barrels back, and yes they are now rusting thorough the bluing again. nothing but quality at gander!!

Posted

I miss Sportsmans Warehouse.....

Me too

Posted

Maybe if they weren't always trying to push their own cheaply-made stuff, they'd be able to carry a better selection of higher-quality goods from other manufacturers
Posted

There are some great folks working at Gander. But recently, I've found that the more time I spend there shopping, the less I want to go back. Stories like this illustrate why.

It seems like corporate Gander has things so locked down that there's almost no ability for independant decision making or exceptions to The Procedure. This is where I'll chalk one up for the small chain/ mom and pop store.

Posted

i guess i am in the minority but i have nothing but good things to say about gander in st cloud got lots of good info from gunsmith there who i minght say was always willing to share his knowledge and also gun counter guys are very friendly and knowledgeable fishing dept was also very helpful from what i read this is not the norm but for me anyways and my experiance in st cloud it has been all good just thought i would show there is some good out there

Posted

I have had some work done at FLAKE Gander and been happy. Sorry to hear about your situation. I also do not understand the idea of downsizing with a 7 week backlog of work !?!?!?! From what they charge for gun work you can't tell me they are not making money. Sounds like a good time to start a gunsmith shop !

Posted

REEDS! come back

Posted

A couple years ago I waited 11 months to get my Browning BLR fixed by Gander Mountain gunsmithing services...I called and stopped my monthly and had to show them where to get the parts on-line.

They are good at selling the what they think we need, but more than often it isn't what I really need.

Bring back Burger Brothers....Ted, Bud....Holler if ya hear me...

Posted

Could the original poster get his gun back and put a sob story on to another authorized Mossberg dealer? You would also think the manufacturer could help out a little bit here.

Just my 2 cents.

DD

Posted

I got a call yesterday from GM that gun gun was back from Mossberg. If they had just sent the gun in to Mossberg right away it looks like I could have had it back by new years instead of nearly March.

Thanks Mossberg for your quick turn around on the gun.....

Posted

I do not understand Gander Mountains thinking. I went there Monday evening to look at a gun and some turkey hunting supplies. I waited just over 20 minutes at the gun counter to look at a gun. I understand that at times people get busy but the store was nearly empty. I went to look for the Federal flight control wad shells, no price. Turkey decoys, a few had prices on them but most didn't. Blinds, some had prices some didn't.

How do they expect people to buy mrechandise if they do not know how much it will cost them?

Posted

I stopped by GM last week to see if there was any clearence ice-fishing supplies that might interest me. Ended up checking out all of the departments, even with 10-20% off of a lot of stuff they sell, I left without a purchase.

The whole place just had the feeling of......I don't know how to describe it? Desperation, maybe?

Almost bought a clip at 20% off, but how many clips does a guy really need? smile

Posted

I see the same thing as everyone else does when it comes to prices. How do you expect me to buy something when half the store isn't even marked?

Posted

Obviously you guys don't get it. You're supposed to just go through the store and grab a bunch of stuff, and then go to the checkout and hand over your wallet and close your eyes. They'll take what they need, give it back, and you can be on your way. Also, don't try and find anyone to ask questions about the merch. They're too busy for your interruptions.

Posted

I emailed them about my experience with the lack of pricing. I will see if they respond this time. I emailed them a few months ago about the same thing and never heard back.

I usually take my business elsewhere whenever I have an issue with a store but for some reason I keep going back hoping they will get it straightened out.

Posted

So you're an optimist, that's not such a bad thing...

I've spent a fair amount of money at GM over the years, considering my age. I'm still basically at the beginning of my "consuming years" and I'm going to try to avoid spending much more at GM just because the experience is not good pretty much every time I go in there. I'd rather keep a mom-and-pop type shop in business, or some other place that seems to give a poorwordusage about me.

I'm actually willing to pay more for the same thing if I feel that the overall experience warrants it. I like to be able to pick the brain of someone knowledgeable, who's actually enjoying helping me. (Or, at least seems to be.) I really thing that always going with the mega-low price is eventually going to bite us all in the collective poorwordusage.

