[slh02]

Being only 18 and having a passion for firearms is not really common. There are a few others on this board my age and younger who will probably agree. That said, I wonder if the younger members of this board have had similar bad experiences at gun stores because of their age.

Everytime I go into a gun store I am treated like a gang-banger or criminal. I get quick, snappy replies to simple questions and feel that I am not wanted. Just because I can't buy a pistol does not mean that I can't look at them and ask about them.

I am also frequently lied to. I guess people don't expect me to know so much about firearms at my age (god bless THR :D ). I remember when my step-dad (who doesnt know much about guns beyond "they go bang", but I'm teaching him) and I were looking to buy a P99 last Christmas. I asked the guy if they had a P99 in and he hands me a SW99. I told him that we would prefer the Walther. He told us that there will be no more Walther P99's and S&W will be making them from now on. Ok buddy, whatever...

Anyway, after getting a real Walther P99 somewhere else, me and my buddy (also 18) went around looking at shotguns. My buddy, against my advice, is dead set on a pistol grip. Half the shops around here were ready to accept his money and half of them gave us the stink eye just for asking about one saying that we have to be 21 because of the pistol grip. Funny, the local Sports Authority has a couple in stock that they had no problems selling to him so I guess shops are either not up on their laws or just didnt want our business because of our age.

Well I guess I should stop here before I sound like a whiner (sorry if I already do). I'm just really sick of gun-shops not giving persons under 21 a second look. It's not only annoying but condescending to be constantly watched like a criminal and to be told "I'm sorry but you must be 21" after repeatedly asking me if I need assistance with anything so I get out of your store! Remember that we are your future business and if you treat us like trash we will be spending our money else-where!

[Duncan Idaho]

It isn't your age, it is your location. Someday if you are lucky, you will get to spend some time in the United States. Spend a few months living in the south, or out west. Once you leave the leftist extremist sheeple behind, you will never want to go back.

Right now you live in a place that finds a person your age possessing a gun to be scary. Wait until you have tasted free air, in a place where if a kid doesn't own a gun, he's considered to be a little odd.

Freedom. Accept no substitutes.

[six 4 sure]

My best suggestion to you FWIW is try and determine which local gun store near you is the best (I know this may be very hard) and spend some time there. Go in every other week (or whenever you can) and just hang out for a couple of hours so the workers know your face and hopefully soon your name. Buy some ammo every now and then. A box of .22 or shotgun shells will be fine. It will probably be a little more expensive than wally world, but it will pay off in the long run (i.e. better gun deals).

I would venture to guess that they consider your age and equate that to having no money and therefore you aren’t receiving the service you should. I know it’s not right, but wait till you try and buy a car.

It’s sort of a “paying your dues” thing. Once they realize your willing to spend some money your service will probably improve. It’s also been my experience that the more money you spend the better deals you’ll receive.

My situation was a little different when I was your age. I have a great local store and one of the owners went to high school with my dad. It also helped that myself and a couple of friends spent several thousand dollars in the store (they’re still bummed I’m the only one that is still single).

Try not to get to upset that gun stores aren’t thrilled about letting you handle handguns (21 will come quicker than you think). It may be more of a legal thing that disrespect. Keep hanging out here and soak up as much knowledge as you can and you’ll be just fine. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

six

[swingset]

I get quick, snappy replies to simple questions and feel that I am not wanted.

Don't feel bad. I get that treatment alot and I'm 34.

Just stay interested and understand that people are basically jerkwipes at heart, quick to assume and slow to change their minds or opinions. (cynical, ain't I?).

Get involved in the shooting sports or join a club and make some friends. You'll be surprised how people warm to you if you show some courage and ask alot of questions and show enthusiasm.

Don't let the retail end of guns determine your outlook on it. Spend some time with shooters, they're not so jaded.

[Kharn]

slh02:
As my profile states, I live in MD, I also just turned 21 in October. Before I was 21, I couldnt even get the time of day out of the local dealers and now that I've I turned 21, they'll basically just tell me if its morning or afternoon and nothing more.

