I'll admit, I'm a bit of a gun newb. So when I visit my local gun shop (or any gun shop, though I've only been to two) I am already uncomfortable a bit.

A few weeks ago, I was interested in getting a new pistol. I forget the exact model, but there was a 1911 in there for about $950 that I was really fond of, based on appearances only and was interested in it. There was a guy standing in front of the case and the owner had three pistols displayed on top of the case to show him. The guy ended up not buying anything and moved on down to some other cases. I'm peaking at some of the pistols on top of the case, and the owner promptly puts them back in the case. Never asks if he can help me. Finally, I ask if they do layaway. I had about $500 cash on me to put down on a $850 pistol I had my eye on. He simply says, 'No' and asks nothing else.

They always give me weird looks, and aren't overly friendly.

I understand I'm not the most 'clean cut' fella, I've got long hair and a beard. People have commented on my looks saying I look like everything from a hippy, to a terrorist, to Jesus, to Joey Ramone, etc. I like my hair long. But I find this quite bothersome, as this is the local gun shop that I'd love to support but cant' justify spending any money there because the owners kind of seem like *******s. I've heard that they DO infact do layaway, which is why I asked. I was hoping to spark up a conversation with them about the pistol I wanted, and how to proceed.

The other gun shop is about 30 miles away, and the selection isn't as great, but the owners are almost too friendly. I've only been there once, it's a Ma and Pa type shop. Went there to get some ammo, earplugs, and targets for the range. I simply asked for the easiest way to get out there from that location (had only been to the range a couple times before that) and the guy talked my ear off for 15 minutes until I felt rude for having to cut him short so I could leave before the sun went down, haha!

TL;DR I'm a dude with long hair, beard, and look like a 'hippy' from what I've been told. Local gun shop owners make me feel uncomfortable in their shop by never addressing me or offering to assist me. I have heard of people putting expensive weapons on layaway there, and when I asked if they did layaway I was simply and shortly told, 'No'.

Also, is it possible to order a weapon online from, say, ImpactGuns and have it arrive at the gunshop without me having to go the local shop first to get the order initiated? I've never ordered anything online (Well, I got my 4566TSW online but it was a local sale and met the buyer face to face). I'd rather just call them up, not have them put a face to my name, place the order, then show up with my ID/paperwork/whatever and obtain the weapon.

Maybe they'd be less weird around me if they see I'm spending money elsewhere and don't plan on turning my pistol into a bong or something, lol.

He has the right to refuse service to anyone he wants.
You have the right to spend your money where you feel welcomed.

By your description, I would guess that he had you pegged as a "tire-kicking time-waister". Right or wrong, he made the decision to invest his time with another customer. Maybe he just didn't like your look.

If it's possible, and if you care, clean yourself up and see if he treats you the same.

Having a gun drop shipped to his store will not make him any friendlier to you

Years ago my job (recruiter) took me to various college towns across the Midwest. I always stopped in gunshops to look around. Because of my age, short hair, the fact I was driving a new sedan (company car) and wearing a suit they always assumed I was a fed. It was really funny to watch everyone slink away or just bolt out the door. I remember one shop had a barrel full of shotgun barrels and I asked if they had one for a Winchester 1200. The man behind the counter said the barrels were not for sale, just a decoration.

Your appearance can have a strong influence on how you are treated.

I understand that he has the right to refuse service to anyone, though I was just curious if this was normal. I've only been to two gun shops, one I was treated poorly and the other I was treated very well although it was out of my way. Was just curious if this was semi-normal.

There's a gun shop near me and the boss there is unfriendly, surly and downright rude. I go in there just to watch him and hear him complain about how bad business is. Really. And he's been there for years! Overpriced too.

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Halfway and one more step

Pardon my ignorance, but if they thought you were a fed wouldn't they be more accommodating? I thought LEO and what not were given top priority in gun shops?

Unfortunately, right or wrong,...you never have a second chance to make a good first impression.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

MAYBE IT'S NOT YOUR LOOKS/ MAYBE IT IS . I'm about as opposite from your description as can be, and it happens at times. some folks treat you like **** til they get to know you or your money. with these panic times they know they can sell just about any thing for inflated prices and be as rude as they want. not that it has ever done any good, but you can find the mgr, fan out the $ and tell him you and the Benjamin bros are gonna shop where you are treated better. it could be they spotted you as a newbie and didn't want to spend more time with you than a regular they know is gonna drop some serious coin with little to no work on their part. don't take it personally, if it's close you can still go there to look and for small stuff and buy bigger purchases elsewhere. personally I avoid buying full retail + tax + background check at all costs.

