[PrudentGT]

It all started on Wednesday, when I happened to be leafing through the Mercury News (I know, I know...), and saw, in a little box in a Big 5 ad: "Mossin-Nagant rifle, 7.62X54R, reg. $129.99, $59.99! I thought this was just too good to pass up, even for a rifle far older than I am.

So Thursday night work slows to a crawl, so I leave almost an hour early. This gives me about 20 minutes to get to the nearest Big 5. I drive like the proverbial bat, and, at 9:48, I'm told: "Oh, we don't sell guns here, try one of our other locations." OK, not a big deal, I'll just get up early tomorrow...

So today I drive over to the other Big 5. I walk over to the firearms counter and do my best to look like I need some help. In pretty short order a girl asks if I need help with guns and I say yes. This is where the fun starts. Tyrell, the manager, comes over and asks me what I need. I tell him I'm looking for the Mossin-Nagant for $60, it may be marked M44, but I'm not sure. I point to the ones I think may be on sale. He 'looks it up' and says it doesn't come up as on sale. He then hands me one and asks me if I want it. I say, 'yes, but I wanted it for $60.':confused: He kind of shrugs his shoulders, I hand it back and start to walk out.

On the way out, however, they've posted their newspaper ad. Hmmm.... 'Oh, hey, here's the ad I was talking about. You've got it posted right here. Here's the Mossin-Nagant.' I point it out. 'Oh, that ad's out of date. That sale's over,' he says. 'Okay,' I say cheerfully. I then find (in very small print): "Prices good until June 9." So, I say, "Um, it says here 'prices good until June 9?...' Tyrell doesn't ever become openly unprofessional, but it's clear I'm making him *gasp* work. I wander back over to the counter and he thrusts some forms at me. "Fill these out." Okay.

While I'm filling them out, he says, well, he says something, but I'm not quite sure what he's trying to say. So I do the 'active listening' thing to see if I'm getting the drift: "Are you saying you don't have any in stock?" "No, um..." and he wanders off again. I finish filling out the forms and stand around a bit more. Tyrell helps another customer, banters with the girl at the checkout counter, takes a personal call... He comes back and looks at the forms: "You need to put "nineteen-xx" for your birthday, spell out 'California' instead of CA, and you need to answer the last question. (In all fairness, I forgot about the N/A box for nonresident aliens, so he was right about that one). Okay, bit of a stickler, and I've never had a problem filling out these forms this way before, but whatever.:scrutiny: While I'm at it I change 'US' to 'United States' just so we don't have to go through that whole thing.

Tyrell, meanwhile, has managed to find a Mossin-Nagant in a beat up box, but I expected that much. I finish making the changes on the forms and start looking disinterestedly at fishing poles. "You still need to answer this question." "Which question?" "This one." He points to "If you are not a US citizen (I very much am), please enter your immigrant-whatever-number:" I've never put anything here before, so I ask. "You need to write in 'Not Applicable' then.":rolleyes:

There were a few more follies, but in the interest of time, I'll skip to:

Okay, so finally I'm being rung up at the counter. Tyrell tells the young lady 'You'll need to manually enter it 'cause it's not listed as being on sale.' She rings it up. She says, 'That's okay, it came up as on sale...':neener: Just when I think it's all over, Tyrell mosies back up to the counter... "Sir, you need to write 'of America' after 'United States'...":banghead:

[Greg L]

It sounds like you need to spend the $30 for a C&R FFL. You get that price ALL the time on M/N's & UPS drops them off at your front door :D .

Greg (who has been hanging out all day waiting on the big brown truck as there are 2 SKS' on there :banghead: )

[simon]

Prudent, I work P/T at the gun counter at Big5 near LAX.We would never treat anyone like that,and yes the Nagant is on sale every other week.Thats how I got my M44,91/30, and M38.Also Enfield #4 mk1, and my FR8 mauser.I also have a CZ98/22 in there right now to p/u in about 6 days. :D

[PrudentGT]

How did I know the first reply would be about a C&R?;) I actually have the app, got it from ATF years ago. Never filled it out though; most of what I buy is never more than a year out of the factory.;)

[NIB]

If it wasn't the fact that they had an older Remington 870 police model I would not have bothered. I had much the same experiance not to mention that somehow the 10 day waiting period is actualy a 12 day waiting period for them.

