Bullseye Smith
Member
I would have asked to talk to the owener and see what he had to say about it. Bet he has losted a bunch of sales from this guy.
Dealer ever give you a hard time?
- Thread starter USAF385
- Start date
Gamer
Member
I read recently that people are more apt to buy items they can handle freely and I know for a fact this is true for me with guns.
Really I've bought a couple that way, wasn't interested, looking around mostly, but liked the feel etc.
As a rule, I let my money do the walking/talking and I will not go back to any retail store that doesn't treat me fairly and with the respect I show them. Luckily, there are several great gun shops in my area and I do business with those that are happy to show me what they have.
I do sort of understand that some shops want to limit DNA on their guns but I don't go there. Could you sell a car by saying hey bud just look through the window there and write out the check when you're ready.
As a rule, I let my money do the walking/talking and I will not go back to any retail store that doesn't treat me fairly and with the respect I show them. Luckily, there are several great gun shops in my area and I do business with those that are happy to show me what they have.
I do sort of understand that some shops want to limit DNA on their guns but I don't go there. Could you sell a car by saying hey bud just look through the window there and write out the check when you're ready.
Photog
Member
Went to a store in Denver (has since closed) with a fair amount of cash in my pocket. They had a Colt SAA in 44 spec that I had my eye on and a nice M28 S&W. I was ready to buy at least one, or both, if they checked out. Problem was, could never get anyone to come and talk to me and pull them out of the case. It would have been about a $1600 sale for them that day...guess since they went out of business, they might have been able to use it.
cshoff
Member
Kinda what I was referring to in my earlier reply. I've seen some of these jokers stand there talking to their "buddy" about their wife/girlfriend/new truck, or whatever, all the while not even bothering to ask a customer who is browsing around the store if he needs any assistance. Pretty poor way to run a business, for sure.
That is very true. There is always someone who apparently is always in there and the dealer ignores everyone else to talk to his "favorite". Too bad it appears to be a trend nation wide.
I myself have been in a local gun shop on a busy day, and totally ignored. Perhaps I don't look like a gun enthusiast enough.
Hermann
Member
Well, I was out to buy a Sauer 202 that a local dealer had on display. To make this clear, this is a $3000 rifle. Given the fact that I am always a little underdressed they did not even want to show me the rifle, like I would not be able to afford it anyways.
I just didn´t ask twice - on the way out a hunter I know came into the store and asked me in the door if I was happy with the new Hummer H2 he heard I had bought, I said: Yeah it´s great, I plan on buying one for my wife, too. I did not look back at the salesperson or ever went back to this store.
I just didn´t ask twice - on the way out a hunter I know came into the store and asked me in the door if I was happy with the new Hummer H2 he heard I had bought, I said: Yeah it´s great, I plan on buying one for my wife, too. I did not look back at the salesperson or ever went back to this store.
cmort666
Member
I used to be a regular customer of a well known store and range in Brunswick Hills, Ohio. I don't think I ever bought a gun there, but I used to use their range two to three times a week, paid for gunsmithing services, bought reloading supplies, accessories etc., to the tune of hundreds of dollars.
I moved to NW Ohio for a few years. While I was away, the range changed hands. I went to the Medina gunshow and bought a Savage 10FP Sniper. Since I was close to the range, I decided I'd stop by to see if they had a bridge mount for the Savage. I went in and asked for the mount. Their "gunsmith" rummaged around, looking for one. He asked if I had the gun. I went out to the car and brought in the gun, new in the box. He made an odd remark about me buying guns at gunshows. I just passed it off. All I wanted was a scope base for my rifle. He couldn't find one. No big deal. I picked up some gun brochures. He then rudely said to me, "Those are only for paying customers."
Aha, says I. I put the literature back and head for the door with my gun. On the way out, I ran into the friendly guy who ran the security training academy co-located with the store and range. He said, "Hi!" I said, "Goodbye forever, from a former paying customer!" I haven't been back since and have been badmouthing them for more than ten years. I immediately ordered a Savage 112BVSS from the gunstore in Fremont. Every time I mention the "gunsmith" by name, the response is invariably, "Oh, THAT a-hole!"
I moved to NW Ohio for a few years. While I was away, the range changed hands. I went to the Medina gunshow and bought a Savage 10FP Sniper. Since I was close to the range, I decided I'd stop by to see if they had a bridge mount for the Savage. I went in and asked for the mount. Their "gunsmith" rummaged around, looking for one. He asked if I had the gun. I went out to the car and brought in the gun, new in the box. He made an odd remark about me buying guns at gunshows. I just passed it off. All I wanted was a scope base for my rifle. He couldn't find one. No big deal. I picked up some gun brochures. He then rudely said to me, "Those are only for paying customers."
