For what it's worth, I've had positive and negative Wal-Mart experiences when it comes to firearms.

A few weeks ago, I went to buy a couple of boxes of 30-30, and it took forever--no one was working Sporting Goods, and when someone showed up she was from Electronics, and had absolutely no idea what I was asking for, and to top it off, I was charged a higher price than was posted. Argh.

A couple of weeks later, out of desperation, I went back hoping to be able to order a left-handed Savage rifle. They didn't have what I wanted in the catalog, but the clerk was very helpful, and even suggested a local gun store that might have what I was looking for. I appreciated his help (and yes, I did tell him so).

Wal-Mart's not my first choice (the stores are just too big, too noisy, and in general too chaotic for my taste), but I don't think they're the Evil Empire some people make them out to be.