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Who has worked behind a gun counter? A few pointers before your next trip

Newbie, instead of doing multiple posts, just answer people in one post with a few spaces between each reply.
 
Long Range NEWBIE, I'll repeat myself for those who're not paying attention:

Long range newbie.... while you're not forgetting about guns (your words) check out the concepts of respect, humility, and etiquette. Just a suggestion. After all, this is someone else's thread.

and I will re-repeat the "Etiquette" part. While a fair bit of what you say, may be pertinent to a particular point, the manner in which you are saying things comes across as somewhat disjointed, dis-combobulated, and dismal.

In other words, if you're gonna be "on the field" then "step up to the plate!"
 
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newbie; were you in western pa recently? i had a youngster that know EVERTHING except basic firearm safety. through him out and told his father that the boy was not welcome until he passed a nra basic course. father was back tonight and son stayed outside. ps he pointed a handgun at my chest and pulled the trigger. i let him have it with both barrels verbally.

No he is not, but he handles a gun safer than most adults I have seen, the guy's at most of the gun stores enjoy dealing with him, and he has been shooting more than most since he was 4, how you ask he is my son, and he is 14 and we must remember how we all where and some still are, now back to the topic, some gun store's have good people and some do not .
 
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5. Just because this is a place where guns are sold doesn't mean the safety rules go bye bye when you walk in. Treat EVERY SINGLE FREAKING WEAPON AS IF IT WERE LOADED. That's right, do not dry fire that weapon at anything you do not want to shoot. In my state there is a statute that says you can NEVER point a firearm at anyone even if you have no il-intention. You will receive one warning, and then I am taking the guns away from you. We have received weapons from the factory with rounds in the chamber. If I see that you are going to dry-fire a weapon in the direction of another human being, I will do everything necessary to prevent you from doing so- including immediate physical dis-armament or a corrective push. This is not a joke. It seems to usually be a problem with handguns. There have been 3 accidental discharges inside the location I work and two of them came INCHES from killing somebody.

Thanks for taking the time for reading my rant.
If you've been on my side of the counter, chime in. If you are a regular customer somewhere and have a complaint, or advice for employees of such establishments PLEASE chime in too.

Had a guy come in and ask to see a 1911 we had in the case. I followed procedure, locked the slide and dropped the mag on the counter and handed them to him separately and before I had said anything, he had his own mag from his carry ride in the display and dropped the slide. another CPL holder on the floor pressed a glock to his rib and asked him to put it down while it was still pointed at me. that same day we had an AD after a customer installed a scope base wrong and unintentionally locked the bolt. I noticed the firing pin was still hot so i called for one of the gun counter guys to come up to the front and escort the rifle back. while the customer was waiting, he told me it was bullshit that he had to wait because he knew it was empty. He showed me this by pulling the trigger while the gun was laying in the case while pointed at my buddy's back. the smith brought it to his bench and set it in the vise and went to run backup on the gun counter while we were swamped and the chambered round was a delayed fire. I bought my buddy lunch that day and I wore a bulletproof vest my entire career while working at that particular store.
 
I'm not angry at all I just deleted all of those posts but I do feel that some of you didn't get what I meant. I don't live a hard life, I don't fight often I just think the dude was bored and started a fight with a "Kid" and discriminating kids makes kids want not to do things. I'm done with the pissing contest.

If you want to hang out with the big boys, act like a big boy -- don't start blaming other people and sniveling. Everyone here treated you just like most everyone else is treated here. If someone starts sounding like a know-it-all they're put in check straight away. I'm not sure I've seen anyone get a pass around here. If anything, people, myself included, were rather polite about it and didn't flame you as would have probably happened with an adult.

If you're not ready to accept what comes your way from opening your mouth, maybe you and your dad should reconsider whether a website for grown-ups that involves discussions about guns, killing, sex, profanity, and partial nudity is right for you. Especially the section of the website called "The Bear Pit". I've not seen it, but maybe there is a section called the "The Petting Corral".

