Do other "young" people have this happen too?

[22-rimfire]

So what’s your beef? You’re young? When do you expect to become president of the US?

So why is it that when a young man such as myself walks into a shop are we automatically assumed to be ignorant, video game playin, atheist mall ninjas and armchair commandos? If I'm interested enough and possess as much knowledge as the older folks why can't I be treated equally? I am an ADULT, I've been entrusted with the ownership of firearms by the state of New Jersey, I do NOT present myself as some young punk, gang-banger thug and always am polite and respectful to everyone regardless of their outward appearance and even treatment of me. I just don't understand, does anyone else feel my pain?

I doubt you are the youngest member of THR. If such things existed when I was 14, I would have been a member.

You're in that age between 18 and 21 where you are "almost" an adult. You of course think you are. I did to when I was 18. It takes a while to know about "life". So when are you buying a house?

If it is any consolation, some gun shops will treat you as an outsider no matter how old you are or what you look like. That is just the way of the world. Would you rather be treated as an old man? ....This may have a bit too much recoil for you.... maybe you need a 22.... My brother as a young teacher wanted to dye his hair gray so he might get some respect.

Give it time. You have plenty of it. In the meantime, enjoy your journey.

 

[littlebubba]

ThatGuyHank asked:

So why is it that when a young man such as myself walks into a shop are we automatically assumed to be ignorant, video game playin, atheist mall ninjas and armchair commandos?

Because, unfortunately, most are. I faced the same problem at your age. I was far more mature than others my age and was not interested in the things that they were and, because I was the exception rather than the rule, I had to bear the disdain for my age group that my peers had created.

 

[22-rimfire]

Because, unfortunately, most are.

Truth.

If a gunshop treats a new potential customer like they know a lot, they often loose customers because the customer simply doesn't and feels snowed and uncomfortable. It is kind of like your $1600 example. So, they often seek a middle ground, and depending on your questions or statements, modify their responses accordingly. On the other hand, the customer often knows more than the sales person. From my point of view, there is nothing wrong with not knowing everything about a particular gun or type of gun. I like to let sales people "sell". I enjoy observing the different approaches no matter if it is guns, cars, or widgits. I usually know BS when I hear it. But that is part of the fun.

 

[CutMan]

The majority of the attitudes and comments on this thread are just proving why shooting sports are not pursued by younger generations. In my area, gun stores are dropping like flies, and gun shows have a median age of 60. Indoor ranges are having trouble staying in business. If it weren't for CCW classes here, there would be no gun ranges in the area.

So what if a particular person is a tacticool mall ninja. That's at least the beginning of an interest that could lead to something else. "Wow, you're into modern military rifles? You should take a carbine class!" would be great response to an interest in an ar-15, etc....

Be friendly when you're shooting. Answer questions. Ask questions. Learn from others, and help out the youngsters. Attitude from teenagers and 20-somethings is usually a defensive mechanism in a gun store or range. We were all there at one time, and yes, times have changed, but it can be overwhelming.... plus, there is some machismo coming from one or both sides. Just ignore that.

Heck, I learned to shoot trap form someone half my age. It's not a sport I pursue (wish I could), but I had a blast!

In reality, the more people that we have exercising their second amendment rights, enjoying the sport, and taking the protection of self and others seriously, the more people we have on our side.

That, no matter how you look at it is a good thing.

 

[mgmorden]

You're in that age between 18 and 21 where you are "almost" an adult. You of course think you are. I did to when I was 18. It takes a while to know about "life". So when are you buying a house?

Nah. 18 is a number of years behind me now (I'm a few months from 30), and 18 year olds appear a bit immature to me, but realistically, at 18, he's not "almost" an adult - he is one.

The thing to realize is that people tend to compartmentalize. Old people think young people are naive and unexperienced. Young people think old people are set in their outdated ways. In a way, they're both right.

 

[littlebubba]

Old people think young people are naive and unexperienced. Young people think old people are set in their outdated ways. In a way, they're both right.

True, although I TRY not to rush to judgement with young people, I guess I have to admit that I do have a tendency to dismiss them out of hand. On the other hand though, I'm finding mighty few folks in their late teens/early twenties whose character warrants anything other than my disdain.

