[Ringer]

I guess I'm just picky but when I spend in the neighborhood of $800 on a new gun I like to be the first one to handle it. On the other hand I have been trying to give my business to the local shop and I know they like to move their current inventory. Was just wondering what other people think about the guns that everyone and their brother has handled.

[Freightman]

Well I am one of the local shops and if you want one that has not been handled come in we will order it and have it here the next day if you order it before noon.
You can't expect a shop owner not to display his guns, they will not sell in the safe!

[JiminCA]

It depends. I like to inspect the gun I'm buying. In one case I told the seller I wanted to buy the display model because the gun was fitted up better and the grips were nicer.

For a garden variety sig or beretta or whatever, buy from the warehouse. For 1911's, I like to check the fit and finish before taking it home.

[BevrFevr]

It just depends on how bad the bug is biting that day. I usually look for guns that are beyond virginal more like immaculate conception types. Some how the scratches I put on em bug me just a little less than the ones someone else does.

-bevr

[JoeHatley]

Nothing written in stone, but in general, I like to buy from the showcase. I like to be able to inspect a gun. Don't really care how many other folks have handled a gun before me, it still has to pass my inspection. Mis-handling by previous shoppers may not show up, but then that's why we all buy from trusted local dealers. Right...?

Joe

[Dr.Rob]

If you are buying used its no big deal.

I do have a problem with Sportsman's Warehouse hanging thier pistols on metal hooks up against each other.. seems like those pieces get knocked around more than one laying on a felt mat in a gun store.

[10-Ring]

As long as the trigger is acceptable, the finish is okay & it is an unfired weapon, I don't mind if it comes from the case...sometimes I even get a slightly better deal for getting the display model!

[dsk]

For a garden variety sig or beretta or whatever, buy from the warehouse. For 1911's, I like to check the fit and finish before taking it home.

Isn't it just pathetic that we 1911 lovers have to put up with this crap? I have never had to pick and choose between guns in any other brand or type. Glock, SIG, Beretta, Kahr, Browning, you name it. Yet every Colt, every Kimber, and every Springfield I inspect will usually have some anomaly somewhere. I always end up buying the one that has the least number of "issues". More than once I honestly thought of buying both or all three the dealer had, then combining parts to make one good gun and selling off the rest! :eek:

[JohnBT]

Almost never. Maybe if it's the last one and discontinued or something.

For 30 years all I've had to do was say, "I like this gun. Let me see a new one please." The sales guy then walks to the warehouse in the back and returns with a new one.

For customers who know to ask they'll sometimes bring out 2 or 3 of the one you're looking at and let you pick the fit, finish and wood you like. This is liklier to happen if they're not slammed three deep at the counter with lines at the registers.

Am I spoiled or what? No wonder I don't mind the prices. ;)

I've seen people save ten bucks on a new gun covered in fingerprints and stuff, but I prefer taking my chances on a new one that hasn't been played with seven days a week for who knows how long.

Another improvement in customer service is that they have the inventory on the registers and they can find specific model variations in the back without having to root around too much.

John

[dsk]

On a related note: Not long ago I was about to buy a new Colt 1911. They only had the display one but I didn't mind because the gun looked fine. Well, after I walked further down the counter for some reason, as I looked back one of the salespeople had let some loudmouth gunshop commando take a look at it. He was yacking at arms length about how nice and tight it was, and began to slingshot the slide several times. Before I could come up and tell him not to do that he slipped, and the gun banged against the counter edge putting a nasty mark on it. I then told the dealer I wasn't buying it. The gunshop commando apologized to me and the salesmen, but I was already too pissed off to say anything else.

Recently they got in another one. I took a look at it, and noticed a nasty scratch on the slide of that one too. Gee, I wonder how that happened?

[Tamara]

FWIW, not every small shop can afford numerous specimens on hand.

We have Bersas, Walther P-22's, Hi-Points, Kel Tec P-32's, and a few of the more common models of Glock duplicated in the safe. Otherwise, what you see in the showcase is the stock...

[BigG]

All the time.

[Ala Dan]

I'm with my friend and fellow Dixie resident Big G
on this one; as I do it all the time. About the only time
I don't, is when my favorite shop has something that
is hard to get, and they are holding it for my inspection
back in the gun vault.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[MikeJ]

I don't have a problem at all with buying a gun from the case as long as it hasn't been marred by handling. I have found that with most guns of the same model there are differences in how the trigger pull is; grittiness, weight etc. and these are the things that influence my decision. Mike

[emann]

For some reason everytime I buy a gun it's the last one they have. So I really haven't had much choice, though I do check them out and will refuse it if it is boogered up.