No one abused you here. I was trying to be helpful. Others were as well. I don't think anyone swore at you or threatened you. If you think what was said was someone picking a fight with you -- and I'm not even sure about whom you're referring -- maybe you're not mature enough for this section of the forum. Dad? And while I'm happy to hear you are a safe handler of firearms, very knowledgeable, a good shot, etc., that doesn't suddenly make you a grown-up.

I remember how kids like you are, however. In grade school there was always a guy who pushed people's buttons. But when they pushed back -- and hard enough to make him feel bad -- he would always start whining like he was the victim. Give me a break.

Even my mother knew enough to tell me "if you want to be treated like an adult, act like an adult". And, "if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen".

Good luck sport.
 
Not trying to offend you or anything but I'm mature enough, but I'm going to keep it to myself what I was going to say since it'd be another 2 pages of "pissing contest" I didn't be a know it all since I used hyperbole's but I did not try to start a fight and I've seen people say worse stuff and have no one reply or get hate messages. Also do not assume things because you do not know me nor do you know a thing about me just saying. I also do not know you so I do not know what to expect what your personality is like, I'm done beating the dead horse, so lets just call it done.
 
It's things like this that make me realize how thankful I am to be raised by an older generation. I remember a time when I thought I knew enough and was grown enough too. Then one day someone decided to teach me a very in depth lesson on humility. At 14-15ish thinking I could take on the world I got put in my place by a 60 year old man.

Newbie if I were you I'd try to learn this lesson before someone decides to help you learn it. (No I'm not threatening you. Just saying you sound like that one kid that annoys everyone and always knows best.) As a friend told me not long ago "sometimes you just need to shut your mouth and quit talking, just shut up for once." Believe it or not that advice has helped immensely. I'd suggest the same to you. There's smart and then there's cocky. Guess which one you seem like? That's not a good thing I promise you, learned that the hard way.

Dad, teach him these things before someone else decides to.
 
already know that to be honest and I have not said anything bad and just saying your not my parent so don't think he's gonna listen to you since he does say that I need to stop talking sometimes but, I haven't said anything bad but really I'm one of the least annoying kids. I also think that you can never stop learning, and I already said I'm done so stop responding to me please. (I'm not trying to be rude but I already have many replies of the same thing) I think that you guys are just taking this the wrong way and thinking I'm one of annoying kids and thats all I am going to say. so lets stop bombing the post please
 
YOu think because you are done listening to criticism doesn't mean that everyone will just quit posting, that's not how it works on a forum lol
 
1) I have seen (and despise) the way different "types" of customers get treated at the gun counter. My old partner (black male) in almost every case from Cabelas to the local shops was unable to get service at all unless he was in uniform. My current partner, a lesbian, gets shit treatment and gets talked down to unless she's got her badge on her belt.

2) Im with whoever said that, upon being asked by a gun counter guy if they can help, immediately think "doubt it" (unless I need to hear a bullshit war story or an opinion based on something theyve read about). I politely smile and give them the old "just browsing." Ive certainly met a few gun counter guys who were knowledgeable and easy to converse with, but they are the rarity. Most are pompous asses who mistakenly believe that working at a gun store gives them some sort of... well, "undeserved ego" is the phrase that comes to mind.

3) Big box stores are a joke. Ive heard those guys offer up everything from complete bald-faced lies to customers to made up facts and regurgitated opinions they took right out of some gun rag. Our 14 yr old wonder-tween is, despite the delivery, probably correct... he probably does know more than those guys. Thats not saying much though.
 
1. Know body knows everything but there are plenty to go around on both sides of the counter who think they do.

2. No one is born an expert, only through experience and training does one learn, many on both sides of the counter forget or do not know this.

3. Customers are not always right but they have to be treated as such.

4. Attitudes must be left at the door, both sides of the counter.

5. Patience is required just like shoes and shirts.

6. No one cares if you were a Delta SEAL Para Combat Sniper Operator, if you were and the ones that I know and work for me, do not tell unless asked or engaged in a conversation mostly with prior / same unit guys.

