gun shop etiquette?
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yayarx7
Member
Do not dry fire any gun that is not yours, unless the owner says its cool.
Ask questions, is it new, any experience with these, how do they shoot..pretty accurate? What holster would you recommend? What ammo would shoot best in this pistol?.... etc etc...
If the guy is worth buying a pistol from he'll soon catch on your a new-b and spend some time with you.
If you get that warm fuzzy feeling then maybe it will be the start of a life long friendship.
If the guy is worth buying a pistol from he'll soon catch on your a new-b and spend some time with you.
If you get that warm fuzzy feeling then maybe it will be the start of a life long friendship.
grislyatoms
Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2004
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Don't drop the slide on an empty chamber.
If you want to release the slide, grasp the rear of the slide,hit the slide release, and let it go forward slowly.
Also, don't "flip" the cylinder back into the frame of a revolver.
Personally, I would tell them it's your first trip to a gunshop, a little about what you are interested in and go from there.
If you want to release the slide, grasp the rear of the slide,hit the slide release, and let it go forward slowly.
Also, don't "flip" the cylinder back into the frame of a revolver.
Personally, I would tell them it's your first trip to a gunshop, a little about what you are interested in and go from there.
Just some simple things:
1. NEVER LOAD A GUN IN THE STORE. No one cares if you are "just checking" or you "want to see if the ammo fits" or what. You likely will be invited out and told not to come back.
2. Don't point a gun at the clerk or other customers, ever, even if you KNOW it is not loaded.
3. Never pick up a gun that someone else has been looking at and laid down unless you ask him and the clerk if it OK.
4. On handing back a gun, let the clerk wipe it down; don't wipe it on your sweaty T-shirt.
5. Some shops have a "one gun at a time" policy so the clerk doesn't lose track of guns (thieves sometimes enter in a group and pass guns around so the clerk loses track and the thieves get away with one or more guns). Respect that policy and don't ask to "see those five guns so I can compare."
6. Don't ever disassemble a gun without permission. Don't disassemble a gun unless you KNOW how to put it back together again. If the clerk refuses permission, live with it. No store wants guns, especially new guns, taken apart and maybe scratched and marked up. Or springs and parts flying all over the place.
7. Have some idea what you want or are interested in. Don't have the clerk taking out every gun in the place so you can "look at" them.
8. Some gun store clerks are knowledgeable, polite and interested. Some are rude, ignorant and hate you for interrupting TV watching. Give your patronage to those who treat you right. On the opposite side, don't be arrogant or nasty. You may very well know more than the clerk, but you don't need to beat him over the head with your knowledge.
9. Once you are well known as a good customer, and are respected for your knowledge and common sense, some of these rules may change, especially if you are alone with the clerk and won't be giving others bad ideas.
10. When you reach the point mentioned in 9 above, many good things will happen. You may be offered discounts; you may ask the dealer how much it costs to accept delivery on a gun you buy elsewhere and be pleasantly surprised to find out there is no charge, even if the sign says it is $40.
Support your local dealer; he is the backbone of our hobby.
Jim
1. NEVER LOAD A GUN IN THE STORE. No one cares if you are "just checking" or you "want to see if the ammo fits" or what. You likely will be invited out and told not to come back.
2. Don't point a gun at the clerk or other customers, ever, even if you KNOW it is not loaded.
3. Never pick up a gun that someone else has been looking at and laid down unless you ask him and the clerk if it OK.
4. On handing back a gun, let the clerk wipe it down; don't wipe it on your sweaty T-shirt.
5. Some shops have a "one gun at a time" policy so the clerk doesn't lose track of guns (thieves sometimes enter in a group and pass guns around so the clerk loses track and the thieves get away with one or more guns). Respect that policy and don't ask to "see those five guns so I can compare."
6. Don't ever disassemble a gun without permission. Don't disassemble a gun unless you KNOW how to put it back together again. If the clerk refuses permission, live with it. No store wants guns, especially new guns, taken apart and maybe scratched and marked up. Or springs and parts flying all over the place.
7. Have some idea what you want or are interested in. Don't have the clerk taking out every gun in the place so you can "look at" them.
8. Some gun store clerks are knowledgeable, polite and interested. Some are rude, ignorant and hate you for interrupting TV watching. Give your patronage to those who treat you right. On the opposite side, don't be arrogant or nasty. You may very well know more than the clerk, but you don't need to beat him over the head with your knowledge.
9. Once you are well known as a good customer, and are respected for your knowledge and common sense, some of these rules may change, especially if you are alone with the clerk and won't be giving others bad ideas.
10. When you reach the point mentioned in 9 above, many good things will happen. You may be offered discounts; you may ask the dealer how much it costs to accept delivery on a gun you buy elsewhere and be pleasantly surprised to find out there is no charge, even if the sign says it is $40.
Support your local dealer; he is the backbone of our hobby.
Jim
seanmc42
Member
Don't hold the gun up to yourself in the mirror saying things like:
"Are you talking to me? I guess you must be talking to me, cause I don't see anybody else here!"
