Bought a gun a Wal-Mart

[Sisco]

I know the WalMart thing has been done to death, but I just gotta post this.

First, let me say that I always support the local gun dealers but I needed a Ruger 10/22 for a project rifle; local dealers don't carry 10/22's or Rem. 870's because WalMart sells them cheaper than they can buy them.

First the sporting goods guy didn't know if they had one. That is, he knew they had one he didn't know what kind it was. "They make different kinds you know." "They make a blue one, a silver one and a European one" (International).

He finally figured out he had a blued carbine so I said I'd take it. Out comes the yellow form and he starts to explain to me how to fill it out. I Told him I fill out about one of these a month and he's really not supposed to tell me how to answer the questions.

He gets ready to make the call to NCIS and I tell him I'll be delayed. Guy looks at me like I'm a felon or something.
NCIS first delays then OK's me like they always do, so he goes to the store room to get the gun, comes back to the counter with it in the box.
I figure that's it, I'm ready to go. Not quite. He has to get a "Member of Managemet" to come over and OK the paper work.

Lady finally shows up but isn't happy about doing it because she's never done it before and doesn't really like signing her name to a document that if not done right might cost her her job. Can't say that I blame her.
Finally get that over with but now she has to carry the boxed gun to the front door for me.
I told her I realized that this was store policy and she was required to do it and all, but If someone wanted to do evil things, wouldn't they just load up and come back in? She thought the escort thing was dumb too, but what could she say? Compay policy ya know!

 

[Schuey2002]

Why do they "delay" your gun purchases??

Curiousity and all that..

 

[TimH]

I went through the same thing when I found an 870 on clearance for $200 at the local Wally World. I went in was delayed ion the NICS check. I asked if they could hold the gun for me they said no. so went home (35 miles away ) they said they would call me when the NICS came through. Never did. Called back 3 days later no one knew anything. I finally got the gun but what a hassle. And of course got escorted out of the store with the manager carrying the gun. I don't they'll let you by ammo at the same time either...Tim

 

[Sisco]

Why do they "delay" your gun purchases??

Dunno. Been that way since they started the instant check. It's my understanding that they won't tell you. There is recorse if you are denied with no reason but none for a delay.
I think it probably has something to do with my security clearance (or lack of, long story) in the Navy, my name is in an FBI file so it pops up a flag. Once the file is checked I'm cleared and the sale is a go.

 

[JDSlack]

Don't understand that "carry it to the door" thing either. At The Sports Authority I bought some ammo they had on sale. The clerk in the ammo/fishing/knives/airguns/rifle section had to carry the ammo to checkout for me, then a supervisor carried the bag to the door (about 10 feet). Go figure.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

the Wal-Mart mantra-

"There's no reason for it, it's just our policy"

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I don't do business with companies that don't trust me.

 

[PATH]

It ain't that they don't trust so much as the lawyers and the insurance companies making this a crazy country to live in. Some of their legal eagles probably told them what needs to be done to avoid being sued up and out the wazoo. The insurance company also wants things done a certain way. Go figure! I like Wally World and I have generally been treated well!

 

[10-Ring]

You sorta knew what you were going to face when you decided to buy that 10/22 from Walmart...be thankful that you have your project gun &the process wasn't too painful

 

[38Mike]

Sisco,

When I lived in Towanda, I went to the El Dorado Walmart to get a can of that "compressed air" or whatever it's called; the stuff you use to clean keyboards and the like; I had to have an escort out the door with THAT...

Mike

 

[firestar]

Did they hold your hand while they walked you out?

I bought a gun from K-Mart and nobody had to walk me out, that was 10 years ago though.

Has anyone ever bought ammo from walmart and been asked if it was for a handgun or a rifle? I bought some 9mms and they asked that question. Being the smartass that I am, I said it was for a rifle. The guy didn't care, he didn't know I was messing with with him. Why the heck does it matter anyway? I figuired that if the ammo is for a handgun there may be a form or some kind of BS so I just say rifle. I have bought 9mm ammo from that same store about 10 times and they only asked me that question one time.

Nobody knows or cares what goes on at Wal-Mart and they let you know it. I can't blame them, they work for peanuts and I hear they get treated badly by managment and customers but they should't be rude to everyone, just to the people that are rude to them. I think I have walked out of Wal-Mart about as many times as I have bought things from them. Sometimes, I have several items and I just leave them on the nearest shelf and walk out because I get tired of waiting on someone that isn't ever going to show up in the sporting goods counter.

 

[dinosaur]

I never bought a gun from Wally World. I`m not into rifles or shotguns too much and the one here caters mostly to hunters and campers.

I buy the white box pistol ammo sometimes. "Hello, what do you need? Have a nice day." No muss, no fuss.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

I recently bought a rifle at the CMP store at Camp Perry. Same policy, they had to carry the gun to the door, then hand it to me.

To be safer, I think they should carry the gun to my truck.

Same with those GI cans of ammo (I didn't think 5100 rounds of .22LR would weigh much - I was wrong). They weren't interested in carrying the ammo at all.

Regards.