One of the local gun shops I frequent has a sign on the door that reads "No loose, baggy, or oversize attire allowed." One day I told them that their sign described my entire wardrobe. They laughed and said it didn't apply to me.

If it was me, I wouldn't dress differently, cut my hair, or shave if I didn't want to, just to go into a shop and ask them to take my money. There are other gun shops.

You can buy off the internet and have it shipped to a local FFL dealer of your choice, without first going in to the shop. You might have to call the local dealer and ask him to fax a copy of his license to the retailer, if they haven't dealt with the local dealer before, and to make sure he does accept incoming shipments and transfers. Depending on the retailer, they may have a list of gun dealers who they regularly deal with in or near your location. Transfer fees do vary from shop to shop, so you may want to check with several.

People have been judged on their appearances for years. Nowadays it's called profiling, and it's no more common in a gun store than a supermarket. If you look like an undesirable ... based on hair, clothes, demeanor, tattoos, whatever ... you'll get treated like one. Think about the luncheonette scene in "Easy Rider", where Fonda, Hopper, and Nicholson were refused service.

Drop shipping an online purchase to a LGS needs to first be OK'ed by the LGS owner. Some will charge an exorbitant fee to discourage the practice and make free cash, others will be reasonable, while some will simply not do the transaction. Make sure you speak with the LGS before you buy online, and confirm what the transfer fees will be. In my area, a $35 fee is charged for the paperwork and phone check by most LGSs if the firearm is purchased somewhere else. Anything more is a rip-off.

Based on the experience you've described, I would drive the extra miles to the LGS who treated you well. Forget the other guy ... he doesn't sound like he's interested in you or your money.

BTW: You don't order "weapons" online ... you order "firearms".

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I'm with the banned ...

Screw them. Go somewhere else to get a gun then. I have been to 2 LGS nearby and the stuff was just overpriced. I had some fresh out of high school kid trying to shove an AR15 down my throat, telling me "anyone can afford an AR".....well I can't. The second one, the people just didn't seem very helpful, and I am guessing because I am almost mid twenties they just assumed I didn't have money to spend. But their stuff was too much money so I promptly left. I am happy going to Academy Sports to look at guns and buy ammo. I like their staff a lot more.

True true.

I guess if I plan on doing business there I will rethink the presentation of my appearance. I dress nice, I've got a good job (work from home doing remote based IT work). It's not like I rolled in there wearing basketball shorts, flip flops and a Bob Marley shirt or anything. Actually I think I was wearing boots, jeans and a nicer button up at the time, don't recall.

Well, it's warming up outside anyway. It's about time for my once yearly haircut. Usually wait till June/July and do a 1/2" buzz all around. I'll report back after I've 'cleaned up' my appearance and go back and see if I get treated better. =/

Ah, ok. Clearly still learning. I was told by a buddy who was in the military to not refer to my pistol as a 'gun' but a 'weapon'. This was when he came over to help me diagnose a problem with my Ruger not feeding properly (Turns out it probably hasn't been cleaned properly in 40 years)

That's a rule within the military (guns are BIG weapons- think artillery), not outside it.

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SWHF #448

FWIW to the OP, I drive about 40 minutes one-way to go to my shop of choice. Family-owned moderate-sized place, good prices, courteous staff. Plus I've 'leaked' that I only buy from them, and that they're not exactly across the street from me over the course of general conversation over many visits. Relationships and loyalty usually end up benefiting both parties over time in this market.

I don't seem to get any grief for mine being long.

They know be by name at my Locals and I don't even buy much. But I do buy lunch sometimes.

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Dum vivo cano

I'd say it's probably a 60/40 split as to getting a LGS that's naturally on the surly side. If you take it personally, that kind of treatment can run you off. I don't have long hair, but I do have a beard that tends to go a little toward Duck Dynasty. One of the shops I go to has a couple of guys on the brusk side. I just ignore the "perceived" sights & forge ahead with my business. Actually the limited glad-handing usually gets me in & out quicker. If it really bothers you that much, go somewhere else, go online, or conform your appearance. Bottom line is you're letting what you think they think get in your way.

Sent from my GS 3 using Tapatalk 2

I've found some gun shop owners are arrogant, judgmental and think they know a lot more than they do. There are also some great ones as well, I'd keep looking till I found a dealer who gives you good service and prices, then I'd stay loyal them.

I went through about 4 dealers, the shop I deal with now made a great first impression. but was $50 higher than others. I bought a couple of guns and told the guy, I like the shop and you, but you are consistently $50 higher than others, I'll buy all of my guns here if you'll be competitive. He agreed and is usually $50 less than others now and the entire staff greets me when I walk in. Find a place you like, build a relationship, that's my advice, it's worth it.

