Is there such a thing as a professional gun shopper

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george burns

george burns

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Ok this may sound silly, but you go to an instructor, "some folks do" to learn how to shoot. But who do newbies go to to help them get the right gun for their lifestyle size, build, and ability, among other things.
Someone might be able to coach folks on the right firearm for them before they make a thousand dollar mistake. Relying on the sales person is not a good way to choose a gun for many reasons, the most obvious is they are only going to recommend what they have in stock.
Plus they don't have the time or inclination to spend a couple of hours explaining single action and double action, de-cocker vs safety grip- safety the different sights, ammo choices and general knowledge that we all take for granted.
I remember 50 years ago when I got my first revolver, they spent a year checking me out for security in NYC, but no time shooting or even asking if you could shoot, "back then" no one cared after the permit process, which I always found really stupid, because lawyers and professional people who owned businesses', had no clue what gun or caliber to get.
They have professional shoppers, and stylists, why not professional weapons person, to help you figure out what is the best gun for you?
Even more so for single woman who get talked into ridiculous guns by clerks who sell fruit as their main job, and work in a gunstore to make a few bucks. Or guys who sell a little older woman a 357 magnum, or a 45 1911, 5 inch as a first gun.
I saw a guy sell 2, 85-90 year old sisters a couple of old heel mag , jam o matic, 22's that were pitted and out of spec for $500 a piece. They couldn't even get the mag out. Maybe there is a need for this nowadays. How many times have you seen a person with the wrong gun for them, and when asked they say this is what the guy recommended.
 
I thought the man behind the counter, was all the expert anyone would ever need? :neener:

/sarcasm
 
There is a range near me with a wide assortment of handguns to rent and purchase. That is sort of like having a "gun shopper", since you can shoot a whole bunch of them and only consider the ones that feel good to you.

If someone were to do some Internet research, and try out guns at a range/gunshop like that one, they would end up with something suitable.

If they aren't willing, a gun shopper or friend or relative would need to rescue them from the unscrupulous and misinformed Person Behind the Counter. :evil:
 
This is an interesting topic. I did a lot of reading and thinking before my first purchase of a handgun. I carefully considered my needs, and I went to several stores until I found a salesperson who listened to what I wanted.

He helped me pick an SP101 in 357. It was convenient for carry, and it worked for HD. That doesn't seem to be the norm anymore. All too often I see gun counter folks trying to sell some what what the clerk thinks is cool, not what the customer needs.

On an up note, the internet allows for folks to do up to date research and gunbroker allows them to get what they want. Chances are, if you want to buy a gun, you know someone who can give you good advice.

When I retire from my current career, I will likely work a few years behind a gun counter, helping folks pick out a self defense firearm. I'd do it now if I could make what I'm making now. Would someone pay a pro for advice? With all the free internet advice in the world, I really doubt it.
 
I think the interest for a "professional gun shopper" would be rather low. How much do you think someone would be willing to pay for someone to tell them what to buy?
 
Back before we had computers and the Internet we mostly relied on whatever books and magazines we could find about guns, though most of the articles heavily favored the feature gun as being perfect and trouble-free. Other than that we would share information among fellow shooters and hang out at the local gun shops and listen to what the gunsmith had to say about a particular gun. We also tended to stick to well known gun makers like Colt, S&W, Browning, Ruger, Beretta, and Walther.

Basically if you could find the gun you were looking for (selection and variety not being anywhere near what it is today), you put your hard earned money down and took your chances as to whether or not you got a good one.
 
I've had a few people ask me for advice as to what they might purchase. I always suggest they try a number of guns to see what they might like and what they might shoot well.

It's not rocket science.

I usually try to get them to understand the intersection between cost, cost of shooting them (9mm vs .380 vs. .45 ACP, for instance), accuracy, concealability if that's why they are looking for a gun.

I'm going to a range w/ a friend this week, he wants to buy a handgun. I'll take a few of mine I think he might like, see what he does well with.

You really can't tell until you shoot them. The best-feeling gun I have is a Glock 19. Worst gun I own. I bought it because I coach some students and a Glock is often the pistol they have, so I have one. I hate the trigger, hate the sight picture, it's just not a gun for me. Not a Glock bash, as I know several people I respect who really like 'em. But not me.

So you've got to try 'em.
 
