Not so friendly gun stores

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Same in my area. All the clerks are rude. They'll talk to each other as if I wasn't there. They speak with authority on things they know nothing about, and woe to him that tries to correct their rubbish. I gave up. I located an honest and reliable FFL. I prefer to deal with him directly. I not only save money, but on top of that I don't have to deal with a negative attitude.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
In my current locale, there are few gun shops, and most of them are either pawn shops or connected to pawn shops. Primarily staffed with the "Grumpy Gus" type. Strange how the folks at the few local gun shops are either grumpy, incompetent, or low-lifes, whereas the members of my club are courteous, friendly, and knowledgable.
 
Generally the rudest bastards around.

Wannabe-former-green-beret-trying to get a job as a cop but can't pass the intelligence test-got beat up in school a lot- resent the hell out of people with the money to buy nice guns- bastards.

I have given up trying to be nice. I go in, I make my purchase, and I leave. The can't tell me anything I can't find out elsewhere.

Of course I generalize.
 
HukeOKC,

If you don't mind my asking, which store did you try? I normally go to Outdoor America and usually get good service. I have had some newbies who have done as you describe, but they don't last long. They seem to be having a problem with help, knowledgeable or otherwise. Try Kent.

Also, try CJ's in Bethany. Small store, not a big selection, but they will order anything you want. Prices are usually just slightly more than OA.
 
At the range earlier this week there was a 60ish woman (probably no more than 120 lbs) next to me trying out her new gun. It was to only be a house gun (not carry). After asking her a bit about it I found out that she had gotten it from the local "good" shop. What did they sell her, a .357 magnum snubbie and a box of full power ammo. After watching her drop it a couple of times after firing and becoming more and more frightened of it, I gave her a few .38 rounds that I had and my .22 revolver with 100 rounds or so. She spent the rest of the afternoon happily plinking with the .22 and promising to pick up some more .38 to practice with. What "X" was thinking when he sold her that I have no idea. He could have very easily made somone an anti just because of the kick and muzzle blast.
 
I'm fairly lucky here. Have a store within a couple hour drive (I'm out in the boonies) that treats folks right. Guns N' Gear in Vacaville, CA. Sure can tell they care, as most of the other stores around have folded, they have doubled their size over the past two years.

One of the nice things I like, is they take guns on consignment. Since they make the same off of a consignment as a new gun, they don't care which one you buy. Have been able to get a couple of real good deals there. Last fall we spent over two hours in the store letting the wife pick up and sholder bout every shotgun they had in the place, until she bonded with one. The clerk was very patient with us throughout the ordeal. We ended up getting a browning BPS 20ga. Seems some guy bought it for his 12 year old kid and the gun was to large for him. The kid shot a couple of rounds through it and they took it back and sold it on consignment. Was just like new, even the warranty card had not been filled out. Paid $350 for it.

Other thing I like, is if they ain't got it, they'll find it for you at your price.



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Richard

The debate is not about guns,
but rather who has the ultimate power to rule,
the People or Government.
RKBA!
 
I think the comman thread here tonight is good ones and bad ones! (Hey I'm on top of it eh?) I had one that wouldn't let me touch his freakin Sig unless I showed him my permit. I'm not the brightest bulb in the world of activism, but I went out to my car and got my "mad money" and counted out $800. and put it on the case, then laid two credit cards on top and said, this is really the only permit I need. Put the money back in my pocket and told him that because of his attitude I would not come back and would make sure everyone I knew would not come there either. Fortunatly we have others who are knowledgable and helpful. When someone asks, these are the folks I send them to. I hope that SOB goes under but he also runs a pawn shop so so he probably won't.
 
I will name three because of their attitudes.
In Northern Va., Dawson's and Blue Ridge Arsenal. Crappy customer service, the kind that says don't bother me I am busy doing nothing. In Raleigh NC, Davis. Walked around for a couple minutes, clerks saw us, continued to impress each other with things they have never done. Pure gunshop commandos. To a lesser extent, Lawman's Safety Supply. They are an LE supply store, and think that they can sell you what they think you need regardless. Oh, and one more, Colonial Guns in Hillsborough NC. Guns are way overpriced and service is there, out there. A clerk tried to sell me the more expensive item that I did not need, tried to tell me what I needed without asking what I was using it for. The item: a bipod. No further.
Stores that always say "We can order it for you" because they never have any items in stock, not odd items, the most commonly purchased ones.
 
Yes, by all means, vote with your feet and your dollars. There is no reason to tolerate rude behavior or incompetent service.

Yet, there is another side to the story. Having worked on a retail sales floor, you would not believe the dumb questions that come your way. This problem is only made worse in a gun shop where each day brings a fresh crop of dim-witted proles who want to "buy a Uzi" (sic) or some such thing and don't know enough to know they don't know enough about firearms to be buying one. Such people are a danger to themselves and others and should be shown the door ASAP.

This problem is especially persistent if the shop is located near a "bad" neighborhood or in the city of a state that borders a state with stricter gun laws.