Living in the Washington DC in a post 911 world was not pleasant to a person with brown skin and black hair. If you're not Latino, African American or Asian (hope I used the correct pc terms) and you had dark skin, you were treated like a terrorist.
I started weaing a beaded necklace with a handcarved bone arrowhead and a Tomahawk earring as a sorta identity badge and the racial profiling eased up a little.
I go through life with dark skin, long hair, tattoos and earrings. People judge me by appearance all the time but I never had a problem in gunshops or Pawnshops. The only place I've had problems at was Radioshack and Home Depot.

Maybe get a haircut and shave?

I'm with ya, brother-- they give me the stinkeye at Bed Bath and Beyond, too.

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Halfway and one more step

And I say, "BS!" There are A LOT of people running around with globs of money that don't have the need to "prove it". I have a well over 6-figure income and, on the weekends, I live in shorts, t-shirts, put my ear ring in, put my leather and bone bracelette on, don't shave, strap on my simple; $50 Ironman watch and enjoy a few days of not having to "impress" anyone. I'm simply old enough now and confident enough now to not feel compelled to "show" anyone how much money I have 24/7. Pathetic!
I say find an LGS that doesn't descriminate based on appearance and go from there. YOU have my vote!

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"You're messin' up my Zen"

Years ago I was a guard at universal studios. There was what I thought a rough looking extra or standin nearby. I even heard a couple other guys walk by and one said to the other, man, I would hate ta turn my back on him or meet him in a dark alley. I went over and passed some time with him talking for awhile. A little later I walked over to a stagehand or carpenter and said, have you seen brian keith yet? I understand he is in this movie, (The rare breed) but havent spotted him yet. The guy said ya havent? I just saw you talking with him for the last 20 minuets! He had a red beard and I hadnt reconised him! Later we had a good laugh over it and became friends for awhile. You just never know!

You hippy why would you think they would give you the time of day.....


Really though, people suck. They form opinions based on reactions to how we look or the words we say and don't look past any of that to what we actually are. I wish I could say I have never done this but we all have. Its our failings as humans. I am a great big guy and I don't smile much. Without even trying I tend to intimidate people. Unless you get to know me I come across as a big ******* without even opening my mouth. Find a shop that does not judge on appearance and spend your money there. Or find what you want at the ******* shops and get a friend with a FFL to order you in what you like.

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Plastic has no soul

Maybe the next time you get the brush off, raise your voice a little (loud enough for perhaps the manager of the place to hear) and say "Hey, I'm a serious buyer with several hundred dollars cash to spend on a gun, but I'm not getting much service. Are you interested in my business?"

Depending on their response, stay or leave and develop a relationship with someone who does want your business. Clean Break.

I have the gift of looking somewhat younger than my actual age. My natural style is a cross between skater/snowboarder/grunge/hippy, so sometimes it’s fun to dress the part and hit the gunshops and gunshows with the cargo shorts, volcom/quicksilver t-shirt, beanie, goatee, hemp necklaces, and old flip flops. It’s fun to watch the reaction when they find out that I am a prior service O-3, have been carrying a gun almost daily for over 20 years, and generally have more knowledge about firearms than they do.

The ball is in your court, it is always in your court and I will tell you why. When you go in to ANY business wanting to utilize their services, you have a choice.

You go up to an employee, or the owner smile, extend your hand and say, "Hi I'm Chuck, what's your name?" "Rudy, nice to meet you. I'm interested in a firearm, and am kinda new to this, can you help me out?"

NOW THIS IS THE PART WHERE YOUR STANDING THERE BOUNCING THE BALL, IF HE SMILES AND SHAKES YOUR HAND, YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD POSITIVE START IN A PLACE THAT SELLS STUFF THAT CAN KILL PEOPLE. IF he doesnt show you the respect you just showed him, YOU CAN TAKE YOUR BALL/MONEY ELSE WHERE.

He cant stay in business if he is a rude grump, so if you take the time to look him in the eye and say hello, you can then make a decision if you want to spend your money there or not.

Short hair, long hair, makes no matter, a smile and lookem in the eye tells you all you need to know.

From your description you sounded and looked like you might be casing the joint.