Aha, says I. I put the literature back and head for the door with my gun. On the way out, I ran into the friendly guy who ran the security training academy co-located with the store and range. He said, "Hi!" I said, "Goodbye forever, from a former paying customer!" I haven't been back since and have been badmouthing them for more than ten years. I immediately ordered a Savage 112BVSS from the gunstore in Fremont. Every time I mention the "gunsmith" by name, the response is invariably, "Oh, THAT a-hole!"
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
I dont get out much in gun stores anymore. However I used to belive all gun store owners and especialy the ones who were also gunsmiths had to pass some kind of nasty test.
Seriously, a gun store worker is always conservative, usualy only conservatives go in a gun shop, and only consevatives have a rough sense of humor.
Seriously, a gun store worker is always conservative, usualy only conservatives go in a gun shop, and only consevatives have a rough sense of humor.
The Highlander
Member
I was in a local gun shop one day, just browsing. One way or another, my S&W Model 19 came up in conversation, and he told me he'd like to trade me for it. Since it happened to be in the car (ccw), I retrieved it, unloaded, and handed it to him with the cylinder open. He glanced at the gun and quickly handed it back to me and informed me rather loudly that the gun had been modified by an unknown gunsmith and wasn't safe.
Since I had bought the gun new, and it had never been out of my possession, I was a little surprised.
When questioned, he pointed to the inside of the top strap and showed me the two holes drilled into it...for the adjustable sights!
My second "gun-genius dealer" story was at a gunshow. I was carrying around a Kahr for trading, slide locked open for display. He had something or other on his table that interested me and we exchanged guns for review. He held up the Kahr and said in a rather loud voice, that it was just cheap junk, would be inaccurate, and was probably not safe. When I asked what he meant, he pointed out that the barrel was tilted upward at the muzzle end.
Guess he never heard of Mr. Browning's design.
Oh well.
Since I had bought the gun new, and it had never been out of my possession, I was a little surprised.
When questioned, he pointed to the inside of the top strap and showed me the two holes drilled into it...for the adjustable sights!
My second "gun-genius dealer" story was at a gunshow. I was carrying around a Kahr for trading, slide locked open for display. He had something or other on his table that interested me and we exchanged guns for review. He held up the Kahr and said in a rather loud voice, that it was just cheap junk, would be inaccurate, and was probably not safe. When I asked what he meant, he pointed out that the barrel was tilted upward at the muzzle end.
Guess he never heard of Mr. Browning's design.
Oh well.
bloo
Member
A lot of the value of an M1 depends on the parts on the inside. Most big box stores will not let you strip one down to check drawing numbers of parts. I just hand the rifle back and say thanks but no purchase without inspection of the internal parts.
3rd Gen Neal
Member
Interesting thread. There is a place here in Houston on I-10 at Campbell Rd like that. I quit going there because of that type of treatment. If you dont have deer blood all over your face w-a 30.06 in your hands they treat you like garbage. And the knowledge factor of the pistols they stock is laughable. Last time was a few months ago, was asking to see a Glock 30, asked if he also had a G36. He looked at me all stupid and said there is no such thing. I just said I bet you've never kissed a pretty girl have you, and took off. Total weirdo insecure jerk.
imjin138
US Veteran
I remember living in Klamath Falls Or, and they were only 2 good gun stores there Carson's Old West and Chris's gun den. There was a pawn shop but I went there once and got pissed off so I never went back.
I went to Carson's first and it was a father & son operation and I went in uniform so they initially figured I was a cheap guy looking to make deals. But after awhile they got used to me.
then I went to the gun den and looked in there and started chatting with the owner and before I moved away from Kfalls both places were on my daily route for coffee and chatting.
I bought from both and traded with both.
I very seldom even ask to see a gun at Gander just because of the clerks there the first question usually is are ya from Illinois? I am not but it gets worse after that.
I went to Carson's first and it was a father & son operation and I went in uniform so they initially figured I was a cheap guy looking to make deals. But after awhile they got used to me.
then I went to the gun den and looked in there and started chatting with the owner and before I moved away from Kfalls both places were on my daily route for coffee and chatting.
I bought from both and traded with both.
I very seldom even ask to see a gun at Gander just because of the clerks there the first question usually is are ya from Illinois? I am not but it gets worse after that.
shooboy
US Veteran
Babalooie
US Veteran
I work part time in a "sporting good store." We sell guns, archery equipment and fishing equipment. I'm one of the gun guys and admittedly know virtually nothing about archery or fishing. Sometimes, I'm the only person on the sales floor. I take customers one at a time, in the order they come in. Some people have to wait a long time. I explain the situation and if they choose to leave, so be it. The neophyte who knows nothing gets the same respect/attention that a regular customer gets. I tell potential customers I'll be glad to show them every gun in the display case.
