Do other "young" people have this happen too?

[ThatGuyHank]

I'm a little offended at the atheist comment, but this isn't the board to discuss religion.

I'd like to apologize for offending you and anyone that was offended. It wasn't in the best of taste but if you read my post #24 it'll show that it was somewhat relevant to my own personal situations. It more or less was added because I was in a way venting with this thread.

The discussion and advice so far has been great and I went shooting with one of my many uncles in PA. Went to a place called "Ready, Aim, Fire". The guys in there were actually polite and pleasant and we bantered a bit about politics, business, the imminent North Korean invasion and the best types of surplus ammo. They said they'd be happy to make a sale to me and I will DEFINITELY be purchasing from them in the near future, just have to make sure that anything I buy from them is legal in NJ.

I'm glad other people have dealt with this and that I am not an isolated incident.

 

[Old Fuff]

I remember I was in Tip's Hardware near Tuckerton Seaport (New Jersey) and the owner, the on site gunsmith and a customer were trying to figure out how to break down a springfield xd. I walked over and kindly said that I'd be happy to show them (I am NOT allowed to own handguns in NJ but my dad owns a few xd's and i've cleaned them and even duracoated one for him). All three looked like theyd seen a ghost and said "If we can't open it up you sure as hell can't" and he handed me the pistol. I dropped the mag, locked the slide back, flipped the takedown lever, pulled the trigger and let down the slide and took the whole thing apart right in front of them and set the pieces on the table for them. The customer was impressed, the shop owner laughing at the smith and the smith was in shock. Mind you the customer was in his forties and both men behind the counter were mid 70's.

Since you are such an ignorent child, you should have explained that while you can take (whatever) apart, you never learned how to put it together - and walk off...

When examining a gun I might want to purchase, I often appear to be awful stupid, and I'm no kid by a long shot.

 

[Fleet]

you think it's bad for you because you're young, watch how a woman of any age is treated.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

i also have a concealed carry permit, not usual for someone that isnt old enough to buy a handgun, but everyone i see says i aqm not old enough to have it, lets think about it, i waited two months for city and state police to pass all my paper work, if there was an age problem, they would have stopped it

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.

 

[Old krow]

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.

There are a couple counties in AL that are that way as well.

If I'm interested enough and possess as much knowledge as the older folks why can't I be treated equally?

This won't be the case every time, but, it is something to consider. If you possess as much knowledge as some of these guys that have been playing around with guns for 25-30 years, or longer, then there's little value in experience. Some of these older guys have been compiling information for so long that they have literally forgotten more than I know. Be careful making too many assumptions, that just propagates the cycle.

There's always somebody around to make an assumption on your behalf. There will always be somebody that realizes that your in dire straits and offers you their lifeline of superior knowledge. When you're young, it's older people. That's because everyone is older than you. When you're middle aged it is older people as well as younger people. When you're older you stop caring what everybody else thinks. I suppose they have the least to prove.

Be knowledgeable. Be polite. Make fewer assumption and more informed decisions. There are some really knowledgeable and really helpful people out there. There are plenty that aren't looking for a measuring contest every time you walk in the door. Spend your time with them, they deserve your business. Enjoy shooting.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

huh. what's the point if you can't buy a handgun? or they some of the states that allow private handgun sales to 18+ people?

 

[jakeiscrazy]

I'm 17 so I've got you beat. I have gotten some doubtful looks and a little attitude but never rude comments. If I did I would leave the store and note return.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

you'd leave a note at the store?

 

[Telekinesis]

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.

huh. what's the point if you can't buy a handgun? or they some of the states that allow private handgun sales to 18+ people?

Federal law only says that people under 21 can't buy a pistol from a FFL, but says anyone 18 and over can possess a handgun. In addition, many states only restrict minors from possessing pistols, so every adult (18+) is legal to possess a pistol per state law (there are some states that are different though.) This leads to the conclusion that anyone (in these states) who is 18 or older can buy and possess a pistol as long as there is no FFL involved. So FTF sales or gifts from parents etc are completely legal ways for someone between the ages of 18 and 21 to get a pistol without being able to buy from a dealer.

