I have been working part time in the gun department of a pawn shop for a couple of weeks now. I don't know diddley-squat about the new breed of handguns in particular, but rifles and shotguns as well.

There are a couple of handgun brands I've never heard of, or if I have, I've forgotten about it. I am pretty familiar with the shotgun brands, but haven't a clue about the model numbers, etc. Same goes for rifles. There are calibers that I never knew existed. I know exactly nothing about "uppers" and "lowers". I first thought they were talking about false teeth.

There are, in the display case, a few revolvers, S&W, Taurus, and Ruger. There are some 1911s, Philippine made as well as some Springfields. I can hold my own talking with customers about them, and I'm learning about the different Glops, XDs, etc. It will take a while, though.

On the brighter side, a customer brought in a Model 41 he wanted to pawn last week, and the manager came straight to me to ask about the value. Earlier this week, on a day I wasn't working, the manager called me to ask the value of a pre-Model 36 in about 75% condition. I guess I'm good for something after all.

The manager threatened yesterday to send me to Glock armorer's school.

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Georgia On My Mind

I agree with the topic statement

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

I hope ColbyBruce doesn't read this!

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Recycled Bricklayer

Actually Geogia, that lack of knowledge about some of those guns that have to be shot, (according to movies) in that, up-side down, sideways mode, is considered a fine complement as far as I am concerned.

One of my favorite gun shop clerks declares first off; "I am here to take your money, and make sure you fill out all the paperwork right. Don't even bother to ask me about gunsmithing and all that stuff. If you want to know anything else, go over there and interrupt the owners internet solitaire game."
...He does say it in a nice manner,and with a smile though.

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wanna do right-- not right now

Well, there are other places to work...

(Actually I have nothing against Glocks. Owned a couple and liked them.)

But while some people think they do, nobody knows all there is to know about firearms, or there'd be a lot fewer of us here.

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Oh well, what the hell.

In a few months, I turn 71. Up until about 20 or so years ago, I thought I was pretty knowledgeable. Since then, I am constantly amazed how little I know and I guess I'm getting dumber day.

Guess the old adage is true. Always hire a teenager. They know everything. Just ask them.......

You talk about some of these new brands, I'm just as lost as you.

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Slim, U.S. Army, Ret.

I am amazed every Thursday how dumb I am when I pick up my now thirteen year old granddaughter up from school for our dinner date. She ask me some sorta of school question that I have no clue as to an answer. Then just grins as I look at her dumbfounded! Are tells me google is my friend.

I'm 72 and like the man that was interviewed on his 100th birthday. The reporter said "you have seen a lot of changes in your life". The old man said "and I have objected to every one of them". I don't see any reason to learn about plastic guns. Larry

I had no idea how ignorant I was until I joined this forum! There are guys here who've forgotten more than I know!

Thankfully, I've learned lots. I've easily learned more about S&W since joining than the sum of my knowledge up until then. Not to mention the other subjects I'm interested it, namely reloading and lever action rifles.

The LGS I frequent has several employees working the counter. I would assume that each has his own area where he is more knowledgeable.The owner pretty much does the research and sets the prices.If there is a story to tell behind a firearm it's not always shared among all employees.

I usually know what I'm looking for before I leave home due to researching it here or elsewhere.Guns are a personal thing for me.I have to like the looks and the feel in my hand.I wouldn't want someone doing a hardsell on me.

Realizing that you don't know everything takes a lot off pressure off a guy.

I envy you for our chance to learn more about guns right where the rubber hits the road.

So... when the time's up ya gonna buy the 41?

REAL MEN carry Glocks with PINK GRIPS !

Nobody can know everything. It's up to us to stay informed!

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Jorge

Once again:
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation”
(credited to herbert spencer)

Knowing that we don't know is the best start at finding what we don't know.

Used to be.....
Life was so much simpler

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Halfway and one more step

Glock armorers' school= hammer, pliers, drift punch, plastic JB weld.

At 72 I am totally amazed that I have made this far. Ignorance is bliss!. The only thing that I do know for sure at this point in my life is that "THEY don't care how WE used to do it."

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

I'm at the point when I learn something new, I forget something old. Like my name, where I live, etc.

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

So did you sell or list the pre model 36?

You are not ignorant, you are an educator who is behind on his continual education credits. The only screw on a Glock holds the front sight on; the rest of the pistol is disassembled with a 3/32" punch. I would jump at the chance to go to Glock Armorers school, especially since I am off work now. I tried to get myself invited to S&W M&P Armorers class that a local sheriffs office is hosting, but have not heard back from him yet.

Let me suggest you pick up EVERYTHING you do not recognize and study it carefully. You have computer skills, so use it as well. GOOGLE is your friend.

One of my favorite quotes is from Will Rogers - "Everyone is ignorant, just on different subjects."

I've worked part time at gun shops for the last ten or so years. I learned much myself. So many things changing that it's difficult to keep up with.

I read magazines and the internet about new guns and such to try and keep up.

You will also learn a lot about the different types of people that buy/carry guns.

If the boss is going to pay you to go to any school, go!

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

If ignorance is bliss I must be the happiest guy in the world.

This is a misquote, or at best an incomplete quote from Thomas Gray. Here's a selection from Wikipedia: Thomas Gray - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gray’s surviving letters also show his sharp observation and playful sense of humour. He is well known for his phrase, "where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." The phrase, from Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College, is possibly one of the most misconstrued phrases in English literature. Gray is not promoting ignorance, but is reflecting with nostalgia on a time when he was allowed to be ignorant, his youth (1742).

Put another way, if knowledge makes you unhappy, you would be dumb to be smart. I read it as more of a joke, a logical conundrum rather than any kind of philosophical truth.

I'll be surprised if the guy doesn't redeem the Model 41. I know he will if he can. He didn't borrow nearly as much as we would have loaned on it.

They didn't take the 36. They made him an offer on a trade, and he said he would think about it. The manager said it was well used, had been a police officer's bug.


I am making an effort to educate myself on the various firearms. Being there only two days a week limits the time I have to do that. What I am doing is filling in on the day off for two of the full time employees.

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Georgia On My Mind