- JK
Actually, previous responses are good advice. I would only add don't be embarrased about being a "gun noob"; tell the sales person right up front, and 9 times out of 10 they'll be excited to "take you under their wing", so-to-speak, and show you the ins and outs of buying a new gun.
One other thing is don't buy from the first shop you step into - some of these places have employees that don't really know a lot, though they'll have you think otherwise. Shop around, and share your experiences from one shop with the next - that will help you get an idea as to who is full of what
Safe shooting, and welcome to the wonderful world of firearms!
"Are you talking to me? I guess you must be talking to me, cause I don't see anybody else here!"
- JK
Actually, previous responses are good advice. I would only add don't be embarrased about being a "gun noob"; tell the sales person right up front, and 9 times out of 10 they'll be excited to "take you under their wing", so-to-speak, and show you the ins and outs of buying a new gun.
One other thing is don't buy from the first shop you step into - some of these places have employees that don't really know a lot, though they'll have you think otherwise. Shop around, and share your experiences from one shop with the next - that will help you get an idea as to who is full of what
Safe shooting, and welcome to the wonderful world of firearms!
Warren
Member
As a gun noob myself I made that clear and was given a lot of help.
Also I've always been polite and respectful with the staff, and so when it came time to make a deal I got a good one.
Also I've always been polite and respectful with the staff, and so when it came time to make a deal I got a good one.
Wildalaska
member
WildthebackboneofourbizistherepeatcustomersAlaska
WhoKnowsWho
Member
Don't start shaking and sweating uncontrollably as you get closer and closer to walking out with your first gun... it makes them nervous!
Redlg155
Member
Make sure you do your research and ask around different shops for average prices in your area. You can even ask here. If you do a search over at Gunbroker.com or other auction site, add approximately $100 from the average cost there. If the dealer wants more than that, he might be raking you over the coals.
We have a dealer in my area that routinely prices his handguns way over what they should be. Like $750. for a SA loaded 1911. A more reasonable price would be the mid $500 range.
Have a number in your head for what you think is reasonable based on your research. And whatever you do do not say " I can get it in the shotgun news or online cheaper!". Just inform him that you only have a cerain amount to spend.
I've seen very helpful professional gunshop employees. At the same time I've seen some take extreme advantage of folks new to shooting just to make a quick sale.
Good Shooting
Red
We have a dealer in my area that routinely prices his handguns way over what they should be. Like $750. for a SA loaded 1911. A more reasonable price would be the mid $500 range.
Have a number in your head for what you think is reasonable based on your research. And whatever you do do not say " I can get it in the shotgun news or online cheaper!". Just inform him that you only have a cerain amount to spend.
I've seen very helpful professional gunshop employees. At the same time I've seen some take extreme advantage of folks new to shooting just to make a quick sale.
Good Shooting
Red
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.
Waitone
Member
If store personnel give you a hard time, leave and never return. Newbies are not fair game for twisted personalities.
XLMiguel
Member
Since no one else has said it,
Congratulations!!!
and welcome to the tribe.
So what are you getting?
Congratulations!!!
and welcome to the tribe.
So what are you getting?
I was at a gun store today and I watched and interesting series of events. I was at the store buying a Sig Trailside, with the 6-inch barrel. I already shot it at the range. I'm really pleased with it!
Anyway, a young black feller was buying a gun (I don't know what kind), and he got a delay when he was getting his background check. He got all bent out of shape as if it was the store's fault. I got tired of the guy's fussing and I chimed in. I told him that it could be something as simple as his name being the same as a someone with a criminal record, and that they have to dig a little deeper into his record. And I told him that I've been delayed before, and that it could be only thirty minutes. He didn't seemed convinced, and suspected the store owner was prejudice or something. Instead of waiting for the delay, he got his money back and left in a huff, muttering to himself about the injustice of it all. What an idiot!
Anyway, a young black feller was buying a gun (I don't know what kind), and he got a delay when he was getting his background check. He got all bent out of shape as if it was the store's fault. I got tired of the guy's fussing and I chimed in. I told him that it could be something as simple as his name being the same as a someone with a criminal record, and that they have to dig a little deeper into his record. And I told him that I've been delayed before, and that it could be only thirty minutes. He didn't seemed convinced, and suspected the store owner was prejudice or something. Instead of waiting for the delay, he got his money back and left in a huff, muttering to himself about the injustice of it all. What an idiot!
AZLibertarian
Member
My 2 cents....
If there's a gun store in your area with an indoor range, I'd spend the time and money to rent a couple of guns in my price range/caliber. A handgun is a very personal piece of equipment. What the clerk finds is accurate and comfortable to shoot may not do so well in yours. Find a way to try out a number of different types/calibers.
Whatever you do when handling the gun, don't point it 'gangsta-style'. :banghead:
If there's a gun store in your area with an indoor range, I'd spend the time and money to rent a couple of guns in my price range/caliber. A handgun is a very personal piece of equipment. What the clerk finds is accurate and comfortable to shoot may not do so well in yours. Find a way to try out a number of different types/calibers.