I visited one shop two weeks before my 21st birthday (I was home on my monthly visit from college) with the purpose of comparision shopping and putting down a security deposit on a pistol. Well, I had to do all my comparision shopping looking through the glass case, the dealer wouldnt even flip the pistol over within the case so I could see the condition of the other side. Suffice to say, I dont shop at his store anymore (his selection also totally stinks, he had like 10 real handguns and 8 black powder pistols, with about 40 long guns, if you ask about any other guns he says you cant get them in MD, while another shop 20 miles down the road has probably 50 handguns, including ones the first guy says you cant get in MD anymore, 100+ long guns and slightly better prices & service).

Dealer ignorance is at an all-time high in this state, I shop only at The Tackle Box in Lexington Park (its near my house, but they have kinda high prices) and Calvert Firearms up in North East (near U of Delaware), because they dont feed me nearly as much crap like the other dealers do.

Suprisingly enough, the one store I know of that is well versed on MD law is X-Ring Supply, just outside of Newark, Delaware. Its a little odd that they're in another state and know our laws very well, but they do.

Kharn

[Moparmike]

As a former teen myself (20 on 7/17/03 {YAY}), I too feel your pain. Every time I handled a rifle in my shop, it was with a scornful look. Even as I marveled at what a nice gun it was, it was if I wasnt making my decision fast enough for a particular clerk. When I went in asking to see a Llama, they sort of looked at me funny. (Please no flames about it, a friend told me it was a good gun for the price. I know about the alternatives, which can be saved for another thread.) I bought a Mauser and assured them of my ardent 2nd Amendment support (read sig as well) and started getting much happier looks from them.

When the vaccum suddenly soars to astronomical levels [read: starts to suc*] is when they start looking at me because of my "baby face" and suspecting my age. I hate that.:cuss: The only pawn store I went to in my quest for a good inexpensive long gun looked at me like I wanted a firearm for something highly illegal or was going to steal something. OR BOTH.:fire:

Like swingset said, you dont have to have "teen" in your age to get bad treatment.

[Steve in PA]

As stated.......location is a big thing. If your 18 and in the big city.......checking out guns at the local shop will get you the cold shoulder.....for the most part.

Live in an area outside the city...say where hunting is a big thing......like here in NEPA......and you'll more than likely get treated a little different. Probably holds true for adults as well as 18yoa.

[FireInTheHole]

Moparmike I feel your pain. I'm 21 and look 18 (if that), and if you think gun shops are bad, try liquor stores!

When I was 18 I was a frequent customer at the local shops. Couldn't buy pistol ammo so I made it. That lasted for about a year and then the BATF told all the dealers that pistol primers could only be sold to 21+.... :fire:

Oh and this was all shortly (a year or two) after the columbine "incident".

[Spackler]

I was treated pretty well when I was 18. It really depends on the shop. There are shops in town that treat everybody the same way - like crap. Then there are places where the folks are nice and friendly and helpful.

When I was 18, I paid for and picked up a FN-FNC for a friend. They treated me very well that day.

[DWS1117]

I'm 32. Didn't get my first gun untill 4 years ago. I have spent alot of time in gun stores since and received the same type of treatment at all of them untill recently. The more they know you the better the treatment gets. The staff where I bought my ex-Glock were a**h***s, but this is the gun store/range where I now spend every thursday night. I rarely even pay a range fee any more.

Don't give up, and as someone already said, keep going back. Before you know it you'll be another one of the old regulars and that feels good. Its nice to go in and ask to look at a gun and be told to go behind the counter and get it yourself.:D

[Lightsped]

It isn't only location or age, although I am sure that has alot to do with it.

It is society. Kids nowadays are into MTV and all the liberal sports and movie stars. 99% of the time MTV, Sports, and Hollywood do nothing good for decent gun owners/collectors. Kids nowadays are simply growing up as liberal robots. Believing everything they see and hear on TV....