Good luck getting a FFL to tell you/confirm this though. NONE in my area believe me even though I have several CCW permits, have brought in hard copies of the actual state and fed code, and had a pretty good collection of pistols (about half bought from local LEOs), and I'm only 20.

As far as carry, many counties in AL, and the states of North Dakota, Maine and New Hampshire (just off the top of my head) all issue permits to those 18 and older. I personally have a Maine and a New Hampshire permit (my local sheriff still wont believe that I can legally possess a pistol.... ) and through reciprocity can legally carry in most of the states in the South East. The only problem is that I sometimes worry that a LEO won't accept the license and arrest me anyway. I know I'm legal, I just don't want to spend a night in jail before they figure it out... so I only carry if I think my possible need for a gun actually out weighs the chances of a LEO arresting me. (yeah yeah, spare me the "if you feel you need it, don't go" lecture. It's the best I can come up with while still carrying some but limiting my exposure. Just 5 months left...)

And to answer the OP's question, I've absolutely stopped going to my local gun stores because of the way they treat me. But I finally found one about an hour and a half away that is great, so much so that I'm dropping between $1,000 and $1,500 in there on several pistols the day I turn 21. Take that Mark's!

 

[VT Deer Hunter]

What i think is it maybe stereotypes and that your younger. I dont think its your clothes either. Dont know about other stuff but i have had that happen a few times.

 

[Havegunjoe]

"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?" That would be because most of your contemporaries are!!! Sorry but people tend to do that to people they don't know. Tattoos, piercings, baggy pants, Mohawks, whatever you can think of to be a little out of the ordinary will bring this attitude from a lot of people. It’s unfortunate but get use to it. It never seems to go away completely.

 

[monet61]

I feel for you man, I'm only 23 and have more firearms than the rest of my family put together with the exception of my late grandfather, and it took forest but I found a shop locally that's full of nice, respectable, fellows that I prefer even at a hundred plus dollar premium to deal with, a few of the fellows working in there are actually younger than me ad just as knowledgeable if not moreso, keep looking and find that preferred gun shop, it a good feeling

What's forest???

 

[chicharrones]

What's forest???

Must be auto-spell correct on a smart phone. Makes people on their smart phones look illiterate. I look il·lit·er·ate on my smart phone fairly regularly.

How about "forever".

 

[chicharrones]

I like this thread. It reminds me how I got treated when I bought my 1st rifle in my 20s. I had grown up with guns, but I had always looked 8 years younger than I was. I swear every gun shop clerk spoke to me like they were Foghorn Leghorn.

Even though I'm 46 I still can run into some weird stuff just because of the way I'm dressed. I wear khakis and polo shirts for work and for some reason this is not "firearm knowledgeable" attire in a few gun shops. The best receptions I had were when I wore jeans and steel toe boots.

 

[SmokeJensen]

Some folks are just like that. If that's all you have to deal with then you will be fine. Wait until you go to the range and folks move away behind you and watch to see how well you shoot. Its only then they realize you are just fine.

There are people out here that pass judgment early. Your job is to make them feel as dumb as you can in the nicest possible way. I'm 26 and I believe I've earned a little respect at my LGS and range. All by doing what I've just said. Good luck.

 

[SonofGilnockie89]

I used to get the same treatment at my local shop until one day I walked in and paid cash for a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 and 3rd Gen Glock 23. I understand why they acted that way as most of the younger crowd in this area do only want to paw the merchandise.....though they have no interest in actually buying it.

I am, however, constantly suffering from high blood pressure due to the constant moaning of the older generations about how everything is the fault of "these kids these days." When I hear such a statement, I remind them that the problems facing the Republic cropped up on THEIR watch, not ours. I even had to call my own stepfather out on such an assertion one day when we were cruising the gun shops (I was giving "advice" on a carry gun). He struck up a conversation with the older gentleman working the counter and it took no time for them to start ragging on Generation Y. I simply walked up and asked him how it is that I have a carry permit and he doesn't, me being from the new worthless generation and all.

Just let such stupidity roll off. Who knows, maybe one day we will find ourselves complaining about "kids these days." Happy shooting.