 

[Cop Bob]

Hank,
You and I both had the fortune of growing up around accomplished shooters and enthusiasts. We were able to learn at a young age.. However, the culture is changing, the vast majaority of young folks today do not have the good fortune that you enjoy in growing up in a family enviornment that supports the shooting sports.. it today is becoming rare.

Most folks today that are buying guns, are just not that knowledgeable, especially the younger ones.. Most in the gun trade are older, and they lack the patience to do a little teaching.. Especially when most young folks are really "Just kicking tires" and are not going to buy anyway.

And as you stated, there are a lot of folks behind tables and counters that don't know their own products all that well.. Some don't know, so they can't teach, most don't want to spend time taking to someone they don't think will or can buy.

As pointed out, many in the gun business are much older, and they don't have to patience to be good salesmen... or someone comes in that thinks they know everything already, and the experienced salesman may just be quiet, because he knows he can't teach an "Expert" anything. Why risk an argument that would blow a sale... Sometimes, they are just wrong...

You just keep on doing what you are doing, learn all that you can... and as in your origninal post, be as helpfull and polite as you can...

Sounds to me like you may be on your way to being a good steward for our chosen sport and hobby.. Good luck to you sir..

 

[KingMedicine]

I thought this was the circle of life... You are young and treated like you dont know a thing. You push thru it and become old, then you can be old and treat young people as they dont know a thing.

Im kidding...

But alas, It is life and ya get to deal with it. The trick is not taking offense to it, but it is to show them they are wrong in a respectful way. If you do it wrong, you will just look young and prove there point. Being old gets you a little bit of leeway.

 

[pacerdude]

Cop Bob, what you say about the shooting culture is true. I am 22 and did not grow up in a shooting family. My parents owned guns but did not shoot frequently, heck, I didnt learn to shoot until i was 14 or 15.

I am the one that got my dad into shooting, and if I did'nt do it then he would put his pistol down and probably not pick it up again.

With the exception of my best friend most people my age that I know are not that into guns, and I grew up in the South.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Hank,
You and I both had the fortune of growing up around accomplished shooters and enthusiasts. We were able to learn at a young age.. However, the culture is changing, the vast majaority of young folks today do not have the good fortune that you enjoy in growing up in a family enviornment that supports the shooting sports.. it today is becoming rare.

I've seen quite a bit of kids my age that you can tell they didn't grow up shooting guns. I saw two once at KTP that were just there to play with guns, they were pretend firing them, taking pictures with them and just acting like total tools. I was tempted to walk up to them and tell them to act their ages because they were looking like asses. I've also seen gangster looking kids which is actually rare up here in the north that instantly went for the AK 47s and finger was naturally on the trigger when he held it showing he lacked training.

 

[TMiller556]

Youre not the youngest.. Im 16. lol

 

[mizzlep]

I've been in one gun shop where the people behind the counter weren't complete jerks.

The other thing you have going against you, is that you're not a 35 year old, gun ignorant, suburbanite with unlimited money to throw at their over priced firearms.
So far, I feel like the average shop is just, as another member said, like a used car lot. They just want to scam people, they are not really honest businesses.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of nice ones out there, but I think the vast majority are not good places to do business.

 

[mgmorden]

I've been in one gun shop where the people behind the counter weren't complete jerks.

Lol - indeed. I went into my local shop (which is really just a range to me - never bought a gun there) last night actually. They have a lot of employees there so it's not like you see the same people there every time. I was buying some defensive ammo for my LCP and while the employee was ringing up the ammo I casually asked if they had any Ruger SR1911's in stock. He looked at me like I was stupid and assured me that Ruger doesn't make 1911's . . . .

 

[monet61]

I have to admit, this has been an interesting thread. May have learned a thing or two.

 

[BrocLuno]

If they treat you like a child, use it to your advantage. Tell them you've been saving up your allowance and are ready to buy. Your dad will be along to help with the paperwork, but you want to check the XYZ thing for stock fit, cheek weld, forearm grip, etc. By the time you rattle that off, they'll be looking at you differently

Then start asking for advice and ask if they have any better ones in the back room? Sometimes the sales folks like to set things aside for their buddies or family. See if you can get one of those to look over all innocent like

Being considered a second class buyer can have it's advantages. Negotiating from perceived weakness allows you to draw them out. Maybe they know what they are talking about, maybe not - you'll soon know

And, lastly - "gee I just don't have quite that much ($), can you help me here?" See if innocent kid can get a discount?

