Thinking of buying or even picking an online order of a firearm at this location, forget it, don't waste your time. I spent over three hours yesterday just doing an online order pick up...... I do transfers in Virginia all the time and the FFLs I normally use usually take anywhere from 15 to maybe 30 minutes max and that max is to do a multiple transfer. I'm a patient guy, even my wife and kids will concede that......but this was ridiculous. The last time I had to go to the DMV didn't take this long. The last car I bought didn't take this long. The closing on the last house I bought didn't take this long. My last ER visit for a broken finger didn't take this long. Even my colonoscopy didn't take this long. With drive time I wasted more than half a day. I think it was on Halloween, Cabela's had a sale on Savage bolt actions in various calibers so I ordered four online with pickup at the Cabela's closest to me, Gainsville, VA. I took off from work early yesterday to pick them up, I figured at 2 PM on a Wed afternoon it couldn't be that busy. I was right, it wasn't busy, there were only 3 or 4 customers looking at handguns in the cases but there was no one at the counter and there was a sign to pick a number.....my number was 64 and they were on number 50 according to the sign. The next Customer service rep that walked up I asked if there were really 13 people ahead of me, he replied that there probably weren't that many in that some customers would have left. It was horrible, it was an hour and a half before my number was called and even then that was because 12 called numbers weren't answered because people just got fed up and left I guess. I shudder to think how long I would have been there if so many customers hadn't left. It was another hour and half before they finished the paper for the pickup and I got out of there at 3 minutes before 5 PM. What I found amazing was I counted at least five service reps handling people but their process is so bureaucratic and they moved at such a slow pace that each transfer seem to take forever. I asked one Cabela's guy if it was normally this bad and he said yes, it was and it usually took two hours for them to completed a transfer and given the processes they had in place they were way understaffed. Needles to say I'll never go back. In fact if I had known it was going to be this bad I never would have placed the order or I would have just left abandoning the firearms and getting a refund online....but I kept thinking, just a little bit longer, just a little bit longer, it can't be this bad, things will break loose soon and it'll be over before I know it. Finally after about 4:30 or so when customers would walk up asking for help I would tell them......"flee, flee, save yourself, don't become a victim like me!" My "Outfitter", Julie, was very apologetic. What seemed to be the lead "Outfitter", Scott, not so much....he was like "he has to wait just like everybody, that's tjust the way it is". Hopefully since BassPro bought Cabel's there will be some sort of management shake up. read more

Not impressed that the gun department doesn't answer their phone. When they finally did I asked Sue to fax the FFL to Hyatt guns so they could ship a gun that I ordered. That was three days ago and still nothing. So I stopped by the store and you had to take a number to see someone at the gun counter........I'm done and their prices aren't that great read more

Waited 30 minutes to look at a firearm when there was nobody at the counter......the worst customer service ever

