gun store stories.

[Axis II]

I was reading the thread about supporting local gun shops and it touched a nerve so I figured id vent a little.

I shop at a local mom and pop store that started out with 1 store but now has several stores and is always busy. I began going to one of their other stores cause its a little closer to me and just getting into reloading I was there weekly picking up odds and ends I needed.

well my issue is this older guy who works there always eye balls me now when I go in there like I'm a criminal. one day he made a comment about me being in there a lot and I said yeah I forgot a few things. its usually oh crap I forgot primers or I get what I can afford at that time and back payday for more. if I see something I'm not sure of I Google it real quick on my phone for reference. well this last time I was in there the store was busy and this guy sees me and says how's it going, I say good. then he walk all the way down the counter and stands there staring at me. he says need something I said nope just looking. need some powder. I then go to the next aisle and he walk over and just stands there and says you sure your good. I said yeah I'm pricing stuff for when I get paid. I tell my uncle who is with me watch this and walk 3 aisles over and the guy walks down the counter and stands there staring at me. now in that week I spent probably $100-200 and came back for another
$100-200 purchase and have a cart full of stuff. my uncle says he's watching you probably because we come in here all the time.

I go in there the next time and I did need his help and he says something and I said oh ..... and he says yeah I'm a retired cop. I came very close of not ever going back to this store ever again because I felt as if I was being profiled because I patronized them a lot. go up front and everyone says what ya forget? lol.

at their other store there is a gun counter guy who I wont deal with cause he does the same thing. every other weekend a few of us will go out to eat and swing in there looking for a deal or something we need. I always head right over to the used guns cause sometimes they have killed deals. this guy comes over oh just looking again? I said yep too expensive for used stuff for me. LOL.

sorry for the rant. haha

 

[Hanzo581]

Just yesterday I saw this go down at my local shop while I was waiting for my background check.

Customer: I'm looking for a carry gun for my wife, was thinking something bigger than a .380
Sales Guy: (asking lady) let me see your hands
Lady Customer: (Hold up hands)
Sales Guy: Oh yeah, she can totally handle a 9mm.

I almost think gun stores operate in an alternate reality.

 

[4thPointOfContact]

Shoot, ya got ya'self yer own Stepin Fetchit,, take advantage of it, man. Have him fetch you some primers, then remember you need some oil, maybe oh yeah, you need patches too.

Sorry about all the profiling, I've heard it's an occupational hazard in LE as they get used to expecting a certain clientele and expect the rest of society to march their primary 'customers'.

 

[otrman]

Sometimes people are just that way, they don't mean to be but that is their normal. For example, there is a place near me that reloads ammo for some of the local ranges and sells only reloading supplies. First time I went there he came across as a real <deleted>. But he had very good selection and supply and didn't price gouge during the panic, so I continued going. After few trips, I started to see that he talked to and treated others the same as he had dealt with me. Once, I happened to be leaving along with an older gentleman and asked him, "Is he always like that?". He said they grew up together and he has been like that since a kid. So you can let it get you upset, just let it go, or as another suggested have some fun with it.

 

[Vonderek]

Everybody laments the "mom & pop" stores dying because of the big box stores. I bypass it all and just buy online. I refuse to do any business in the small stores because they all seem to be staffed by jerks and the big box stores are overpriced.

 

[MechAg94]

Mom and Pop stores can be great, but you do get personalities which are good and bad.

 

[Speedo66]

I had one local store where the owner smoked like a chimney and the entire small store stunk like an ashtray. Had to go outside and take a breath every once in awhile.

Same guy inevitably got into political rants. I didn't need to be subjected to his slightly insane and persistently pessimistic view of the world just to pick up a box of ammo.

Shame because the store had an eclectic mix of guns, and good ammo prices when nobody had ammo. The owner just made going there untenable.

 

[Acera]

We had a great experience last week at a shop. Can't really call it a gun shop as they don't sell firearms, no FFL. However, they sell everything else you need for your AR-15.