My point is, give the gun dealer and his employees a break. Don't let one unpleasant incident turn you away. There may be a good reason for their behavior. Give them a second chance. Of course, if the rudeness or misinformation continues (especially once they know you), find another FFL who is anxious to provide courteous and informed service.

Happy shopping.

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We have never been modern.
 
strange.. in Piedmont N.C. most of the stocking pistol dealers are gone. In Greensboro there are only three Arrington's, Southern, and Cherry's. Arrington's is staffed with friendly folks that seem to enjoy firearms and thier customers. Not to mention that three of the staff are total babes. They know thier products and are very easy on the eyes. Decent prices and fair deals.
At Southern most of the friendly staff have moved on. I find thier prices a little high but i shop there because i don't want to lose another store in town.
Cherry's is a horse of a different color. It is a store stocking classic guns and they have from fine old Colts and Winchesters to modern rifles and handguns. They regularly buy estates and collections and sell them at reasonable prices. I have to wear a drool bucket when i go in. The staff is well educated and thier attitudes are friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is that of a fine museum where the exhibits are for sale.
I morn the loss of Jumbo Sports and the sell out of Sports Authority as a dealer for the good prices and large selection but i do not miss the constant turnover of staff and the dumb people that were trying to sell you thier opinions as well as a gun.
I find The Gun Rack in Walkertown N.C. and Charlie's Hunt and Fish as last vestiges of individualy owned stores, owned guys that hunt and fish and shoot and will still talk and chew the fat if they have the time.

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what is for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
Let he that hath no sword sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22-36
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. Song of Solomon 3-8
The man that can keep his head and aims carefully when the situation has gone bad and lead is flying usually wins the fight.
 
I once called a store on the phone to see if they might be interested in selling me a gun. They replied that, of course, they'd do anything they could to help me out.

I said "Well good because I'm standing at your counter right over here (waving) and have been watching you guys ignore me for the last 15 minutes"

They didn't think that was as funny as I did.
 
I seem to find a very polarized set of circumstances in gun stores. Either the people are very helpful, courteous, and so on, or I am treated like I am wasting their time or trying to date their under-age daughter when I ask to see a gun. Additionally, many of these people seem to be put off if they have to hang up on one of their cronies they were chatting to about what fish were biting. Heaven forbid that you ask if they have a place where you could clear you weapon to try in holsters. One clerk said to me, "You brought a loaded gun in here?" He seemed visibly upset with me. I don't know why, he had a Colt Python on his hip and the other employees also had guns. I thought I was being polite to ask about clearing my weapon.

That being said, the one thing that has bothered me more than the less than polite clerks are the gun smiths. Don't get me wrong, I know they have an important job. I just don't like being treated like an ignorant chump because I have a problematic gun. Moreover, I find it bothersome that the due dates I have been given for repairs are never accurate, the actual date always being later, sometimes much later. That being said, I have dealt with one smith who has taken good care of me and I either drive or ship my guns to him, 300 miles away because he does good work, treats me well, and stays on schedule.
 
Hey Fed168,

I used to WORK for Blue Ridge Arsenal, back 1994-95.

I hope you and I never met. :)

When I was there, there was NO being rude to the customers, not even the ones you wanted to lean over the counter and strangle.

Last time I was in (emphasis on last) about 18 months ago, the environment was TOTALLY different. I think they're hiring the GenX slacker crowd these days.

When I was there, everyone on staff, with 1 or 2 expections, knew a LOT about guns, was VERY personable, and would bend over backwards to help a customer get what he/she wanted.

I had many many repeat customers, as did our other clerks.

The biggest problem with that store? The OWNER. He's a greedy SOB who doesn't give a damn about guns, only about golf. He THINKS he knows a lot about guns, because he was a DC cop for 20 years. He would have been much better buying a golf course.

You ever run across Jennifer, the redhead bimbo? God what a B**** that woman was.



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Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
The best gun counterperson I ever saw was a female at Jumbo Sports. (gone now)
Of the other stores I do business with, one has always been ok, although pricy, one lost a lot of business due to smart dumba&& employees but is back to trying at least, and one sports shop has only one informed person at the counter. I had to intervene at that establishment once when a first time woman buyer was about to get the same .357 treatment mentioned above.
Truthfully, I bought my last rifle at Wally World, and was treated very nicely by some older guy.
I normally go to one of the FFL guys in town to buy after I shop and get disregarded at the other real gun stores.
This is a real shame, cause I would rather do business with a real shop. But I will not tolerate rudeness, or incompetance when I am about to spend what is for me, a pretty healthy bunch of cash.


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And if you hear from my Louise, won't you tell her I love her so?
 
I love to go into gun stores and shatter the stereotype so many men have about women and guns. :)

That being said, there's three stores that my husband and I frequent in the Dallas area: Gunmaster, Targetmaster, and Ammo Depot. Ammo Depot is a small "Bubba" type of place, where all the guys hang out to discuss fishing and hunting. The staff is nice and respectful towards me, but the men visiting the place always make me feel creepy, they give me the "you ain't from around here, are ya?" look.