I can't put into words how excited I was to finally set foot in a Cabelas. Having shopped with them since the late 80s, first via mail/phone, then online, I was excited to be able to shop in-person at one of my favorite stores. Sadly my enthusiasm was tempered quickly upon entering the store. I had a list of very basic items: - Boat deck brush - Hydraulic steering fluid - Trilene XL 17lb test clear - Trilene XL 6lb test clear - Yozuri crystal minnows - Rubbercore sinkers - Spro 60 lb ball bearing swivels - .40 ammo - 2 Shimano Sedona 5000 reels I quickly spotted the ammo and grabbed several boxes of .40, and was off to a great start. I walked around and found the boating supplies. I found various grease and fluids. I checked the shelves three times and rubbed my eyes, as I couldn't believe there was no hydraulic steering fluid. OK, one item is no big deal. I checked around for a deck brush to clean up the boat after fishing. Nope. Well, I'll just keep going down my list and at least get most of the things, I thought. Next up, some basic rubber core sinkers. I've been using these for 30+ years for livelining, chunked bait, etc. I checked the entire sinker selection, and zero. I saw an Associate working in this section, so I asked him where they were. He had never seen nor heard of them before. I had to bring up an image on my phone. We walked around for several minutes and found none. Moving on. I set off to grab some Yozuri hard baits for freshwater. Again, I walked up and down each aisle with no luck. The Rapala Rep seems to have done well with this store, though. I found the same Associate, and again he had never even heard of Yozuri. Off we went to verify that there weren't any. I saw another Associate and asked him, and we made our rounds again. Nothing. Still not giving up, I went down my list. Well, I'll grab some 60 lb Spro ball bearing swivels. Nope, only 135 lb model or something. Man, can I at least get some fishing line? I found that section, and proceeded to grab some 1000 yd spools of 14 lb and 6 lb Trilene XL. Or, so I thought. They only had 6 lb test clear in stock. Feeling pretty let down, I glanced at the two reels I was going to buy and ended up just wanted to get out of there with the couple of things I was able to find on my list. So, at 8:00 (I spent 30-45 minutes just looking for things) I went to check out and cut my losses. But wait, it gets better. I get to the checkout and there are 8-12 people in a line that just isn't moving. I looked over at the Customer Service desk and saw four Associates, only one of which was actually helping a customer. Dejected, I walked my basket over to the counter and let one of them know that I was cutting my losses and heading out, as the line was just too long. He said, "OK" and that was a wrap. No store has everything, and sometimes things sell out, but this place doesn't even have the basics, not even shelf tags for these items. Two hours of my life lost for a complete waste of time. Drive a little farther to Bass Pro, and actually get everything on your list with great customer service. read more

DO NOT GO TO THIS STORE! They are severely understaffed and the workers are untrained. If you do not have a choice, prepare to wait at least 2 hours to speak to someone. Double and triple check that the person knows what they are talking about, or you will get to the check-out counter and realize that you waited around only to discover that you received the wrong information. Truly a shame because the place is great looking inside and out. read more

Don't waste your time driving to this store. The staff is not trained and could not even use there computer to order something for me. Tiny store with tiny inventory. read more

Wow. Just wow. Where do I start. I waited 3 hours in the store for a shot at the firearms desk person only to be told that yes I could buy a $1,200 rifle scope from them, but nobody on staff currently could actually mount it to my rifle. This, after being told twice - by store manager and a seperate firearm's desk person that they could do it. The excuse given - COVID of course, the absolute fave #1 go-to excuse for mediocrity and mission fail in the super lib National Capital region. Rather than freak out and have an underpaid and pissed off Cabela's person mounting this scope to my very very expensive rifle and having the bullet fly off into the next county, I waived off. Not like they could mount it anyway, because they didn't have a great selection of bases and rings - and none that could fit my very common rifle. Also, this misadventure started with checking my rifle in at the customer service desk at the entrance - standard procedure for Cabelas. Whoa! The lady says, as she nearly jumps back in alarm at the sight of my clear and safe, bolt back rifle being pulled out of its case for inspection. She couldn't have been more alarmed if I pulled out a Black Mamba. She literally didn't know what to do, so she called the manager to direct her what to do. Not the reaction I expected at a place that SELLS GUNS and provides FIREARMS SERVICE. Whelp, I've firmly scratched Cabela's off my list of places to shop. I might go in for something that I desperately need on short notice, but as for planned, deliberate purchases - no way. read more

Drive 40 minutes to this store with my young son to get my crossbow fixed. I was told to be there early at 0900. The Archery shop doesn't open until 1000. After 1000, some guy walks in front of the line of 3 people at the archery shop. We tell him we've been waiting for an hour. The Archery tech comes over and starts providing service to the guy that just got there. The manager Gary says they're taking care of the guy that just walked up. Two hours waiting and my son is hungry so we decided to leave. Horrible customer service. Will not use this store in the future. read more

Probably one of my favorite places to visit for hunting and shooting stuff. Having said that, the gun department is severely understaffed. I have been their multiple times and waited more that 20 mins to speak with someone. Only to be rushed. read more