I think alot of gun dealers are kind of snotty because they are in a really tough business. Hard to make a living because, the business is constantly threatened by the liberals that TV continually produces.

[Big_R]

Just my .02. You are talking about handguns right? Remember, when a dealer lets you handle a firearm, they're taking a risk. You might drop it, spin the cylinder, dry fire accidentally, etc. They don't know how much experience you've had so they're going to play it safe. Also, you can't own a handgun until you're 21, so what's the point?

No disrespect meant, but I can see their side. Why not look at long guns in the mean time? A lot of fun can be had with a short barreled shotgun or quality rifle. Start with what you can leagally own. I still have the shotgun and rifle I bought the summer I turned 18. 21 comes fast enough.

Ryan

[willyjixx]

my mom an i used to got window shopping at pawn shops. she would look at the pistol i liked an ask the clerk if it was okay if i could look at it. they usually never had a problem.didnt buy the guns from em but always came back to get CDs or a pocket knife or other stuff. then one day i came in when i was over 18 an picked up a nice mossberg 500. same guy i used to go in with my mom to look at high priced pistols.

[slh02]

Seems as though some of you guys can feel my pain.

Big_R: I totally understand the dealers side when it comes to handguns. I fully understand that they are in a hard business when it comes to laws and that they are constantly catching flack from the ATF and such. I would never ask to actually handle a handgun or any other prohibited firearm unless my parents are with me. I do however ask questions about different models (that safety works as a decocker, right?) and get looks like "why do you need to know that kid; pi$$ off". It is just really frustrating considering that I am the one that usually scouts the next firearm purchase whether I can make the purchase (shotguns, long-guns) or my step-father makes the purchase (handguns, etc.).

Luckily I have really cool parents who while are not into guns (I'm working on them!), do not mind me being into them and will take me to the range
just about anytime they are free. It's funny how most dealers' attitude change when my step-father is with me. They suddenly become full of answers and will follow us around while we are looking willing to show every model in the case.

I have recently been visiting On Target up near Ft. Meade. I must say that they are pretty good. They have a large, helpful staff, good prices and a good gun setup. They dont seem to mind me browsing at all so I guess I will make it a weekly thing and try to get to know the guys (and gals ;)).

Oh yeah... maybe one day I will get out of Md, but right now I am too young and have too much family and friends here to just pack up and leave. I am also a full time college student and really like my school, so I don't see a move in the near future (for better or worse- most likely worse).

[Keith]

I worked part-time in a gun shop for several years. There were two types of youngsters that would come in. The first type were "normal" kids with a healthy interest in guns and I didn't mind chatting with them or showing them (long) guns even though I knew they generally couldn't afford to buy.
Then there was the other type with the baggy pants and the backwards ball caps (yeah, we even have them in Alaska) and I didn't want to waste my time with them and I didn't like them hanging around.

Appearances really do count. A lot of kids today are aping this whole gangbanga, hip-hop thing... and frankly, if you dress like a criminal people will treat you like a criminal. I think that's fair since a stranger has nothing else to go on except how you present yourself to the world.

I don't know if that is the case here, but if you're wearing pants that are ten sizes too big and your hat is on backwards... you might find that people treat you differently once you change your wardrobe.

Keith

[4v50 Gary]

I got some of that type of treatment when I was a youngster too. Until they know you, it'll happen. I went to a neighborhood store with my father and so the gunsmith got to know me. Patronized that little place until he passed away. :(

[greyhound]

. A lot of kids today are aping this whole gangbanga, hip-hop thing... and frankly, if you dress like a criminal people will treat you like a criminal. I think that's fair since a stranger has nothing else to go on except how you present yourself to the world.

I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I shudder every time I see someone like this at the shop or the range.