Go give it another try or just blow him off and try somewhere else.

chuck

This is a great thread. When I was young I got a job at a nice resort and worked my way up to director of sales. Wore a suit and tie every day. Mr. Business! All my friends meanwhile had long hair and were pretty grungy looking but still good folk. After 12 years of this I took a one year sabbatical, grew my hair long and a full beard. Every time I went into a bank or business of some sort I got the most awful customer service imaginable. It was downright funny at times. If you saw my drivers lic. Pic from 1985 and now you would understand. The minute I changed my appearance back people I did not know treated me great again. But I also remember the folks who treated me kindly and with respect when I went through this period of growth. Anyway, do what you are comfortable with. I was in the market for another pistol yesterday and went to my local places but I heard an ad on the radio of a shop 30 miles from me in a tiny town, I mean like 200 people tops. I made the drive and was pleasantly surprised. It was a hardware store/gun shop. Had every kind of handgun, shotgun and rifle imaginable, new and used. Prices were slightly higher than big box on some things but competitive on most. Owner and clerk were awesome. I bought a new Springfield Arm. XDM 9mm and its a sweet pistol. Love my M&P's but il'l be a repeat customer because of how I was treated.

I'm 75, slightly stooped, with fairly short gray hair and a short white beard. I walk with a cane and wear trifocals. I dress casually, but most of my clothes show some wear. My face has caved in with age, and I look grumpy in repose if you don't spot that many of the lines in my face are laugh lines. In one LGS where I've done some business in the past they have some new employees who look at me and figure I'm a geezer with no money who isn't going to buy anything that day. So they ignore me.

They're right to a degree, I have no money for guns anymore, but they shouldn't assume that. I was looking for ammo and snap caps, but said to hell with it and left.

I have a strong aversion to being categorized and pigeonholed.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I'd say go back to the Mom and Pop place where you was treated right.
30 miles ain't nuthin'. Heck we use to have to drive that far for mail and groceries.
You'll make some friends, you're more than half way there already. I'll bet you wind up makin' better deals there that make the trip worth while.

yeah, conform to the standard you hippy!
there will always be people that judge others by their appearance.
i had long hair when i was in my 20s my wife hated it , i caught flack from my friends .i heard "youll only find a pony tail on a girl or a horses *** " fairly often...but when my grandma asked me nicely to cut my hair even telling me where grandpa used to get his cut, i couldnt refuse .
almost immediately after the hair cut i noticed that people didnt move out of my way on sidewalks ,wannabe tough guys were looking me in the eye, i guess i didnt look intimidating anymore.
i got a lot more attention from the ladies too. sure im happily married but who doesnt like attention!
just get a haircut, the money you save on shampoo can be funneled directly into ammo and the time formerly spent on careing for your coiffure can be used for practicing your drills

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the rules? there are no rules

I had long hair (down to shoulders) for a long time, now its getting shaggy again. Ive noticed most places stop caring how I look when I walk up smile, handshake, ask them questions, and start counting out 100 dollar bills. If you look like a bum (does not matter what your wearing) quite a few people wont look past that and just profile you and move on.

Guy running around my home town thats a millionaire. He dresses like a slob, dirty ratty pony tail, drives a busted up pick up full of garbage... but if you look close and pay attention you see a diamond ring on every finger, and he stands and walks like he owns the place. I judge people how they act... not how they look.

Apparently none of you guys have ever bought a firearm wearing a postal uniform.

If you get your hair cut, just make sure you go to a barber that speaks english. I got my last haircut in '93 for a job interview, the barber didn't speak english and I don't speak spanish. I ended up with a mullet. I decided that if people didn't like an American Indian with long hair, then screw them and never cut my hair again. The ladies seemed to like my long hair.
I used to be a good looking fellow. My wife took this pic back when we first met.

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Mr. Night Hawk, lots of good advice above by posters. I've been a life long LGS shopper. LGS owners are like any business owner, it is the same difference in any person. Friendly or cranky.

Like one person posted introducing yourself, explaining your are wanting to buy a pistol and would like their advice. I've seen many newbies both men and women start this way. It opens the door, they can help, they know you are relying on their judgement and most of the time you will get good service.

However; there are some horse patoots in LGS's too, if they are not receptive I leave. If you want my money you need to earn it.

My favorite LGS was sold, I did lots of business there. If I was pressed to go get someone who in my personal opinion was bipolar the new owner would be 1st choice. After my 2nd trip I left never to return.

There are more LGS', go in say hello and ask a few questions. I perceived a little shyness in your post, you sort of expected them to open up to you, seize the moment and speak up. And if they don't smile and leave.

Also search online for licensed gun dealers in your area who will receive your gun for a fee and help you out. There are FFL folks who work out of their house. Get insurance.....

Alternate solution: Maybe enjoy self expression as we are all free to do in this wonderful nation?

Nframecollector: I hope I read your post incorrectly but if you were serious, you're spouting exactly the type of rhetoric that I would classify as conformist anti-expressionist and anti-liberty.

