I'll be taking my first trip to a gun shop soon and am wondering if there are any unspoken rules of conduct. I've worked a lot of retail in the past so I'm never anything but polite to any worker bees I come across. Generally I know not to point a firearm, unloaded or otherwise, in the direction of another person and I've heard it's polite to ask before dry firing anything.
Gun Shop Etiquette
- Thread starter Ale GOlem
- Start date
There has been a lot of discussion on this site about the rude behavior of gun shop employees. While this may get overstated sometimes there is a little bit of truth to it, so don’t be put off if they don’t treat you like Neiman Marcus. Also, they hate folks that come in and demo various guns who know ahead of time they plan to order off the internet. This does not mean you are required to make a purchase, but be discreet if you plan to buy elsewhere. The best thing to do is just be friendly and ask a few questions let them know you are serious about making a purchase and they’ll usually be helpful and informative.
This is kind of a sensitive subject, as it involves gun safety and everyone has their own idea of what that is and is not.
I've seen gun shop employees lock the slide back (on semi-autos), swing out the cylinder (for DA revolvers), and open the bolt or lever (for rifles) before handing the gun across the counter for the customer's inspection.
I believe it is OK to do the same before you hand it back, to show you are also aware of the need to demonstrate that it is, in fact, unloaded.
I think I only got one comment about this, when the gun shop employee did not do this, and then I opened the action on receiving it and looked in the chamber. He noticed and said something to the effect that all their guns were kept unloaded. I just said, "Well, it doesn't hurt to make sure."
Most people don't receive instruction well, so it may not be easy to try to go down that road.
If the gun shop employee doesn't check the action, I would do it myself, without comment. Only if the employee asked why I was doing that would I try a polite explanation.
I've seen gun shop employees lock the slide back (on semi-autos), swing out the cylinder (for DA revolvers), and open the bolt or lever (for rifles) before handing the gun across the counter for the customer's inspection.
I believe it is OK to do the same before you hand it back, to show you are also aware of the need to demonstrate that it is, in fact, unloaded.
I think I only got one comment about this, when the gun shop employee did not do this, and then I opened the action on receiving it and looked in the chamber. He noticed and said something to the effect that all their guns were kept unloaded. I just said, "Well, it doesn't hurt to make sure."
Most people don't receive instruction well, so it may not be easy to try to go down that road.
If the gun shop employee doesn't check the action, I would do it myself, without comment. Only if the employee asked why I was doing that would I try a polite explanation.
I try to stay with one class of firearm when to scout a new buy. One day i'll look at just revolvers and another just AR platform rifles and so on. Basically I like to go in with a general idea of what i'm looking for.
I mainly use this method b/c there are times when the shop is either busy or, like stated above posts, they may not have the best costumer service. If I do want to look at other firearms I ask if they mind. All of this is trying to prevent an employee from hoping from counter to counter trying to figure out what is going through the customers head. The shop I use now are great with letting me check out there inventory, but I've also bought a few guns, good amount of ammo, holsters, and other items there in the past 4 months.
Best thing to do if you're not sure what you want is let them know and give them something to work with, BUT do your homework online on prices so they don't sell you a WWIII strater kit! If they are an honest establishment shouldn't have any issues.
I mainly use this method b/c there are times when the shop is either busy or, like stated above posts, they may not have the best costumer service. If I do want to look at other firearms I ask if they mind. All of this is trying to prevent an employee from hoping from counter to counter trying to figure out what is going through the customers head. The shop I use now are great with letting me check out there inventory, but I've also bought a few guns, good amount of ammo, holsters, and other items there in the past 4 months.
Best thing to do if you're not sure what you want is let them know and give them something to work with, BUT do your homework online on prices so they don't sell you a WWIII strater kit! If they are an honest establishment shouldn't have any issues.
It's more than OK: it'll earn you cool points with the staff. So few people do that.
Some shops are hinky about dry-firing. Ask first.
Otherwise,
- don't sweep anyone with the muzzle
- don't slam the slide shut or slap the cylinder closed
- don't disassemble the gun without asking
- don't talk about anything illegal
- don't start political rants
Technosavant
New member
Gun shop etiquette, let's see...