"How much do you think someone would be willing to pay for someone to tell them what to buy?"
In America? Probably 100,000$/yr if they have a slick presentation.

Seriously, it's supposed to be the gun store clerk. And yes, there's a blatant conflict of interest there, but there's a price to be paid for ignorance, and it's the price of your first gun (usually).

TCB
 
"It's not rocket science."
It can be confusing, though. But, it also doesn't usually matter for new shooters. Neither you, nor they, have any way of knowing if they'll end up hating slide safeties, or eschewing decockers, or other features.

I do it in three steps, which is one more than most people will bother with; go to the store & show them how many identical-looking options there are (I've had two newbies now come to me convinced there are only like six models of handgun for sale at any time), leave & start over, going over the common features & size ranges of pistols (again, the newb has no way of knowing what works for them, so the only important thing is they settle on a 'type' of gun), then return to the store with the list of features or models, and have them determine what feels nice. Plenty of opportunity along the way to intervene if necessary, to avoid needlessly painful to shoot or cheap selections (some women are attracted to tiny magnum revolvers, and others try to be a cheap-*** for no reason). I found the time actually spent in the store was the least productive in getting a decision, which makes sense due to the pressure and number of similar choices. Give 'em a road map, let 'em find what catches their fancy, and go back to the store to make sure they find it :cool:

TCB
 
It's an interesting concept thugh, the whole thing is marketing. You can say the same for woman and men who go and hire professional stylists who dress them, tell them how to wear their hair and makeup, what colors to wear, and get paid big bucks for what many would say why do they need someone to tell them what to wear. It's just another thing that some people feel they require.
As some people hire my nephew and pay him millions of dollars to decorate their house, now he is good if not great, been on the cover of Architectural digest, but most folks don't use a decorator.
It's the same concept, they want an expert to advise them, and if you come off as an expert, then you are. I have seen woman and men who hire people to pick out their cloths and shoes, and hair style, why not guns. This group is more practical, but there is a market for just about everything, from Tropical fish experts to groceries and personal Chefs, I know a guy who just cooks for 2 family's and makes mid 6 figures per year doing it. They rely on him to feed their family 3 times per day 365 days a year. He has half a dozen motorcycles and several cars and a Hatteras doing just that. Cooks all day for these family's. There are a lot of stranger things than advising people on guns, especially in well to do areas like Boca, or Vero, than you can imagine. Like Sommeliers, they make big money helping you select your wine, da.
 
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The simple way is to chose between a Glock 19, S&W M10 or a 1911 and if one of the 3 isn't correct consider that a sign you don't need a handgun .....:D!
 
Bill B. said:
The simple way is to chose between a Glock 19, S&W M10 or a 1911 and if one of the 3 isn't correct consider that a sign you don't need a handgun .....:D!
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+1 Haha, I own all of the above (as many THR folks probably do) except S&W Model 19 instead of Model 10.

As a self-labeled gun nut, many family members and friends have relied on my expertise over the years in choosing 'a gun for protection'. Most recently my step-dad, a dentist by trade, found himself with a Glock 23 and an inherited Rossi .38 special. He felt like neither suited him and he wanted to know what the "BEST" pocket nine would be and how to trade into it. I took him to the Gander Mountain, we handled LC9, S&W Shield, Glock 43 and finally settled on the Sig 938.

Was it a gun I'd choose for me? --Probably not. Did he feel it fit his hand and pocket perfectly-- yep. So some horse trading later via a buddy FFL, and he'll own the Sig straight up after a nominal handling fee and be rid of 2 "beginner guns". Works for him... YMMV :)
 
A .357 might be the best first gun for that little old lady. Providing she only puts .38s in it. The heavier frame will soak up recoil, it's simple to use and get familiar with. Also, makes a perfect home defense gun that will be comfortable enough to shoot to encourage range trips so she can get proficient with it.

Your remarks about people in gun stores are idiotic.
 
barnbwt said:
"It's not rocket science."
It can be confusing, though. But, it also doesn't usually matter for new shooters. Neither you, nor they, have any way of knowing if they'll end up hating slide safeties, or eschewing decockers, or other features.