Targetmaster is a little higher than other stores, but I've always gotten good service there, esp. when the owner is in. And Gunmaster: One of the guys is a crotchety grump, but the other guys are more than helpful, and usually let us "fondle" all the guns we want to.

I prefer to buy at gunshows, everyone there's pretty much friendly, and the prices are usually better.

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"At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Gun-Grabbers, at last we shall have revenge at The TFL End of Summer Meet on August 12 & 13, 2000..."

"Pray as if your life depends on God, Act as if it all depends on you..." -Texas Preacher

[This message has been edited by Darthmaum (edited June 16, 2000).]
 
I've never had a bad experience at a gun store, except for whenever I found something I really wanted but couldn't buy it! :D I've only been to a handful of stores in D/FW, so my experience is hardly representative, but if you go to Ammo Depot in Mesquite (bought my first pistol, a SIG P229, there then later traded it back for a P245), or Gunmaster in Plano (bought a Mossy M590A1, then sold it back to them to help pay for CHL class- stupid, stupid, stupid! :( ) you will not encounter any rudeness or "I-know-everything-and-you-know-squat-so-shut-up" bologna. I also go to Targetmaster in Dallas, and bought a Colt Det. Spcl there. I have met the owner of the Collin Co. Gun Range at a gun show, and found him to be quite personable, so I plan to purchase a membership there (pending the outcome of McKinney's July 18 vote :mad: ). I have also talked to one of the staff at DFW Gun Club (same gun show) and he was also very friendly and helpful. Would have bought a Mossy from him, but found something else I liked at a gun store near the Collin Co range.

To sum up, in all my encounters with FFL dealers and their employees, I have yet to be burned. Rest assured, though, any store that treats me or my wife rudely will not be given time to stammer an apology, as we will be out the door!

Just reread the topic and noticed my wife posted right before me! Oops! :o

[This message has been edited by Jedi Oomodo (edited June 16, 2000).]
 
So far, I've been lucky. I've found great stores that really care about their customers, will answer all of our stupid questions, many times with wide smiles (trying not to laugh I guess), and will let you fondle everything in the store, even if they know you couldn't afford it in a million years. But then again, I've always asked around when I first get to another place. The only time I didn't do this, well is this time (my move six months ago). We only have one true shop here, and it's not that bad but you have to become a regular to gain their respect and openness (they are polite but you can feel the "hurry up and buy or go away"). I went to the "big city" which is about 45 min. away and have only been to one store. It's a "wet dream" for reloaders and for those with the money for a nice safe. Also something I really like is the fact that they have a dog that meets the customers (the reloading place) at the door and gives you something to pet and adore while you're shopping. I've heard of another place in the same city that has a cat that meets all the customers. It's a combo fishing/hunting store and if the cat gives you three or four head butts, then it's a good fishing day. If a store owner has a pet in the store and is friendly (both of them) then I will buy from them, even if they are a few dollars higher. Oh, and the BIG test that I use: May I use your bathroom. If they say no, it's for employees only, I walk. If it's a yes, please feel free, then I buy something (usually ammo or something that doesn't cost much) and then save up for that new addition sitting so lonely in the case. USP45usp
 
I don't get as much choice as you guys -- we've only got a coupla stores in the whole damn city.

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Me to clerk: Do you have any Remington Green .22 Target ammo?

Clerk: Nuh. No-one buys it.

Me: Well, I will. It groups fine in my rifle.

Clerk: How much will you be ordering?

Me: Probably about a brick every 6 weeks.

Clerk: Nah ... not worth gettin' it in for just that much.

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(Same store)

Me: I need a spacer -- Part no. XXXXX -- for my Anschutz.

Clerk (gets out parts catalogue): Yeah ... here it is ... $14.95 each

Me: Could you order me one in please?

Clerk: Nah ... Here's the distributor's phone number. You ring and order it in yourself and we'll fit it for you at the right price.

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In Maine (or maybe it was New Hampshire, the mind forgets) at busy gun store.

Clerk: Can I help you, sir?

Me: No thanks, mate, I'm just looking at all the things I'll never be allowed to own. You might have to wipe the dribble off your glass display cases, though.

Clerk (smiling): Let me guess ... you're from Australia, right?

Me: Right!

Clerk: Well, sir, you take your time and look around all you want. Anything you wanna play with, just let me know and I'll take it down or get it out of the case for you.

Spent two of the happiest hours of my life there -- and the clerk's smile didn't fade once.

B
 
I have encountered good and bad at gun stores. The good, about 60 mils away in Knoxville, TN at Guncraft, was looking to buy a glock for myself and a couple of .357's for my bros. for Christmas. Young Lady behind the counter was knowledgeable and very helpful. She asked questions and made reasonable suggestions and cut me a discount for purchasing 3 guns at once and even said rather sheepishly, you could go to Jumbos and get a better deal if you want to pay less. I bought there, good service and not pushy.
The bad experience is the local pawn shop, the only local place to buy. You are generally ignored, no bad advice or attempts to sale you something you don't want or need, but just ignored. I bought a couple of M-1 Carbines from the same fellow there and now he will offer to help when he sees me come in.
 
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