- Ask if they have phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range. They never get tired of that one.
- Be sure to know how the gun handles. To this end, be sure to wave it around like a Charlie's Angel.
- Tell them you know all about stuff because you've shot the gun in Call of Duty.
- Tell them you want a lower price than you saw online. There's no reason to pay for the owner's Ferrari.
- Wear your Million Mom March or Brady Campaign T-shirt. This lets them know you aren't an easy sale and they'll need to bargain with you.
- Refuse to look at anything that isn't a Glock or HK, because that's what the experts use.
Just kidding. Don't do any of these.
Generally, the good shops will be used to dealing with first timers. Buying a gun for the first time is a very intimidating thing; they know how it can be. It may be your first time, but it's not their first time helping a first timer. Don't be shy about visiting several shops to find the one that treats you the best.
- Ask if they have phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range. They never get tired of that one.
- Be sure to know how the gun handles. To this end, be sure to wave it around like a Charlie's Angel.
- Tell them you know all about stuff because you've shot the gun in Call of Duty.
- Tell them you want a lower price than you saw online. There's no reason to pay for the owner's Ferrari.
- Wear your Million Mom March or Brady Campaign T-shirt. This lets them know you aren't an easy sale and they'll need to bargain with you.
- Refuse to look at anything that isn't a Glock or HK, because that's what the experts use.
Just kidding. Don't do any of these.
Generally, the good shops will be used to dealing with first timers. Buying a gun for the first time is a very intimidating thing; they know how it can be. It may be your first time, but it's not their first time helping a first timer. Don't be shy about visiting several shops to find the one that treats you the best.
ScottRiqui
New member
If you're bringing in a gun to sell/trade, have it in a case, and hand it to them in the case. Merchants can get a bit "tetchy" if you just pull a handgun out of a purse or pocket.
When I was looking for a shoulder holster for my everyday carry 3" 1911, I told the clerk that I would buy the Galco he was selling, but only if it would allow me to carry in Condition I (the Galco website is coy about the subject and doesn't say one way or the other.) I told him that I had the gun on me, and that it was loaded. He asked that I hand it over to him, he cleared it with me watching, and then handed it back to me so I could test-fit it to the holster. After confirming that it would work for me, he handed my magazine and loose cartridge back to me and simply asked that I wait until I leave the store before going back to Condition I. No drama, and everyone felt comfortable during the transaction.
When I was looking for a shoulder holster for my everyday carry 3" 1911, I told the clerk that I would buy the Galco he was selling, but only if it would allow me to carry in Condition I (the Galco website is coy about the subject and doesn't say one way or the other.) I told him that I had the gun on me, and that it was loaded. He asked that I hand it over to him, he cleared it with me watching, and then handed it back to me so I could test-fit it to the holster. After confirming that it would work for me, he handed my magazine and loose cartridge back to me and simply asked that I wait until I leave the store before going back to Condition I. No drama, and everyone felt comfortable during the transaction.
I think that if you talk to them and let em know what you are interested in it can really help. This will give them the opportunity to make suggestions and give you some things you may not have thought of. Plus, most people like to display their knowledge so you will be giving them the chance to do so. Sometimes this can help start to build the relationship you want with your shop. Pretty much, get em talking..
Oh yeah. Also:
- Let everyone know that you were a Delta Force Special Ninja. Refuse to give any identifying details if they call you on it. Remember, real operators are classified.
- Mention Marshall and Sanow at least once per minute.
- Be sure to criticize every recommendation they make to other customers. Be sure to belittle the other customers' choices as well.
- The 9mm cartridge is absolutely useless for self-defense. Remember your Marshall and Sanow! It also helps to bring up the 1986 FBI shootout.
- Likewise, revolvers and lever-action rifles are for Fudds. Real operators don't use 'em, and you're just gonna get killed with one of those.
- Same goes for bolt-action rifles, unless they've got black hardware. Then they're sniper rifles, which are cool.
- Even among cool tactical rifles, the AR-15 is a jammomatic. You want an AK-47, which is the greatest battle implement ever devised. Even better than the Abrams.