 

[kingcheese]

so, you can get a ccw in IN when you're 18+? even though you can't buy a handgun to carry? interesting. never heard of that.

welcome to IN, and i got mine a few months after i trned 18

so, you can get a ccw in IN when you're 18+? even though you can't buy a handgun to carry? interesting. never heard of that.

private sales, parents, inhertaed, loaded gun in the truck... list goes on and on how to get a gun to carry


and just for craps and giggles, indiana state law says i only have to be 18 to buy a pistol from a dealer, the only thing restricting me is federal law... aint that just wonderful? i cant even buy a stripped ar 15 lower because federal law

 

[Feanaro]

I've experienced similar. Want to know how to fix it? Grow some facial hair (if you can) and wear better clothes. Ditch the t-shirts and shorts/jeans/cargo pants. Wear slacks and a dress shirt.

Suddenly, people will be trying to sell you $3,000 firearms you didn't ask to see. Anything you want to see, they will show it to you enthusiastically. Then show you what you "really need". They look at you and think you're a man with lots of money who might just be the sort of fool that parts easily with it. Then again, maybe you'll prefer the hostility to the salesmanship.

Also, make sure you grow some real facial hair (only men with darker complexions really look good with thin little bears), groom it and definitely don't grow a neckbeard.

 

[elcaminoariba]

OP Hank you sound more intelligent than most of the public of any age. You and your dad are clearly among the most responsible people in New Jersey. I know you understand this, but I want to reinforce the truth that the culture of New Jersey and the entire government apparatus of New Jersey are at war with you right now. Please use all your powers of persuasion to get your family out of there, or just yourself. Aggressive and tyrannical governments which not only violate our God given rights, but which violate the highest law of the land, are EXTREMELY dangerous. Just because you're in New Jersey's good graces right now, doesn't mean you or your father will always be, even if you do nothing wrong. The gangstas walk around Jersey with impunity right now, armed, but if you dot an "i" incorrectly New Jersey will be all over you, merely because your family are gun owners. I'm sure you're familiar with the guy whose unjust sentence your governor recently commuted (should have been pardoned). While I understand the argument to "stay and stand for gun rights," I suspect you may agree that New Jersey is so far past saving that it is dangerous (not to mention the danger from the non government criminal element).

 

[LTR shooter]

I just don't understand, does anyone else feel my pain?

I know where you're coming from. Some years ago I stepped into a gun shop in good ole Jacksonville , NC and asked if there were any 44 magnums in stock. "Why do you want one of those things , a 12 gauge is all you need!"

I simply walked out. I was in my mid 20s at the time. If I wanted a 12 gauge I would not have asked for a 44 mag. This shop has been out of business for some time.

Found a shop , although 50 miles farther , that was more than willing to sell me what I wanted. There are shops out there that will treat you right.

 

[ThatGuyHank]

OP Hank you sound more intelligent than most of the public of any age. You and your dad are clearly among the most responsible people in New Jersey. I know you understand this, but I want to reinforce the truth that the culture of New Jersey and the entire government apparatus of New Jersey are at war with you right now. Please use all your powers of persuasion to get your family out of there, or just yourself. Aggressive and tyrannical governments which not only violate our God given rights, but which violate the highest law of the land, are EXTREMELY dangerous. Just because you're in New Jersey's good graces right now, doesn't mean you or your father will always be, even if you do nothing wrong. The gangstas walk around Jersey with impunity right now, armed, but if you dot an "i" incorrectly New Jersey will be all over you, merely because your family are gun owners. I'm sure you're familiar with the guy whose unjust sentence your governor recently commuted (should have been pardoned). While I understand the argument to "stay and stand for gun rights," I suspect you may agree that New Jersey is so far past saving that it is dangerous (not to mention the danger from the non government criminal element).

This is the truth right here. I've written multiple times to both Corzine(when he was in office) and to Chris Christie. While I never recieved a reply from Corzine I was rather surprised to recieve a reply from the office of Chris Christie. While the note assured me that Governor Christie firmly believes in the Second Amendment as an individual freedom it also said that it was NOT on his "to do list" this term as governor. You are very right, most people here don't own guns. I turned 18 while still in school and got my license maybe a month or two before closing. When I was in my History/Social Studies class we were asked to "show and tell" the forms of identification we carry with us. Everyone had the usual Driver's License/Permit, School ID, some had Employee ID's but I was the only one with an FOID. Everyone in the room except for my teacher didn't even know what FOID stood for or what it is. The comments and looks i got from normally friendly fellow students after explaining to them that I am a legal gun owner was just horrifying.