7. Asking questions to obtain information about what you want as a customers does not mean my guys think your are stupid, they are trying to find out you to help you and to build a report. If you know what you want, they say politely up front, I am a Remington 700 guy and prefer 7mm, do not stand there rolling your eyes and get an attitude because a Savage or Tikka is being shown to you. Again, its not what you want so politely say so I prefer what ever it is.

8. No gun snobs allowed, this mostly pertains to know it all's, Delta SEAL guys, and Glock lovers. Just because someone wants an XD, Bushmaster CF, or Axis does not squelch your manhood, its their money and choice so why do you care.

9. Its a business and the bills have to get paid, I have to move 33% of the product to pay for it, then the taxes, lights, gas, payroll and oh taxes every month. I ask my guys to push or move items at times, if you are not interested they say so politely, do not get the attitude.

10. Do not un-holster your CC weapon in my store and then get an attitude if I tell you to leave. I know its a gun store and all about Amendment II but its called basic firearm safety for a reason and its my insurance.

11. Do not interject your opinion into the conversation unless asked. Just because you think you know what it going on or have an opinion or think you know what is best for the customer or store bizz, you may not fully understand what is going on so move on.

12. Most of those who complain about gun counter employees have never worked at a counter so they have no idea what its like, what it takes or what it is like dealing with people just like most of them have no idea what you do or deal with all day at your job. I always tell my guys and family, its a two way street so give and show respect as a customer or employee.
 
In a sense, I can understand why most gun store OWNERS (not employees) are crusty and jaded. Still, would it kill them to treat guys like me (who frequent their store, and have demonstrated to them I know my stuff) like something better than week old bread?
 
1. Know body knows everything but there are plenty to go around on both sides of the counter who think they do.

2. No one is born an expert, only through experience and training does one learn, many on both sides of the counter forget or do not know this.

3. Customers are not always right but they have to be treated as such.

4. Attitudes must be left at the door, both sides of the counter.

5. Patience is required just like shoes and shirts.

6. No one cares if you were a Delta SEAL Para Combat Sniper Operator, if you were and the ones that I know and work for me, do not tell unless asked or engaged in a conversation mostly with prior / same unit guys.

7. Asking questions to obtain information about what you want as a customers does not mean my guys think your are stupid, they are trying to find out you to help you and to build a report. If you know what you want, they say politely up front, I am a Remington 700 guy and prefer 7mm, do not stand there rolling your eyes and get an attitude because a Savage or Tikka is being shown to you. Again, its not what you want so politely say so I prefer what ever it is.

8. No gun snobs allowed, this mostly pertains to know it all's, Delta SEAL guys, and Glock lovers. Just because someone wants an XD, Bushmaster CF, or Axis does not squelch your manhood, its their money and choice so why do you care.

9. Its a business and the bills have to get paid, I have to move 33% of the product to pay for it, then the taxes, lights, gas, payroll and oh taxes every month. I ask my guys to push or move items at times, if you are not interested they say so politely, do not get the attitude.

10. Do not un-holster your CC weapon in my store and then get an attitude if I tell you to leave. I know its a gun store and all about Amendment II but its called basic firearm safety for a reason and its my insurance.

11. Do not interject your opinion into the conversation unless asked. Just because you think you know what it going on or have an opinion or think you know what is best for the customer or store bizz, you may not fully understand what is going on so move on.

12. Most of those who complain about gun counter employees have never worked at a counter so they have no idea what its like, what it takes or what it is like dealing with people just like most of them have no idea what you do or deal with all day at your job. I always tell my guys and family, its a two way street so give and show respect as a customer or employee.

From an owners standpoint, WELL SAID.

I do think most of the complaints are coming from chain stores, many employees and high attrition. There's a gun shop east of town, family owned for 5 decades, I can vouch that these guys know their shit. But a chain store in town has the highest number of dipshits per capita in the country. When I go into a gun store, I'm really not seeking advice, unless some new product catches my fancy, and even then I probably wont buy it until I do some research on it.

Oh, I think we've beat the kid up enough, let him rebound and see what happens.
 