Cousin had a stripped lower he wanted to finish out. We went in with a stripped lower, trigger guard and a charging handle. He left with a finished rifle.

The shop is set up with a work bench, the owner provides assistance and tools. We picked out parts, then my cousin assembled them on his bench with the owner teaching him the entire process, then paid for them. Ended up with a nice rifle, and the owner threw in a free MagPul magazine to say thanks once the rifle was finished.

Small shop near Lake Houston (TX). Man and his wife run it, and they had a young man working also, don't know if he is the son or not. Was at least a dozen customers in there the entire time we were working on his AR.

They sell part for AR-10s also.

They have Polymer80 lower kits for $3 over website price. Waiting on a different color and I will get one from him.

Good prices, good selection, good people.


As far as the rifle.

Fell in love with the diamond fluted barrel in .223 Wylde.
Full height picatinny railed gas block
Upgraded to a Nickle Boron bolt carrier group.
Ergo Grip
MagPul front and back over a mil spec. tube.
Regular lower parts kit, purchased and installed upgraded spring kit. Trigger is not bad, kinda surprised at that.
A2 flash hider.

He has some more work to do on it, but for now the bones are in place. He has a good bench vise just out of the picture.

Picture below is of the work table that is in the customer area of the shop.






.

 

[Rock185]

ohihunter, had similar experience at the local Wal-Mart where we've shopped for several years. Over a period of months the same loss prevention guy followed me around and watched me, trying unsuccessfully to look inconspicuous, as I shopped. I was on the local PD and knew who he was. Don't know if he knew me and was hoping to catch a cop shoplifting, or didn't know me and watched me because average looking older guys dressed casually in clean clothes, without tattoos, who bathe regularly and have most of their teeth are unusual in Wal-Mart

 

[Swing]

Everybody laments the "mom & pop" stores dying because of the big box stores. I bypass it all and just buy online. I refuse to do any business in the small stores because they all seem to be staffed by jerks and the big box stores are overpriced.

Pretty much. There is a reason some of us only buy online and transfer through a local licensee.

 

[LoneGoose]

Rock185, that cracked me up.

I'm lucky enough to have had some good experiences in Mom & Pop stores. I can think of three where the staff were knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. They never try to "push" a gun on someone and will explain clearly and helpfully anything a customer asks. Oh, I've been in stores where the staff were the opposite, but I didn't go back to them. I'd rather drive an hour than give those kind of folks my money. A good gun store is like a good barber. You enjoy the experience and you're never disappointed. Good luck in the future.

THR rocks.

 

[BigBore44]

ohihunter,
Based on what you're original post says, it appears that you have someone who is very aware of your presence. Maybe it's how you dress, maybe it's you being aware you're being watched and therefore you look nervous. You obviously watch him too which peaks his interest in you. It's very common for that reaction....

My thought, FWIW, is you have an opportunity to make a friend at that shop. Have you introduced yourself in a friendly manner? Have you gone to him to bury any worries he might have about you? You probably know his name already. If not, you should. So... It really is as simple as asking him for help and as he helping you, introduce yourself, ask him about his LE experience, what he likes to shoot, and favorite loads, etc. Find common ground with this guy. And try to deal exclusively with him when you go there. Bet you a dollar you two end up being buddies if you do it right. Right now all you have is a former LE guy watching someone at a LGS, who knows they're being watched. And like I said, people act differently when they know they are being watched. You can claim all day you don't act any different. But you do. Based on your post, I KNOW you do.

Keep it negative if you want and you'll miss out on a great opportunity.

 

[Axis II]

bigbore.

