So . . . Are the People at Your Local Gunshop a Bunch of Jerks?

[Byron Quick]

Darn it, the owner of the gun shop I preferred retired a year or so ago. Joe Sheehan, The Gun Cabinet in Augusta, Georgia. Nice guy. Did business with him for over twenty years.

John Dyer down in Statesboro does well.

Mark Dixon here in Waynesboro does also.

I've been hanging out in gunstores in eastern central Georgia for forty years and I haven't run in to any of the salespeople or owners y'all are referring to. Even in the big box type stores. Y'all sure the salespeople might not be reacting to customer attitude and maybe are following people around due to high rates of shoplifting? Since I'm not a guy who exudes charm and charisma; it makes me wonder if people who are finding jerks in stores everywhere might not be doing something to provoke that behavior as I'm not running into it.

It's been eighteen years since I worked in retail merchandising. According to trade journals at that time, fully 11% of the price on retail merchandise was there due to shoplifting. Knowing this always gave me a warm attitude when I entered a shop that was on guard against shoplifting...they were trying to keep prices down.

Now, sure, I have run into people full of misinformation from time to time. But it's not confined to gunshops by a long chalk. There are people who are erroneously sure of their expertise everywhere in all walks of life.

 

[Taurus_9mm]

I frequent two shops here and the owners and clerks are both are extremely polite and friendly. When they see me hovering around the case, I'm asked if I'd like to see something. I've never had anyone at either give me an attitude or try and make me feel obligated to buy anything. If they did, I'd shop elsewhere.

 

[cityslicker]

I have a few local gun shops in the area, and most of the employees seem to be pretty friendly. In fact, a few months ago I was at the shop and asked to see a pair of grips for my 1911, and I ended up trying out different grips on my gun for about an hour. Only because they were slow. But there are a lot of jerks out there, and I would'nt hesitate to tell someone to kiss my ass and walk out.

 

[rdhood]

I don't think gun shops are particularly bad. I've heard all this same stuff said about bicycle shops. What I think it is: any business that has a significant counterpart on the internet is constantly under price pressure. People come in, look and fondle what they want, and buy on the internet. Or, people ask for internet prices in the local shop. I have a few rules: I won't pay more ordering through a gun shop than ordering it myself, I wont pay more than 10% above internet price for something in stock unless I need it today. I don't owe the gun shop a living, and the gun shop has to expect to compete in the real world. I regularly see... both in bike shops and gun shops... where stuff on the shelves is 30% more than internet. That means the gun shop is getting a 30%+ profit margin on some item. Good for them if they can get it, but I am not going to be the one who pays it and they shouldn't be mad at me because I won't. I will pay more, but not hundreds of $$$ more every year at a 30% profit in order to keep them in business. I can see things from their point, but they have to see it from mine, too. They offer a service of being there, today, with the stuff I want to buy today. They can take advantage of that by manipulation of the price and customer service in order to get my sale, realizing that I can almost certainly buy it cheaper if I am willing to wait. Humans like immediate gratification, and the local shop has the advantage but it is up to them to use it wisely.


The guys at my local shop are great. I haven't bought any guns there, but I also don't waste their time by fondling the merchandise. I would not feel right looking at a particular gun behind their counter only to do an FFL transfer of the same model later on. I do buy accessories, powder, primers, ammo. I try to buy everything I can there IF they aren't gouging on the price as defined by my arbitrary rules.

 

[heron]

I have an excellent gun shop nearby, Great Lakes Outdoor Supply, in Chesterland. The guy who works there is knowledgeable and friendly, although it's so busy that he doesn't often have time to socialize much. I bought three of my guns there, and the prices are lower than a lot I've seen on both guns and ammo.

 

[EHL]

Sportsman's Warehouse has always been the friendliest place to go shopping. There's a couple of other mom and pop stores that are uber friendly as well, but that's because I'm a regular and tend to buy plenty of firearms and ammo/components from them. However, my Cabelas here in Idaho, totally different story. Those guys look at me like I just swam accross the border, dripping wet without a dime on me. (I'm a natural born citizen of Mexican descent) They do the same with my older brother as well. They ignore us when we come to the gun counter and act like we won't have the money to buy anything we touch. I guess I can imagine why they might treat us this way as the vast bulk of hispanics that go in there to check out their hardware are some local Caldwell/Nampa gangbanger hispanic types. We don't dress or act like or associate with any of those oafs though and so it would be nice to not be treated like them.