Whatever you do when handling the gun, don't point it 'gangsta-style'. :banghead:
41mag
Member
Well,all of the above is advice of the most excellent kind.There is,however,one more thing.This might apply better after you have a few.
Make sure that all your bills are paid & that you know ,for sure,what you want.Some of those gun store salesmen can smell a weak constitution a mile away. You might just walk out w/a buy(or two
)you hadn't planned on.
Congrats BTW!
Make sure that all your bills are paid & that you know ,for sure,what you want.Some of those gun store salesmen can smell a weak constitution a mile away.
You might just walk out w/a buy(or two )you hadn't planned on. Congrats BTW!
Welcome new person..
I really cant add much more about weapons than has already been stated..however I might be able to add a thing or 2 about selecting a holster for your new blaster...This is one of the first days that I can use both hands to type in about 3 weeks, so I am gonna ramble a bit...Some of this is "tongue in Cheek" so walk with me a for a time...
DO NOT shove your carbon and wd-40 crudded up "Crock" into an $60.00 holster without permission...<~~dont ask
DO NOT try to test the "strength"of the holster first, before purchasing it..This includes using both hands at the holster mouth to see if you can "pull" the stitching...<~~See above
DO NOT tell the dealer that you can make the same holster for half the price that looks 10 times better than what he is carrying..Also when the "extremely" good looking guy that was talking to the owner when ya walked in calls ya on it and basically says "prove it" dont get mad and walk off...
DO ask questions about the holster...what it fits, and what it DOES NOT fit...<~~you would be surprised!
Do ask about warranties...
Do ask other styles, and ease of carry..
Do ask about returns...
Do ask if holster maker has ever been a porn star<~~vicious rumor!
Do tell your sister or single female friends about said "extremely" good looking holster maker..<~~this gets ya a HUGE discount!!!
I really cant add much more about weapons than has already been stated..however I might be able to add a thing or 2 about selecting a holster for your new blaster...This is one of the first days that I can use both hands to type in about 3 weeks, so I am gonna ramble a bit...Some of this is "tongue in Cheek" so walk with me a for a time...
DO NOT shove your carbon and wd-40 crudded up "Crock" into an $60.00 holster without permission...<~~dont ask
DO NOT try to test the "strength"of the holster first, before purchasing it..This includes using both hands at the holster mouth to see if you can "pull" the stitching...<~~See above
DO NOT tell the dealer that you can make the same holster for half the price that looks 10 times better than what he is carrying..Also when the "extremely" good looking guy that was talking to the owner when ya walked in calls ya on it and basically says "prove it" dont get mad and walk off...
DO ask questions about the holster...what it fits, and what it DOES NOT fit...<~~you would be surprised!
Do ask about warranties...
Do ask other styles, and ease of carry..
Do ask about returns...
Do ask if holster maker has ever been a porn star<~~vicious rumor!
Do tell your sister or single female friends about said "extremely" good looking holster maker..<~~this gets ya a HUGE discount!!!
Highland Ranger
Member
The search feature is disabled but when it comes back up (monday I guess), you can find the answer to just about anything gun related here.
I think we have a cleaning basics thread, and also several good threads on how to check out used guns in case you aren't buying new.
Doing some research and learning before you go to buy often leads to a better purchase experience and I think most respectable shop keeps appreciate the effort.
I think we have a cleaning basics thread, and also several good threads on how to check out used guns in case you aren't buying new.
Doing some research and learning before you go to buy often leads to a better purchase experience and I think most respectable shop keeps appreciate the effort.
RRTX
Member
Good advice from everyone One question though, if you are not old enough to carry legally how are you planning on buying at a gun store? You have to be 21 in Florida to carry and you have to be 21 to purchase a handgun from an FFL. (not sure what Florida's rule on private sales are)
One question though, if you are not old enough to carry legally how are you planning on buying at a gun store? You have to be 21 in Florida to carry and you have to be 21 to purchase a handgun from an FFL. (not sure what Florida's rule on private sales are)cracked butt
Member
Filling out 4473 forms-
I helped a friend pick out his first shotgun, when he filled out the 4473, he got to what is probably the only 'optional' blank on the form which is for your S.S. number. I told him that I never fill it in. He didn't, and when NICS was called, the purchase was denied for 3 days. My friend had a fairly common name and there were a few people with similar names in the area that apparantly had criminal records, so he had to wait 3 days for his purcahse to be cleared.
I never had that problem because my name is very uncommon to the point where Its almost unlikely that someone in the US has the same name, let alone in my area.
I helped a friend pick out his first shotgun, when he filled out the 4473, he got to what is probably the only 'optional' blank on the form which is for your S.S. number. I told him that I never fill it in. He didn't, and when NICS was called, the purchase was denied for 3 days. My friend had a fairly common name and there were a few people with similar names in the area that apparantly had criminal records, so he had to wait 3 days for his purcahse to be cleared.
I never had that problem because my name is very uncommon to the point where Its almost unlikely that someone in the US has the same name, let alone in my area.
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