Special ordering guns from Big 5

[johnmoney]

Hello Calgunners. I was at a Big 5 today buying ammo and noticed a sign saying that Big 5 can special order guns from a few specific manufacturers, one of them being Remington. I'm thinking about purchasing an 1100 but was wondering if anyone here can tell me what their experience was like special ordering a gun through Big 5. The manager at the time was unable to quote a price on an 1100, so I'm curious what Big 5 prices are like when compared to other stores.

Thanks in advance1!

[lazyworm]

I'd think this is uncharted territory. Every time I ask Big 5 if they have a specific model
of something or if they do special orders, the manager usually just say they only sell
what corporate sends them.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

i owuld avoid at all costs. its big 5 they are not very bright on firearms. not sure how they would be able to figure out how to special order a firearm with out filling some paperwork with the doj, atf, fbi abc,

[IntoForever]

I'd think this is uncharted territory. Every time I ask Big 5 if they have a specific model
of something or if they do special orders, the manager usually just say they only sell
what corporate sends them.

Sounds like it's full of morons for employees. The guys at the big 5 near me go out of their way to help me and they don't spout FUD, just tell me they will get an answer.

[johnmoney]

That's dissappointing to hear. Thanks for the the advice.

[Ksmash01]

I'd think this is uncharted territory. Every time I ask Big 5 if they have a specific model
of something or if they do special orders, the manager usually just say they only sell
what corporate sends them.

This is what the case was previously. I was probably one of the managers that told you that. I can say, with full confidence, that our special order program works.

i owuld avoid at all costs. its big 5 they are not very bright on firearms. not sure how they would be able to figure out how to special order a firearm with out filling some paperwork with the doj, atf, fbi abc,

Broad generalizations are usually far from correct. You seem to be under the impression that the store employees handle the special order. This is not the case. Special Orders are done directly through our corporate office. Come into any store that sells firearms, give us the manufacturer model number, and we can usually get you a quote in a couple days, depending on when you initiate the inquiry. I bet I could figure it out.

Your statement is akin to cop bashing. Just because you ran into a less informed employee doesn't mean that everyone that works for Big 5 is as inadequately informed. I've actually made a few people happy through the special order program.

Sounds like it's full of morons for employees. The guys at the big 5 near me go out of their way to help me and they don't spout FUD, just tell me they will get an answer.

I'm not a moron.

That's dissappointing to hear. Thanks for the the advice.

There are two sides to every story. I've been personally successful dealing with customers and special orders. The prices are actually pretty competitive compared to other pouplar distributors. You will be given the availability and ETA of the rifle of your choice. I can't guarantee ANYTHING you want, but most things are possible within the Manufacturers/Distributors we deal with. If you have any questions, you can stop by your nearest Big 5, or call our corporate office at 1-800-898-2994 for more details.

[Ksmash01]

Hello Calgunners. I was at a Big 5 today buying ammo and noticed a sign saying that Big 5 can special order guns from a few specific manufacturers, one of them being Remington. I'm thinking about purchasing an 1100 but was wondering if anyone here can tell me what their experience was like special ordering a gun through Big 5. The manager at the time was unable to quote a price on an 1100, so I'm curious what Big 5 prices are like when compared to other stores.

Thanks in advance1!

The reason the manager couldn't give you a quote immediately is because as I stated in the above post, our corporate office handles the order. The arrange the pricing, ordering, and shipping. All the manager does in these cases is communicate your intrest in a particular firearm, find out if we can make a deal, and do your paperwork. If you don't have the exact manufacture model number, we can't quote a price. If you come in with that information, we usually can get a response in a couple days as to whether we can get it, how long and how much.

I hope this better explains the process. If you have any further questions, you can PM me, call your local store, or call/email corporate.

[perpetual otter]

I've been to several Big 5's and they're worse than Turners.

[lazyworm]

Ksmash01, thanks for the clarification. Do you have a list of brands that Big 5 can source?

[johnmoney]

The reason the manager couldn't give you a quote immediately is because as I stated in the above post, our corporate office handles the order. The arrange the pricing, ordering, and shipping. All the manager does in these cases is communicate your intrest in a particular firearm, find out if we can make a deal, and do your paperwork. If you don't have the exact manufacture model number, we can't quote a price. If you come in with that information, we usually can get a response in a couple days as to whether we can get it, how long and how much.

I hope this better explains the process. If you have any further questions, you can PM me, call your local store, or call/email corporate.

Thanks for the reply and for clearing that up. I'll definitely get the Remington model numbers to him.

[DannyInSoCal]

Is it just me - Or shouldn't it be easier to spend my money...?

How hard would it be for Big5 to simply tell the manufactures "If you want us to sell your guns - Give us your prices for each model/combo..."

Then add in the corporate profit and publish them in a database - Either public or private.

As a customer holding cash in my hand - The last thing I want to hear is "I'll have to get back to you later"

I'm just saying...

[lgm118icbm]

I have never had a positive experience in a Big5 firearms dept. I would go elsewhere, even if that meant paying more.

Ksmash, try to take these comments as constructive criticism. You obviously have numerous potential customers that don't want to touch your stores with a ten foot pole, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Big 5 is one of the few sporting goods stores in CA that still supports the shooting sports and I'm a big fan of that. But there is room for improvement before I will send one of my friends or family into a Big 5 to buy a firearm.

[ThortheDog]

Ksmash, could you clarify when a price quote becomes available? I'm guessing most of us would not want to commit to ordering something before we know what it will cost us.

[smt77]

You don't have to commit prior to receiving a price quote. Once you provide the manager with the specifics of the firearm, the manager will then email the specifics to corporate, who will then contact the manufacturer for availability and pricing information. That info will then be communicated to the store manager who will contact you and if everything is to your liking, you can then pay for the firearm and the store will initiate the order. It's pretty simple, actually.