stores that wont allow you to test actions/triggers!!?

[Axis II]

I was over on another forum reading up on something and came across a post about stores not allowing customers to cycle the action on a lever action to see if they are smooth or not. I purchased a 22lr from dicks sporting goods and after going through an hour long BC because my name matches someone in their system who was a felon they finally brought the gun in box from the back room. I asked to see if it was indeed an accu trigger and the kid said he wasn't allowed to take the trigger guard off but said it was not. I said well i want to try the trigger and see how bad it is and he said no! against store policy but he could pull the trigger to show me. I asked to inspect it to see how the bolt was and was told because it did not have a trigger lock i was not allowed. well seeing how the one on the shelf felt smooth in the action and it was a nice looking rifle i took a chance for $120 on sale and man was that a mistake. 6lbs gritty trigger and gritty action. I will no longer support those stores for firearm purchases.

I am thinking about purchasing a marlin/remlin lever action and if a store told me i could not test the action of a firearm I'm going to buy for almost $1k i would shop elsewhere. What don't these stores understand that someone isn't going to load up shells right in front of you and shoot someone. its easier to do it without the stores gun.

anyone else run into this problem? from what i read on the forum was it was a cabelas/BP issue.

 

[badkarmamib]

I got yelled at at Wal-Mart just for shouldering a rifle, while it was pointed where the wall meets the ceiling, finger off trigger, to check LOP. Last time I asked to see a rifle at Wal-Mart...

 

[Acera]

Don't hesitate to ask for the manager. Then go over his head if all you get is a department head that does not help. Don't stop until you get the store manager or the deputy on duty.

I made the mistake of being stunned by a clerks decision and walked out of Cabelas leaving a great deal on a commercial CZ-82 on the table. (They had it priced like a military surplus one)

Only later when the shock wore off and the anger welled up did I meet with a manager and he assured me that my issue would have been resolved quickly and professionally if I had asked to see him.




.

 

[bikemutt]

I had the same experience at Dicks, the counterman finally agreed to take the lock off the rifle if I gave him my driver license, lol.

He held on to that little piece of plastic like no tomorrow while I inspected the rifle.

 

[FL-NC]

Academy is the same way. Won't let you test the most important feature on a very expensive item.

 

[paulsj]

No testing with snap caps allowed at Cabela's Gun Library.

 

[Axis II]

I could see snap caps not being allowed but not cycling the action is complete b.s.

 

[Hokkmike]

If I can't work the action or try the trigger I won't buy the gun. It is like steering the car. I was at a hardware store that sells guns in my small town. I asked the clerk for permission to dry fire and she said, "yes". Just as I did the owner stepped in from the back and mildly berated me for doing do. I let him know that I asked first. I always ask permission to dry fire somebody else's gun. But it is REQUIREMENT for me to even consider a firearm purchase. If it is a semi auto I would prefer to field strip it as well.

 

[Shaq]

Several years ago, I bought a Marlin 357 mag from Big 5 Sporting Goods. There was a plastic tie around the lever. When I returned to pick up the rifle after the 10-day wait, I told the salesman to cut the tie off so I can verify that it wasn't loaded. He said he couldn't. I suggested he get the store Manager. The Manager also said they weren't allowed to take off the tie....until I said, "I'm not going to put a firearm in my vehicle until I verify that it's legal for travel. I'm not going to fiddle with a rifle in a public parking lot & frighten everyone, so if you can't remove the tie, you can give me a refund."
I also said, "You can remove the tie, open the action & show it to me, then replace the tie, if you want."
He said, "I don't know how to open the action."
He cut off the tie, I opened the action, said "Thanks," & left.

When I bought a new Wilson CQB, there was a plastic tie on it. The salesman didn't want to remove it. I reassured him I wasn't just looking; I'm buying it unless there is something wrong with it; I just wanted to verify function of the trigger, grip safety & thumb safety & the smoothness of the slide - especially on a gun with that price. He took the tie off.

I can understand the employee safety aspect & yes, someone can bring their own loaded gun into the store, but if a thug doesn't have a gun, it's not a good idea to provide him with one.

 

[Ignition Override]

There's one issue that could be the most important. Maybe it's Not the store's anxiety about wearing down high-quality steel (or is it?) in an action.

Some of you saw the Youtube video where the LEO shot off the end of his finger in a retail store? It was linked in a THR topic.

The gun belonged to the store. Stores must be deathly afraid that some psycho/sociopath will load one round when staff are distracted. This attempted crime has probably happened at some gun shows, to create a tragic event.
The clerk never checked the chamber/magazine.
The LEO never checked it, apparently. The gun appeared to be aimed within about 15-25 degrees of customers further down the gun counter when the trigger was pulled.

