Remington 870 Security: Big5 or gun shop?

[MotorDad]

Hi All,
A local gun dealer told me that the reason Big5 sells Remi 870's significantly cheaper (say $325) than he does is because Big5 is selling a second-quality Remi's, not the same as he has. Can anyone verify this? I'm looking to pickup a BlackHawk and am happy to save some money if the gun is the same at Big5 or a gun specialist. Thanks!

[Hollow Grind]

Sounds like BS to me. Why would a respected manufacturer risk the equity in their brand by selling factory seconds to a fairly large statewide sporting goods chain?

[KillZone45]

Yeah sounds fishy too, sounds like the dealer wants your $!

[ChrisTKHarris]

That's BS. By the way Big 5 is selling the Remington 870 for $349 this weekend.

[Midian]

They buy in greater volume than your local FFL. They can therefore sell it cheaper. Same with Mossbergs.

[Rob454]

Hi All,
A local gun dealer told me that the reason Big5 sells Remi 870's significantly cheaper (say $325) than he does is because Big5 is selling a second-quality Remi's, not the same as he has. Can anyone verify this? I'm looking to pickup a BlackHawk and am happy to save some money if the gun is the same at Big5 or a gun specialist. Thanks!

LOl sounds liek someone wants to make a sale. Like everyone asks why would a major manufacturer do something like that. I bet Big % sells a lot more Remingtons and mossbergs than people let on. They have buying power so they probably get a discount.
My buddy has a Remington from Big 5. Its the same like the remington ihad. The difference is he paid about 100$ less than I did. ( I sold the Remi cause i needed the money at one time pretty badly

[Steyrlp10]

I have to agree with the rest of the crew who have responded to your post. If you have second thoughts about what a dealer has told you, your gut feeling is probably on the right path. Everyone is out to make a buck, so doing a little research never hurt.

I just picked up my new Remington 870 from a local dealer, but I also looked at Big 5 in my town. The price wasn't a big factor in my case, so I prefer to give my money to a local business rather than to a chain store.

However, that's just me -- and the fact that the dealer threw in a free box of ammo to go with my shotgun when he heard it was a purchase being made by a woman. Like anyone else, I appreciate it when the shop is personable and patient with someone new to that discipline.

[HondaMasterTech]

Big5 sells it for less because they have a greater "cool" factor. Everyone knows the cool guys sell their guns for less.

[Jerry X]

Sounds like BS to me. Why would a respected manufacturer risk the equity in their brand by selling factory seconds to a fairly large statewide sporting goods chain?

Yep!

[KillZone45]

That's BS. By the way Big 5 is selling the Remington 870 for $349 this weekend.

If only I had the $

[BigDogatPlay]

FWIW some chains, Big 5 among them, are known for being able to have manufacturers make up runs of guns that are "more economical". Marlin has made it's 1894 carbines several times over the years with a lower grade of wood and no checkering specifically for big chains. These are the ones that Big 5 used to put on sale about every other month. In states outside California Wal Mart gets them as well. In those particular cases, economy of scale (bigger buy) plus a slightly lower price point, allows the chain to beat your local FFL.

Otherwise, it's pure economy of scale and there is just about no way a locally based FFL can beat the price point a multi-state chain that buys 500 to 1000 units at a time will get from the manufacturer or a distributor.

I've not heard of Remington doing a lower cost version like that, although I suppose it's certainly possible. The lower price point is not necessarily indicative of an "inferior" gun. The standard is always the same... it needs to go bang when you chamber a round and pull the trigger.

[Purple K]

Hi All,
A local gun dealer told me that the reason Big5 sells Remi 870's significantly cheaper (say $325) than he does is because Big5 is selling a second-quality Remi's, not the same as he has. Can anyone verify this? I'm looking to pickup a BlackHawk and am happy to save some money if the gun is the same at Big5 or a gun specialist. Thanks!

[ChrisTKHarris]

Does "FUD" stand for "Fvck You Dealer"? lol

[rolo]

I won't say that Big 5 has a deal with Remington to build "inferior" guns, but they do have various deals with some of the shoe companies they do business with. I've had an issue with a manufacturing defect on a pair of running shoes that the brand wouldn't warranty, they required that I go through Big 5 to resolve the problem. Big 5 took care of me, but that brand usually does not have QC issues. Running shoes get LOTS of reviews too, and many of the Big 5 styles aren't accounted for by manufacturers or reviewers.

[joey]

the shop where i bought my 870 from had both the 28" and the 20" security model for less than big 5 has them for