Gun Shop Stories

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I work p/t at the local gun Store.
I'm ok and patient with the newbie or the female, not so much with the buttinsky, or know it all fat camo commando.
But the one I can't stand is the phone shopper. Despite having a large website and internet sales, he calls and doesn't say hi or can you tell me? Just goes right to what's your price for a whiz bang super nine?
So I tell him and never here from him again. And when I check the weekly sales we haven't sold any whiz bangs. We are competitive in the area area and ya'all Know there is no money in guns, there profit is in the ammo.
So lately I tell them wow you missed the big sale they were $100 off last week, but i'l tell you what, What's you name, come in today and you can get ten dollars off regular price. The never come in.
Go play with phone somewhere else.
And please don't have your wife call.
Dude tells his wife check the price on 223 ammo
She call
I ask steel or brass, 55 or 62 grain?
She says I don't know so I send her to the web site.
Rant off.
 
Not a brick and mortar store but an Internet one. There is a company that sends out a catalog. I decide to look at it on line and type what makes sense to me - company.com. Oops - not them but a company that sells items for bears - what are those? Fat hairy gay men - not that there is anything wrong with that. My wife looks over and says - what the hell are you looking at?

I explain and google it to get the correct URL which is companyXYZ.com. Haha.

I meet a friend at the LGS and we are talking, I tell him this funny story. He breaks up and says - well, I did the same thing. My parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told them to look at company.com. Mom calls later and says: Son, is there something you want to tell us? We are very supportive.

My friend is a big, heavy, bearded and hairy guy - not that there is anything wrong with that.
Ya really gotta be specific what you type in the browser. :rofl: I was shopping for a pair of snake boots and typed in Redhead, figured that was enough and pressed enter. You wouldn't believe the number of porn ads that flooded my monitor for weeks! :what:

Regards,
hps
 
OK, this is not so much a story as a minor rant. There's a nice old fashioned gun store in an older conservative neighborhood not too far from me. I've gone in there a few times, mostly just to look around and see what they have. I have bought some stuff there, but they don't seem to know or recognize me.

They have a section where they throw this and that, old parts, oddball ammo, whatever. I enjoy browsing it and have actually found some cool stuff there including a NOS (new old stock) out of production factory tang sight for my Rossi rifle. I always find something to buy.

Thing is, whenever I go in there there's always 2 or 3 geezers sitting around on chairs near the door shooting the breeze. I'm a geezer myself so I'm allowed to say that. Anyway, they always act like I'm disturbing their conversation by walking in. Conversation stops, they look at me, but rarely vocalize a "can I help you". If they do, it sounds more like a challenge than an offer of assistance.

So I often wonder if this is a gun store that actually wants to make sales, or just a community center for old guys with an interest in guns?
 
OK, this is not so much a story as a minor rant. There's a nice old fashioned gun store in an older conservative neighborhood not too far from me. I've gone in there a few times, mostly just to look around and see what they have. I have bought some stuff there, but they don't seem to know or recognize me.

They have a section where they throw this and that, old parts, oddball ammo, whatever. I enjoy browsing it and have actually found some cool stuff there including a NOS (new old stock) out of production factory tang sight for my Rossi rifle. I always find something to buy.

Thing is, whenever I go in there there's always 2 or 3 geezers sitting around on chairs near the door shooting the breeze. I'm a geezer myself so I'm allowed to say that. Anyway, they always act like I'm disturbing their conversation by walking in. Conversation stops, they look at me, but rarely vocalize a "can I help you". If they do, it sounds more like a challenge than an offer of assistance.

So I often wonder if this is a gun store that actually wants to make sales, or just a community center for old guys with an interest in guns?
You learn to cherish these places when you're on the inside.
There was a motorcycle shop that was set up with the Geezers hanging out. We called it among ourselves "The home for wayward men." It was a jewel in a world filled with McHarley shops.
 
We had one of those geezer m/c places until the old owner died. Some of them old were good wrenchers and though they cou!d not do it they sat near you and told you what to do and how to do it and you had better listen cause they were no nonsense old bikers.
A,t my gun store there are no chairs but a stand up coffee bar in the front corner. They are friendly bunch and know better than to interfere unless asked a question.
 
I kinda dig the geezer shops. I'm a young guy and ultimately a little character is more appealing than a soulless but polite transaction-only environment- look at how much we enjoy these threads! I love cigar smokers spouting ridiculous politics (I wear political shirts to the range often and enjoy the conversation more often than not), I love counter guys talking about dubious hunting stories, I particularly like customers with unique perspectives on which gun they need for a given task. A little bit of humor at the gun shop as I compare reloading supplies is always a hoot.