 

[LoganDub8388]

I'm in greenville, NC and there are a couple gunshops where i live...

one has ALOT of stuff, but the guys there are pushy and expect you to buy a 2000 dollar rock river everytime you wanna go in there and check out a few ar-15's. The other two are actually right across from each other and both are very good shops. There are always people from all over hanging out in both shops just chattin it up. Since they both are right next to the police station theres always a few officers in there. Both are run by ex-military (marines, army, and armorers) and both have a very good gunsmith. Ammo prices are a bit high, but handgun and rifle prices are right on and there are also ALOT of accessories that are also right on as far as price goes. Anything behind the glass...you can touch and handle all you want...all while every guy working in there that day gives you his respectable opinion/experiences with the weapon in question. If you have a question (even if has nothing to do with something your gonna buy in there) the front desk guy (whos prolly the coolest dude in there) is on the bluetooth talking to the big boss man right away to ask him. They are also both sponsered by team glock, so they always have atleast 20-25 glocks in there...both stores also give you a significant discount if your paying in cash, depending on who you are and how much you do bizness there. **** the owner of the one of the stores wont leave me alone, everytime i go in there he has got something new from his collection to show me...ie (Mint condition COLT SAA .45) beautiful gun by the way....last time it was a remington 11-87 with a custom metal grooving patterns on the recieiver (very cool).

ill leave you guys with one more kinda funny experience...

last time i went in there (DnL Guns) the owner saw me and threw me a .450 bushmaster ar-15 which he called (The Thumper) with a brand new ACOG mounted....whole gun had desert tan camo pattern...and im checking it out espeically the scope, and hes like "well what are you waiting for, its unloaded go ahead point it out the window and check out the range on the ACOG!"

 

[John Wayne]

Well, I read through the first two pages...

My experience has been about 3:1, bad to good. Let me start off by saying that I am more than willing to pay more for a product if I get better service and can support a local business. With that said, if the aforementioned local business is run by a couple of *******s, this becomes null and void. If I'm going to get crappy service, I might as well go to Wal-Mart or Academy and pay 1/4 less.

I have also been disappointed with the services offered by local gun shops. I called about getting a rifle glass bedded, a revolver reblued, a barrel target crowned, and an action job...they don't do any of it. What kind of "gunsmithing" services do they offer, scope mounting and parts installation? I can do that!

Pawn shops, by nature, are even worse. The staff is more ignorant and less helpful (if they speak English). I had one owner tell me that his $475 Ruger LCP was priced that much because that's how much MSRP was after the recall

I drove out of my way to go to a range which had a Kahr PM40 that I wanted to rent (nowhere else had one for rent). Got there, shot, etc. and was overcharged $27 for range time! So I went to a closer range, where all the employees were jerks with inflated egos (probably since they were open carrying). I was equally disappointed and left having spent way too much money to have a bad time.

Gun shows have been worse than stores, ranges, and pawn shops. Granted, I will find the occasional dealer or private seller who takes an interest in his collection; I usually like to stop and talk to these guys and discuss different guns they have, why they like them, what I'm looking for, etc. and try to buy from them if they have something I want. But the majority of the people have no regard for personal hygeine, no regard for you if you actually know what you're talking about (because that means you won't pay their inflated prices), and even less regard for your female companionship. When looking for a gun for my girlfriend, I got several comments like, "well you'll have to teach her where the safety is" or "this one would be good for a woman." Really? She's standing right next to me, why not ask HER?! I get the impression it's been a while since most of these guys have talked to a human female.

 

[LTR shooter]

There all all kinds out there.

The shop I buy most of my guns from - Plainfield Shooting Supplies in Plainfield , Indiana , is the best I have dealt with here in IN. Always greeted when I walk in the door and they are more than willing to show you anything. The owner shakes my hand and thanks me the last time I purchased a gun. If I bring in a trade they do not act as though I am dragging in a dead raccoon.

The shops run by Horses's rear ends out there too. In Jacksonville , NC I visited a shop some years ago asking if there were any 44 mag revolvers in stock. I was met with - "Why do need one of those , this 12 gauge is all you need to put em down!" And the "good ole boys" just chuckled as I walk out the door. Drove the 50 miles to Wilmington , NC and bought my 44 there.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

No. What you describe is completely foreign to me, and 180 degrees opposite of my local gun shop, which is why I go there. They are trying to sell guns, after all, not put themselves out of business, as it sounds like yours is trying to do. I guess they must litereally be the only game in town.

 

[earlthegoat2]

In my experience most of them are bad. The one I worked for was probably considered bad by some because we liked to joke around a lot and Im sure many people took it out of context. What do you do? I learned why there is usually bad customer relations at most guns stores from working in one.

If it is a pawn shop then the employees there have to deal with every down on their luck story from everyone who walks in and it gets agravating.

Then theres the ones that get bent because you only want to give them 50 bucks for their 12 ga Mossberg 500 because there is a rack with 50 of them on there.