In a sense, I can understand why most gun store OWNERS (not employees) are crusty and jaded. Still, would it kill them to treat guys like me (who frequent their store, and have demonstrated to them I know my stuff) like something better than week old bread?

In my opinion,some of them often forget that they conduct some kind of grown-children's toy shop_ As with the children, an adult can make them happy with a lot less than could be expected, or being hated from them if not adequately considering them, badly kidding them, etc._
In my case, if someone too much smart or dumb is encountered on my daily job, I'm trained to my professional behaviour but,
on my freetime moments,God forbid the shop owner or clerk that would try to fool my around/mistreating me about my "toys": I don't forgive nor forget_
By the way, the feeling debated above is the same perceived as ol'timer Harley enthusiast, with the same amount of characters,topics,etc.,on both the sides of the counter_ (unint.discharges excluded)
As former ( and-never-enough-grown-) chid, my psychiatrist says that I'm right,of course
 
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Long Range Newbie
I knew you were 14, good for you, glad to see you are interested in protecting and excercising your true freedoms, for that I applaud you.

You will now be treated to a trip out behind the virtual woodshed. You are coming off pretty fargin cocky for a kid who could'nt have 10 years of real "experience" if you jumped from your momma's twat toting a full boogie MP5 in one hand and a Wilson Combat 1911 in the other. Yes indeed I was 14 at one time, and just like you I had a lot to learn. I am now 44 and I learn new stuff quite often. I made a hell of a lot of mistakes over a shooting career that has spanned 37 years. When I was 14 I cleaned my own guns too, big deal, that is one of the first things you should learn anyway. I loaded my own ammunition at 13..and still do, BFD, I taught my daughter when she was 9, doesn't make her an expert either. I can tell either one of my daughters to go crank me out 200 rounds of 9mm out on my Dillon...so? Knowing a custom gun from a mater stake is no real skill either. Talkin the talk is cool as hell, but at best is a great party trick without a hell of a lot of mileage. I knew more about animal husbandry than anyone in my school, not really a big trick since I was the only one in my school who lived on anything bigger than a quarter acre of land. Again a hell of a party favor but not unusual nor impressive. Knowing more about guns than your classmates in the schools of today don't recommend you much. Most kids have never even seen a gun that wasn't an image on a screen. All you have indicated can be learned in 10 minutes on a "Google Run", congrats. We didn't have Google when I was a kid, we had to read teh exploits of great writers in G&A, Shooting Times, Field and Stream, and if you were really lucky Precision Shooting(damn I miss that one). The first article I ever read on long range shooting was by Ross Seyfried in G&A, I wish I still had the article. He was shooting a wildcat based on the 416 Rigby necked down to 30cal the best I remember. You have a great resource at your disposal. Don't squander your opportunities by thinking you have "arrived". You don't know it all yet sonny Jim. Be humble and listen son, your elders are talking.

Long Range Newbie
I knew you were 14, good for you,

You are coming off pretty fargin cocky for a kid who could'nt have 10 years of real "experience" if you jumped from your momma's twat toting a full boogie MP5 in one hand and a Wilson Combat 1911 in the other.

armorpl8chikn, I do not believe that your colorful speech is appropriate when responding to a 14 year old.
 
armorpl8chikn, I do not believe that your colorful speech is appropriate when responding to a 14 year old.

I really dont care for what you think Don. I cleaned it up quite a bit too, I could have been much rougher. He took his licks and hopefully learned something. When you are 14 and pissing strong against the ground, and hanging out with adults, you can expect to get sternly spoken to on occasion. I was done with this 2 days ago. You sir are trying to start some shit.

Edit: I did my share of hanging out with grown men when I was LRN's age. Yes I had moments like LRN at that age too, my father called it "pissing strong against the ground", he was spot on about that too. I had uncles and a father who were quick to put me in my place, and I AM being respectful in not repeating some of the things that I was told at that age, and in like manner. It made me a better man and put a great many things in perspective.
Cartman has already elaborated on this far better than I could, in a very well thought, and properly worded post.
LRN knows what he said and would appear he thought about it a bit, or else he wouldn't have deleted his post. He probably is a very responsible and knowledgeable young man. No one said he wasn't, and as far as I can tell everyone had his best interest in mind.
Now I have said my piece and am done with it if everyone else is.
 
