Have you ever had to show your ID to look at a handgun?

I was in Academy Sports tonight...I have bought maybe 15 guns there over the last couple of years, plus more than that at several gun shops...and while I have had to provide my identification when I bought a gun, I have never been asked for identification just to look at one. I had just finished looking at one gun, and the guy who was helping me (and had sold me guns before) said he was getting off, and would ask someone else to help me, if I wanted to see something else. I did, so he called this other guy over. The second guy looked like he was barely out of high school, and I had never seen him in there before (of course, that doesn't mean I know everyone who works there.) I asked him to show me a particular pistol, and he says he'll have to see my driver's license first. I automatically pulled it out and showed it to him, without thinking, and he hands me the gun...and then my brain kicked in. I asked him why he needed to see my ID...and he said it was the law! I said that was strange, that I had bought many guns, including some right there in this store, and I didn't have to show ID until I bought something. Furthermore, I didn't have to show ID to see the gun I had just looked at. He said he couldn't help that, but he knew the law and he was going to follow it, regardless of what anyone else did or didn't do, and that the law said that unless you were 21 or older, you couldn't even hold a gun. You could only look at it through the glass of the case. He said he knew this to be a fact because his neighbor who is a LEO told him so.

I told him that I knew you had to be 21 or older to BUY a handgun, but I had never heard of any age requirement to LOOK at one. Furthermore, I asked him if he really couldn't tell from looking at me that I am older than 21?

Anyway, to make a long story shorter, he continued to insist that he knew the law, and so I figured it wasn't worth arguing about any further, since I suppose there is a chance he could be correct (I am not a lawyer) or he could be confusing store policy with the law (but I've never been asked in Academy before, even 10 minutes before my encounter with him.)

I'm going to do some further checking just for my own edification, but I also wanted to know if any of you had ever encountered this? Is it actually a requirement in the law? If so, then there are a whole lot of occasions when it wasn't followed, during my "looking" phase of handgun shopping.

Not sure about Texas, but Georgia is 18 to look or hold and 21 to buy.

I've had to give a store clerk at a pawn shop my ID while I held it. No big deal. I look way older than 21, unfortunately.

I have never heard of such a law. Sounds like the clerk went from delivering pizza to selling guns overnight. Thank goodness he knows everything, because I sure don't.

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SV,14,17,21,28,29,39,66,586

In Texas a person must be:
18 to purchase a long gun from a dealer or private seller.
21 to purchase a handgun from a dealer.
18 to own a handgun.

In Texas you don't need to produce an ID simply to look at a gun. This could be store policy but I doubt it.

I had this happen in a pawn shop a couple of weeks ago. I assumed it was that shop's policy because the other 7 or 8 pawn shops I visited that day did not require it.

Take up this question with the first guy that you talked to.

Well, I usually try not to come across as a know-it-all (because I don't even know most, much less all) and I usually don't question things like that...I mean, it is very common for cashiers to ask to see your ID when using a credit card, for example, although that is for a different reason. Besides, I was just looking and not buying at the moment.

At first, I asked out of curiosity, since I had never been asked before...but his arrogant and cocky manner made me want to push back. Plus, I was sincerely wondering if this young whippersnapper really couldn't just look at me and see that I was obviously well over 21!

It was either Academy or Dick's that someone reported in the last year or so that when he purchased a gun, a manager had to actually carry the gun to the door as the customer was leaving before the customer could take possession.

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Georgia On My Mind

In Illinois you have to lay your FOID on the counter to handle any firearms.

I don't think I posted that, but it has been my experience with every gun I have bought at Academy. The clerk fills out the paperwork, calls it in to get the approval, and then goes over the handgun safety and other boring stuff in excruciating detail...and then finally calls a manager. The manager goes over the paperwork, and then walks the gun up to the register at the front. When I have paid, sometimes the manager walks the gun to the front door and hands it to me there, and sometimes I have been given the gun at the register. I think the former is their store policy, but some of the managers have seen me buy a number of guns, so I guess they feel safe in letting me take it from the register.

