I read all these stories and I'd have to say that most of them involve idiot sales people with no sales training.
A good salesman asks you what YOU need, want, and then makes SUGGESTIONS for something else if necessary, all to do one thing, find out what works for you.
Its not about what he wants, or what he loves, its about the customer.
I work sales, and I deal with hundreds of customers a day, sure I sell a printer and not a gun, but its the same philosophy.
Guy comes in wanting a new printer for photos, doesn't want to pay alot for ink. I take that into consideration and show him some models that are a good price on ink, use individual cartridges and a brand that has had very few returns. If he doesn't want individual cartridges, I show him another model with tri-color inks. I may not agree that a tri-color cartridge saves money, but I'll find him one thats inexpensive because thats what he wants.
Of course I will tell him why I like the individual ink system for his needs, but don't push it, he's the one who's going to weigh the pro's and con's, not you. Your there to influence him that the purchase he is going to make is the one that he's going to be happy with and not return.
Same exact principal can be applied to selling firearms. So what you don't think 9mm is all that great, he wants it, you can tell him the facts but if he wants a 9mm, GIVE HIM A 9MM!
lol
Point being, these guys are obviously guys that they hire off the street that have product knowledge. I hire guys who have sales experience, everyone can learn product knowledge down the road, but you want someone who knows how to sell, make your store money, than one who thinks he knows everything but doesn't sell anything.