Only up side is that if the trend continues, the sheeple will see the wanna be gangbanger as the typical gun nut, instead of the current "angry white male". :D

[illuminatus99]

keith hit the nail on the head there, when I was 18 I had long hair and wore all black, even a black trenchcoat and most gun shops wouldn't give me the time of day. a couple years later I was going back to the same shops clean cut in suit and tie and boy did that make a difference, I was only 21 and didn't look much different aside from the wardrobe change but they were more than willing to let me play with all their high end pistols and answered any questions I had.

[madhatta]

I am 31 and feel a lot the same way as many here who have had less than desirable experiences in gun shops or with dealers at gun shows.
A few years ago when I was broadening my caliber experience I was asking to look at some different ammo and hollowpoint designs. I asked a few questions and maybe asked to see 5 boxes of ammo. The shop was not busy at all but you would have thought it was killing the guy to help me out. Each time he bent over to retrieve a box it was all this huffing and puffing going on.
Another time I asked if a shop had an ithaca shotgun. Older guy looks at me, (I had longer hair at the time and had just been at the beach- so I had swim trunks and sandals on) He sneers figuring I could not know what I am asking for or do not have any money and says, "no don't have any ithaca's - don't want them in this shop cause nobody buys them" I peer over the counter and instantly recognize a model 37 on the rack. I ask the younger guy working there in a VERY loud and clear voice " let me see that ithaca shotgun RIGHT THERE" the older guy looked like he wanted to throw me out !!! and I had cash burning a hole in my pocket that day. Think I EVER bought from that shop?
I know a lot of gun shop owners/workers on these boards always have some excuse or reason or justification for their actions, lack of inventory, gross lack of common firearm knowledge. But it basically comes back to GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE and -- gee- knowing the product you are supposed to be selling (REAL novel idea that is), and I and A LOT of other people I know will wait for what they want or travel far and wide to get it before dealing with the jerks at those shops.

[RustyHammer]

Rude gun shops and snappy replies .... I'm 42 and often get the same. It's just the nature of the beast, I'm afraid. If you like guns, you sometimes have to put up with the gun show / shop pin heads.

I have learned which shops to deal with, over the years, and they're they ones who get my greenbacks.

Guns attract all sorts of people at all sorts of levels.

It's sad, but true ...

Rusty

[another48hrs]

I agree with Keith about appearances. I used to be into punk rock in high school, but when I turned 18 I started to really get interested in my government class and about the 2nd amendmant and how important protecting our rights are. Long story short I had long hair, wore a black hoody, and a minority. I kind of looked like one of those targets at the shooting range:D and none of the clerks wanted anything to do with me. But something happened, I got a real job where I had to cut my hair and where nice polo shirts and shoes are a must, and now every time I go into a store people say hi and ask if I need any help. In closing I think if you look like you have money people will service you. ;)

[Standing Wolf]

Companies that didn't treat me with respect when I was a kid don't get my dollars now that I'm not.

[another okie]

Guns, cattle, knives, big trucks - anything with testosterone attached is going to have some men with strong personalities and strong opinions involved. If you're used to the robotic cheerfulness of McDonald's, people who run their own shops and can do what they want are often a shock. Not all gun shop owners are "people" people. If that's important to you, keep looking around. You'll find one.

The most practical advice I can give you has nothing to do with gun shops, though. Join a gun club and go there regularly. At the gun club there will be some older guys around who love to talk and share their knowledge, and probably will let you try some of their firearms, though they may also have some they don't want you to try. Good luck.

Gun shows are another good way to fondle lots of different types of guns, though you should ask permission before looking at anything there. And always clear the firearm before waving it around.

[MAKOwner]

Don't take it personally, gun shops on whole are the worst places to get service, good information, or much of anything but snippy rude responses no matter your age. You have to get in good with the particular people there for them to even be remotely cordial. You can forget about going into 99% of the gunshops around and getting good truthful info and good service, which is only compounded by your age, but unfortunately it won't get much better.