[Gewehr98]

**********ns would bemoan the loss of another (rare) retailer of guns. :scrutiny:

[ElToro]

i went to 3 diffent big 5's 3 weeks ago trying to get an abalone report card.. Milpitas, San Jose/stevens creek and Dublin. only Dublin had them and then he did it wrong because the game warden said i had been given the part the store keeps... I went to the dublin store a while back to get a vz-24 for like 39.99 and they were out.. i had the ad with me... no offer of a rain check or anything...

hey simon, when can i get a FR8 are they going on sale soon ? i see hem once in a while at the gun shows but guys want like 200 + for them.. seems like a tough little truck gun... the one a buddy has is quite accurate.. in a decent caliber as well

[Andrew Wyatt]

I've never had those sort of problems with big 5. ever.


The only real problems i have with them are of the "let me see the 7.5 swiss over there." "which one is that?" variety.


I bought my turk mauser and my mossberg 500 from them, decent service both times.

[simon]

ElToro,Haven't had an FR8 in in quite a while.Mine is one of my favorites.Some stores have 'em,some don't.You CAN go and have them check & see if a store does have one and they will transfer it to your local store 4 you.Hope this helps & you get one.
If the Mgr.'s cool, he will sell it to you at the last sale price"anytime", just ask....

[simon]

Andrew, yes, there are clowns in every retail est. & it does bring down the cust. svc.
If you are in the LAX area, come to the store I work at, we are nothing but professional.

[Mike Irwin]

Don't feel bad.

I stopped in at Clark Brothers in Warrenton, Virginia, a few weeks ago.

They had an M44, just beat to hell as could be...

$200.

Those idiots are smoking crack.

[Russ]

I was always treated well at Big Five. You just got some dufuses. They used to sell hand guns too until they were proven to be evil by their insurance company.

[foghornl]

Don't have "Big 5" here in Greater Cleveland, but do have Dunhams' Sporting Goods, that sounds just about the same as Big 5. Only problem I have had is that 1 guy working the "artillery counter" didn't know 7.62x39 from 7.62x54. All the rest of the guys have a clue.

[Recon By Fire]

Maybe if you were CCW it would have gone a little differently. Just 'accedidently' pull back your jacket and lean over so he can see the weapon. I bet that an action like that would have got you some Professional assistance.

You dont have to threaten the sales man (mananger), just make it clear that you know what you are doing and are carying.

Yessa, that would definatly get his attention!

[Mike Irwin]

Uh yeah.

That's certainly a prudent way of signifying that you want professional assistance.

:rolleyes:

[Recon By Fire]

Again, I am not saying that this would be threat. Just a way for him to see that you do know what you are talking about.

Wouldn't you get edgy if you saw some dude trying to buy a rifle and he was carrying too?

I know I certianly would.

[bamf]

Sure that would get professional attention but not from the manager. Instead it would be from the police coming in and arresting you for at very least brandishing and at worst, assault with a deadly weapon.

[Okiecruffler]

Anyone who flashes a gun to get a salesman's attention definately deserves some professional attention of the psych variety in my book. Carrying is not a game, ever.

[simon]

Carrying is not a game, ever.

I agree, but would not make a big deal about it,might even ask what it was...

[Mike Irwin]

Recon,

The point of concealed carry is that it is CONCEALED.

If you've chosen to carry a concealed firearm, it should remain concealed.

Would the fact that I'm waiting on someone with a concealed handgun make me nervous?

It never has before, and I doubt that it will if I'm ever in such a position again.

But if I suspected for a moment that the individual in question "flashed" his firearm at me intentionally in the manner in which you suggest, I'd make damned sure that the rest of his afternoon wasn't such a good one.

Even though you don't think it's a threat, it IS a threat -- at the very least brandishing.

