-
If you enjoy the forum please consider supporting it by signing up for a NES Membership The benefits pay for the membership many times over.
-
Be sure to enter the NES/MFS May Giveaway ***Canik METE SFX***
Am I "WRONG" for wanting to buy a gun at DICK'S?
- Thread starter Rate_of_Twist
- Start date
typically, if the price is close to the local gun shop. i go to the gun shop.
However, I too have been eyeing that Rem 700 for $499 and it is about $200 less then the local gun shop... (again, minus scope) hard to pass that up when you can use that $200 to feed it as well.
They also have some good deals on some Bird hunting SGs that I haven't even seen at the local gun shop...
so... it's your call really.
However, I too have been eyeing that Rem 700 for $499 and it is about $200 less then the local gun shop... (again, minus scope) hard to pass that up when you can use that $200 to feed it as well.
They also have some good deals on some Bird hunting SGs that I haven't even seen at the local gun shop...
so... it's your call really.
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2007
- Messages
- 11,135
- Likes
- 1,600
![[rolleyes]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/042.gif "Roll Eyes [rolleyes]")
I picked up a H&R/NEF .410 shotgun for short money from DSG in W. Springfield. I've also bought a Ruger 10/22 from the same location. I'm extremely happy with both guns and after getting used to the process, its no big deal.
If there is a gun I'm looking to purchase for the right price at DSG, I've got no hesitation on doing so.
If there is a gun I'm looking to purchase for the right price at DSG, I've got no hesitation on doing so.
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2009
- Messages
- 4,924
- Likes
- 2,935
While I usually try to support the little guy, I think it's important to support all the gun shops. That includes places like Dick's. Heck, now you can go spend the $200 you saved at a local shop.
I've bought a shotgun from Dicks in Taunton, and other than one issue on my 4473 (didn't write out the 4 digit year when dating it) it was a smooth transaction. There is at least one employee there that knows his guns too. That said I've seen the exact opposite when I stopped at the Dicks in Brockton looking for ammo during the shortage earlier this year. When I asked for 9mm, the kid behind the counter asked me what that translated to in inches. Confused by his question (not thinking someone who sells guns could be that stupid) I asked him what he meant. His response "All of these appear to be written in inches .40, .45, .22. I don't see any that have the metric conversion written on them."
You can get some good deals at Dicks on the standard things like a Ruger 10/22 which I've seen on sale for as low as $150. Don't expect to see pistols or EBRs there though, at least not in MA.
You can get some good deals at Dicks on the standard things like a Ruger 10/22 which I've seen on sale for as low as $150. Don't expect to see pistols or EBRs there though, at least not in MA.
Burgermeister
NES Member
![[laugh2]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/014.gif "Laugh at above [laugh2]")
Trust me, as a part-time Dicks Sporting Goods employee, I can say with certainty that approaching the gun counter does not guarantee the person standing behind it knows a hell of a lot about guns...I've said this before: Dicks Sporting Goods is not a gun store, it's a sporting goods store with a gun department. When i work there, I try to make it feel like a gun store, but it's not. I know my stuff and it shows. I am a rare employee in that if people call the store, my schedule will be given out. I'm not tooting my own horn, it's just that what knowledge I do have, coupled with my obsession with customer service, has me in high demand. If you want your gun boresighted and want the bullets not landing behind you - leave itand I'll get to it when I get there..![[wink]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/002.gif "Wink [wink]")
That said, I do not know diddly squat about fishing tackle, or compound bows. I am an ex archery instructor, but recurve and longbows is where archery begins and ends for me. You do not want me setting up your bow, any more than you want some I work with advising you on guns, ammo or optics. I guess what I'm saying is, we all have our strengths.
The value I see at DSG is found if you can tolerate the "extended" paperwork policy, spend the extra time and get a great deal on a decent gun. If you look for sales especially, you will find values unattainable anywhere else - big box, or small dealer. Other than that, roll the dice and move your mice. Don;t expect because you see guns on the wall and ammo on the shelves, that you will be dealing with someone who is overly interested in the sport. It's getting better and is actually pretty damned good in Pittsfield, but DSG is a big chain, with turnover and employees who may be singularly interested, working in a multi-faceted department. In my case, I can give advanced advice in guns, ammunition, optics, hunting, archery, (not compound), kayaks, camping gear, canoes, flashlights. If you need fishing tackle advice, please excuse the blank stare about tackle and the glazed over look when you start talking ice fishing...
That said, I do not know diddly squat about fishing tackle, or compound bows. I am an ex archery instructor, but recurve and longbows is where archery begins and ends for me. You do not want me setting up your bow, any more than you want some I work with advising you on guns, ammo or optics. I guess what I'm saying is, we all have our strengths.