[Mornard]

Guys -

I agree with all of this and my thought is the reason most places have crappy service is they hire help that doesn't know as much as we do. I'm 52 and I still get crappy answers and I'm sure it's based on ignorance.

My favorite is going into a large chain (Gander M------) and asking if they had either Buismuth or Hevi-shot shells, being handed a box of steel and being told "here-it's the same thing" (Ask my old Parker if it's the same thing...)

[hoppinglark]

when i was young I got the same thing...but sometimes still do...it's not always age some gun store owners are just stupid.. or rude or both....
The real fun is writing you College Freshman English paper on something like Eddie Eagle and then having to present it to the class....

[zahc]

No disrespect meant, but I can see their side. Why not look at long guns in the mean time? A lot of fun can be had with a short barreled shotgun or quality rifle. Start with what you can leagally own. I still have the shotgun and rifle I bought the summer I turned 18. 21 comes fast enough.

I can't believe I hear things like this on the the highroad. Do you not think it insane that a 20 year old man must have his PARENTS come with him to the store so that he can buy a handgun? Are you not outraged that said 20 year old cannot purchase .25 acp cartridges? 21 comes soon enough eh?

[Dionysusigma]

illuminatus99: Same story for me, only it's a week-to-week thing. :rolleyes: Trench coat? Not so often anymore...but I still like to wear all-black. Often band t-shirts, jeans, combat boots. Then, next week, I'll be in a decent button-down shirt, khakis, and nice shoes. *boom* The service increases dramatically. I always do business with the same people, and they're good guys too. It must be a psycological factor, then... either

1) The sales staff thinks I look like trouble and doesn't want to sell me anything in case it is used illegally, or

2) Other customers think I look like trouble and "won't return to a store where they cater to THAT kind of person," thus resulting in the sales staff not wanting to look like they'll help anyone just to make a buck.

I don't blame 'em. But some places, they treat you like garbage no matter what.:fire:

[LiquidTension]

I never had any gun shop guys be openly rude to me, but I did have a hard time getting someone's attention. They looked at me, saw that I was young, and assumed I didn't have money. If they had looked more carefully, they would have seen that my clothes and such were not the cheapest around (thanks mom :) ) and that I didn't go for the cheap guns. After I started buying long guns they started paying more attention. After buying a Kimber, I get friendly hellos from the guys that know me. At gun shows I still get the "why are you looking at my table" looks from some vendors. They don't get my money - the good guys do.

I think that gun shop employees should be nice to the younger crowd, even if they obviously can't buy anything. If a kid goes into a shop and is treated with respect, he/she will remember it in the future when they DO have money. Many gun shop employees are incapable of planning anything more than 5 minutes in the future :rolleyes:

[Black92LX]

sorry to hear that man. i am 20 and have had no problems what soever. everyone around here (cincinnati) is pretty cool. especially at costellos it's just 2 old guys and they could chat away the day no problem.

[slh02]

Keith: I fully agree with your point on appearance its just that it does not really apply here. I am fortunately blessed that I have two very hard working parents who currently support me while I make my way through school (I have a part time job but dont make that much). My mom is a beautician so I always have a nice clean cut and to be perfectly blunt, I am usually dressed nicer than the guys behind the counter are. No black or baggy clothes and usually "name brand" stuff. I personally take pride in my appearance and always try to look my nicest. I would have an extremely hard time believing that I am treated the way I am based on my looks or attitude.

I'm starting to think its mostly the "you are young with no money, dont bother me" assumption as others have suggested. That assumption only hurts business by loss of future customers.

It is good to see that my age may not be the big factor that I originally thought it would. Unfortunately it seems that some of the older members here are treated the same way I am! And gunshops wonder why they are not making any money...

[GD]

Just go to any gunshow and you will be treated like an idiot and you will the most outrageous stories ever. Just about nowhere else will you see a Mosin labeled as a Mauser or hear stories of how rare a Marlin .22 semiautomatic is. It is not your age, it's the people selling.

[Destructo6]

Experienced the same when I was younger.