[Recon By Fire]

I am not advocating the flashing of a CCW. Flashing the CCW is going to get you one thing, a nice quick ride to the slammer.

The point that I wanted to make is that IF he knew that you were carrying, he might have a little more respect for you. This is not because you threatened him or even because he felt that he was in danger. Just because you obviously knew what you were talking about, (I am assuming that general public knows that CCW people know a thing or two about guns) he would probably be a little friendlier.
This could be done with a subtle bend at the waist so that he could see that you were carrying. Very Remember this is STILL LEGAL in the United States.

No threats and no scare tactics would have to be used.

Example:

If you walk into the local CompUSA and start asking general question, you will probably get general answers that would be given to any yahoo that comes in the store to browse.
Now if you start of by whipping out your PDA, you might be treated with a little more respect and treated like an actual customer that is going to spend some cash.

The sales person was not threatened and never felt awkward, they just would realize who they were dealing with and the treatment would differ.

[Peter Gun]

recon-
I think your reasoning is flawed. You are assuming that the person you are dealing w/ has similar attitudes and knowledge about guns. While I agree that most people SHOULD have the attitude toward firearms that you descibe, it would be most foolish and contrary to most evidence to assume that they actually do. Most people are simply going to be afraid or offended to see your CCW, and thats not going to help you anyway. Plus, unless you are some kind of award winning actor, it would be difficult to casually expose a properly carried CCW w/out looking deliberately threatening. I think you should keep your CCW concealed.

[willyjixx]

what is an FR8???

i had the same exp at big5 today! nice to know its nation wide!

walk in stand around for 10 minutes before someone "notices" i might need help. after that i ask about the sale an get the look like im a cheap bastard (no offense really............i am) after that i ask well why does this one have a 170 dollar tag on it?
"Oh cuz its a refineshed an has accessories on it" is the answer. well for the sake of curiosity i ask if they have any rounds for it. without even lookin back he just sais nope! so i look at the 70 dollar one an it is beat to ???? an back so i pass. I dont thinl ill be going to big 5 for a M/N again!


i know what an FFL is but what is the C & R part?





if some jerk "Flashed" his CCW at me hed definatly be gettin a visit from the smokies. last thing we need is some person flashin there piece an get the anit gunners riled up over a few people of the 10% crowd. this is why there are rants about applebees an wallmart get started. keep it in your pants an really hurt lousy salesman where it counts. with his boss or with coorporate. or like now......... how many of us here are gonna run to big 5 now?

[Crimper-D]

Good deals, intelligent counter help, smooth C&R transactions. But NOT in San Jose! I'm close to the store that stopped carrying firearms altogether, the manager and his clerks are dolts. :fire:
I'm pretty sure I've been in 'Tyrell's' store too - what I suspect there is that the runaround with the "dot the I's/ cross the T's" filling out the forms is because of Cali. DOJ or BATF nitpicking the paperwork looking for violations... Example of this is WalMart stores in California who no longer deal _any_ firearms because too many paperwork transactions were screwed up by poorly eduated employees filling out the forms wrongly.:banghead:

As for "flashing" a CCW - NOT!!! When I got mine issued, the first thing I was told was Concealed means HIDDEN! :what: flash a permited gun = kiss your permit and likely the weapon bye-bye.

"Weeds of the Times" = Be aware and be careful.:)

[Minute_Of_Torso]

Gee, if flashing my CCW will get me some professional assistance maybe I should crank a few rounds into the ceiling the next time my waiter/waitress is a little slow with the coffee!! :rolleyes:

Like I've said before, the 2nd Amendment guarantees the right for anyone to bear arms . . . personally, I don't think some people should exercise that right.

[Mike Irwin]

From your first post...

"Just 'accedidently' pull back your jacket and lean over so he can see the weapon."


From your most recent post...

"I am not advocating the flashing of a CCW."


The implication is pretty clear in your first post -- intentional flashing of the CCW. Even if it's an "accident," in this instance it's still intention.

Perhaps you should edit your first post.


As for the respect issue, I sincerly doubt it. I really doubt that the average Joe Counter Clerk A) has a CCW of his/her own, or B) even has a gun.

