Scheels Sporting Goods

[Old_Grouch]

We have both Sheels and Cabela's here in SD. Both have their niche.
If you're looking for a store whose primary focus is outdoor sports Sheels is a pretty good place for equipment for just about every sport.
If you're looking for a store whose primary product line is ridiculously overpriced clothing; Cabala's is the place to go.

 

[Chuck R.]

So true. We had a Cabela's when that happened. They actually converted it into a Bass Pro store. It's quite different now from what it once was. All of the high end stuff Cabela's used to carry, like Meindl boots, is gone. Replaced mostly by made in China junk brands. No bargain cave anymore either. They are the only big sporting goods store in this area, especially when it comes to reloading stuff. So we still go in a fair amount, but we do miss the old Cabela's.

That's my major gripe right there. IF I want top of the line stuff; Crispi, Kenetrek, Mystery Ranch, (now even KUIU) you have to go to Scheels.

 

[Frulk]

For a long time and maybe still, the #1 seller in Cabelas was their ball cap with the company logo. They became trendy and the store merchandise reflected that fact. It became a destination store for the whole family.

I’ve been in exactly 2 Scheels. One in Minot NoDak back in the late 80’s of which all I remember is 2-3 long aisles which were 2 tiered gun racks on both sides with hundreds of used guns and one of their new stores about 4-5 years ago. That one looked like it was well on its way to copying the Cabelas business model of being a destination store. 2-3 story ferris wheel inside. What looked to be several kindergarten classes of kids scurrying around throughout. Several outdoor dioramas you could stand in and have a friend or sig other take a picture of you in a Jeep, kayak, scaling a cliff etc.

I haven’t been back. Have about everything I need and most of the time I use MidwayUSA (have an order being delivered tomorrow) or pick up odds and ends at LGS’s as I roll through small towns out west off the beaten track. I do have a Sportsman’s within 6 miles of me and a Cabelas at about 15-18 miles but I try and avoid it. I remember what they USED to be like before they jumped on the designer camouflage train and used up a large portion of their floor space to sell $500+ dollar camo outfits to folks that don’t hunt. Guess that makes me a fudd.

 

[JEBruns]

I'm in Scheels country for the next couple of weeks (MN). Hit one yesterday, will hit the one near my son's house this weekend. Wanting some conversion kits for one my Dillon's.

 

[actionexpress]

The Scheels store in Appleton was about the only good place to find guns for the longest time, Cabela's opened up, was decent but Bass Pro ruined it. It's still about the best place to find new models, and they offer new brands all of the time.

 

[Hookeye]

My Cabelas has a lot of ammo.
Proly due to pricing LOL
Its in a trendy area so maybe that's why.

Not complaining, just an observation.
Folks can run their businesses as they see fit.

 

[psyopspec]

They're great for certain things. Ammo will go on sale now and then, making it competitive with online buys. I've found one or two good deals on used guns over the years. Once, I bought a Walther PPK that was unreliable. Scheels took it back no questions asked a few days later. It's a nice browsing experience with an occasional find, but otherwise it's in line with other brick-and-mortar sporting goods stores with full retail pricing.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Only Cabela's near me in NJ.

 

[br549arkie]

The Scheels store in Minot ND was always my favorite sporting goods store when I was stationed at Minot AFB back in the 1970's.

 

[orionengnr]

We just got one a year ago in North Texas. I've been two or three times.
Pretty good selection of powders and primers, and the occasional sale where the price is better than average.
Think I paid $59 for Win LPP (limit one box) a while back, and almost bought Win SRP for $69 (limit one box) recently.
I'll go back, esp since I read about the Dillon stuff...probably could have saved some money on some recent purchases.

 

[defjon]

The nearest store is over 90 miles away in Springfield, IL. The next stores are in either Iowa (Coralville ?) or Overland Par, KS.

You been to that one? It's a couple hours from me. I used to go to trainings in Springfield so I would always hit it after or over lunch.

This was about ten years ago, but their prices beat the local stores, as did their selection. They had a cool indoor mall. Very nifty knife selection. I would usually buy 357 or 38, as I could usually get the former for under 20 and the latter under 15.

 

[defjon]

Scheels sold me a box of .32acp (for an eye-watering $49) and a box of primers when nobody else had either. Not sure if I should think of them fondly or not after the experience. I was driving through town on business and figured I’d check them out.

If I had one locally I’d visit from time to time. They also carry a full selection of reloading powders which isn’t exactly common these days.

Ouch!

I remember way over paying for 380 a couple years back. Things got pretty hairy there for awhile...