One time a few buddies and I went to a shop in downtown San Diego, when we were stationed around there. One buddy wanted to look at a Mini14 or something, but none of the clerks would come over to that side of the store, even though there were 4 of them and only 1 other customer. My smart-### buddy picked up the phone on one side of the store and dialed the other side without their notice. He asked, "I'm 19 and am interested in a Mini14, would you show me one?" When the guy said, "yes", my buddy said, "Well, look to the other side of the store, here I am!"

It was priceless.

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

Everyone is right about going in an being a patron of the shop you visit. I'm 19 and the shop I go to, everyone is friendly to me, and tells me basically the same infomation I get here at THR. The last time I was there, I was glaning over a Colt 1991 and they asked if I wanted to see it, I said no of course, but because I go in and support them, they treat me well. The shop really does matter the most.

Start with what you can leagally own
Funny, I'm 19 and I can legally own my CZ-75B, and my Colt Trooper Mark III. If you want a 1911 or a Glock, why get a FAL or an 870?

[Hk Paul]

SLH, I feel sorry for you.

This may seem silly, but I am 18 and I never have a problem in a gunstore, because I only go to one, and its the one I work at.

But if you want to get noticed more at a gunstore, become a regular coustmer. Show them you know.

[Remander]

Little off topic: my young bro-in-law is part of the pierced and dumb group, at least in the eyes of this old 30+ fogey.

He recently asked me about my guns and said he is going to buy a pistol. He was full of BS trying to show he knew all about guns, but only succeeded in showing his ignorance.

My first thoughts were to ignore his inquiries or point out his goofy mistakes about calibers, makes, etc.

Then I realized that what I should do is take the kid to the range and, without a bunch of macho BS or telling him he is an idiot, show him some different pieces, show him how they work and teach him how to handle them safely.

I plan to do so soon. Maybe he will go from pierced and dumb to a responsible (or at least better educated) owner. After all, the children are our future... [intro uplifting music here]

[MAURICE]

Just turned 20 myself the other day, and I did have the same problem for a little while. Show them you are serious and they will treat you well.

Mike, those fellas seem like a pretty tight nit group.Every time I am in there I see the same customers. Once they get to know you, they're a bunch of good old boys...just watch out for Rick. Hes crazy :p

[coldshot03/04]

My nephew has been shooting with me for the last 10-11 yrs, he is now 21 yrs old and we both know the feeling your talking about. He would be with me just looking and the store owners were like are you 21 young man? I mean he was just looking. I also know the feeling of beening followed around a good bit too. Like we were going to carry the place off or something.:fire: Me and My nephew finally found a good place to go and buy our guns and even join in on the gunshop gossip. :evil: Dont worry about the dumba$$es you will find a good place that values their customers.:) ;)

[eschang1]

Yea, I'm 18 too. Theres two "gun stores," one is a large pawn shop, and the other shop is a tiny shop next to the owner's house. The pawn shop guys have lied to me on several occasions. "Does this rifle have a chrome lined bore?" (DPMS varmint rifle) "Yea, of course it does." I look in the chamber and bore, and it doesn't. I say, "It doesn't look chrome lined, that's just 4140 steel." Give him one more chance, he pulls out the catalog and points to a different model of rifle, in a completely different chambering (7.62x39mm) and says, "Look, it says it's chrome lined over here, I'm positive." What, does he think I can't read either, that's not even the same kind of rifle in the catalog!

The guy with the smaller shop has always treated me respectfully and sometimes he may add in a colorful bit of hype about something, but he's never tried to rip us off and is straightforward and quick to work with you if you aren't satisified with a purchase. I shop with him, even if the prices are higher. Got to know him better and sometimes I can negotiate the price down a bit since I'm a repeat customer. He has a very fair $20 flat rate on FFL transfers too. Only good dealer in this town.

