6 min read · Updated Apr 6, 2026
01 // OVERVIEW
Market presence and reach
02 // # CABELA'S
Cabela's — # cabela's
Dick Cabela started selling hand-tied fishing flies from his kitchen table in 1961 with a $45 classified ad. That little operation in Chappell, Nebraska grew into the outdoor retail giant that Bass Pro Shops bought for $5.5 billion in 2017.
The acquisition changed some things -- you'll notice more overlap between Cabela's and Bass Pro inventory now -- but Cabela's still operates under its own brand. Most importantly, they kept the Gun Library, which is the real reason to shop there over other big-box stores.
03 // COMPANY TI
Cabela's — company timeline
Cabela's built its reputation on that legendary catalog long before they opened their first store. If you hunted or fished in the '70s and '80s, you knew that catalog by heart.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Dick Cabela's classified ad for 25-cent fishing flies |
| 1960s-70s | Catalog expands to full hunting and fishing gear |
| 1980s | Millions of catalogs in circulation; household name |
| 1987 | First retail store opens in Sidney, Nebraska |
| 1990s-2000s | Destination stores nationwide with massive taxidermy displays |
| 2004 | Goes public on NYSE |
| 2017 | Bass Pro acquisition for $5.5 billion |
The retail stores replicated what made the catalog work: comprehensive selection with that museum-like atmosphere that makes you want to browse for hours.
04 // WHAT YOU'R
Cabela's — what you're walking into
Cabela's stores are designed as destinations, not quick stops. These are 80,000 to 200,000+ square foot warehouses full of gear, wildlife displays, and usually a restaurant.
The experience varies by location, but you can count on: - Extensive firearms departments with knowledgeable staff - Competitive pricing on high-volume items - House brands like Herter's ammunition for value - 80,000 to 200,000+ square foot destination stores - Museum-like atmosphere with wildlife displays
| Store Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Size | 80,000-200,000+ sq ft |
| Firearms | Extensive department plus Gun Library |
| Staff knowledge | Above-average for big-box retail |
| Pricing | Competitive on common items, premium on exclusives |
| Atmosphere | Wildlife displays, aquariums, destination retail |
The CLUB rewards card earns points on purchases and integrates with Bass Pro Shops' loyalty system now. Worth signing up if you shop there regularly.
Post-Bass Pro Shops acquisition, some customers say the stores feel "less Cabela's, more Bass Pro" -- meaning less specialty focus, more mainstream outdoor recreation. Your mileage may vary depending on location and management.
05 // THE GUN LI
Cabela's — the gun library makes the difference
Here's what sets Cabela's apart from Dick's, Big 5, or even Bass Pro Shops: the Gun Library. It's a curated consignment section where customers sell or trade firearms, and you can find used guns, collectibles, and premium pre-owned pieces.
The Gun Library is what sets Cabela's apart from every other big-box retailer -- it's a curated consignment section where you can find used guns, collectibles, and premium pre-owned pieces alongside new inventory.
| Category | Selection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt rifles | Browning, Winchester, Savage, Tikka, Bergara | Heavy hunting focus |
| Semi-auto | S&W, Ruger, Springfield, Sig | Good AR-15 selection |
| Shotguns | Beretta, Benelli, Browning, Mossberg | Excellent for hunters |
| Handguns | Glock, Sig, S&W, Springfield, Ruger, CZ | CCW to full-size duty |
| Lever-action | Henry, Marlin, Winchester | Strong traditional lineup |
Common calibers stay well-stocked when supply allows. Herter's house brand ammunition gives you name-brand quality at store-brand prices -- it's often manufactured by Federal or CCI under the Herter's label.
Optics selection beats most big-box stores. Leupold, Vortex, Bushnell, and Nikon are well-represented. Select locations carry reloading supplies and most have archery pro shops with bow tuning services.
06 // STORE LOCA
Cabela's — store locations and features
Cabela's operates 80+ stores across the US and Canada. After the Bass Pro Shops deal, some planned locations became Bass Pro Shops instead, but existing Cabela's stores kept their branding.
| Location | Size | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sidney, NE | Original store | Historic flagship location |
| Hamburg, PA | 250,000+ sq ft | One of largest East Coast stores |
| Dundee, MI | Large format | Extensive aquarium displays |
| Boise, ID | Regional hub | Mountain West hunting/fishing focus |
Most locations include wildlife displays, the Bargain Cave clearance section, and yes, a fudge shop -- it's been a Cabela's tradition since the early stores.
The Bargain Cave is worth checking every visit. Discontinued firearms, marked-down optics, and clearance gear rotate regularly.
Your best selection comes after major seasonal transitions when they're clearing hunting season inventory or post-holiday overstock. Store hours run early morning to late evening seven days a week, though firearms department hours may be more restricted depending on local laws and staffing.
07 // THE BGC TA
Cabela's — the bgc take
Cabela's still offers the most comprehensive firearms shopping experience in big-box retail, mainly because of the Gun Library. No other major retailer lets you browse used and collectible firearms alongside new inventory.
The Bass Pro Shops acquisition changed the company -- some locations feel more generic now -- but the core strengths remain. Staff in the hunting and firearms departments usually know their stuff because they're hunters and shooters themselves.
Pricing stays competitive on common items. Herter's ammunition gives you solid quality at reasonable prices, and the house-brand gear offers good value. You'll pay more for exclusive items, but that's standard for specialty retail.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gun Library consignment section | Some locations feel "less Cabela's" post-acquisition |
| Knowledgeable hunting/firearms staff | Premium pricing on exclusive items |
| Comprehensive selection | Destination stores = longer shopping trips |
| Herter's house brand value | Geographic coverage still limited |
| Bargain Cave clearance deals | Firearms hours may be restricted |
If you need firearms, ammunition, or serious hunting gear, Cabela's beats the competition on selection and expertise. The destination store experience means you'll spend more time there than planned -- budget accordingly.
08 // SEE ALSO
Cabela's — see also
09 // LOCATIONS
120 locations across 36 states
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