I was just buying a Kel-tec SUB-2000 and the salesman told me I was making a huge mistake, kel-tec makes junk, etc. I thought it was funny. The SUB-2000 has run 100% and is a stellar PCC so it's not like he managed to hurt the gun's or my feelings and I enjoyed hearing his honest opinions even though I don't share them.
 
"You learn to cherish these places when you're on the inside.
There was a motorcycle shop that was set up with the Geezers hanging out. We called it among ourselves "The home for wayward men." It was a jewel in a world filled with McHarley shops."

Yeah, but us guys behind the counter get paid for selling guns & stuff, not for babysitting old "Geezers". In a busy shop, we don't have time to sit and listen to your stories every week, and you take up valuable time and space when we could be dealing with a real paying customer. So know when you've over-stayed your welcome, stop by a little less, and for God's sake.......buy something every now and again.
 
"You learn to cherish these places when you're on the inside.
There was a motorcycle shop that was set up with the Geezers hanging out. We called it among ourselves "The home for wayward men." It was a jewel in a world filled with McHarley shops."

Yeah, but us guys behind the counter get paid for selling guns & stuff, not for babysitting old "Geezers". In a busy shop, we don't have time to sit and listen to your stories every week, and you take up valuable time and space when we could be dealing with a real paying customer. So know when you've over-stayed your welcome, stop by a little less, and for God's sake.......buy something every now and again.
I grew up in SE Pa and that attitude right there is why I left to find the real heart of America. I'm not calling you out and I understand and respect your ideals, but there's way more to life than making money. Being a rich and fulfilled person doesn't just mean you can foot the bill.
The scene I'm describing is a community center for these old men and women who don't fit in at the bingo hall. While you're busy not making money someday, go sit down and listen or maybe join in and tell a story.
 
In my area, gun stores are pretty thick on the ground. I worked in retail for over a decade including management for a major chain so I understand the drill.

Regarding greeting customers, you want to do that for several reasons, one is to acknowledge them, two it discourages theft, three, it can help someone find something. It works pretty well for that so I use it on the street if someone is acting a bit wonky. Can I help you is something that more or less obligates someone to answer back and respond without being threatening.
 
Looking back, I guess it has been 15 years or more since I have been in a gun store. No need, with the internet and local auctions.
It was in the early sixties when my dad and I were in a Firestone store, which sold all types of sporting goods. I bought my first bicycle there in '56. Anyway, they had a good selection of guns and was a great place to hang out for a while. We were talking to the store owner when a man came in and quietly asked to buy a .38 and ammo.The owner asked him what he wanted it for and they guy said he was going to kill his wife for cheating on him. This got everyone's attention, believe me.
 
As they say, there's a time and a place for everything. First, let me say I'm not a snowflake. I was a soldier and a LEO, I'm not easily rattled or butt hurt. But if I go into a store, I expect some sort of acknowledgement that you see me, maybe even appreciate my business or stopping in.

I don't expect it to be exclusionary, which is how I feel when I go into the place I'd previously mentioned. It's a store, and I expect people in stores to act a certain way. People generally put time and money into a business and expect it to generate income. Having people sitting around may give them a touchy feeley goodness, but in the end, it's still a store, not a Norman Rockwell painting or a social services location..
 
Big Box stores, Ma and Pa types, you name it. What are your interesting gun shop stories?

I worked for a local shop while in college. Gun counter, of course. We once sold a Weatherby Mark V to a customer that had a barrel without any rifling. Customer brought it back in and complained it wouldn’t group.

Another time we had a customer who bought a Browning A Bolt in 7 Mag that was *not* what it was chambered for. Barrel was actually a 30 caliber, but the chamber cast was something none of us could ever figure out.
Always wondered how such things get out the factory door.
 
i went in a LGS today to look at a BCG from an AR-style CMMG 9mm banshee. as i was just starting to look at them, a crazy guy asked me if i was interested in assault rifles. from the way he asked, i could tell he was dying to educate me on something stupid like the difference in assault weapons and assault rifles, etc. i allowed as how i wasn't interested cause i already had a bunch. he would not let up. he asked again, and i said these are pistols lol. and then said that i obviously wasn't understanding his question. then he launched into a gun control spiel, and pointing at the forearm on the CMMG, said they're trying to ban those. i said, "rails?" and he said, "no", trying to poke his finger through the m-lock slot, "barrel shrouds". sigh
 
Heh. Nutballs go with the territory. I believe it is possible to have a balance, where the geezers like me are welcome to visit but not to run off prospective customers. If we don't act like spoiled children, some useful information is exchanged, there may be a few parables heard, and a used gun, scope or gun plumber tool occasionally finds a new home. It's not quite as formal as the Minutes of the Lower Forty (google Corey Ford) but a few laughs can be had, no one is hurt, and we try not to get in the way. I can usually gain some useful knowledge and it's a friendly place.
 