Went to look for a cooler yesterday but left due to lack of distancing and wearing of masks by customers and staff. Only about half of the customers were complying. Both my parents have cancer and I can't afford to be in this environment. Very disappointing as I went to Harris Teeter and had no issues. Clearly this is a management issue. read more

Well after being bought by BassPro shop, it hasn't taken long for Cabela's to adopt BPs horrible in store customer service. Plenty of people working. Not one very willing to help. When they do decide to stop chatting with one another and talk with customers they are ZERO help. I stopped going to BP years ago because of their poor in store customer service. Always thought Cabela's was better. No longer the case. If you need something, order online or go some place else. Total disappointment. read more

Very busy when we were there yesterday, but what do you expect when you go to any store that just had a grand opening 2 days prior. We planned to go to the shooting range after we picked up my pistol, but this all took quite a while. Lines were long, but there were two employees who made our experience very enjoyable. Went to Cabela's to purchase my first handgun, a Sig Sauer P320; we picked up some accessories as well. After we looked around a bit we eventually got to the Firearm counter, we had to take a number and waited about 15 minutes before my number was called. Our Outfitter Jerry was helpful and very knowledgeable about the firearms/accessories that we had questions about. He took care of us in a reasonable about of time, and we continued to talk about his great customer service as we waited in the Firearm pickup area. This was where we waited in a line the longest, about an hour. I filled out my background check, and was helped my another Outfitter. Unfortunately my background check was delayed, with no definite outlook on time to hear back from the NICS. I was told that I could wait around the store, or leave and call them later to see if my request had been granted. I wasn't going to drive an hour home quite yet, so I caved in and just looked around the store for about 30- 40 more minutes. It was getting late and as I said, we wanted to go to the range before going home, so we decided to leave. Before we left I talked to another Outfitter named Eric in the Firearm pick up area, and he told me that he would keep checking for me and call me personally once my request returned. We left the store pretty bummed about the delay and the time we had spent there and headed to the range. About 5 minutes before we arrived at the range, I received a call from Eric telling me that he had some great news, that I had been approved! We turned around and went back to pay and pick up my firearm. He allowed me to skip waiting and immediately helped me so that I could get out of the store! Total time at Cabela's- About 2.5 hours. We plan on returning due to the great customer service! It was very nice to see that customer service still exists! We will wait a while though to avoid the crowd! Haha. WAY TO GO CABELA'S!! read more

Big store with lots of gear for the outdoors. Disappointed in their ammo selection. They are overstocked on shotgun ammo but they never have any semi auto ammo. You can buy a pistol here and mags but you have to go somewhere else for ammo. read more

Picking up a gun purchased on line took from 1:30 to 8:20. The system probably needs work but the state police background check took from 4 to 8:15. Can't blame Cabela's for that. The sells people were actually really nice and hard working getting everyone through and checking on everyone waiting on checks. Don't plan on just running in a getting everything quick but everyone is helpful and nice. read more

I discovered an issue with the pistol cylinder spec. I took it back for repair on September 29, 2017. The associate said it would be 3 weeks. I have been in the store a few times and have been given different stories and promised calls or contact to no avail. I don't have any more information as of today (January 8, 2018). Update: January 9,2018 - The guns manager refunded my purchase. He was very gracious and I very much appreciate his efforts. I should have worked with him directly from the beginning. read more

It's a nice store. Parking is plentiful. People that work here are nice. But limited clothing and very limited Yeti products.