Here in Texas, they arrest you for doing something like that...

They do that at BassPro and Cabela's also.

Used to go to gun shows in Illinois, (Collinsville) and was greatly amused that a resident of Ill. had to show their FOID in order to look at a displayed firearm. Most times, just saying I was from Missouri was enough, although I did occasionally have to show my DL.

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

Eh, it's probably store policy. Dicker and Deal in Lansing used to have a sign that you had to lay your ID on the counter to see a handgun. It was another method to keep someone from trying to run out the door with one. Curiously, clean cut white guys (I used to wear a sport coat and tie as "casual") weren't really subject to the ID requirement.

Under Federal law, you have to be 18 to buy a rifle and 21 to buy a handgun. There's also a bit of Federal law that says if you are under 18, with certain exceptions, that you basically need a note from your parents to have a handgun. Note that those ages apply to sales from a Dealer. State law governs the age for private sales/possession. Some states don't set an age for possession per se.

Maybe that's the deal...I haven't had a haircut in a while, and I am starting to look like I did back in the 60s. Actually, nothing like I did back in the 60s...more like Willie Nelson now.

Never heard of this. I'm 21 and I look more like 18. I've held guns at a plenty of gun and pawn shops and never been asked my age or ID. I do have to show my ID to purchase ammo.

I live in GA. 21 for handguns and ammo, 18 for long guns and ammo, 18 to "posses" a handgun. I believe you might can buy handgun ammo at 18 if you state it's for a long gun. (I've been asked if it's for a handgun or long gun when buying ammo before, could've just been the not so bright wal mart employees)

If you look at my DL while it is in my wallet you will see all the info you need to see except my DL# and address. My DL# and address are covered with black pin striping tape attached to the clear plastic cover my DL is behind. And yes, before anyone ask I have been the victim of identity theft. A friend that works for the USSS suggested this as an increased measure of protection from ID theft.

I bought a new Benelli Super Vinci a few months ago. Sales clerk at Dick's insisted that I GIVE him my DL before he would let me handle the SG. We had a "Discussion" about his need to retain possesion of my DL to let me handle a firearm. Finally the store manager was called and he informed his flunky that it was neither state law (TN) nor store policy that I surrender my DL to handle a firearm.

Who can guess where I did NOT buy the SG?

Class III

Was the clerk who looked like he was barely out of high school in the O/P, of legal age to handle/sell handguns in the State?

Sounds kind of young...

Fed Law allows persons under 21 (who are not felons) to be employed by an FFL and in doing so can handle/sell handguns
That person needs the written permission of parent(s) (who are not a felon). That written consent must be on the juveniles person at all times while working.
There must also be no State law prohibiting the juvenile from legally possessing a handgun or handgun ammunition.

Maybe the clerk is the one that should be asked for his 'papers'..

I dunno...it's hard to tell these days. You would think that Academy would know the law in that respect, and verify it. Like during the extensive training period they give to their sales personnel....

Where's the "like" button when I need it?

I've been refused entry to some GS's in Illinois because of the FOID thing.

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SOS USA

Especially if you're wearing chaps!!

My friend bought a rifle at Dick's a few years ago and the salesman looked at him and said something to the effect of -- You look like an adult. I'm sure you can carry it to the cashier and out to your car without supervision -- We were both in our late 20's.

Just last year I went to a different Dick's to see a rifle they had advertised and the clerk wouldnt even take the trigger lock off. Told me if I wanted to see how the trigger felt I should buy the gun. I got a little pissed but told him this has never happened to me in any of your stores, the clerk always took the look off. His reply, "I'm from Jersey and thats how its done there." So now I'm getting even more pissed and tell him "we're in Pa". He just looks at me and says "so what? Besides its probably a law here too or at least store policy" I laughed and said "good luck selling anything in Pa!" and walked out. Last time Im buying anything at Dicks.

I have heard that about Dick's.

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SV,14,17,21,28,29,39,66,586

At Gander Mountain here in Buffalo NY you have to show a pistol permit to handle and look at any hand gun. At the Buffalo Gun Center they don't ask to see anything.