 

[Sisco]

I don't mean to rag too much on the people who work there, pay isn't that good and just because they assign you to work in sporting goods or electronics doesn't mean you have to be an expert in those areas.
I understand that carrying the gun to the door and asking if ammo is for a handgun or a rifle is policy made up by the lawyers, not the person working there. I went there for a bargin and got what I went for.
Funniest part of the whole thing was the guy trying to figure out if they had the gun or not. Guess you had to be there.

 

[sm]

I was in Sport's Authority Tues. Dad is buying his kid a Marlin 60.as a B-Day gift. He had been to WW. We struck up a conversation, his wife was elsewhere in store shopping. I bet it took maybe 20 minutes, and they beat WW price. He bought bricks of ammo and Dad well went nuts for his 8 year old. He puts all this in a basket with a note stating all is paid.

Ten minutes later " Need customer assistance" my first thought was uhoh the gun dealie. Nope- Wifey bought a canoe and stuff for daughter

I cracked up , I then told them I'm available for adoption if you buy your kids stuff like this all the time.

Sports Authority here meets or beats WW, no hassle, and just plain good folks here.

They also now stock the Otis cleaning kits too.

 

[Ringer]

Has anyone ever bought ammo from walmart and been asked if it was for a handgun or a rifle?

When I complete the ammo purchase in the sporting goods department, they don't ask. If I end up paying at the front register they ask.


I was shocked this week when I stopped by my local WalMart. They had a huge display of .40 and .45 value boxes on a stand where you could just grab what you wanted. Was surprised at the quantity of both and the fact you could just grab it and drop in a shopping cart. Normally I have to go over to the electronics department and get someone to find someone else with a key. This is a good thing

 

[Darrin]

Academy Sports carries the weapon to your car. (At least they did with the guy in front of me at the register.) I wouldn't complain, I'm usually parked in the back of the parking lot! If someone else wants to carry it for me, have at it! It's enough for me to carry all the ammo.

 

[TallPine]

I only buy 22 ammo at Walmart.

They always ask, "handgun or rifle?" I suppose because you have to be 21 for handgun ammo but only 18 for rifle ammo.

Kind of stupid, like some 19 year old can't figure out how to say "rifle" ....

We always say "rifle" just to make it easier, even though I shoot 22 in both.

I always want to say "It's a sub-machine gun, does that count as a handgun or rifle?" just to see their reaction.

 

[joebogey]

Sisco
I have the same problem with the delay. And I'm not connected in any way with an alphabet agency. I hope!
It never fails, rather than give me the clearance right then and there, they tell the dealer that they will call back within the time limit. Funny part is that it is never more than 15 or 20 minutes later when they call. And it's not every now and then, it's every time I make a purchase. :banghead:

You don't think maybe they know I hang out here with you fanatics do ya?

 

[keyhole]

tallpine


I did the same thing, told them it was for a machine gun. The clerk did not change her expression, just punched in rifle. Lately, they have not asked when I make a purchase. Once did have to get it at cusstomer service, but then, I have not had to do it lately.

 

[veloce851]

I've never bought or even thought of buying a firearm from Wallyworld
But if I ran across an 870 for $200 I'd do it

I have noticed they started carrying "bulk" ammo
I'm getting 40rnd boxes of Winchester .223Rem for under $8/box, just slightly cheaper than Cabella's

38Mike - How's the speed trap.. er I mean Towanda these days. I bet their revenues plumeted when they routed 254 around it.
Is the Bluemoon Saloon still there?

 

[willyjixx]

hey Firestar:

im not flaming you but think...

Has anyone ever bought ammo from walmart and been asked if it was for a handgun or a rifle? I bought some 9mms and they asked that question. Being the smartass that I am, I said it was for a rifle

theres a lot of carbines out there. i worked at K-mart when i was in High school an the rule is 18 you can buy rifle rounds an shotgun shells 21 for pistol bullets.

welllll a carbine is technically a rifle that uses the pistol bullet. it sucks going into some place an trying to buy ammo for a carbine an they wont sell it too you cuz your not 21. wall-mart the ever politically correct is just doing a CYA.

 

[RandyB]

Since I used to work for the "evil empire" in the sporting goods dept (don't worry I;ve seen enough there that I don't buy from Wally World either) I saw some pretty amazing stupidity while there.

Guy brings in a .38 (loaded), Draws the weapon from a holster and pointing the gun in my direction (finger on tirgger) "Ya know what ammo this takes?

Guy wants to load a shotgun to "see how it feeds".

Showed another guy a 870. I open the action, do a visual and hand him the weapon and he wants to know why I do that?

I saw a lot of guys want to open the box to their new purchase and start point aiming at everything in the store, showing to family/friend and discussing the merits of his new 'toy'. (My personal belief on why they have someone carry your gun purchase out)

Made me really appreciate the other side of the gun business.

 

[bogie]

Usually they punch right past the computer-generated prompt to inquire about the use of the ammo if you look like you're over 21.

At the checkouts tho, the clerks don't see enough ammo to get jaded with that, so they ask you.

 

[BowStreetRunner]

MY dad and I buy shotgun ammo from WalMart regularly, as well as clays and the cheap orange earplugs when we need some
never have any problems....we pay at the spoting goods counter in the back, and walk right out, brick of birdshot and all
BSR