I do it in three steps, which is one more than most people will bother with; go to the store & show them how many identical-looking options there are (I've had two newbies now come to me convinced there are only like six models of handgun for sale at any time), leave & start over, going over the common features & size ranges of pistols (again, the newb has no way of knowing what works for them, so the only important thing is they settle on a 'type' of gun), then return to the store with the list of features or models, and have them determine what feels nice. Plenty of opportunity along the way to intervene if necessary, to avoid needlessly painful to shoot or cheap selections (some women are attracted to tiny magnum revolvers, and others try to be a cheap-*** for no reason). I found the time actually spent in the store was the least productive in getting a decision, which makes sense due to the pressure and number of similar choices. Give 'em a road map, let 'em find what catches their fancy, and go back to the store to make sure they find it :cool:

TCB
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Perhaps I could have been clearer. It's the helping others choose a handgun that isn't rocket science. Oh, if you're new to it it's all a mystery; I remember when I didn't know much, and it was all so confusing.

That's why we help others; give them good instruction, let them try a number of options, then narrow in on one based on cost, ammo, accuracy, and so on.
 
Ha, a professional gun fitter? I wish I'd had one a long time ago. :D

I've owned a handgun or two from pretty much everyone, and still can't decide which ones I like the best. :)
 
I doubt anyone would pay one thin dime just for the shopping advice/assistance. However, as part of an overall training/education/familiarization package, you might find some interest.
 
It's the same concept, they want an expert to advise them, and if you come off as an expert, then you are. I have seen woman and men who hire people to pick out their cloths and shoes, and hair style, why not guns. This group is more practical, but there is a market for just about everything, from Tropical fish experts to groceries and personal Chefs, I know a guy who just cooks for 2 family's and makes mid 6 figures per year doing it. They rely on him to feed their family 3 times per day 365 days a year. He has half a dozen motorcycles and several cars and a Hatteras doing just that. Cooks all day for these family's. There are a lot of stranger things than advising people on guns, especially in well to do areas like Boca, or Vero, than you can imagine. Like Sommeliers, they make big money helping you select your wine, da.
Click to expand...

All well and good, but your talking about something that costs less than your average TV...
 
tarosean said:
All well and good, but your talking about something that costs less than your average TV...
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Exactly. The investment is really small when you think about it. If guns cost $5000 each and instantly lost half there value once they were fired, someone might spend $100 for advice.
 
With the availability of information on the internet these days, there is no good reason anymore to be an uninformed shopper unless you are just lazy.
 
george burns said:
They rely on him to feed their family 3 times per day 365 days a year. He has half a dozen motorcycles and several cars and a Hatteras doing just that. Cooks all day for these family's.
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Pretty neat trick to cook 3 meals a day for 365 days for two families. When does he have time to ride his motorcycles and drive his cars?

On topic, we cover firearms selection extensively in our NRA Basic Pistol Class, which costs $50 for 18 hours of instruction. Students put over 200 rounds (which is in addition to the cost of the class) down range and get to try many different semi autos from .22 to .45 during the class. Not seeing the demand for firearms personal assistant.
 
Afaik, the first thing many dealers suggest is to get hands on time at a range. Either rental or Nra approved instruction. By live fire and $50 worth of range time the newbies will be a LOT less green. The unscrupulous few wanting a quick buck aren't representing the honest majority.
 
I
They have professional shoppers, and stylists, why not professional weapons person, to help you figure out what is the best gun for you?
Click to expand...
I think this summaries your question, and while I don't have an answer. I do know this is America, and that reminds me that their'd be a line of lawyers around the corner waiting on an opportunity to sue the last dime out of a "professional" that recommends guns.

Would you want to be the professional that recommended the gun Mr. Zimmerman used? Your job would be recomending the most deadly weapon possible, at least that's how it'd be spun in court.

And if the attacker killed the person you recommend the pistol to, well a loved one may sue you because you failed at your job and got their little boy/girl killed.

I don't know, maybe I'm off here but I'd predict trouble in this line of work. Now for a trap gun or hunting rifle that may be different, but this in the handgun section.
 
There are no professional gun shoppers because there is not enough money in it. Example: Brides hire wedding planners, but a fancy wedding can run easily to $50k, so spending a tenth of that for planing makes sense. But who would shop, do tests, etc. for the $100 or less that would be 10% of a gun's cost.

The gun magazines are useless; every gun they test is perfect, every group tiny. The best bet is probably Gun Tests, which at least carries no advertising, but can also find a lemon or the opposite, the only working gun Company X ever made.

Jim
 
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