The solution to this is to just suck it up.
Dont listen to them, do your own research on guns.
If they have a good deal jump on it.
Dont take your experience there personally by posting about on here.
GROW SOME THICKER SKIN

 

[zonda_rocks]

Both of my local gun shops are very helpful and polite to me when I go in there, the only complaint I have is, one of the shops fully supports an "assult weapon ban" so that he could sell more "sporting" guns.

 

[highorder]

I regularly see... both in bike shops and gun shops... where stuff on the shelves is 30% more than internet. That means the gun shop is getting a 30%+ profit margin on some item.

Sometimes you get an honest dealer... I was at a gunshow last weekend, and spotted a Benchmade knife I was interested in. The only problem was the price, it was about 30% higher than actual retail. I asked the dealer why the price was to high; his response was fresh, and honest.

"I paid too much for that, and I'm wiling to pass the experience on to you!"

We both laughed, and I moved on down the row of tables...

 

[Templar223]

How does complaining about firearm retailers help our cause or contribute to "The High Road"?

If you don't like the store, shop elsewhere.

I frequent three shops. I have ones I prefer over other ones, but they are all courteous to friendly and all know me by name, as I know them.

I think some of the "jerk" issues may come from gun owners - who are notoriously cheap (or thrifty, depending on your point of view) - wanting one price for a trade in when the market won't support that price... Or they want a discount because they are a "buddy".

Bravo Sierra.

These gun shops are there to make a profit and support their families, not "give" you product for a dollar or two over cost because you think you are a long lost Godson to them.

Yes, I know I can shop around on some things and get a better price. However, I also realize that if we don't support our local shops, they won't be around much longer and when we need something specific (like 'smithing or other unique stuff), we'll be up fecal creek without a paddle.

That brings me around to "The High Road" again.

How does bashing gun shops further our cause? Is it High Roadish to paint, as so many here seem to be doing, gun shops in general as staffed by rude jerks?

John


ETA:

Examples of shooting ourselves in the face:

In my experience most of them are bad.

My experience has been about 3:1, bad to good.

You can talk to anyone in the area about the two main gun shops in town and the response is always the same, "I hate having to go in there"! They are rude.

yeah there are a few shops around denver whos employess are jerks.

it seems to be increasing lately too. like they have a mentality that because you dont work at a shop, your an idiot when it comes to firearms.

Yep the one locally here they are jerks.

The ones around here are busy too but the being dicks was way before this crisis. They have always been that way customers or not.

Hey, after reading all the replies, its 3 to 1 bad shops over good.

Kudos to the gents who accentuated the positive, not the negative.

 

[K3]

We have several, but the one I go to is great. West Texas Military Surplus in Lubbock. Randy is a cool guy, and his prices can't be beat. If he doesn't have it, he'll order it for you. I only had to put $100 down on an oddball so that he'd order it for me. He showed me the price HE paid for it, then gave me the selling price.

The only attitude I've ever seen in his shop is from the odd customer. Randy = good people.

 

[Phydeaux642]

My favorite shop treats their customers really well. If they don't know something, they tell you they don't know it. How refreshing. They are always willing to show you something if you want to handle a gun. I guess that's why they are probably the fastest growing shop in the area.

On the other hand, there is another shop in the area that treats me as a pariah since I am not a part of the LEO 'brotherhood'. It's their loss as I have spent a bunch of money the last couple of years and they didn't get a dime of it. Heaven forebid that I should want to see a wheelgun instead of the almighty semi-auto. I have and like both but old Smiths warm the cockles of my heart, so, who are they to judge.

 

[hometheaterman]

How does complaining about firearm retailers help our cause or contribute to "The High Road"?

If you don't like the store, shop elsewhere.

I frequent three shops. I have ones I prefer over other ones, but they are all courteous to friendly and all know me by name, as I know them.

I think some of the "jerk" issues may come from gun owners - who are notoriously cheap (or thrifty, depending on your point of view) - wanting one price for a trade in when the market won't support that price... Or they want a discount because they are a "buddy".

Bravo Sierra.

These gun shops are there to make a profit and support their families, not "give" you product for a dollar or two over cost because you think you are a long lost Godson to them.

Yes, I know I can shop around on some things and get a better price. However, I also realize that if we don't support our local shops, they won't be around much longer and when we need something specific (like 'smithing or other unique stuff), we'll be up fecal creek without a paddle.

That brings me around to "The High Road" again.

How does bashing gun shops further our cause? Is it High Roadish to paint, as so many here seem to be doing, gun shops in general as staffed by rude jerks?

John

Just gives everyone a place to vent. Also hopefully helps the guys that are bashing people for shopping at Wal-Mart instead of supporting their local gun store realize why some of us aren't supporting our local gun store.