Posted

I would agree with you on all accounts TooTall. There are actually very few places close to me to get some of the merchandise they offer.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Wanderer
      That’s one worth adding to the resort archives!   Yeah, I’ve seen several places closing their accesses in the past week.  We got out last Saturday night in our old house - my friend I sold it to let us use it - but I think we’re done?
    • SkunkedAgain
      Those are some nice lakers. Admittedly, I just hit BWCA lakes in the spring when they come up shallow - so I cheat!   I fished LOW two weeks ago and caught a good sized pike on an airplane jig. It swam around and collected one of my buddy's lines and then slipped the hook on the hole's edge as well. The fish that get away are always the ones to remember.
    • smurfy
      Highbanks just posted thos on book of faces.  Said there access is closed for the season. 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong on Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters continuing to offer both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite has been good in most areas, and ice conditions are among the best in recent years.    Some ice roads now extend more than 20 miles out, with resorts and outfitters working hard keeping anglers on schools of walleyes and saugers. With nearly 40 inches of ice in many areas, auger extensions are necessary for those fishing on their own. The March forecast predicts daytime temperatures above freezing and overnight lows below freezing, helping to maintain solid ice conditions through the month.  Resort guides and outfitters are on the ice daily monitoring conditions where they travel and fish. Anglers are sorting through smaller fish but are consistently catching limits of walleyes and saugers, along with jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even a few crappies. The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking remains the most effective technique. Jigging spoons with rattles, lipless crankbaits, and jigging rap-style lures are producing well, while deadsticks with a live minnow a foot off the bottom are catching less aggressive fish. March is prime time for trophy northern pike, with tip-up fishing proving to be highly productive. It was a great week for big pike and should only get better through March and into April. On the Rainy River...  As it has been most of the winter, walleye fishing has been best in the mornings and evenings using jigs and minnows. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some large fish being caught. Anglers should check with resorts before heading out, as ice conditions on the river can change quickly due to current and runoff during the day. Up at the Northwest Angle...  Fishing remains very good. Resorts continue to move fish houses to keep guests on active schools of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike. Big crappies are still being caught just over the border in Canada, and those interested should check with resorts for the latest conditions and guide services. Lake of the Woods being border water with Canada has an extended ice fishing season, with fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st.  In addition, the walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. Whether booking a day house rental, sleeper fish house, or resort stay, there is still plenty of time to plan a late-season ice fishing adventure. 
    • JerkinLips
      Van Vac can be a tough hill to travel on.  I parked in the upper parking lot in 2014 and went out fishing in a snow storm.  I think we got about 10 inches of snow that day and they didn't plow at all.  There was no way my front wheel drive caravan was going to make it up the upper hill so I spent the night in my van.  I had prepared for that possibility so I was quite comfortable in the 0ºF night (just started the van up once during the night to heat it up.  I went out fishing again the next day and when I came back they still hadn't plowed the road to the parking lot (late March).  So I towed my snowmobile trailer to the top of the hill with my snowmobile.  Then I made a circular path in the parking lot so I could build up my van speed to go up the hill.  I think it was about 15 attempts to go up the hill before I finally made it to the top.  What an experience.
    • JerkinLips
      Burntside Lake is a beautiful lake and very convenient to get to.  I started fishing it in 2010 when it got to difficult for me to travel into the BWCA while I lived in the twin cities.  I averaged 1 laker/day up to 2018 when my success started to decline.  That was also when I quit going out on snowmobile and just walked to fishing spots.  That probably also contributed to my decline.  My average the last 3 years has been 0.4 lakers/day.  Now that I live in northern Minnesota I think I will travel into the BWCA more for lakers.   My longest Burntside laker was the skinny 33 incher shown in the 1st picture (2020).  This fish weighed only 7#-15oz, and I think it was at the end of its life.  My biggest BWCA laker was 34 inches and weighed 13#-3oz (2nd picture from 2008).  I also caught an 11 pounder in the BWCA in 1999 (3rd picture).   My goal is to someday catch a 20 pounder.  I had one up to the bottom of the hole once that I think was over 20 pounds.  I was jigging a large airplane jig near the bottom when I thought I snagged the rocks.  When I was able to finally move the fish I knew I had a huge one.  I saw its head at the bottom of my 7-inch hole and had a hard time getting it started into the hole.  I reached for the gaff hook but the jig caught on the bottom of the hole and the fish was gone.  Ever since then, I chisel the bottom of my holes to guide the laker's head into the hole.  
    • Wanderer
      Quite a bit a matter of convenience but it was pretty good in the late 2000’s; early 2010’s for me.   It’s fully outside of the B-dub, and expansive, so plenty of places to try.  But never go out there with expectations beyond spending time on one of the most beautiful lakes the state has to offer.   You should count yourself blessed to get 1 trout iced but 5 trout days can happen.  Biggest I’ve gotten out of there is 32 inches.  Average had been 24-27.
    • mbeyer
      Is Burntside "the Laker" spot to fish in the area? Is that a matter of convenience or is Lake Trout populations far better there than any other lake??
    • Wanderer
      It’s been all of 7 years since I’ve fished Burntside.  The last time I also brought my wheelhouse up and headed out of Van Vac.  That was a scary ride down the hill at 11pm when I showed up.  The switchback access road was iced up and the weight got me sliding like I was on a luge.  I intentionally put my rig into the snowbank before I got to the 2nd turn.  It was enough to slow me down that I could make that corner.  I left the lake out of Camp Van Vac and that wasn’t easy either with the double layer of ice.   The lake ice conditions you described are too familiar to me for this time of year.  I’ve  had a wheelhouse out there twice in my years of fishing it, otherwise it’s been sled or wheeler travel only - which is a way better idea!   Reports have been so quiet from there, I’ve wondered if the fishing got tougher or if it’s just the shift in social media that’s the reason.   March trips for me have always had that great expectation but honestly, most March trips for lakers have been a bust.  I’ve been in Canada the past 3 years at this time and only 1/3 were good laker trips.  No trip this year and I’m OK with that.   All this to say, I still miss ice fishing that lake!  I was looking over some of my old spots on my mapping app and thought how nice it would’ve been to have that back in the glory days!     Good luck and thanks for posting!   *6 years, 11 mos, based on a phone pic. * 😉 
    • JerkinLips
      This may end up be a quiet topic, but I thought I would share my results (and lack there of) because of my love for late winter lake trout fishing.  Went to Burntside Lake on Thursday, February 27th for my first time there this winter, and like my last 3 trips there last year I was skunked.   It was a very windy day so I fished in a spot next to a cliff to avoid the wind.  I found 4" of hard pack snow on top of 3" of water over 20+" of ice.  I was able to avoid the water (most of the time) by sitting in my sled portable and walking around very carefully.  I had no bites in 10+ hours fishing and only 3 "follows" of my pike suckers and jig.  Was still a very enjoyable day on the ice.  I saw a few other people out fishing, and was surprised to see that somebody had plowed a huge road out from Van Vac landing and plowed spots for wheelhouses.  Currently there were 8 of them on the ice.   My success on Burntside has definitely diminished in the last few years.  Guess I need to get to "10,000 jigs" to catch another.  Or maybe I will take the tough trip into the BWCA to enjoy the wilderness.
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