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.

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.

• •Cabela's transformation from mail-order startup to retail giant

The retail stores replicated what made the catalog work: comprehensive selection with that museum-like atmosphere that makes you want to browse for hours.

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

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.

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.

• •Pre-owned firearms on consignment from customers
• •Collectibles, vintage pieces, premium used guns
• •Pricing all over the map -- some deals, some premium for condition
• •You can sell or trade your guns through their program

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.

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.

• •Geographic spread: Strongest in the Midwest, Plains states, and Mountain West. Select locations on the East and West coasts, plus several Canadian provinces.

• •Sidney, NE -- The original; still worth visiting if you're in the area
• •Hamburg, PA -- 250,000+ sq ft, one of the largest East Coast stores
• •Dundee, MI -- Major Great Lakes destination with extensive aquarium
• •Boise, ID -- Mountain West hub with serious hunting and 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.

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.

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.

• •Bass Pro Shops
• •Dick's Sporting Goods
• •Sportsman's Warehouse