I know I act different because it kinda ticks me off. im far from being a thief. I have a criminal justice degree, worked many years in section 8 housing authority, bank guard, armored truck guard. I mentioned it to him one day awhile back and that's how I found out he is retired LEO. a buddy was looking for a handgun and I said m&p and the guy asked why and I said that's what I carry and he said I like glock or something. I'm a retired cop, I said oh I work section 8, etc we carry m&p. he probably doesn't remember just sees my 6ft6 300lbs butt in there all the time so he watches me.

 

[Acera]

he probably doesn't remember just sees my 6ft6 300lbs butt in there all the time so he watches me.

Maybe because you are easier to track than a 110 pound track star that can hide behind a skinny metal post, and skitter away to other end of the store in a few seconds.

Low hanging fruit. He can tell his boss he followed this big guy around and did not lose you once

 

[BigBore44]

ohihunter,
You're a big dude, I'd watch you too. I was not implying you look like a criminal. And I sincerely hope my words weren't interpreted that way. I don't know how big this retired LEO is. But your imposing size probably and attitude towards has him on guard. And it's not really your fault. By my standards you are are the large end of the spectrum, but not gigantic as I have friends your size and bigger. And many smaller. Smallest is a true dwarf, Biggest is 7'4" 380lbs. And the bigger guys typically have a demeanor about them that makes them even more imposing. But it is a natural response for smaller people to be on guard around larger individuals such as yourself. And as a result, they try to appear like they aren't intimidated (little man syndrome). They typically fail miserably. As it appears this guy has. You two have more in common than either of you think. You just have to be the bigger person here (pun intended). But don't mention anything about you being bigger than he is as the reason for his discomfort around you. Its actually a very simple solution to a problem with numerous complexities.

When I encounter situations like this, I bury it, fast. You both have let this go on far to long. Based on your posts, this can be easily resolved. Just have to use the right technique. Do it right, and you two will be buddies. If you want.

 

[kkayser]

notify the owner

I just notify the owner. The best way is on the shop's website. I got a return email the next day. the owner said to deal with him personally and gave me his cell number.

If you don't get satisfaction, put the gripe on a public web site like Yelp with a copy to the owner.

kk

 

[Sergei Mosin]

It's easy to focus on the negative. I like to think about the folks in the stores here who ooh and ahh over my kids when they come along and ask how they're doing when they don't. I like to remember the guy who always says, "Hey, got something for you!" when I come in if there's something new he knows I might like. I like the guys who don't mind pulling out a bunch of different guns to look at even when they know I'm not buying that day, just because we all like guns and it's fun to look at them and talk about them. Look for that good stuff and forget about the bad; life's too short.

 

[Axis II]

I just notify the owner. The best way is on the shop's website. I got a return email the next day. the owner said to deal with him personally and gave me his cell number.

If you don't get satisfaction, put the gripe on a public web site like Yelp with a copy to the owner.

kk

im not that upset about it to get the guy fired. I was at walmart getting tires and oil and began looking around and was there about an hour-1.5hr. loss prevention started following me around and I was on the phone with a buddy and I said really loud LP is following me cause I've been here an hour getting tires done. that guy basically ran away from me like oh god I'm caught. I think this guy just sees me a lot and thinks the worst. it was just irritating to have him bluntly follow me and my 60yo uncle and just stand there and stare at me. ill take big bores approach and talk with him.

 

[buck460XVR]

The guy asked if you needed help, and when you refused it and continued to walk the isles for an extended period of time, he kept an eye on you to,

A.) make sure you didn't need help.

or

B.) make sure you weren't ripping off the store.


Sounds like to me he is just doing his job, and well.

If he is an ex-cop, he probably is profiling you. Odd are you fit his description of a shoplifter, or display some other form of suspicious behavior. The fact that folks in the other store show the same interest in you tells me you are sending bad vibes. Problem is, while they is keeping their eyes solely on you, a real shoplifter may be stealing the store blind. Still, as long as you are doing nuttin' wrong, why worry about it? As BigBore44 said, go up to the guy and express your concerns. Could be there are other reasons he is attracted to you...........