But, I digress. I assure you that me and most of my family are relocating to somewhere out west. There are alot of us and it's been the general consensous that not only would it be safer but perhaps economical (NJ taxes make me sad) to move. The location we look to settle the family into is going to be relatively self sufficent with its own water source, acreage for game and farming and some open space for solar or whatever we please(before the question gets asked; yes this is in a way preparing for SHTF/TEOTWAWKI. We aren't paranoid or anything but after seeing the ways things went down in Katrina, the New York blackouts and other things the family got together and discussed it and it would be best to get a move on).

I know where you're coming from. Some years ago I stepped into a gun shop in good ole Jacksonville , NC and asked if there were any 44 magnums in stock. "Why do you want one of those things , a 12 gauge is all you need!"

Haha! That's a good one. I've heard it before too. Some of the things I've heard gun store owners tell to other customers and to me are just hilarious. My favorite was when a LGS owner told me that he used to hunt moose in Montana with 10mm glock open sights.

 

[gf1723]

I'm in my mid-twenties, but still look like I'm 20 years old. Whenever I walk into a gun-store they always ignore because they think I'm just there to check everything out, they never expect me to buy anything.

If it's a smaller shop in my local town I don't have too much of a problem. There are plenty of kids younger than me that are buying a lot of long guns for hunting purposes. When I moved out of my local area, I went to buy my first AR-15. The owner and his buddies were amazed about how much I knew about the different parts of an AR-15.

I think the biggest parts of being ignored when walking into a gun store is how old you look and how you dress. I've noticed when I go into some gun stores dressed with American Eagle/Abercombie polo shirts and khaki cargo shorts, I'll get ignored. But if I walk in there with a normal pair of jeans on and a plain t-shirt..they are much more respectful to me. I just now know if I walk into a gun store, I should probably choose to wear other clothes that day

 

[wlemay]

That has happened to me quite a few times especially when I was 18-19. I am in my twenties and I still get that look. IMO i am fairly young looking for my age but most people are respectful to me as I am to them; and that's the key.

I live in Illinois so I have a foid card that I got when I was 17... it has a picture of me from when I was 16 on it; long hair down to my shoulders... goofy kid look. I hate having to show it to people when I buy guns/ammo but it always get a good laugh. Although I have been refused a sale because of it; the guy said "this is a joke right?" even after showing him my drivers license to verify my identity he was still a jerk about it.

 

[Fanky]

I don't get it too often. I'm only 21, but some people think I'm a lot older just because of how I dress and carry myself. My daily attire is blue jeans, an "average joe" t-shirt or a button-up, Ariat work boots, and a fairly dirty ball cap. If I poke into a new shop, I'm treated well and get any questions or requests I have answered without any snide remarks or being pushed towards something I don't need. I'm a valued customer at my go-to LGS, and proved I'm not some punk there 3 years ago. You'd be suprised how far being courteous and respectful to people can get you, something unfortunately most people my age neglect.

 

[Ben86]

So why is it that when a young man such as myself walks into a shop are we automatically assumed to be ignorant, video game playin, atheist mall ninjas and armchair commandos?

Because most of the people that stick out in their minds do fall into those categories and they then stereotype. It's not right, but that's pretty much it. They don't much remember the nice fellas like yourself that didn't show off and make a spectacle of themselves. They ought to give you the benefit of the doubt though. Also, if you ask to look at something you cannot legally even possess due to age that will make things awkward right away.

Don't let it bother you. I used to get the same "you don't belong young'in" reaction when I was younger. When I got about 21-22 it began to stop. Try wearing an NRA hat.

 

[NoirFan]

After reading through this thread I suppose I should count myself lucky for my 'gun shop luck'. People tell me all the time I look about 18 - 22 and I have never run into these kinds of discriminatory attitudes. All the gun store staff people I've ever talked to have been polite, helpful, and usually knowledgable, even the crusty-looking old guys. Maybe it's a Midwest thing.

I have to add that I am ethnically nonwhite, and have never experienced even a little bit of racism at a gun store, contrary to popular stereotype. Gun shows are another story but I attribute that to all the nonrepresentative weirdos who come out of the woodwork at those types of events.