We don't have to look the same or pray the same way (or at all). That's a pretty cool thing about this country and to have you suggest that we should move toward homogenization makes my blood boil. This person is exercising his constitutional rights in many ways (all good!) and for you to suggest capitulation in order to be more like everyone else is sad. If you're suggesting this in order to help the OP get taken seriously at this place that clearly doesn't want his business, then okay... but I would say be who you are and who you want to be. Exercise your freedoms and don't shop at places that look down on you for doing so. As Shakespeare said through Polonius:

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."

Then again conforming in hair style, clothing and type of vehicle you drive is excellent camouflage, tripping up those that take so much stock in simple appearances. Clean Break

Night Hawk, regarding the layaway issue, since you know they do offer that option, call them up and ask what the layaway requirements are and be sure to note the salesman's name. Then go in person to put the money down. If you get any flack in person, call them out then leave.

I understand the fact they have the right to pick and choose customers, but it ain't gonna kill them to be unbiased and not prejudiced to treat someone of questionable appearance like a normal person. I go out of my way to be kind to people that turn me off for various reasons, and I'm not doing it for work or financial gain.

I'd only go back to that store if they have something you want that is hard to find elsewhere. Then set the layaway trap by calling first.

Gee Snubbyfan, You looked a little bit like David Carradine.
Hair a bit darker, but otherwise ....

OP: At least two posters have mentioned the R word-relationship. I have found, having been on both sides of the counter in my varied part-time careers while balancing at least one full time job, that the easiest way to start that relationship at a gun shop is to spend a little money.

Don't have to buy a gun, but just about anything, cleaning materials, a little ammo, snapcap, just about anything will show them you are a "customer" not just a tire kicker.

If you want to go back to that store, I'd try spending 5-20 bucks on something and see if the attitude doesn't change then and, most importantly, the next time you come in.

I also try to learn the clerk's name that waited on me, then use it in greeting him the second time I go there.

Works for me, but I realize YMMV.

Bob

"Gee Snubbyfan, You looked a little bit like David Carradine.
Hair a bit darker, but otherwise ...."


No, Snubbyfan is not wearing a dress like Carradine was.

What if my name isn't Chuck and the guy I'm talking to isn't named Rudy?

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I'm with the banned ...

I may be mistaken, but I think I met you a couple weeks ago to purchase my 4566TSW! I was the guy who needed a haircut and a shave in green Tahoe. You were easier to deal with than the LGS

PMed him. Different guy. My bad.

Just dont say, "Hi I'm INSERT NAME HERE."

HEHE

Chuck

OK, I'll say it. Everytime the topic of where to buy/not buy comes up a lot of people start railing against the "big box" or chain stores, and talking about the personalized service at the LGS. Frankly, my experience is that a lot of folks (not all, of course) that run local shops are arrogant, rude and drive away a lot of potential business. How is it your basic early-middle-aged, clean-cut guy can walk into an empty shop on his lunch break and have the owner and two employees ignore him while he's browsing the counter full of revolvers? Oh, they'll eventually make eye contact, sneer, and go back to their socializing. "But the kid at Walmart (or wherever) doesn't know anything about guns." Sorry, but all he needs to know is how to ring up the sale. Yes, I'm bitter.

attitude and ego NEVER gets any nickels from me... there is way too much competition on the street to be wasting time with elitists and drama queens....

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There's nowt so queer as folk

That's what I'd do. The morons don't get my money. I am a fairly ordinary looking guy and even so have gotten that type of treatment many times. I am a bit older now so I get it less often, but I still see it frequently. Gun shops, and unfortunately gun clubs too, can be pretty clannish. I wouldn't worry about it. Introduce yourself, tell them what you are looking for (if anything, or just "browsing"), be friendly. If that isn't good enough for them, to heck with them. You don't have to spend yourself into being treated properly. That's baloney. You spend money to buy things you want or need - not to be treated decently.

Yea and I found out the hard way that if you're in Victoria Secret and you sniff the merchandise you have to buy it

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Forum consigliere

No way would I get my hair cut for a LGS that treated me like S***t. I agree with some of the other poster, take a nice drive to the other shop and spend your money there. When buying my first handgun the LGS treated me great, didn't make me feel stupid and got my business.

If you do decide to cut the locks...Screw 'em and spend your money elsewhere!

Funny how judgmental and presumptuous some people can be as evidenced by a few of the posts here.

Since when is everyone perfect? A few need to check their attitude and leave it at the door.

When a man walks into my business I treat him with respect regardless of how long his hair is. If you walk through the door clean cut and well dressed but run your mouth, you'll be shown the door just as fast.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!