The value I see at DSG is found if you can tolerate the "extended" paperwork policy, spend the extra time and get a great deal on a decent gun. If you look for sales especially, you will find values unattainable anywhere else - big box, or small dealer. Other than that, roll the dice and move your mice. Don;t expect because you see guns on the wall and ammo on the shelves, that you will be dealing with someone who is overly interested in the sport. It's getting better and is actually pretty damned good in Pittsfield, but DSG is a big chain, with turnover and employees who may be singularly interested, working in a multi-faceted department. In my case, I can give advanced advice in guns, ammunition, optics, hunting, archery, (not compound), kayaks, camping gear, canoes, flashlights. If you need fishing tackle advice, please excuse the blank stare about tackle and the glazed over look when you start talking ice fishing...
kevin9
NES Member
My biggest beef with buying a gun from DSG is that they do all the paperwork on paper making an already convoluted process take far longer than it needs to. I understand they're not a gun store and I set my customer service expectations accordingly, but I would think that using some automation for gun sales, like most gun stores do, would actually cost them less in the long run.
Yeah, we just got running the MIRCS system - the fact that MA requires extra paperwork, which then by company policy needs to "clear the front register" does not help either. I've managed to put a system together that works quickly in most cases, but get up to the front register to a long line and it pooches the whole deal...My record is 15-minutes from "I'll take it", to the parking lot, but that is not the norm. I average about 20-minutes to a half hour. Apparently, we will be linking to the new automated 4473 soon, but it's a lot more expensive than outfitting a single store, (we're talking 400 units)...
In short, if you plan on buying a gun at Dicks Sporting Goods, don't do so if you have someplace to be....
I have a special order in for a rifle at Dick's because it was not available at a couple of gun shops that I do business with. So far my experience has been fair. The first person I dealt with overall seemed knowledgeable but some of the others although nice did not know how much was required for deposit and exactly what to do.
We shall see if the right gun arrives.
We shall see if the right gun arrives.
IIRC when I bought my Ruger 10/22 from DSG I was in and out in about 30 mins. That also was time spent BSing with the manager whom I had met the day before fishing. I didnt know at the time he was a DSG employee.
The special order process at Dicks Sporting Goods is one thing that should run correctly - it's pretty foolproof. That being said, if the associate or manager does not know the process, then things can get muffed up. One of the things I really like about Dicks Sporting Goods IS the special order book. There's no guesswork - no one sitting behind a computer screen saying: "I can get you this gun for X amount of money". The prices are right there and so far in my experience, they are better than quotes elsewhere.
The only thing that should make the process longer, is if the gun requested is not in the special order book. We can pretty much order anything, (rifle and shotguns), but if it's not in the book, then we need to call our distributor, check for availability, obtain a purchase order number, then send it to corporate to affix a price. The downside for the buyer, (if any), is that you must pay a 100% deposit. Some stores still abide by the 50% rule, but they shouldn't be. I advise all customers before they order that you'd better be sure this is the gun you want...
Time depending on firearm and availability should not be more than a week. If it is not in stock at the distributor and cannot be transferred in from another store, then it may take longer. I ordered my Benelli on a Thursday and it was in the following Wednesday. A customer who ordered a sweet stainless Ruger Hawkeye Ultralight, (what a killer gun), had a 2-week wait, as it was not a stock item. Take a look at the Special Order Book at Dicks sometime - it's pretty sweet.
tuna
NES Member
I'm pretty cheap - so I prefer the little guy who has the gun that I want used for a better discount. Or the guns that are no longer made.
I buy ammo at DSG or Walmart - but sometimes it's for the entertainment value alone.
1) Was told that there was no such thing as a 16ga shotgun, and even if there was - it'd be illegal because you can't hunt with anything bigger than a 12ga (I was too dumbfounded to mention the 20 gauges they sell)
2) Bought some bullets for my muzzleloader - the checkout girl asked to see my LTC and the manager told her she didn't need to see my ID. The girl said "I thought I was supposed to check the ID if someone is buying ammo" and was told "He's not buying ammunition, he's buying bullets" and then the manager left. I did explain the concept of muzzloaders to the girl, but I think she was too confused by the manager's "explanation" to understand.
I buy ammo at DSG or Walmart - but sometimes it's for the entertainment value alone.
1) Was told that there was no such thing as a 16ga shotgun, and even if there was - it'd be illegal because you can't hunt with anything bigger than a 12ga (I was too dumbfounded to mention the 20 gauges they sell)
2) Bought some bullets for my muzzleloader - the checkout girl asked to see my LTC and the manager told her she didn't need to see my ID. The girl said "I thought I was supposed to check the ID if someone is buying ammo" and was told "He's not buying ammunition, he's buying bullets" and then the manager left. I did explain the concept of muzzloaders to the girl, but I think she was too confused by the manager's "explanation" to understand.
pj150
NES Member
Huh? Bigger bore = smaller gauge.
richc
NES Member
OK... this is a complete off track post... but...
