Wow - that's pretty annoying.
From this thread I have learned that I am not alone in this. OTOH, I have also learned that it's good to feel out the situation, as the guys hanging around (see, I'm getting nicer
) may be very friendly and worth chatting with.
a long time ago, i watched several videos on gun store etiquette, where the # 1 thing was to NOT interrupt a customer with your opinions
i adhere to that. when i am at the larger gun store, there are many "bar stools" to sit at the counter while you are being served. i was sitting, waiting for my purchase approval, and i got up to let a guy look inside the case. he said i didn't have to move, but i wanted him to see all that he wanted.
at another store, a mom/pop place, (that is also a bait/tackle store) i get my reloaded ammo and cast bullets, and an occasional gun. they have those "flies" and yes, i am one. in fact i go at least once a day, sometimes twice.
it is like mentioned, "a culture"
but i sit with another "fly" and we talk about reloading and other things, and we NEVER interrupt another customer, asking questions.
HOWEVER, the 2 store owners, and the manager know what guns we have, and THEY will ask us to tell the potential customer about our particular gun. more often than not, that customer starts to fill out the 4473 form!
that plus, the place has a regular flow of local cops that for whatever reason, seem to be "flies" sometimes too.....either for fishing supplies, or guns......lol