- Use the phrases "tactical," "operator," "MOA," "bug out," and "1000 yards" as much as possible.
Seriously, the best thing you do is ask for help. "I'm not sure what I need" is honest, and it helps the salesperson help you.
Last edited:
checkmyswag
New member
If you display some basic level of firearms knowledge then ask informed questions and receive the response (whether it's good advice or not)...these things will help you not be treated like one of the uninitiated.
This is just my pet peev, but I hate it when guys are browsing and they put their gun cases / range bags on the glass counter, and what's worse is when they walk a few feet from it as they continue to browse.
I can't see the guns on display when their range bag is sitting on the glass.
Does it really kill them to carry their gun case? Or if they're not gonna keep it with them, set it on the floor?
I want to look at the guns too, but I feel odd getting too close to someone's gun case, I know I wouldn't want anyone hovering around my gun case but on the other hand - I don't set it up on the glass counter and walk away from it.
Another thing is just not inserting yourself in someone else's conversation. I remember I was buying an Intratec Tec-9M and some customer just walking around the shop had to stop and exclaim "Get a 45 - it's got knock-down power. A nine millimeter won't stop nobody"
Here is another thing - I don't think it's bad ettiquette but I've seen people do it and they come across like a fool. Ask what the most powerful handgun in the world is and ask them if they have one
Just a general rule that I follow is that I am in a gunstore to learn something. Usually I'm trying to learn something about the feel of a gun or it's trigger. But I really wonder about people who go to a gun store to show eveyone else how much they know.
I mean, isn't that what Internet forums are for?
I can't see the guns on display when their range bag is sitting on the glass.
Does it really kill them to carry their gun case? Or if they're not gonna keep it with them, set it on the floor?
I want to look at the guns too, but I feel odd getting too close to someone's gun case, I know I wouldn't want anyone hovering around my gun case but on the other hand - I don't set it up on the glass counter and walk away from it.
Another thing is just not inserting yourself in someone else's conversation. I remember I was buying an Intratec Tec-9M and some customer just walking around the shop had to stop and exclaim "Get a 45 - it's got knock-down power. A nine millimeter won't stop nobody"
Here is another thing - I don't think it's bad ettiquette but I've seen people do it and they come across like a fool. Ask what the most powerful handgun in the world is and ask them if they have one
Just a general rule that I follow is that I am in a gunstore to learn something. Usually I'm trying to learn something about the feel of a gun or it's trigger. But I really wonder about people who go to a gun store to show eveyone else how much they know.
I mean, isn't that what Internet forums are for?
"Also, they hate folks that come in and demo various guns who know ahead of time they plan to order off the internet." - BarryLee
"Tell them you want a lower price than you saw online." - Technosavant
Amusing sarcasm aside, this one piqued my consumerist senses. Is it considered bad form to haggle over prices? I guess I just assumed buying a gun was like buying a car and there was some wiggle room involved, especially if you can save hundreds of dollars by going with another dealer.
An addendum to my original post, this will not be my first time to a gun shop. I forgot all about the one other time I spent less than 10 minutes in a shop that was so jam packed with random merchandise you could barely walk around. I was with my girlfriend and her sister and the only person who talked to us was, the owners mother, who didn't know anything about the inventory. A bad experience in general.
"Tell them you want a lower price than you saw online." - Technosavant
Amusing sarcasm aside, this one piqued my consumerist senses. Is it considered bad form to haggle over prices? I guess I just assumed buying a gun was like buying a car and there was some wiggle room involved, especially if you can save hundreds of dollars by going with another dealer.
An addendum to my original post, this will not be my first time to a gun shop. I forgot all about the one other time I spent less than 10 minutes in a shop that was so jam packed with random merchandise you could barely walk around. I was with my girlfriend and her sister and the only person who talked to us was, the owners mother, who didn't know anything about the inventory. A bad experience in general.
Uncle Buck
New member
Have questions? Ask them.
Ignore the blowhard on your side of the counter.
Last year I went with two people who had tried to purchase handguns and they knew what they wanted. Between the other customers making fun of their choice and a salesman who told them they should go bigger or go home... Well, they went home.
