I had a local pusher raise his price $80 as I was filling out the check once - and I had bought from him for years. Of course, his rationale was that he had paid more than he though for the handgun. Selling at the label, which they had filled out, price would have made him break even, a fair thing to do for an old and valued customer. Instead, I re-inspected the revolver and decided I didn't want it, voided my check, and left. A frequent visitor there -and a one-time public range RO, I had sent them lots of buyers.
Seven months would pass before I returned - they made me a better deal on a newer model - and I began buying there again. This is a store renown for their less-than-friendly behavior to new folks. Why would I go back? Recall the fable of the frozen snake.
A woods lady comes upon a frozen snake on her walks one winter eve - and carefully picks it up and takes it into her cabin to place by the fireplace. When it thaws, it turns on her and bites her - mortally wounding her. About to expire, she turns to the snake and asks, "Oh, Mr. Snake - I took care of you... why did you bite me - I will surely die?"
"Yo, mamma, it's what I do... you knew I was a snake when you picked me up. It's my nature."
Remember that. It's a snake - you know it's a snake - you play with it anyway - you get bit. I still shop there... I guess I like snakes!
I have no idea why universally one finds the least friendly folks at gunstores - big or little. They had legitimate claims for years that folks did their window-shopping there, bought on auction or elsewhere. They have had a seller's market for a while now, bumping those 'black rifle' and ammo prices up as fast as they could. And - they have sold things they couldn't give away not that awfully long ago.
Remember - the tide will eventually turn - the sales will drop - ammo stocks will return to wally-world, etc - and they may starve. I wouldn't want to be them. I can avoid snakes, if I want...
Stainz