I get a lot of first time gun buyers looking for "a Glock." They generally know nothing about guns but saw a Glock in a movie. I ask them if they really want that particular gun, or would they like suggestions. I tell them I'll sell them whatever gun they want, but if they want my opinion, I'll give it to them. I also suggest they get Rolan Craps' (David Steier's) book, Guns 101. I tell them I used to collect coins and there was a saying, "Buy the book first." I suggest they get some gun books and do a bit of internet searching, so they don't get something they won't like. I even suggest they go to a range and rent a few guns before they buy. I have spent hours with a potential customer, who leaves, saying, "Thanks." I tell my boss I'm "planting seeds." He agrees and has no problem with that. Sometimes, the people come back and buy, and sometimes they don't.
I get to handle all sorts of guns and get paid for it. What else can a person want out of a job? Arrogant people on both sides of the counter get what they deserve. I get people coming in acting like total jerks. If they cross the invisible line, I'll ask them to leave, saying I don't get paid to put up with their crap. This is an extremely rare situation. Most, about 99.99% of our customers are polite and respectful.
If any of you are ever in the Tinley Park, IL area, stop by Freddie Bear Sports and say hello. I work Thursday and Friday afternoons and all day Sunday (after church of course). I'm the fat guy with the leather vest.
I get a lot of first time gun buyers looking for "a Glock." They generally know nothing about guns but saw a Glock in a movie. I ask them if they really want that particular gun, or would they like suggestions. I tell them I'll sell them whatever gun they want, but if they want my opinion, I'll give it to them. I also suggest they get Rolan Craps' (David Steier's) book, Guns 101. I tell them I used to collect coins and there was a saying, "Buy the book first." I suggest they get some gun books and do a bit of internet searching, so they don't get something they won't like. I even suggest they go to a range and rent a few guns before they buy. I have spent hours with a potential customer, who leaves, saying, "Thanks." I tell my boss I'm "planting seeds." He agrees and has no problem with that. Sometimes, the people come back and buy, and sometimes they don't.
I get to handle all sorts of guns and get paid for it. What else can a person want out of a job? Arrogant people on both sides of the counter get what they deserve. I get people coming in acting like total jerks. If they cross the invisible line, I'll ask them to leave, saying I don't get paid to put up with their crap. This is an extremely rare situation. Most, about 99.99% of our customers are polite and respectful.
If any of you are ever in the Tinley Park, IL area, stop by Freddie Bear Sports and say hello. I work Thursday and Friday afternoons and all day Sunday (after church of course). I'm the fat guy with the leather vest.
Bandersnatch
Member
in an effort to be fair, what's good for the goose is good for the Gander, went to the Cabela's in Mi and was regaled with the clerks stories of taking out iraqi armor with the Desert Eagle. apparently they are standard issue to the Delta Force guys who are buying craploads of Glock 37's too.
BarbC
Member
Was that at the Gander Mountain near Viewmont Mall? They can be a pain in the butt. Ask for the girl who looks like a guy. She actually knows what she's talking about.
The Gander Mountain out in Middletown, NY wouldn't even let me hold a gun because I didn't have a New York permit.
If you live near the Viewmont mall, go out to Gun Toters up Rte 6. He's really good too.
Gander Mountain must have a store policy regarding handgun sales in New York and reciepts. My question is what is the point allowing a customer to make a deposit to hold the handgun until you can amend your permit. Just make you pay for it in full. Not to many people want to fork over let's say 20% or whatever is required without any proof of doing so other than the sellers end of the paperwork showing it so. The individual employee may just be doing what he or she has been instructed to do even if they know it to be B.S. personaly.
I bought a shell holder in a blister pack at the closest gun store to me. Didn't give me a reciept when I bought it which I thought strange but didn't concern me. Got home and found out I already had one. Go back to the store and tell the owner I already have one and he says where's your receipt? I said you didn't give me one.
He lost a customer over a $3.50 item. Gun store now out of business.
He lost a customer over a $3.50 item. Gun store now out of business.
imjin138
US Veteran
I mostly go to Shooter's in Racine and I know them. I do know people who don't go there because they were treated badly.
I guess it happens at every store to some degree, I would go to a store on HWY 32 between Racine and Kenosha quite regularly I went in once and the owner was screaming at a customer I made my normal round through the store and said hi and left.
I didn't go back for about 2 months and one of the regulars asked me why so i told him and he must hvae told the owner who called me and apologised. I've known him for years and knew he wasn't yelling at me, I just figured I'd make myself scarce for awhile.
