Buying first gun - gun shop etiquette.

[22-rimfire]

You did well. I find that if you are honest and you don't understand how a particular firearm functions, it is best to ask. Don't worry about seeming dumb. You have to get the experience sometime. The important thing is that you are safe even when it is unloaded. I tend to sight a gun up toward the upper portion of the wall. Sometimes there are head mounts of deer and stuff.

Ask the sales person to show you how to dissemble a gun. Some won't know. As questions about safe carry... cocked and locked, cartridge in the chamber etc.

I still have some questions about autos from time to time since I mostly shoot revolvers.

You can figure a maximum of 30 minutes for the 4473 (Fed Form) and NICs check. Some days are slower than others. In a gun shop, I tend to just complete the form, start the NICs check and then continue looking at stuff. Never really think about the time as I'm excited about the new gun.

 

[Waitone]

--The gun belongs to the store until you pay for it. Ask before you drop the hammer. Don't ask if it is a rimfire; just don't do it.

--If a gun goes off while you hold it, you are the one with the problem.

Screw politeness. If the clerk hands you a firearm without checking it, politely ask them to check it before handing it to you. Then check it again once in your hand. Remember, you are the one with the problem if it goes off in your hand. The issue is safety, not polity. You are not being rude or inconsiderate. You are being as safe as you can be because you are the one with the problem if it goes off in your hand.

Aim the firearm by aiming up at an angle. I do my sight work aiming at a distant wall and ceiling joint. Maintain complete muzzle control at all times. Remember, you are the one with the problem if the gun goes off in your hand.

Sorry to keep repeating myself.

 

[Eleven Mike]

Ask the sales person to show you how to dissemble a gun.

Never lie to your guns. That's just wrong!

 

[Praxis]

Keeping all the rules of gun shop etiquette in mind when buying a gun for the first time can be tough.

I didn't have any problems with my first purchase, a Ruger MkII, but I committed a mistake on my second. I was looking at a Kimber and not being 100% familiar with the controls on 1911 models, I hit the slide release button, and dropped the slide with a nice "thunk" sound, about 10 seconds after the store owner asked me not to. He was not pleased. I felt very embarrased and left shortly thereafter. Fortunately, I came back a couple days later and bought the Kimber so everything worked out.

My advise is relax, be safe, and be respectful.