After recently ordering and picking up a new rifle at a local Bass Pro Shop, I have to give them the nod over Academy. BP was almost $100 cheaper and the Customer Service was first rate. I also took advantage of the 12-month no interest (Father's Day Club member offer) so I can spread the cost into next year for tax purposes. Granted, Academy has a price match offer but I'm one who likes to award the store that gives you their best price up front. And this is not the first time I've seen Cabela's/BP pricing beat that of Academy in the last few months.

Dan, I’ve noticed the same thing. But, Cabelas and BP involve distance, metroplex traffic and Academy is close. I generally check $ before I leave the house.

When you combine the cost of gas these days with the relatively cheap (and often free) shipping rates many stores are now offering, you often find yourself never leaving the house to get what you need.

Was Academy supposed to always have the best price on everything?

I use them all depending on what I am looking for. I get really frustrated with the know-it-all salesmen I have encountered at the Round Rock BP that think they know it all but are pretty clueless when you ask specific questions.

I suspect at least some of those who work behind the counter would make the same claim about know-it-all customers.

Which is why the title of my post was written as a question rather than a statement.

Then to answer your question, you may have unrealistic expectations for Academy.

I've always viewed Academy as the Walmart of sporting goods. Usually cheap prices, usually lower to middle of the road quality, and usually not much knowledge from the employees. Don't get me started on BP/Cabela's since the merger. I used to be very loyal to Cabela's, but once I know exactly what I want, I now buy it from the place that has the cheapest price.

Same

Ditto

likely very true as well ...

I'm much the same way, and for that reason would seldom check Cabela's for anything with thoughts Academy would have it for a better price. However, right now Cabela's has Hornady Precision Hunter ammo (6.5 CM) "on sale" for $2 less per box than Academy. While $2 isn't a lot, it's the point that matters.

I just got to scheels unless Academy is having close out sales.

It very interesting which price points the different retailers but from certain Mfg’s

I have about quit Academy, they used to have good fishing gear, now not so much. I went into Sportsmans Warehouse in Washington, Pa last week, great store. Most of the items were the good name brands, a full line of Sitka clothes and gear, and not hardly any team sports crap. They had an extensive showcase of optics and rifles, im guessing close to 200 rifles were in stock. I asked the guy if we.l could take a few optics outside and test them out, ans he asked how many. I pointed to three, and he said take all you want. He got a cart and I spent an hour checking out 13 different scopes and binos.

Yup.

The basspro in grapevine is a joke. Can’t see prices and can’t talk to anyone without waiting an hour after checking in on some dumb phone app. Nothing but good experiences at academy but the selection obv is not the same. Scheels for the good stuff for me

Right Stuff, Low price, everyday.

Sure got that right.

How do you get a tax break?

I can't think of a firearm Academy sells that I would want. Maybe a 10/22 just for the action, but typically GB has better prices on them.

I was wondering the same thing.

I took early retirement and needed to leverage a health insurance loophole by limiting my taxable income. This will be my last year before becoming eligible for Medicare next year.

How do you leverage this loophole? My wife may be in same boat.

I do this by depositing around thirty grand in pre tax investments every year. If you have a way to do this by buying guns at academy, I would love to hear about it.