I guess it happens at every store to some degree, I would go to a store on HWY 32 between Racine and Kenosha quite regularly I went in once and the owner was screaming at a customer I made my normal round through the store and said hi and left.
I didn't go back for about 2 months and one of the regulars asked me why so i told him and he must hvae told the owner who called me and apologised. I've known him for years and knew he wasn't yelling at me, I just figured I'd make myself scarce for awhile.
OP
USAF385
US Veteran
YES! That was the store (and I know exactly what girl you're referring to). I actually got my 681 from Toters!
I got my 642 from J+G in Throop.
I was back in Gander Mtn. this morning... found some .357s.
cmort666
Member
The people at the one in Sheffield or Elyria, Ohio aren't rude. Their prices are just insane, easily $100 more than even the overpriced mom & pop places. I can't imagine a reason to buy a handgun there. I occasionally go there to buy reloading components and accessories, since at least at one time, they were the ONLY place in the Cleveland area which stocked Federal match pistol primers.
Gun-runner
Member
It's a big enough pain to buy a handgun in New York State. The only way to make the pain worse is to buy guns and ammo at Gander Mountain! THEY SUCK!
ChadW
US Veteran
I just had to find this post after what happened today.
I've been saving for a new gun for a while. I was thinking about an AR or AK. I changed my mind recently though...
I went into my local Gander Mountain (even though I have had several bad experiences there) with CASH looking to buy myself the new gun. A gun I had seen there a few days ago and had decided I needed.... they had an S&W 460 XVR 8 3/8" revolver..... I don't need to tell you how much these run, but like I said, I've been saving up for a while now, and this is what I wanted.
I asked the kid behind the counter if I could see it. Now I work as a mechanic, and was just coming from work. I was a bit dirty looking I'm sure. The kid just looked at me and said, "Can you actually afford it or are you just going to smudge it all up?"
Yes. Those were his exact words. At the moment I kind of laughed and brushed it off and said I would actually be able to pay for it. He took it out, I loved it.. so I bought it.
On my way home, I was thinking about that snot nosed kid and got more and more angry. Who was he to decide my financial situation based on my appearence?! Needless to say, I'm about to compose a nice e-mail for Gander Mtn.
I've been saving for a new gun for a while. I was thinking about an AR or AK. I changed my mind recently though...
I went into my local Gander Mountain (even though I have had several bad experiences there) with CASH looking to buy myself the new gun. A gun I had seen there a few days ago and had decided I needed.... they had an S&W 460 XVR 8 3/8" revolver..... I don't need to tell you how much these run, but like I said, I've been saving up for a while now, and this is what I wanted.
I asked the kid behind the counter if I could see it. Now I work as a mechanic, and was just coming from work. I was a bit dirty looking I'm sure. The kid just looked at me and said, "Can you actually afford it or are you just going to smudge it all up?"
Yes. Those were his exact words. At the moment I kind of laughed and brushed it off and said I would actually be able to pay for it. He took it out, I loved it.. so I bought it.
On my way home, I was thinking about that snot nosed kid and got more and more angry. Who was he to decide my financial situation based on my appearence?! Needless to say, I'm about to compose a nice e-mail for Gander Mtn.
Alpo
Member
I believe I would have stepped back, and in my best parade-ground voice, have said, "MANAGER!!", and repeated it until the manager arrived. I would have then told him what the clerk said, because that kind of <STRIKE>cra</STRIKE> stupidity needs to be rewarded with unemployment.
This reminds me of the story about when John Bonham, the drummer for Led Zeppelin went into the Rolls Royce dealer and they gave him similar treatment.
He got in the car and drove it through the storefront. He told them something like: "Touch it up and I'll pick it up on Monday"
He got in the car and drove it through the storefront. He told them something like: "Touch it up and I'll pick it up on Monday"
Pasifikawv
Member
That's just insane! Glad I don't live in NY (or NJ, MD, CA)
Buying a gun in Oregon goes like this. Pick out the one you want. Fill out the 4473, dealer calls Salem.OR. [State Capitol]Gets the OK you pay 10 bucks for the OK, pay for the gun & walk out the door.No sales tax in Oregon either.
CJofWolfcreek
US Veteran
Chad, I've had similar experiences due to going straight to the gun store from work and generaly can't get the time of day when I'm grungy from a hard days work.
One guy knows me well and has sold me several guns and will come talk to me as soon as he spots me. The younger clerks loose a sale every time.
One guy knows me well and has sold me several guns and will come talk to me as soon as he spots me. The younger clerks loose a sale every time.
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