 

[nblanton]

I've never liked gun shops, or the employees for the most part. When I was younger, I got the feeling that I was about to get thrown out because I had long hair and baggy jeans. Now days, I get it even worse for the Obama sticker on my Jeep. I pretty much just gave up on the stores and do everything via the internet and face-to-face transactions. I had a cop that pulled me over in my late teens with an SKS in the back seat. He about shot himself because he didn't know how to drop the mag floor plate and ended up jacking a round into the chamber because he refused to let me explain how to drop the rounds. Some folks know guns, some should, and a lot think they know more than they do and are too proud to ask.

 

[PoserHoser]

I'm 16 yes you read it right a 16 year old gun nut and not a punk and im not obsessed with guns i only see in movies or games. i come up against the same stuff just from looking. usually all you gotta do is talk to them about "classic" guns and they warm right up

 

[Viking Queen]

Fleet is right, try being a female going into a gun shop, alone.

Try being a female, senior, going in to a gun shop, by herself, to buy first handgun.

Tried several gun shops until I found one where I was not ignored, treated like someone's doddering grandmother, treated like I did not know what I was asking for when I requested to see a specific handgun, treated like I did not have a brain in my head. Where I was told "NO, you don't want that one." and walked away from me, when I requested the revolver that I had researched. Rather like car dealerships often treat women shopping alone.

Finally found a shop where every employee from early 20's to my age equally treated me with respect and not like a senile old biddy. They answered every question I had, gave additional information, explained the paperwork and purchase process, gave information about great instructors and good ranges nearby. It was a great experience, I have since returned for my second gun purchase and they greet me by my first name when I walk in the door.

It's been a fun ride, this last year, getting into guns and shooting and I've met some great people along the way.

Hank, I'll venture you will have a great ride as well, and don't worry, they won't think you're a kid for long. . . because you're not.

Viking Queen

 

[The Bushmaster]

Well Stated Viking Queen..

When I was doing my apprenticeship (auto Mechanic) in 1959-62. That was one of the first thing my boss (instructor) drilled into my head. ALL persons coming through that door was a customer and had money to spend AND would be treated with respect. It still holds true today...

 

[Oic0]

I never caught that problem much. I am one of those guys you just can't tell how old I am. Look like a kid if I shave, look 40 if I don't. I go with a goatee for the middle ground.

Around these parts though, the biggest best stocked gun shop is Outdoor World. Primers, brass, powders, some die sets, scales, etc... Good selection of guns. The guys behind the counter look like they still belong in high school.

Not really a problem anyhow though. I haven't been in a gun shop around here that didn't have at least a 20% markup over online prices, and the pawn shops have about a 10% markup over online prices... except on used beat up guns lol. I'm not going to argue or bargain with them, to me that is fighting them to take my money. I'll just go online and order it at the best available price minus the stress and bargaining (and tax).

 

[NoobCannon]

ah, yes...something I know all too well. I just turned 21, so I still look young, despite my attempts at a mustache, and I dress for the most part like a redneck exploded near a hippy. I have hair that goes down to the middle of my back, in a ponytail, and I'm rarely ever in nice clothes.

While my LGS treated me like gold, and at age 20, encouraged me to handle the hardware so that when I turned 21 I had a well informed decision on what I wanted, the pawn shops weren't so nice. When I asked at the one pawn shop here in town to see a Rock Island 1911 they had in the glass case, they asked my age, and when I told them, they flat refused saying "Looking is as far as you'll get, Kid". Oh well, they didn't deserve my business, anyways. Another pawnshop down the Highway in a town I used to live in that we still frequent, Has gotten a new gun counter employee, who's always thought of me as slow, and has said it to me before, because of the fact I'm a quiet person. My dad says I'm like my Grandfather in that respect, where I'll only speak when I have to. Anyways, they had a Krag on the back shelf of their gun display, and I asked to take a look at it. As I opened the side loading gate, worked the action, my dad looked it over from his side, and I asked the guy behind the counter if he had any rounds for it, since it's bit of a rare caliber for my parts. He had a box of really old stuff he was willing to throw in if we bought it.