 

[salt&battery]

I got yelled at at Wal-Mart just for shouldering a rifle, while it was pointed where the wall meets the ceiling, finger off trigger, to check LOP. Last time I asked to see a rifle at Wal-Mart...

remember a year or two ago I guy shouldered a BB gun in wal mart and got shot to death by cops after some idiot called them. so maybe wal mart does not want that to happen again. forget about dry firing a gun or working the action in a big box store. A LGS store that would be allowed. then again many buy guns online thru Buds without seeing or touching the gun. so whats up with that?

 

[herrwalther]

Far before I ever bought (or was allowed to buy) my first firearm, I once went into Gander Mountain to the AR-15 display stand. I would shotgun the actions to see how clean the bolt carriers were. Did that a few times and they started zip tying the uppers shut. I would never buy an AR there with the prices they charged, but it didn't stop me from messing with the management.

My favorite gun store lets shoppers test the actions and triggers of anything in the store. As long as you ask first.

 

[MedWheeler]

The Bass Pro in my town is the same way. It's one of those places where I'll look at 'em under glass, then buy elsewhere..

I've never had a problem at my preferred gun showroom with shouldering, cycling, or trigger manipulation.

I've yet to field-strip one of their guns, though.

 

[Lakeshore]

Reading these posts about bad experiences in Dicks, WalMart, Gander, Bass Pro etal reinforces my steadfast belief in the importance of establishing a relationship with a LGS where they know and trust you.

The shop I've patronized for years never hesitates to allow me to dry fire or work the action on a firearm. The other day they let me field strip a new Ruger Mk IV on the countertop.

 

[BillBloggins]

It just is not worth it to ask questions or request dry fire at a big box retailer. The clerks just do not know much- I had one guy 'permit' me one single trigger pull on a Ruger LCR revolver and he made it clear he was doing me a giant favor- it was clear he still thought all revolvers would be damaged by dry fire. I mean, what can you do with that? Best to start at a good local gun store and avoid the know-nothings, it is worth the small additional charge and it supports knowledgeable businesses.

 

[1911 guy]

I would not manipulate a stores firearm without asking and without serious intention of buying. But I also would not buy a gun that I hadn't worked the action and trigger first.

 

[Robert]

Dick's is a golf store...

 

[Fiv3r]

Dry firing a gun (that is not going to damage it), helps me make my purchasing decision.

Yesterday I got the wild itch to trade off some unwanted pistols and purchase a new full size 9mm. My mind was mostly set on the Ruger American. It felt pretty good in my hand and solid. The trigger was serviceable.

Then by chance I tried a full size SIG p320 since it "killed" my beloved 92fs. Man oh man, that SIG felt great and the trigger for my pull style perfectly.

Having had a p250, I was not expecting such a short but firm trigger from the 320.

Had I not asked and the guy behind counter hadn't let me (local gun store I do a fair amount of shopping at), I would have went home with the Ruger. Instead I paused the few bucks extra and got the SIG.

Fun fact, upon trying to work the American action, the slide with magazine inserted would not lock back! The manager said she was going to try another mag, and if that didn't work she would have to send the gun back to Ruger. I would have been royally miffed had I gotten home to find that there was a potentially fatal flaw with my defensive carry gun.

I'm very glad I was allowed to actually inspect a gun i was planning spending a few hundred dollars on.

 

[Shaq]

The Bass Pro in my town is the same way. It's one of those places where I'll look at 'em under glass, then buy elsewhere..

I've never had a problem at my preferred gun showroom with shouldering, cycling, or trigger manipulation.

I've yet to field-strip one of their guns, though.

When I was working in retail firearms, I'd ask the owner about stripping a firearm. At one store, the owner said "Never" strip it or let a customer strip it - too much risk of damaging it." (He made an exception when a celebrity coroner walked in & wanted a tutorial on disassembly/reassembly of a Glock 17).
At two other stores, the owner said, "If it's necessary to make the sale, YOU strip it, not the customer."
The owner that said "Never strip it" was partially correct....as far as a 1911 design (idiot scratch) but not modern designs.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm with 1911 guy: at a gun store or a gun show I always first ask permission if I can check out the gun as I'm interested in buying it. If they won't let me try out the action and/or test the trigger pull, then I won't buy it from them. I wouldn't buy a car without a test drive and a complete inspection; won't buy a gun without being able to check out how it works and how good (or bad), the trigger feels.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

All big box stores are obviously handled differently.

The main two LGS's I frequent, and most all LGS's and ranges that sell guns here, have no trigger locks or anything disabling the working of the action or trigger. Handguns are handed to you slide locked back and you are free to inspect and work them as you like. Rifles and shot guns are out in upright racks or racks behind the counter and are available to inspect in the same way.

That being said I have bought one pistol from our local Cabela's. I went in and told the guy behind the counter I had already handled the gun several times at other stores and didn't need to see a display piece. I filled out the paper work and while we waited for the BG check the guy brought out my gun in the box and proceeded to pull it out and hand it to me slide locked back. He insisted I check it out and make sure it functions properly. Our local Cabela's does NOT have trigger locks on the display pieces BTW.