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I've often wanted to work behind the counter, might be fun to have a day job selling something interesting (vs my day job of selling stuff that's not interesting). I'm not talking at Big 5 or some chain sports store, but at an actual gun shop not connected to the same place that sells golf clubs and tennis rackets.

I enjoy teaching noobs stuff when they're interested, or talking shop with people who know more than me, but would likely fail when having to listen to dumb asses spouting off nonsense.
 
I work at a gun shop when not at school. I couldn't agree more with all your points. So many people are SO disrespectful, or try to act like they know facts, but they are just full of shit.

Also, it is VERY frustrating when you get a customer that is asking questions about something you know some about, but not enough to give them a thorough answer. Then when you say "give me one second, I'm going to get so-and-so who knows more about these firearms than I do", and they treat you like you're an idiot.

Please just don't be an asshole when you come to your LGS. We are at the mercy of distributors, and it's not our fault we don't have ammo or the firearm you're looking for. I guarantee they have TONS of ammo and firearms on backorder, but who knows when they'll be shipped.
 
Well said, the problem is, everyone gets so pissy if you do not give them the answer they want. Or why do you work at a gun counter if you are an idiot. For some odd reason, many walk into gun shops with I know it all, more than you attitude. And I firmly believe most of these types do this on purpose. Just because this guy works behind a gun counter, does not mean he knows all the intricate details about everything on the shelf....do you?

Every day, can you order, why do you not order, etc. I can order anything all day long but just because the order is placed, does not mean it will be available at this moment in time. Shot show time is the worse. You are the first customer in 3 years that asked for that so I elected to order product that will sell, not sit on the shelf. Its a business that must run through product to pay taxes and the bills not mention those taxes. Hard for most to comprehend this fact.
 
Kinda reminds me of what I have to tell myself when I go to a public range (which I rarely do)- the staff has no clue that I am a firearms instructor for my department, have no clue thatI am on a tac team or any clue of my level of knowledge. Because it is impossible to know this, they treat everyone the same, at the most basic of levels. So I don't get panties wadded when they instruct me how to open the action on my gun.

I feel similar with gun counter salesman. I don't let it bother me when they talk like I am a complete gun virgin, they have no way of knowing if the guy talking shop is knowledgable or just another gun rag commando.

I try to do my homework before I hit the stores, get in and get out.

just my thoughts
 
I'm still new to the whole forum thing, but sometimes a subject strikes such a chord that I have to say something...

Background
I'm 28 years old. I have worked for a very large retailer in a firearms managerial position for six years now responsible for over 5,000 firearms. This is what I have learned thus far and continue to see every single day!

1. Everybody talks about the guy behind the counter and I would have to agree that there are some that I have seen and fired that were, well they were stupid... Some I hired because they fooled me unfortunately, and some somebody else hired. What u need to keep in mind is that the guy behind the counter prolly needs to pay his bills and crap like everybody else. Just because they don't know every BS detail about a gun you googled for three hours while you were at work doesn't mean he's not doing his best! If you want gun weights and comparisons and statistical facts and ballistic charts for reference print that crap out! But don't expect some poor guy getting payed minimum wage to spout it like a fountain. Everybody wants to talk about the guy who's behind the counter! And it's usually the guy running his mouth that hasn't worked a retail job in twenty years! Who also happens to be enjoying his four day weekend whining about how he can't get any service in the gun department on Black Friday! I'm not gonna say mon-fri 9-5 jobs are a piece of cake cause they aren't! No job that you work hard at is ever easy! If its easy your freaking doing it wrong or your milking the clock, plain and simple.