I took them to a gun store that treated them with respect.
If you ask opinion type questions, expect to get opinion type answers.
Be informed, have a basic idea of what you want.
Ignore the blowhard on your side of the counter.
Last year I went with two people who had tried to purchase handguns and they knew what they wanted. Between the other customers making fun of their choice and a salesman who told them they should go bigger or go home... Well, they went home.
I took them to a gun store that treated them with respect.
If you ask opinion type questions, expect to get opinion type answers.
Be informed, have a basic idea of what you want.
coupla things for a fellow new yawker.....
do you have your license to carry?
if you do, and you want to touch pistols, you probably will have to show it
(so bring it)
if you do, and you are carrying, dont take it out
good luck and realize that this is a disease and you will spend
lots of money.....the folks on the other side of the counter know this too,
so they should be good with you
if they arent....remember...nothing personal....strictly business
(or possible lack thereof)
have fun and be safe!
do you have your license to carry?
if you do, and you want to touch pistols, you probably will have to show it
(so bring it)
if you do, and you are carrying, dont take it out
good luck and realize that this is a disease and you will spend
lots of money.....the folks on the other side of the counter know this too,
so they should be good with you
if they arent....remember...nothing personal....strictly business
(or possible lack thereof)
have fun and be safe!
checkmyswag
New member
Depends on the price and shop.
Sometimes they'll knock a few bucks off to make the sale or give a cash discount.
ScottRiqui
New member
There's nothing wrong with haggling - just don't be insulting with your offer. If you're buying a used gun, don't expect a brick-and-mortar store to go as low as someone doing a private face-to-face sale. Likewise with new guns, don't expect a retail store to be able to match the lowest online prices.
As for saving "hundreds of dollars" by going with another dealer, that's not likely to happen unless one or both dealers have the price wildly mismarked. Most guns are a commodity item, and I doubt there's room for even $200 profit on most guns, much less a $200 price difference between two local dealers.
Here are some general things to keep in mind:
1. Don't pull out a concealed firearm as you approach the counter jockey - even if its your granddad's Luger you are thinking about selling
2. Ask to work the action, before assuming its ok, on any gun shown to you.
3. Don't pretend to be an expert, but do educate yourself on what you are looking for before just wondering into a gun shop. They are there to sell you whatever makes them the most money - or at least you should assume this.
4. Know if you are in the market for: Revolver or Semi-auto; range gun/ home defense gun, or gun for concealed carry;
5. Have a general understanding of the different types of actions a handgun can have: Single Action Only; Double Action/Single Action; Double Action Only; Striker fired single action only (sort of); or Striker fired double action only. Most people tend to prefer one type of action over the others - and everyone is different in this regard.
6. Familiarize yourself with the the following calibers: .380, 9mm, .40S&W, and .45ACP for autos and 38 special, .357 and .44 magnum for revolvers. That should cover 99% of the guns in the store, except for .22LR's.
7. Know how much money you have budgeted for a purchase - $150 range; $400-$600 range or $1,000 +/- range.
8. Hang out on Gunbroker familiarizing yourself with prices and descriptions of what you might be interested in.
9. Personally, I look silently at all of the handguns behind the glass cases and hold off on inquiring about anything, until I narrow down in my mind what interests me.
10. Stay away from cheap shiny pistols with an abundance of chrome plated zinc.
1. Don't pull out a concealed firearm as you approach the counter jockey - even if its your granddad's Luger you are thinking about selling
2. Ask to work the action, before assuming its ok, on any gun shown to you.
3. Don't pretend to be an expert, but do educate yourself on what you are looking for before just wondering into a gun shop. They are there to sell you whatever makes them the most money - or at least you should assume this.
4. Know if you are in the market for: Revolver or Semi-auto; range gun/ home defense gun, or gun for concealed carry;
5. Have a general understanding of the different types of actions a handgun can have: Single Action Only; Double Action/Single Action; Double Action Only; Striker fired single action only (sort of); or Striker fired double action only. Most people tend to prefer one type of action over the others - and everyone is different in this regard.