Now our local Bass Pro has locks on everything and there is no one there that will let you work the action in any form or fashion. I will not buy a gun from them.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Some of y'all's stories about Cabela's surprise me. The one in Kansas City has never had an issue with me working actions or pulling triggers. Anything in a display case or behind the counter is checked for clear before they hand it to me, and I check it for clear also. The used long guns out on the racks are a different story. There's always a zip tie or trigger lock that in some way disables the gun from geing loaded and/or fired. I've never asked to have a zip tie or trigger lock removed but I have seen them do it for customers.

And I've never had an LGS have a problem with it either, so long as I asked first. As far as big box stores besides Cabela's, I've never been tempted by anything other stores have had. Gun shows, some of those dealers get picky about it. Some gun show dealers are smaller dealers, and their display guns aren't just for display. So they aren't always willing to let you cycle or dry fire guns, in my experience.

 

[Tirod]

I bought my last pistol because the sales person insisted I dry fire it along with two others. It was a small gun store in the next town.

Anybody who stocks Kahr should do that - it really sells the gun. Their reputation for a great trigger isn't just talk, pull one on a CW380 vs a Remington or S&W side by side and it makes the sale. It's also why I bought a SIG P938 - it's a great SA self defense trigger.

On the other hand, we collectively do buy guns sight unseen on auctions. No way to tell how the action will cycle or what the trigger will do. We get what we get. Since the policy of the Big Box gun departments seems pretty clear and universally applied in larger metros, you can ask but you shouldn't be surprised or get into a snit about it. It's been like that for decades - where have you been shopping all this time?

I agree we should be able to cycle the action or dry fire the trigger, but lets back up and think about it in the big picture - can you try on underwear to see if they fit? Sometimes I wish I had! We seem to think that a gun is as critical a fit as our shorts. In reality it's not. A pocket .380 doesn't handle the same as a full size .45 and a S&W in that cartridge isn't a 1911 (its better, yo.) An AR doesn't fit the same as a Remington 700.

Of course a pair of cotton whitey tighties fit different than polyester spandex boxers. Hmm? In some circumstances it's one of those things we need to think thru a bit more - a commercial gun from a traditional maker sold in a retail box store isn't going to be easy to check trigger and function, and expecting competition grade high end release with no creep from a commodity gun is just hit and miss. Mostly miss.

Let's not spiral into a gripe fest about a first world shopping issue over purchasing guns where we already know the policy isn't supportive of detailed trying out. I wouldn't expect the clerk at the sports counter to put up with me bringing in a bundled straw mat so I can check the one swipe cutting ability of a $30 tanto folder, either. Let's not forget the days of the open car stereo displays - how often did we get to crank them up past 50% to see if the bass held up? It's all the same to them. Box store shopping is look don't touch pay and leave.

Since we know that is a fact and has been part of the American shopping experience since Macy's opened it's doors I would suggest that we be a bit less put upon about it. And for the most part - actions and triggers smooth out. Put some rounds thru them - 2,000 or more - owners tell you things get better. You have to break them in.

Oops, there's another topic that's gone touchy feely in forums . . .

 

[Hanzo581]

Having worked the gun counter at Field and Stream (Owned by Dicks) I can tell you there were some very strange corporate rules handed down. We were supposed to show guns to people with the trigger locks on and discourage the taking off of said lock if they asked. I completely ignored that rule as did the majority of the department. We also could only show one gun to one person at a time, so if you wanted to see a bodyguard and LCP for a side by side comparison....out of luck. We ignored that one as well. They had us zip tie the levers on the lever action rifles...we'd just cut them off before we handed them to the customer.

We were sticklers however about muzzle control as people love to sweep each other in big box stores. Remember, most of these customers are average joes and not firearm enthusiasts to the extent we are. So if you are running into these crazy situations, you've likely ran into a by the books associate.

 

[Odd Job]

I was fortunate enough to find a second hand R55 Benchmark rifle in .22LR at a gunshop south of London. This was after S&W decided not to make them any longer, soon after they took over T/C. They are now very rare in the UK.
I had a look at the rifle and it was in good condition externally but the magazine was pitted. My main concern was the bolt, because if it had any defects I was going to be out of luck getting replacements in the UK.
Surprisingly the guy behind the counter let me take the stock off and also separate the fire control unit from the receiver and take out the bolt. That was 6 screws in total. I also worked the bolt and tried the trigger (you can dry fire an R55).

I saw the bolt was good, liked the condition of the gun and decided to buy. Couldn't knock him down, ended up paying £600 for it (or was it £650). These guns were £450 new, back in 2007 when I bought my first one new.

I've been very happy with it since then but wouldn't have bought it without seeing the internals.