 

[Axis II]

The guy asked if you needed help, and when you refused it and continued to walk the isles for an extended period of time, he kept an eye on you to,

A.) make sure you didn't need help.

or

B.) make sure you weren't ripping off the store.


Sounds like to me he is just doing his job, and well.

If he is an ex-cop, he probably is profiling you. Odd are you fit his description of a shoplifter, or display some other form of suspicious behavior. The fact that folks in the other store show the same interest in you tells me you are sending bad vibes. Problem is, while they is keeping their eyes solely on you, a real shoplifter may be stealing the store blind. Still, as long as you are doing nuttin' wrong, why worry about it? As BigBore44 said, go up to the guy and express your concerns. Could be there are other reasons he is attracted to you...........

the other guy doesn't like me cause I called them out on a few things. my buddy went to buy a used bolt gun from them and the bolt wouldn't close. the other guy that asks if im just looking says oh its fine and tries to slam the bolt home. I said your going to break it because the circle piece that is protruding from the bolt that cocks it is broken, you could see it hanging out and spring exposed. I asked on behalf of my buddy if some $ could be taken off and he said no he would go in back and fix it. I said okay when it comes out like it is now is he screwed? the guy got a little upset about it. I asked to have a gun unlocked and look in the bore to find out it was bad (ML all pitted) told him no thanks. hes family to the owner so when you don't buy he gets mad. after we eat i usually go look at the used guns and hes always at the counter. if its not a good deal i don't buy it.

 

[Reloadron]

When you own a small brick and mortar gun shop for several years you generally have a few stories to relate. I can share one of the more humorous ones. There was a kid, maybe mid 20s who would simply come in and hang around. Gun shop rat if you will. Nothing wrong with a coffee pot and some gun shop talk. One day a gentleman comes in looking to sell a gun. I always made it clear up front that I buy guns for one reason, that being to sell them. I made it clear they would do better selling the gun in a private sale transaction than selling it to me. The advantage of selling it to me? I paid cash on the barrel head right now. I forget what the gun was but I made an offer. This kid looks at the gentleman and out bids me, tells the guy he will offer more and did right there. I was ready to use a shop gun and shoot the little sob right then and there. I could not believe the kid did that in my shop. The guy left and I went off on the kid. Told him when he was paying the rent, utilities and insurance then he could make offers, till then he should shut up least I shoot him.

Ron

 

[kcofohio]

Ron, I hope he took it to heart! lol

ohihunter2014, I visit a LSG in a town nearby from time to time. Usually I go there to check on reloading components. Those are in a back room. There is one older guy in there that several times shadowed me (Mr. Obvious) when I was looking around. First couple of times I was a bit offended. But then, I don't know what their shop may have gone through, thiefs or tampering. About the third time, I started to talk with him about whatever, weather, local issues. He kinda backed off and is more friendly, albeit gruffy.

I figure I'm going in to look for something, bottom line. Heck, I put up with some offensive characters about everyday. They're called co-workers.

 

[czhen]

I have some, one desk clerk was typing the nics and talking and talking playing around with another one. So, I said to him focus because if you put the wrong info you give unnecessary delay, he did not like at all. I would say again.

 

[Tallbald]

A dealer in Elizabethtown KY once raised his voice at me for retracting the slide on a Beretta Tomcat to check for an empty chamber after he took it out of the display case for me to examine. He said I would "wear out his new gun" and that he "already checked it" and "you shouldn't do that to another man's gun" (not in front of me he hadn't checked it). I laid the gun on the counter and explained that my checkbook and I would NEVER bother him again. His wife apologized to me for his behavior. I always wondered if he berated her after my wife and I left. Haven't darkened his door since.Don.

 

[MedWheeler]

The one I most frequent has at least one guy who has told me he wished they didn't have to bother with the NICS check on me because "you buy guns in here all the time."

This is the store that turned away Omar Mateen, and tried to report him, then unidentified, to the FBI.