[Recon By Fire]

Maybe I have some flawed logic, and I am sorry if I said the wrong things. I am new at this and still have some things to learn about gun ownership.

Sorry about the hard feelings. None intended.

[MJPeebs]

Responding to 'Recon by Fire,'

We do have the second ammendment right to bear arms, but you have to think out what that means. You can use them to hunt or to protect yourself and your family. Under NO circumstances are they to be used as tools of negotiation, even (especially) in a gun store. There are some real wackos out there that do what you are advocating here, and they cause nothing but problems. They flash their firearms around just to look cool and so that eveyone else is in awe of them. Recon, people can't do that. Maybe living in Luis Obispo College has affected your brain or something, but any normal, thinking person would have thought out what they were going to write here. What I am afraid of is that you may just go and do what you said. After all, you had the time to write two posts about it and 'leaning over to flash' just takes a second. Please use your head before you go out in the world Mr. Recon, its people like you that scare people like me, and I'm packing.

--MJ--

[Recon By Fire]

Considering that I am in College, I presently have bigger priorities than causing havoc at the local Big 5. No, this is not something that I personally would do, but I was just making the point that this is something that could be done.

Once again, I am sorry that this has touched so many in such a negative fashion.

[MJPeebs]

Oh, you are a young'n... Well, you have a lot to learn, boy. First of all, think of how others percieve you. Owning a firearm can be a very rewarding experience, also it can be like opening Pandora's box. Make sure that you make the right choices and always remember that it is NOT a toy to be shown off at whim to your local Big 5 guns sales-specialist!

Ciao

--MJ--

[Recon By Fire]

Big 5 guns sales-specialist!

Hahahaha, If it was only true.

[MJPeebs]

At least they try...
Also, they don't point them at the customers to show that they know what they are doing... RECON... ah-hem.. anyway. What else can you call them? Anyone? Anyone? ...

[Mike Irwin]

No hard feelings at all, Recon.

Owning and carrying a firearm is not only a right, but it is also a GREAT responsibility that must never be treated lightly.

[Malone LaVeigh]

I wanted an M-38, and I've only seen the M-44s on sale at Big 5. So I bought one for $180, after making sure the serial numbers matched and the barrel was pretty clean. Anyway, the next day it goes on sale for $120. I was a bit miffed that the salesman didn't mention it to me, but he was actually pretty knowledgable and helpful when he sold it to me. After the 11-day waiting period, I mentioned to the same guy who was getting it for me that I missed the sale by one day. He immediately arranged a "return" and credited my credit card for the other $70. Needless to say, I felt pretty good and ended up buying a couple of accessories.

Now, I normally don't like patronizing the big corps. I'd rather support a local business, but Big 5 is the only place in town I can even buy a box of handgun ammo on the way to the range. I'd have to say they've always treated me pretty well.

[MJPeebs]

Mr. Irwin,

That was beautifully said, and I couldn't agree more. Maybe I was too harsh on Recon, but I know of people that have died because of gun misuse, and I don't want to have anyone go through that. I hope that he sees how much of a nesscessity it is to be a fully responsible gun owner. Thank you.

[simon]

what I suspect there is that the runaround with the "dot the I's/ cross the T's" filling out the forms is because of Cali. DOJ or BATF nitpicking the paperwork looking for violations... Example of this is WalMart stores in California who no longer deal _any_ firearms because too many paperwork transactions were screwed up by poorly eduated employees filling out the forms wrongly

This is EXACTLY the reason that Big5 went to making sure that the above was done, as evidenced by the customer svc.some of you got in the store.Some of the sales clerks aren't gun nuts.

[BenW]

Although I don't buy C&Rs from Big 5 anymore because I have the license, buying at Big 5 is what got me into C&R collecting. I've always had helpful salespeople there and whether I got someone knowledgeable in firearms or not, they never minded my going through their stock one rifle at a time to get the best of the bunch.

They have great prices when the C&Rs are on sale too. I bought my first VZ24 from them and haven't gotten a better price from any wholesalers on one since.