As for the price I don't mind to pay a little more but when retail on something is $330 I'm sure as hell not going to pay $370 for it. That's just an example I saw at a gun store not too long ago. Most guys pay under retail so I probably wouldn't pay retail but I would if I had to but for sure not over especially by that much. Why should I? No reason I can see. If they want to work on the price and come down to below retail price maybe we can work on a deal. If not they can keep it. That's how I look at it.

 

[JohnBT]

Why?

I'll pay more for lots of reasons.
_________________

www.dominionoutdoors.com

"It first began in a small storefront in 1994 by two young guys who had a great appreciation for the outdoor life. They started with a small loan and a big prayer, specializing in archery and outerwear and slowly branching out into fishing, firearms and other areas of outdoor recreation.

Kevin Harris and Todd Reed believed that competitive prices and excellent customer service was the backbone of good business."

They went from a little storefront, to a bigger storefront, to 2 storefronts and now they've built a store. Fishersville - population 4998 if you don't count the 2 towns nearby. They used to be a few blocks from my parents. The new store is near the Interstate, so I can drop in on my way back from the old folks home in Harrisonburg.

_______________

One of my local stores is www.greentophuntfish.com

"2008 Winchester Ammunition National Dealer of the Year"

Looks like they're finally going to do something with their web site to move some more of those 4000 guns. It's a busy place.

"For more than 60 years Green Top has provided those who love the outdoors with a huge inventory of top name products and expert advice from people just like you who love to hunt, fish and experience the outdoors."

 

[miconoakisland]

It's been years since I have been in a gun store (not pawn shop) and, being somewhat new to the SC Lowcountry, I went to ATP in Summerville.
The parking lot had ~2 dozen cars on a Thursday morning.
I walked in and.....I was in the Willie Wonka's of gun stores!!!!
I've been to gun shows with less variants of firearms!
They were busy, a dozen salesmen, many shoppers, people waiting for NCIS!!!
A couple sales guys asked if I needed help. To the first few I said I was just trying to catch my breath and take it all in. After looking, touching, dreaming, I realized I had a few questions. When I walked up to the counter and stood there for a second or two, a guy asked if I needed help. I told him I wasn't buying today, but had a few questions about 1911's (I've never held one, shot one, etc. and wanted more info on them) and he took a long time explaining to me about them. I've had a CHP for almost 10 yrs and he explained EVERYTHING in detail (yeah, yeah, yeah, cool! yeah, yeah, yeah, cool!).
Then went around looking at other things. Asked same guy about AR-15's (once again--I have had ZERO experience with them!) and went went into details, details, details again! Later it was coach guns (same thing!!)
I wound up buying a 32 rd mag for my 10/22 just so I could spend money there!
Great customer service by Pat "Snap-Tite" at ATP!!!!!
I haven't been impressed by walking into a place since Disney World or my first nudie bar!

 

[vicdotcom]

It doesn't happen all that often, but last night I was in the company of three other gun aficianados and the subject of our local gun shop came up. I've always thought the owners were total jerks, but there aren't a lot of other shops within a reasonable distance.

What surprised me is that the three other gents had arrived at exactly the same conclusion I had: they only buy what they absolutely have to at this shop. All of us prefer to purchase on the web, even if it means a bit of personal inconvenience.

I think you answered your own question here. They act like that because they can. If even you have to shop there because its the only nearby option, then they can treat people however they want and know that people will always continue to go there.

Open up a few more shops close by with a friendlier staff and better prices, and im sure that store will change its attitude fast or be out of business fast.

 

[Dookie]

We have a fairly good selection in my area. Only one is known for being not as good, but he does know his stuff. The only issue is his prices are high, I am not talking about 5 or ten dollars, but he want's $250 for a standard 10.22 carbine, where I can go to bimart and pick up one for $169 on sale or $189 regular. And it's a ten minute drive.

The one I really like is NW Pawn, the owner and his employees are great people good prices and they know what they are talking about, and if they don't they say so, and then offer to find out.

Like has been said, good customer service covers a multitude of sins.

 

[mcwjr13]

I look young for my age and have been blatantly ignored on several occasions at my local store. I have also had the "old timers" give me a ton of unsolicited advice that is usually wrong. I am so tired of hearing that I need/want a glock it makes me sick.(I am not knocking them they just aren't for me) I am also really tired of the ex-cop spouting his counter top wisdom at the top of his voice. So yeah in my book that qualifies my local gun shop as jerks.

 

[f4t9r]

I can think of one shop that has some jerks. Mostly the owner.
Seems that the other people that work at this shop must follow thier leader.
Another shop has decent people and thats where i try to go.

 

[Water Garden]

I have noticed an effort to steer any conversation into a direction where they can prove that they know more than you do.

 

[SCKimberFan]

With all the posts about the a##holes that work at gun shops, I am beginning to wonder if it is the employees or ...




and no, I don't work at or own a gun shop.