I love cabelas . Great store ,awesome atmosphere. 99% of the time the employees are awesome but my last visit was not good . The tall guy Brandon over at the gun counter was a huge dick . Not helpful at All, couldn't care less what we were saying . Gave us a stank attitude about every firearm we asked to see or question we asked. His customer service skills were nonexistent. Takes a lot to get me mad but he really got to me. Ruined my trip there for me. Only thing that made it better was the sweet little lady in the bargain cave, Patricia, very attentive,went out of her way for my friends questions about knives and airguns. Just a lovely person to talk to . Brandon left a bad taste in my mouth ,made me not want to go back to purchase any more guns from them . read more

I have been waiting for years for a Cabela's to open in the area. It is a great store with a large selection. The employees are polite and helpful. My only complaint is their hours. They close at 8pm every night even on Fridays. In this area a lot of people are not getting home till 7-8pm. Would be nice if you stayed open till 9pm at very least on Fridays. read more

Went in to get hiking boots for my son. The associate in the footwear section was incredibly attentive despite the crowd on the Sunday after opening. So I wasn't expecting that level of attention and was pleasantly surprised. He immediately knew which shoes we needed by verbal description without being shown which on display we wanted and brought them in less than 5 minutes from the back. When I asked about youth hiking socks, he didn't just point out their location but got them for us. Above and beyond great service. Checkout line was understandably long but also a well oiled machine with friendly associates directing which cashier line to go to. It took less than 15 minutes to go through. Great first weekend! read more

Last time I'm ever shopping at Cabela's. I bought a hang on Treestand yesterday, when I opened the box I realized I had picked up the wrong model, no other packaging has been opened, and they will not take it back or exchange it. There's nothing on my receipt nor any signs in the store saying tree stands that haven't been used can't be exchanged or returned. What a rip off. read more

Horrible management!!!! customer service made a mistake on my return. It eventually took a manager 30 mins to arrive, the there was nothing they could do to fix the issue. Stay away!!!!!! Manager was rude!! read more

I went here to buy my first long gun today and was denied purchase due to having an out of state license which is perfectly legal under federal law. I'm disappointed with the out come but not the service the staff who assisted me were very helpful and very informative. read more

It's fine but priced as if it's a destination store like the Wheeling and Hamburg stores. If you have been to larger Cabelas or the BPS in Richmond prepare for disappointment. read more

People need to realize that stores like this will never beat every latest internet deal or stock every item they use. But they will have most of what you need when you walk in the door and you won't be waiting 2-7 days or more for shipping from a sometimes questionable retailer. You pay a little more for this convenience, but if you are careful you can offset that by watching for sales and being wise about your purchases- and there are plenty of sales. Also, they carry QUALITY products! You can really tell they take pride in their inventory and selection. Wish more people could be happy that Cabela's is available now in Gainesville. I trust they will work out their "new store issues" and appreciate the employees who work there for retail pay, which in some cases is probably considerably less than they have made in the past. In time service will improve, but I personally have not encountered anyone who wasn't (naturally) trying to be helpful and kind or who didn't seem like a genuinely good person- in at least 6 trips to the store. I don't really know many other stores I can say that about. Can't ask for much more when they've been open a month. My job took a year before I was comfortable and (usually) able to effortlessly move through most conversations with customers. Be patient, cut some slack, and they will iron things out. This store can't be everything to everyone, but maybe they will get a restaurant or make other changes as they adapt to this market. Until then: Thanks, Cabela's, for giving me another buying option. I really like your store and I love having it so close. read more

I wish I could give them a good review but I just can't. It took 2 hours to purchase a firearm. There was not a delay on the background check. They are understaffed and the few people working are under trained. A similar transaction takes 15 minutes at other gun stores or a gun show. The truth of the matter is that anything they have in the store can be found for less at other stores or on the internet. If they are going to cost more, they should make the shopping experience not soo painful. I doubt I will buy anything from them again. Real shame, I was looking forward to this store being open for years but unfortunately its run VERY poorly. read more

Good products but lifetime warranty is going away. Make sure you read Yelp hidden reviews as well. Not an unbiased review calculation

Heard from staff there that the lifetime warranty on their products is going away. changes since the Bass Pro merger have already had a negative impact on the store. I do like half the staff but departments such as archery, firearms and fishing are always under staffed. Go there to feel a product (if it is even on the shelf) then buy it from somewhere else cheaper since buying the Cabelas brand is not a given anymore. read more