Offhand, I explained to my dad about the Moro Rebellion, and how the Krags were completely inneffective, and the guy tried to trip me up by asking me what caliber they adopted after. My response was

".30-03, But they ended up modifying it with better powder and a newer bullet shape and rebadged it .30-06"

His jaw dropped a little, then he probed a bit more and asked me more questions, trying to stump me. Didn't happen. He had newfound respect for me when I left.

Never judge a book by it's cover.

 

[Ignition Override]

The Bushmaster:

That's exactly why my (younger) 53 year-old brother mostly avoids Rajo's Guns, in downtown Evansville, IN.

Their prices also are a turn-off.

Stores with a chilly, know-it-all atmosphere lose business to others which have staff who have at least a bit of people "skills", and a little humility, such as Whittakers, about 40 minutes away in northwest KY.
Usually during my visits, we drive out of our way to tour 'Whittakers" and never visit Rajos, or instead go to "Red Ghost", on the edge of Evansville.

On the way to Evansville, I always stop into TN Gun Country and Allan's, both in Clarkesville, very near Ft. Campbell.
They are good people, and Allan's has lots of milsurps: just found a nice Spanish FR8.

 

[HavelockLEO]

Its not just youth, lol, theres a place called TAG in Jacksonville NC thats about as snooty as you can get and thier prices are Stratospherically HIGH, even for a bone stock Remington 700. With these guys if you arent prior Marine Infantry or better, they wont even ask to help you, and thats based on appearence alone. Theres a shop alittle closer to home that wont let you handle anything unless youre serious about buying what you want to look at
Thats a far cry from a place that we used to have here called "Bullseye Gun Shop" that was run by a retired Marine Major. I started going into the shop when I was in the 6th grade and would hang around till he closed some days. The owner had known my father since he was a kid too (my dad went to school with his kids and he lived down the street from my dad and grandparents). Bullseye was a great place that only exists in memories now, but those are some great memories.
My best advice is to find a place you like and stick with it, dont give your businness to the others and definetly dont let it bother you its a waste of energy.

 

[RevDerb]

So I feel pretty confident saying that I'm the youngest member here. I turned 18 in January and got my License less than a month ago. I've noticed that whenever I go into a gunshop or look around in the gun section of the local Dick's sporting goods I get eyed up. I'm sure I'm not the usual fair (I'm 5'11'' 225 pounds, white, and i wear plaid shirts, jeans that are worn/faded and skate shoes or Timberlands) but I always feel out of place. I mean I know I'm young but I know my stuff, my grandads been teaching me how to handle, identify, break down, build and work on just about every gun I've come across in any shop in the state (he was however a pro gunsmith).

Whenever I ask for a specific model (ussually a surplus rifle like a Mosin) their eyes widen and ask me "what in God's good name would you know about them?" said in an almost threatening tone like I'm a child. I remember I was in Tip's Hardware near Tuckerton Seaport (New Jersey) and the owner, the on site gunsmith and a customer were trying to figure out how to break down a springfield xd. I walked over and kindly said that I'd be happy to show them (I am NOT allowed to own handguns in NJ but my dad owns a few xd's and i've cleaned them and even duracoated one for him). All three looked like theyd seen a ghost and said "If we can't open it up you sure as hell can't" and he handed me the pistol. I dropped the mag, locked the slide back, flipped the takedown lever, pulled the trigger and let down the slide and took the whole thing apart right in front of them and set the pieces on the table for them. The customer was impressed, the shop owner laughing at the smith and the smith was in shock. Mind you the customer was in his forties and both men behind the counter were mid 70's.

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?

Shoot! I'm 65+ years old and many gun shops (especially in the city) make me feel like they are doing me a favor if they talk to me. Maybe I'm making a mistake walking into a gun shop as a bespeckled, bald, overweight geek looking guy instead of a black leathered, Harley riding hard guy. I don't think that you should feel like you are being singled out. I think that many who spend time on here will agree with me when I say that I am baffled why most firearm retailers are even in business since customers seem to be such an interruption in their day. I am fortunate, however, to have a local, backwoods, father-and-son LGS who treats me like one of the family when I'm buzzed through the security locked door into the most amazing candy shop in the world. IMHO.