6. Familiarize yourself with the the following calibers: .380, 9mm, .40S&W, and .45ACP for autos and 38 special, .357 and .44 magnum for revolvers. That should cover 99% of the guns in the store, except for .22LR's.
7. Know how much money you have budgeted for a purchase - $150 range; $400-$600 range or $1,000 +/- range.
8. Hang out on Gunbroker familiarizing yourself with prices and descriptions of what you might be interested in.
9. Personally, I look silently at all of the handguns behind the glass cases and hold off on inquiring about anything, until I narrow down in my mind what interests me.
10. Stay away from cheap shiny pistols with an abundance of chrome plated zinc.
Technosavant
New member
You can haggle some, but if you plan to, be ready to whip out cash or check (credit card tends to have not as much wiggle due to merchant fees). Usually I never expect more than $50 worth of movement on a new gun, and that only if it's priced at $700+. If it's a good shop, they're worth a few bucks over the absolute cheapest price.
The closest shop to my home has the best prices. I never go there because the guy is kind of a jerk. I end up driving a fair amount to go to one of the higher priced places in the area because they treat people with respect. I still will ask "what can we do on this one?" Sometimes I'll make an offer with a price, but not always.
I will echo a lot of what has already been said.
- The #1 thing is to educated yourself before you walk into the door. In all honesty most of the advice I have gotten or heard from the gun store employees is horrible. YMMV
- I always tell the person behind the counter I am just looking if I need your help or want to look at something I will let you know. That allows me to shop at my own pace and does not take up the counter persons time if I do not see anything that catches my eye.
- Bring a flashligt. I have small one on my key chain and often have a larger light in my pocket. This will allow you to inspect the barrel and the gun in general if you find one you are considering purchasing. This is important if you are looking for at a used gun.
- Do not buy used guns unless you know what to look for. IMHO it is best to be familar with the problem areas of any platform before you attempt to buy a used gun. If you do not know what to look for bring along a friend who does know. Most shops take guns in trade and never really inspect/clean or fire them so defective guns can make it on the showroom floor.
- I always open the action if the sales person has not already done so when I take posession of the gun. I open the action when I return the gun to them. Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
- I am very careful where the muzzle is pointed. I do not point it down the counter at other people or at the salesman. I always take it witha proper grip and point it in a safe direction. Often as I inspect/hold it I am pointing the muzzle at the floor. If I am going to bring it to a ready position I make sure to point it at a wall with no objects on it whenever possible. Again treating it as if it were loaded.
- Do not allow the slide to drop on an empty chamber do not swing the cylinder shut on a revolver. It is bad form and can damage some guns.
- Always ask before dry firing. Ask them if they want you to use a snap cap and if they have one you can use. I have found that shops that want you to use one have them available most will not ask you to use one.
- Only ask to disassemble as pistol if you really have intentions of buying it. If they will not let you field strip the gun and you want to buy it ask them to do it for you. If they will not for me personally this is a red flag.
- If they have a glass countertop and I want to dissemble the gun I ask if they have a mat so I do not scratch their glass or their gun.
- Know your price range and know what a fair price for a particular pistol is. I personally check places like Buds. Check their price on a particular popular model and compare what you see at the LGS to them. They more than likely will be higher but it gives you an idea of their overall pricing. IMHO a locla showing prices within 5% to 10% of Buds is pricing guns fairly.
- If a shop is over priced vs another local retaliler ask them to price match. Some will some won't. I have a good transfer dealer and often will ask the LGSs if they can meet or get close to price I can get from an out of state or online vendor. If they are close enough I will buy locally if not I order the gun and transfer it later.
- If you find a gun you want to buy I always ask if they have a NIB one in the back not the one in the case. If they bring out a gun from the back inspect it properly. I personally will not buy a gun I cannot field strip or have a sales person field strip for me if I feel the need to. If you know what to look for you can spot a defect before buying and save yourself some hassle. If you find an issue with a gun ask for a different one explaining why.
- Always be respectful even if you hear or are getting bad advice. Thank them for their time and efforts.
- ALSO REMEMBER TO ENJOY THE PROCESS!!!!