2. If you call me and ask "how much is a .308"? I am going to tell you between $200 and $4000! Bottom line if you can't give me a basic manufacturer of a firearm, well then phone shopping is not gonna be a pleasant experience for you. Be as smart of a buyer as you can! If you're unsure of what a salesman is telling you ask to speak to a manager or speak to another associate. By the way if you are derogatory to any woman behind a gun counter I will let her rip you a new one as laugh at you. Iv got one lady that has forgotten more about firearms than probably 50 people on this website ever knew!

3. From a consumer standpoint, any one who tells me they know everything there is to know about guns is full of it! There's too much data for any one person to ever have the time in two lifetimes to process into the brain! You might know a lot but you don't know everything! END OF STORY! That goes to both sides of the counter.

4. If you walk up to me and ask to see the "chopper with a drum" and can't even work the action because one hands holding your pants up! Get out!!!

5. When I approach a customer I'm going to treat you all the same! Whether your a navy seal or a florist you can't tell someone's experience with firearms so I treat all customers as if they're a bomb waiting to go off!!! Why would I do such a thing you ask? Well when I first started I almost got my head blown off by another idiot that worked there who took a gun from a guy who was this expert marksman and all this other crap cause he wanted to sell it to us! So the way I look at since I only have 40% of my hearing left in my right ear I will treat everyone as if they are going to screw up and blow my head off due to negligence! I have earned the right to think like that because I have seen countless times just how easily someone else's negligence can cost me my life! So don't get all pissy when I don't take your word that its unloaded! Also if you do have a malfunction with a gun and you even remotely think there's an empty or live round in the thing, have enough courtesy to let me know! Tats need to know information! I'm not gonna be mad I've just got a very different set of procedures I have to follow with a loaded malfunctioning gun!

6. Now for the realistic part! Just cause its old and your granddaddy bought it doesn't mean it's valuable! In fact it's almost always worth $100 at best if it came from western auto!

7. Don't act shocked that I'm gonna make money by paying you more for the gun than I'm gonna sell it! That's business! Your coming to me because you don't wanna sell to an individual or don't have the time to sell to an individual! The lights and all the pretty stuff you destroy when you let your unsupervised child lose on my ammo aisle costs money to pay for it and we gotta make money or we don't open the doors tomorrow.

8. Don't holler at me because of prices if you can't afford it don't buy it!

9. If you buy cheap guns you're gonna get cheap results! If you buy a 770 to shot 500 yards with your gonna be un satisfied!

10. Nothing is made like it used to be! Remember that every time you as a consumer go to purchase something! It's called an engineered lifespan! The days of purchasing a firearm and it lasting for 20 years are almost gone! There's still a few but not many! You see a few years ago all these companies realized that they had a good reputation for making reliable firearms but they weren't selling as many because they were lasting so long. Therefore they use there good name to sell a now substandard product to unsuspecting consumers and its wrong in my eyes!

11. Don't you holler at me when ur new toys not working! I didn't make it in the back room! In fact I probably advised against it because they have problems!

12. 90% of brand new firearms that malfunction are due to operator error and not mechanical failure! If it is operator error don't worry because I'm gonna be a good sport about it and teach you what you need to know! If its mechanical I can probably fix it if your a decent human being about the situation! Hollering and screaming will get you absolutely nowhere with me!!! We are adults and we will act as such!

I think that about sums it up!
You can call me a jerk all day long but the reality is I do my job because I'm apparently very very very good at it as I was told by the owner of the company with over 100 very successful locations, and you do what you do because your probably pretty good at it! Or maybe you can't handle the low pay and long hours, or not getting to see your family for six thanksgivings in a row! Or your to good to work a Saturday while the football game is on! Until you walk side by side don't judge me and I won't judge you!
 
from behind the counter i can usually tell within a couple of minutes the safety of a customer, just by the way they pick up and handle the firearm. within 5-10 minutes i can decide, "would i go to the range or hunting with this customer?" inexperience is relatively easy to deal with, arrogance is the deadliest ingredient in the mix.
 
On the other hand. Gun store employee "the 9mm and the 40 S&W are almost the same the 40 kicks more becuase its faster" talking to a female customer. This was an actual conversation I heard at a gun store. If they didn't have the powder I was looking for I would have left.