I grew up in SE Pa and that attitude right there is why I left to find the real heart of America. I'm not calling you out and I understand and respect your ideals, but there's way more to life than making money. Being a rich and fulfilled person doesn't just mean you can foot the bill.
The scene I'm describing is a community center for these old men and women who don't fit in at the bingo hall. While you're busy not making money someday, go sit down and listen or maybe join in and tell a story.

Hah! Ok, first, I'm 60 and am deeply immersed in the story telling/hearing world.......I get it. But 2nd, I work PT to make money, not visit with a bounch of "old" guys". Last, I want to be a fly on the wall as you explain your "more to life than making money" philosophy to my bosses, the shop owners.
Time and place, sir, time and place.
 
Over the years I have twice been told by employees at a gun shop that my business was not welcome in their store. Both cases stemmed from me overhearing the clerk give some really bad info to a customer who obviously knew little to nothing about guns, and in both cases I opened my mouth and gave unsolicited advice. One time it was a woman telling the clerk that she lived alone and wanted a gun for home defense but was worried about recoil based upon her shooting a handgun earlier in her life. The clerk said that the perfect gun for her would be a 44mag revolver. I just could not stand there and watch this travesty. I told the customer that what she had been told was pure BS and that she probably should go to another gun shop to make her purchase. The second case was fairly similar to the first. I just have no patience or acceptance of gun shop employees that try to take advantage of someone ignorant about guns and seeking professional advice.
 
"You learn to cherish these places when you're on the inside.
There was a motorcycle shop that was set up with the Geezers hanging out. We called it among ourselves "The home for wayward men." It was a jewel in a world filled with McHarley shops."

T

Yeah, but us guys behind the counter get paid for selling guns & stuff, not for babysitting old "Geezers". In a busy shop, we don't have time to sit and listen to your stories every week, and you take up valuable time and space when we could be dealing with a real paying customer. So know when you've over-stayed your welcome, stop by a little less, and for God's sake.......buy something every now and again.

At 78 years I guess I’m one of those gezzers. I’ve always liked places like gun shows, gun and bike shops and frequently went in just to look maybe buy maybe not. Any successful trade establishment depends on traffic thru the shop. I personally didn’t like a salesperson who would be on my coattail three steps into the shop. If I want to know something I’ll ask, If I want to buy something I’ll do so.
 
My LGS is Grabagun's Retail location and I order and pickup. Not much lollygagging.

I avoid big boxes for firearms. About 12 years ago I took some friends to an Academy to look at some revolvers. I had spent a fair amount of time with them and the wife had gone with my wife to shoot several handguns. It was for her and she decided she wanted a revolver which I thought was a good choice.

When we went to Academy the older guy behind the counter was pushing a Bersa .380 semi auto. I'm sure the Bersa is OK but not what we were asking to see. The counter guy wouldn't let up.

Then he said "but we have a lot of these". Sounds like they had an inventory problem. We left.
 
the wife had gone with my wife to shoot several handguns. It was for her and she decided she wanted a revolver which I thought was a good choice.
When we went to Academy the older guy behind the counter was pushing a Bersa .380 semi auto. I'm sure the Bersa is OK but not what we were asking to see. The counter guy wouldn't let up.
Then he said "but we have a lot of these". Sounds like they had an inventory problem. We left.
I have a Bersa 380 as my cc. I like it and several other employees have bought them and are equally happy with them. That said, I try to sell what the customer has expressed interest in buying. I'm here to, as Paul Simon said, keep the customer satisfied. I'll express opinions when asked just as I answer questions honestly. I suffer from CRS (Can't Remember Stuff) so if a customer asks me something and then a couple of weeks later stops back in and reasks, well, I might forget a lie I told them so I stick to the truth. I'd rather have a customer leave the store empty handed but satisfied with their experience in the shop than try to push something on them that they don't want to buy and ruin our store in their opinion.
Stores that do otherwise are unwise.
 
We had one of those geezer m/c places until the old owner died. Some of them old were good wrenchers and though they cou!d not do it they sat near you and told you what to do and how to do it and you had better listen cause they were no nonsense old bikers.
There's old bikers and bold bikers, not so many old bold bikers. ;)

At my gun store there are no chairs but a stand up coffee bar in the front corner. They are friendly bunch and know better than to interfere unless asked a question.
People engaged in friendly chatting are happy.
People who are happy might just be willing to part with some of their money.
Having them part with their money inside of the store helps the store.
And, lastly, psychologically, people like going into places that have some people in them rather than empty stores with all the employees staring at the door like buzzards on a tree limb.
 