Few years ago one of the guys that works for me heads to Austin, TX to visit a client. He goes out on the town for the night with the client and ends up completely hammered. Client drops him off and tells him to go into the bar across the street for a nightcap if he is in the mood. This guy has never passed a bar without stopping in so off he goes.
He walks in and orders a beer. Then a couple guys come wandering over to check out the fresh meat. Then he notices guys wearing chaps. Then he sees gay porn on the television. So now he realizes he is in a male gay bar. He's cool and just starts laughing and telling the guys how his client had just pulled a prank on him. He actually ended up hanging around playing pool for a while with a few guys.
OK... so what is the connection with this thread you ask??? The name of the bar was Dicks.
Yup, a male gay bar named Dicks...
)
Few years ago one of the guys that works for me heads to Austin, TX to visit a client. He goes out on the town for the night with the client and ends up completely hammered. Client drops him off and tells him to go into the bar across the street for a nightcap if he is in the mood. This guy has never passed a bar without stopping in so off he goes.
He walks in and orders a beer. Then a couple guys come wandering over to check out the fresh meat. Then he notices guys wearing chaps. Then he sees gay porn on the television. So now he realizes he is in a male gay bar. He's cool and just starts laughing and telling the guys how his client had just pulled a prank on him. He actually ended up hanging around playing pool for a while with a few guys.
OK... so what is the connection with this thread you ask??? The name of the bar was Dicks.
Yup, a male gay bar named Dicks...
)
tuna
NES Member
Right, I know that, you know that - and that's why we don't work at the gun counter in (most) big chain stores.
Mark, I did order it from the book but they still said 2 to 3 weeks. I did get a better price than elsewhere and they do have alot available in the book. I was tempted to order more but reality caught me before it was too late. LOL!
Jim
I'll have to keep this in mind. I'll be looking for a certain new toy in another 4-5 months.
The guys at Framingham and Dedham, or at least the ones that I've dealt with, have been very knowledgeable and I feel more comfortable with them than with the salespeople at some of the forum favorites such as FS or Riley's.
Ain't gonna go to Pittsfield unless I get externed there, but I hear that someone out there knows his shit too. Except when it comes to backup sights![[laugh]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/012.gif "Laugh [laugh]")
Ain't gonna go to Pittsfield unless I get externed there, but I hear that someone out there knows his shit too. Except when it comes to backup sights
If you ask, at least in my experience, most shops will honor advertised prices from the competitor. Especially if you bring them a Dick's; Cabela's; or similar flyer. The big box are all the same in my book.
I hear you - try working there...Not only do I have to deal with the book constantly in my reach, but I also have a ProDeal list as well...The Benelli was bad enough - everything from Savage to CZ's are calling my name...
It's a great little catalog of fun and adventure...Everything from A to Z - guns, to optics...It's a bad book...
The guys at Framingham and Dedham, or at least the ones that I've dealt with, have been very knowledgeable and I feel more comfortable with them than with the salespeople at some of the forum favorites such as FS or Riley's.
Ain't gonna go to Pittsfield unless I get externed there, but I hear that someone out there knows his shit too. Except when it comes to backup sights
I'll cut you a helluva deal if you cement this damned cap back on...
![[cheers]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/018.gif "Cheers [cheers]")
My Remington R-15 came from Dicks.
That is a sweet ride...Is it as accurate as it looks? Did you get it in .223, or another caliber?
dhuze
NES Member
My experience with Dicks in Smithfield RI Made me decide to NEVER buy another firearm from them. They told me they no longer Notorize any paperwork which they required me to do. In RI I have to wait 7 days + 1 (for some reason they cannot pronounce 8) for a town police background check. If it's not done in time they can sell it to me anyways. It wasn't done when I went back to pick it up and they told me I had to wait for it. I told them what the law said and they told me their policy overrides the law. They said they were waiting for 14 others. I told them to call the local police and demand they do their job, but they said they didnt do that. They could not care less even though they were holding up thousands of dollars in sales. It took me almost 3 weeks because they refused to do anything about getting the paperwork done even though they could legally sell it to me.
I also tried to buy a 10/22 in PA at Dicks and they told me their "policy" was they could only sell to PA and the bordering states. They said that was the same for all Dicks stores. I figure their name is also their attitude.
I also tried to buy a 10/22 in PA at Dicks and they told me their "policy" was they could only sell to PA and the bordering states. They said that was the same for all Dicks stores. I figure their name is also their attitude.
I actually had a local sore guy tell me they can't touch Dick's prices for Remington's, but I do spend plenty at local shops.
I think I read the same story, for example don't assume Dick's staff know what an accu-trigger is, if that is an important feature for you.
Bill
They have quite a few Remington choices here, and used to have the Savage 110 with scope for a good deal: http://www.fsguns.com/fsg_new_lg.html
I say get your pricing and info from Dick's, then bring that to your local dealer and see what he can do. I doubt he'll match it exactly, but it will come with a LOT more follow through than Dick's will ever provide.
Similar threads