Same here. I have walked out of plenty of businesses after suffering the attitudes of fools. I hope that pizza delivery job is still open. He won't last long if he keeps offending those of us who are "well over 21". The shop owner should explain to him that we're the guys with the cash to buy guns. It's right beside that I.D. in our wallet.

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SV,14,17,21,28,29,39,66,586

I've bought several at Academy in TX. The senior salesman knows me by name. No ID necessary. they'll even take the lock off if you ask nicely. At the sale, the salesman carries the gun to the cash register and then to the front door before surrendering it to me.

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USN WWII Korea
NRA

Maybe some of y'all might think me a schmuck but when I worked at a big-box gun counter and somebody who looked under 21 wanted to handle a handgun, I'd hit 'em up for proof of age.

If they couldn't produce, sorry, no can do.

In IL (The only state where there is no CCW allowed) we have a FOID, (Firearms Owners I D) and it is in the law that no one may be in possession of a firearm without a FOID. It has been interpreted that "possession" is just holding a firearm. So, when you go to a gunshow, you literally need to display your FOID as you will be asked if you want to touch any firearm, regardless of age. (IL, the state ruled by the whims of Chicago politics).

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

You said "Academy Sports". We have a "Sports Academy" here. Don't know if they are the same or not. But, several years ago when they still sold guns I noticed a sign at the gun counter. You needed a Florida proof of residence showing you were over 18 to look at a rifle or shotgun, and one showing you were over 21 to look at a pistol. Not buy. Look at. Hold in your sweaty little hands.

Store policy.

So I never even asked . Hell with them fools.

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I always take precautions

Someone mentioned that you have to show your permit in Buffalo NY to handle a pistol, at Gander Mt.

My understanding is that, in New York, if you don't have a NY Pistol Permit (not a permit to carry - a permit to own), you cannot have a pistol in your hand. If we are both at the range and you let me shoot your pistol, and I don't have a permit, we can both be arrested. If that's so, then the Gander Mountain policy makes perfect sense to me.

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I always take precautions

I've had the walk to the door at a Walmart and at Dick's about 8-10 years ago here in PA. after a purchase. I believe it was store policy.

In reference to the original posters question it sounds like another case of "Make up the rules as you go."

In Massachusetts you have to have a resident Mass Firearms ID to look at handguns -AND- high cap magazines AND ammo. If you are a out of state resident you have to have your Mass. non resident CCW to look at any guns,magazines and ammo. If you are out of state with no Mass. CCW or a Mass. resident without a Mass. Firearms ID you can't look at anything!*****"It's for the children"*****

He wanted to see yours - did you get to see his?

Seriously, you should've asked for his ID. Then you could take down his name and when he asked why, tell him that you were going to speak to his manager and find out if he was being an exemplary employee, or a self-important twit.

In Illinois a person is required to produce a FOID (Firearms Owner Identification Card) to look at guns. Sometimes, we ask for a second ID. The photos should match. A second picture ID (either driver's license or state ID) is required for buying a gun. Doesn't matter if it is a long gun or hand gun. When we sell any gun, we are required to photocopy the ID's. This may be just company policy as a CYA (Cover Your Assets) type of thing.

If my 38 year old son comes in to look at a gun, I make him show ID. No exceptions. We never know who's watching us from the outside. I was told there used to be over 300 FFL dealers in Cook County and now there are six. This is due to the Daly / Rahm Emmanuel forces. It seems that they only want criminals and cops to have handguns.

If for any reason we feel uncomfortable about a customer, we can refuse them service. This doesn't happen often. Don't know if it's allowed by law or just company policy.

That may have been me. He carried the rifle, I carried the ammo. The ammo was a lot heavier. The manager had to come back to the gun counter to make sure all of the paperwork was correct, so he was the one who took it up front and to the door. The only upside I could see to this was that I paid at the customer service counter and didn't have to wait in line.