Over the years I have twice been told by employees at a gun shop that my business was not welcome in their store. Both cases stemmed from me overhearing the clerk give some really bad info to a customer who obviously knew little to nothing about guns, and in both cases I opened my mouth and gave unsolicited advice. One time it was a woman telling the clerk that she lived alone and wanted a gun for home defense but was worried about recoil based upon her shooting a handgun earlier in her life. The clerk said that the perfect gun for her would be a 44mag revolver. I just could not stand there and watch this travesty. I told the customer that what she had been told was pure BS and that she probably should go to another gun shop to make her purchase. The second case was fairly similar to the first. I just have no patience or acceptance of gun shop employees that try to take advantage of someone ignorant about guns and seeking professional advice.

I call BS on this one......I've heard this ridiculous story a dozen times over the years and don't believe a bit of it. Of course, your YMMV.
 
Years ago I received a Gander Mountain flyer in the mail. Four pages in it had Tokarev's listed on sale for $119. This was a Saturday and the sale started Monday. I showed up at 9AM expecting a line. As was usual with that store it was empty except employees.

Went to the gun counter and inquired about the Tokarev's on sale and was met with blank stares. Showed them the advertisement and could tell they really didn't know anything about it. While the manager was apologizing to me I'm thinking "no wonder this place is one step away from closing it's doors permanently". Right then someone comes from the back and tells the manager that the "truck" had just come in. Manager tells me to wait a minute.

Sure enough he brings in a box with 12 Tok's each wrapped in wax paper. He told me to take my pick. About the third one in I find a jewel. A Yugo TT-30 coated with cosmoline. Bonus....no aftermarket safety. There was a tiny barely noticeable hole drilled where the safety usually is but no hardware.

While ringing up the sale the manager started telling me that they had much better firearms for sale than "this." How the Tokarev was a crappy gun and that he would probably be stuck with the remaining inventory. I asked him if he was aware that a third of the world's military and police carried this pistol as a sidearm for over fifty years and some countries still do. He had never seen or heard of a 7.62x25 round, and of course they didn't have that ammo in stock. It's a wonder they stayed in business as long as they did.
 
I was just buying a Kel-tec SUB-2000 and the salesman told me I was making a huge mistake, kel-tec makes junk, etc. I thought it was funny. The SUB-2000 has run 100% and is a stellar PCC so it's not like he managed to hurt the gun's or my feelings and I enjoyed hearing his honest opinions even though I don't share them.

Hope he was the owner because he was running down an item the store was carrying. At my favorite LGS they won't sell certain brands, not because of cost they actually have a few HiPoints, but because the mfg won't stand behind them or they constantly send junk.

A few months ago I was in said store looking for a new holster when a couple come in also looking for a holster. Salesman asked if they needed help and they did. They told him that they were looking for an IWB holster for her Taurus G3. I snuck a quick look at her and thought she was pretty small to try to conceal that but I don't know how she normally dresses. Guy said it was pretty new at the time and they didn't have anything specifically made for it but if they if they had their eye on a specific type or material he could find a holster that worked. Salesman told them to wait he'd go grab a G3 out of the counter and they could try out a few holsters. The lady said "oh, I've got mine right here" and proceeded to draw her's out from appendix carry, no holster, with her finger in the trigger guard. She covered me, her man and the salesman all in 2 seconds. I stepped back the salesman placed his hand over the weapon pointing it down before calmly telling her to let him see the pistol. She handed it to him, he cleared it and thankfully it was unloaded. They continued to look for holsters with the salesman assisting and also calmly throwing in little tidbits about how to handle firearms. I had grabbed my holster and was getting some ammo and just browsing their cases so by the time I got to the register I was behind them (safest place to be I thought) in line. The salesman came up to the register when it was their turn and actually sold them a couple of beginners self defense classes before they left. She thanked him for the tips, no one at the CCW class had gone over safe handling which I found hard to believe. She must have been out smoking for that portion. After standing behind her for 5 minutes I still don't know how she was going to conceal that thing because the holster she bought was for the hip not appendix.
 
"The lady said "oh, I've got mine right here" and proceeded to draw her's out from appendix carry, no holster, with her finger in the trigger guard. She covered me, her man and the salesman all in 2 seconds. I stepped back the salesman placed his hand over the weapon pointing it down before calmly telling her to let him see the pistol. She handed it to him, he cleared it and thankfully it was unloaded. They continued to look for holsters with the salesman assisting and also calmly throwing in little tidbits about how to handle firearms."

I had 99.5% the exact same thing happen to me yesterday! Pretty much played out the same way.
 
Back in the "old days" there was a Gunsmith/gun shop in Petaluma run by Mr. Anderson. He smoked a pipe and some of my best memories as a teen were stopping there to buy something and listening to his wisdom. The smell of pipe smoke often brings back those memories.
Bought my first 22 from him as well as a shotgun. Still have the 22.
 
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