So I must say that I am very impressed with the Tracker Dealer and repair shop at Cabela's. Back in November I purchased a 6 seat golf cart from them as a Christmas present for my wife. I had the cart 2 weeks and it stopped going into reverse. I called the Service Manager and he arranged to have the cart picked up but said I would have to pay a hefty pick up and delivery fee. Knowing that I had to get it fixed before Christmas I agreed to the fee and had the golf cart picked up. Today the golf cart was brought back...just in time for Christmas morning and the delivery fee was removed! I initially was a bit annoyed that the cart wasn't working and I had to pay to have it picked up for repair so soon after paying a large sum of $. But the guys at Cabela's/Tracker made it! Good on them!!! I appreciate the good will! read more

The layout of this store bothers me for some reason, and I can't quite put my finger on the reason why. I'm just lost when I go in here. They seem to be light on boats, but they have a great stock of fishing, clothing and camping items. The gun counter and gun library are to die for. Great selection, especially in the Gun Library. read more

I've been extremely disappointed with this store. The fishing supplies they carry are very limited. I've been there two times now searching for fishing supplies that have been listed on their website. Both times I was there they did not have the items in the store. Granted, I could've ordered the stuff online, but with some lures (weights/size) I prefer to purchase in person. If you're looking for something specific I would recommend calling ahead before you waste your time driving there. read more

Great store, but many of the things are overpriced. Often, even during peak hours, me and 8 other guys will have tickets at the gun counter, but we will wait 30 minutes, and still nobody will be there. The archery staff is knowledgeable, and the services are mostly free and high quality. I got a bow completely set up for free, as well as when I lost a screw, they also replaced it for free. As stated earlier, many things are overpriced, especially in the firearms department. The cheapest box of .223 is $7.99 (it might be $8.99, I haven't been in a while. Their Glocks will run you $600, so I would recommend getting one online and having it shipped to their FFL. read more

So, having a Cabela's in my town is bitter sweet. For the longest time, my family and I would make special trips to the Cabela's in PA to shop and pick items we sought. When I heard a new Cabela's would be built right here in Gainesville, VA, I couldn't help but feel excited. Well, a couple of buckets of water under the bridge and my attitude towards Cabela's has taken a definite negative turn. Since their opening, I have honestly had a slight bad taste in my mouth. Event one involved a flyer I received in the mail, the Monday after their Grand Opening Sale! In said flyer, as with any Grand Opening, many Door Prizes, Gifts, etc., COULD have been had IF I had received the flyer in a more timely fashion! Regardless, I have still spent some serious money in the store and possibly would again. However, the flyer problem has developed a definite TREND. Over the past year, two more occasions found me frustrated and disillusioned over this store's ability to provide what they advertise. My second 'flyer' issue arose when I went to purchase some bulk ammo for my rifle. When I could not find it on the shelf, I asked a store rep where I might find it. He informed me the store did not get any of the advertised ammo. I asked further if I could get a rain check on the items. He further told me, the store would most likely never get this ammo in again. To say anything about my feelings now would not pay homage to my growing level of of frustration with this store. However, when I shopped yesterday, 24 July, for an advertised handgun, once again, they had not yet received the item. AND, it is supposed to me a package deal! If you buy the gun, a magazine, ammo and a holster, you can get a deal on the prices of the items compared to purchasing them separately. The clerk told me I could order the gun online and have it shipped to the store. Soooo, to the kiosk I went. Eventually found the gun, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not find the advertised holster or magazine. I eventually just gave up and returned home. Once home, I attempted to revisit the Cabela's webpage to see if I could better navigate their items and succeed in ordering the package I sought. Gun...check, ammo...check...magazine...magazine...NOPE! Oh wait, there it is. 'Click' and voila...it navigated to the AMMO! DANG! So, how about the holster? Found it using the flyer...'See the item'...'See the item'...BLANK PAGE! AMAZING! Empty cart, logout! Cabela's has LOST my business! Before you lose more business, you might seriously consider NOT putting an item in your sale flyers if you are NOT going to have it on hand or available online! We customers ALL understand very popular items running out, but until the end date of the sale, YOU MIGHT WANT TO HAVE PLENTY OF STOCK AVAILABLE OR make it crystal clear...you know, large letters and all for some of us with aging eyesight...your sales are only as good while supplies last! I did NOT see this caveat in the flyer! With all this said, Cabela's credibility with me is in the toilet! They might seriously consider following the old saying, "There needs to be truth in advertising." read more