As to the OP, I can't imagine that any Texas state legislator would even consider offering such an idea for a vote, much less making it a law.

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Insert short witty words here

We don't require the FOID to be laid on the counter. We just verify the photo, number, owner's birth date and the expiration date on the card. Once we see the information, the person can put it back in their wallet.

I have been shown an expired card. The owner became irate and started to argue with me. I simply told him to leave, as I wasn't paid to argue with customers. We have undercover "agents" who do this kind of thing in an attempt to catch us doing something illegal. In this case, a regular customer voiced his opinion that the guy was doing just that. I don't know; he was awful aggressive, arrogant.

I wouldn't show a customer my ID. They don't need to see it. I'll give them my business card if they ask. However, if they wanted to talk to the owner, I'd show them his office.

There is that...they always take me to the CS counter, or find a cashier to check me out...I guess they want to get back to work rather than stand in line.

I've run into that in Colorado too.Some stores want an id to look at a gun,some want to escort you to the door.The one thing they have in common is that they are chain stores.Take your money to the local guy,help him stay in business.

I was in the Academy Store here and they ask me for my ID to look at a gun. I ask them why and they said to ensure that I was over 21 years of age. I ask them how old I looked and they said, "about 55 years old. I told them I was 63 years of age. I ask them if they still wanted my ID. They said yes. I told them that I would go some where else to buy my guns since they were so stupid that they couldn't tell if a person was over 21 yoa because I wouldn't be able to trust them to correctly complete the required paper work. I then told the Manager the same thing. I finished up with telling the store manager if that is Coperate Policy, that Stupid is as Stupid Does.

I left and haven't been back in since. Who knows, they might want an ID to sell a T-shirt or Socks.

I can shop other places where they don't play Stupid Games to win Stupid Prizes.

Rule 303

A shop owner friend won't even let you handle a handgun in his shop if 1- he doesn't know you , or 2- you do not have a valid LTCF. A valid state-issued LTCF usually guarentees that you are not prohibited from posessing firearms. Anyone with bad intent (felon) can walk in , ask to see a gun , pull ammo from his pocket and , , , ,

The only time someone carried a new gun to the door, they got to carry it to the truck, too.

Worked for me.

But I would have no problem showing my ID at a GS. (although most of them I go into say "Hi Jim".)

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

Hmmm...well, maybe that is store policy...but if it is, it is VERY inconsistently applied. I have been to the Academy Sports in Mesquite a lot, and to several other locations around the DFW area a few times, and yesterday was the first time I have ever been asked...and one clerk didn't ask me yesterday (but then, he has sold me a number of guns) only the second one did. It is not, as far as I have been able to determine, a Federal or Texas law.

And we don't want no steenkin' FOIDs down here...whatever they are...sounds like a disease.

Thanks.
I needed a laugh today.
I hope they wash that counter.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Several years ago I ordered a shotgun at Wallyworld (when I lived in Illinausea), they called to tell me it was in as I was getting ready for work, so I stopped by to pick it up on my way. The manager came to the Sporting Goods counter to verify the paperwork was in order, then she took the box and escorted me the 100 yards or so to the front door, when she handed me the box, and wished me a nice day.

I was in full uniform, and wearing a pistol.

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

I have been asked for ID a few times when looking at handguns. Not an issue with me.

However, there is a law in place now that requires a handgun to have a lock on it when it leaves the store. The purchaser can either furnish his own lock or buy one from the dealer. I now keep one in my vehicle for the times when I buy a gun unexpectedly, as we all have done.

I ain't laying my FOID or anything else for that matter on a counter for anything other than to win a bet. (BTW I ain't never heard it called that down here )

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Forum consigliere

Here in NY if you want to see a handgun you are supposed to show your pistol permit, although alot of places don't seem to know that for some reason.

A FOID? Is that something like the little guy with the big ears from the old Domino's pizza commercials?

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Vaya con Dios

The last time I was at the S&W Factory store while attending Armorer's School again (last summer), I had to show my CCW in order to handle any guns from inside the case. I thought that a bit strange at the time.......