[redneck2]

and have a 16 year-old ask to look at 50 different guns he can't buy...

sweeps everyone in the store while going "WHAM, WHAM...God, I could REALLY blast some ***hole with this!!!"

this is real impressive to the father that's got his 8 & 10 year old kids with him

of course, he slams the pistol down on the counter and says "LEMME SEE THAT ONE...IT'S BIGGER!!!"

if you think this doesn't happen, think again. After going through this a few times, it gets old quick

As above...dress decent. It amazes me that kids (or adults for that matter) dress like a hard*** then wonder why people treat them like a hard***.

If you want to see something, take a responsible adult, and you should act responsible. And don't ask to look at every gun in the case, particularly if I have 10 other people stacked up behind you.

We have over 500 handguns in the store, and no, I don't know every single variation of every single one.

And, stores vary. There's one in my area that has the meanest SOB for an owner I've ever seen. If you didn't buy a particular gun from him, it's junk no matter who made it. I went in to buy a reloader and walked out after getting treated like crap...and I'm 52.

[BHPshooter]

I know how you feel. I've been into guns since I can't remember when.

I am 19 and own a handgun, so I guess I'm in a little better shape than you are, maybe because I live in Utah. It also helps that everyone around me that doesn't know me well swears that I am at least 25.

It's okay though, use the young years to your advantage. At your age, if you're like me, you didn't have enough money to buy any of the guns you wanted, so I spent my younger years researching, learning, and deciding what I like. But, as I said, I look old, and I have never had a problem with asking to see a gun, handgun or otherwise.

Be patient, your time will come.

Wes

[Moparmike]

Maurice, is he the guy with short red hair? If he is, then you are right. He is completely nucking futs. Sounds like the kind of guy that rogue gub'mint hating "militia" groups are looking for (or looking to avoid, if that makes enough of a statement:uhoh: ).

Oddly enough, he was pretty cool after I bought something. Amazing what a little money will do. It is pretty sad that the original premise that has gotten good service in the past, "That you are interested in spending money here" isnt good enough to get good service. It now is "You have to spend money to get good service." In any business, guns or otherwise, this seems to be inescapable. Even in some area restaurants.

[Guntalk]

I spent the day today with 900 people under the age of 18, who all had guns, who all were shooting, including the youngest, a girl who is 8 years old and in the 2nd grade.

They are competing in the championship of the Scholastic Clays Target Program, at the Grand American Trap Shoot in Vandalia, Ohio.

No one thought anything about it, and the stores were happy to sell them (okay, their parents) guns. Each of these young people carried guns and ammo all day long.

It all depends on where you are and who you hang around with, I guess.

[Capital Punishment]

SLH02, i notice youre from maryland. So am i. Im also 16. What city do you live in? What stores did you go to?

The reasoning for the evil looks and replies and such? Youre in Maryland! :rolleyes: I hate this state. With a passion.

[slh02]

CP, Im in Glen Burnie about 2 minutes away from the Select Fire target range (who are a bunch of cool guys IMO). The worse shop was a little pawn shop on B&A blvd. Unless I'm with my step-dad, I seem to generally be unwanted in just about every shop besides Barts Sports World and On Target.

Like I said, the Select Fire guys are really cool and I come in with my 10/22 every once in a while (its the only long-gun I own that can be fired there). Unfortunately they are not really a stocking dealer... just a lot of used and consignment pieces.

[coldshot03/04]

Redneck that sounds more like a 10 yr old kid that your talking about. I have seen grown men act worse damn near fight over whose got the best gun or whose gun sucks the most. tehe... :evil: These guys & gals are young men and women not kids. Your place is one that I would avoid.:evil: If I couldnt check them out the hell with it. Id go somewhere else.:D

[Blain]

I know what you guys mean as I am just a yound man in a very gun hostile enviorment myself. We have some terrible dealers in MA, though I do have quite a few dealers around me. All of them will BS you to some degree, either because they think you can be duped, or out of general ignorance.