Don't go to the firearms counter on the weekend or during lunch on weekdays. Very understaffed and they just can't keep up. Go off hours on weekdays. I ordered a rifle on line. Went on a Saturday to pick it up; 2 hours; went on Sunday; 1 hour; went on Monday 12:30; 1 hour; went on Tuesday 2PM; 1 hour but at least I left with the gun. Pretty ridiculous considering I could have gone to my local gun shop and been in and out in 30 minutes. You have to ask yourself: is saving $25 really worth it? read more

Their firearm purchase process is the worst. I understand it allows people to wait for their turn to look and purchase a firearm but if delayed, the process is a complete joke. I was delayed on my paperwork which always happens to me but I had to call the next day to ask if my paperwork came back. They said it was approved so I went by to pick up the rifle I already paid for and again, did the paperwork and was approved for only to be told that I had to put my name on the list again. I explained I just needed to pick up my rifle but they said there was a 3 hour wait. 2 workers were chatting f to each other next to the counter, one another was helping a customer and and one was waiting for another customer to do his paperwork. I asked if they could just check my ID and give me my ride since there were 3 workers not doing g anything g but was told I had to wait. Makes no sense at all. I have never had to wait once my paperwork came back approved. I rather pay more somewhere else that has common sense l. Will definitely not be buying firearms from here again! read more

Went to buy an accessory for a firearm. Went to the counter and asked where to find one and was misdirected even though I called earlier. I was in a rush so i wanted to get in and out but they kept helping customers before me. Come to find out, I didnt need to speak to a firearms rep since the accessory was on the shelves and I got out late enough where my future plans had to be canceled. Couldve been avoided if they had listened for more than 10 seconds. read more

I go to Cabela's for one reason only - the Gun Library. This one seriously sucks! I know this is D.C. area, but pricing items 2x-3x retail is just ridiculous. I can get it cheaper on Gunbroker without leaving my house. On top of that, inventory is terrible junk, and associates don't have a clue about what they are selling (I tested a few of them) or even how to deliver good customer service. Shame to put the Cabela's name on this store. read more

Three employees behind counter. One helping customers. When asked to receive help inventory ranked higher than customer assistance. Went to purchase but I can go else where. read more

This store is great and their firearm staff are very knowledgeable about firearms and firearm accessories. There is always at least one brand of ammo on sale so prices are solid if you catch it on sale. The thing I like the most about this store is I always bring in my dog to look at the fish tank and every employee that works there seems to go out of their way to say hello to my dog and give him a treat. read more

I shopped Cabela's in Gainesville for a new handgun. I have owned firearms for over sixty years. I had done my online research and talked to others and had narrowed my choice. I found the sales personnel both helpful and knowledgeable. I made three trips to the store to confirm my purchase choice and ultimately ordered online and had the firearm delivered to the store. Purchasing a firearm is a lengthy process, not only with the choices involved, but the paperwork. Others have complained about the wait time at the counter. There is certainly wait time, but that is because the sales people take all the time required with each customer. I'm fine with waiting for outstanding service. This was the second firearm I have purchase at this location and if I buy another, this will be my first choice. A shout our to Tom, who helped me with both purchases. read more

Okay here is the deal. One "bad" experience should not be enough to discredit a place. People can be very impatient but patience is key when going to any public place. The gentleman who work at the firearm counters are extremely helpful, respectful, and patient individuals. Huge selection of firearms, far better than any gun shop I've seen in Northern Virginia. The one star ratings are very childish guys that's no way to rate a business...... read more