I have had friends whom I've taken to a gunshop tell me about how they have gone back to that very same gunshop without me and been asked to not touch anything, or to leave because they didn't have their licenese's on them.

I have found that while some will be cranky to everyone and anyone, all will give you more respect and treat you better if you act confident, firm, serious, while showing them that you posess knowledge of guns through conversation.

Most of the times I dind't buy at a shop was not because I couldn't afford something, or not even because they didn't have what I was looking for in stock (some did). It was because that most of their guns (some of their used and nearly all of their new) were way overpriced. The price discrepency between what they want and what I can get from other sources was simply too high to bother with.

I could afford any gun in any one of their stores. Heck, I spent over $3000 on guns the first year I could legally own them and have continued to spend $2000+ per year on them every year since that. I am able to do so because I always work hard throughout the year (esp. during the summer months that I have off) and put my money toward guns instead of food (going out to eat), rock concerts, CDs, jewlery, cars, booze, and the other junk that young people typically like to waste money on. I know kids that blow $50-$200 bucks EVERY weekend "having fun" and "partying".

Conserve your money wisely, work hard, and you'll be able to buy any gun that you're little heart desires.

Might as well buy the guns you want now while you don't have bills to pay, yourself and possibly a family to support, etc.

[Futo Inu]

It's in part your age and location, but also in part the fact that that's just how a lot of peeps in gun stores are, for whatever reason. I'd guess they don't get paid much. Dunno why so many gun people are *********s, but they are, and not just in gun stores. To the extent that it IS your age, don't expect anything to change until you have grey in the beard and temples - the clerks associate the age with ability to buy their wares (most of the time, correctly). I'm 34 but people tell me I look only 27ish, and I still get short shrift in the gun stores that don't know me personally when I'm in jeans. When I'm in a suit and tie, whole different story - I get much more attention then. Funny though, the one place in town who has workers that are nice and friendly even if they don't know you (H&H Shooting Sports Outlet in OKC), was that way to me the first time, and whaddya know, now they DO know me, because I bought a gun from them way back when, and have continued to buy many items from them. Shop around until you find somewhere that you're treated well - if there is no such place, look around at the shops, and buy off the internet and gunbroker.com and whathaveyou. Find an FFL who won't gouge you for transfers, and visit places like www.brownells.com and www.midway.com - there's gotta be humpteen dozen fine internet sellers, and midway and some others round up your total to the nearest dollar if you wish, and give it to the NRA to protect your gun rights. Vote with your $.

[MAURICE]

Moparmike,
yeah, thats him.

Chang, good to see another knife guy here.

[Azrael256]

Never had that kind of experience in a gun store. When I was 18-ish, I was fawned over when I walked into a gun store. Even if the guys there figured out that I couldn't necessarily buy anything, they were still VERY nice. When I brought in a girl who's tattoed with green hair and more piercings that I want to know about, they were much more than happy to show her every gun in the store, and offered to let her try out the two she was looking at to see which one she liked better. I guess I have been lucky to find some good shops with some good people. Anybody who doesn't meet that standard of service doesn't get my money.

[juicy]

when i was 18 (19 now) i wnt into a local gun shop in the PRK.. the guy looked at me i looked at him and he said whats up dude? i said not much, i just turned 18 and i want a shotgun, she said, there some in the back, lets go check them out. i said cool, he said remington or mossberg? i said mossberg :) ( please no flames from the 870 crowd ;p) he gave me the 590, i said ill take it! paid for it, waited 10 days picked it up. the guy said you need any ammo? i said yes :) bought some and left, that guy has always treated me nice. and i always go back. that local shop gets all my money :) hell when i go in the guy says what are you buying today?! i just go :evil: and brouse. he lets me look at anything i want, he doesnt care, hell i even fix the computer for them :)

i love my local shop :)

and they will keep getting my business until i die or they go out of business.

turners in pasadena is another story. :fire:

[Moparmike]

Glad you found a good place Juicy. I wouldnt have expected that, especially for a 19yr old in the PRK.