bad experience with big 5

[davidb]

i went to the big 5 off of doheney street today with two friends and was going to purchase a rossi single shot when half way through filling out the paperwork the salesman and manager said they could not sell the gun to me because the friend i was with had been refused a sale before.

i called back about half an hour later and asked if i could buy it later when i was alone and mentioned that i was a regular customer and i had actually purchased a rifle from there before and have never had any problems. He said that because i was with someone that had been refused a sale before i couldnt come back later and buy it. i still wasnt clear on the whole situation so i asked if i was even allowed to buy firearms from that location anymore ,he said if anyone there recognized me that they would not sell to me.i just cant believe the situation,i was never rude or anything,when he said i couldnt buy it at the time i was completely understanding but to say i can never purchase a firearm from there again for doing absolutly nothing wrong is just rediculous .


ive never heard of anything like this before,
this is the second bad experience ive had with a big 5
im taking all my gun purchases to on-target because i know they are good people

[Temp Username]

Is this even on the lawbooks? The laws are so ambiguous, and people seem to pull stuff out of their arse when it comes to the second amendment. In school they want to teach children about tolerance and all kinds of other nonsense, but they won't teach children about their second amendment rights.

[bsg]

i believe you've solved your problem; take your business elsewhere.

welcome to the forum.

[meangreen46]

They probably thought you were attempting a Straw Purchase. (purchasing the gun for your friend who couldn't get the gun for whatever reason)

[Rhythm of Life]

I'm appauld they treated you in such manner. Believe me this is judt some FUD spread by an uninformed manager. Take your business elsewhere by all means. But not all Big 5s are run my illogical jackasses. Maybe try a different store if your willing to give a second chance.

Once again, sorry that happened, thats messed up.

[lockpicker70]

definatly buy your firearms elsewhere . If they don't want your money , spend it some where else . He may have a manager or regional / district mgr on his butt for whatever reason . We were told that for every " error " on a 4473 the store got fined 200.00 BS I never knew . we got really good at D.R.O.S.ing

I worked at a shop i was there when something happened . the person at the counter said he would give his friend the gun after he got it . The hunting mgr heard it & 2 others . he were told he could not buy . He was not told to never comeback .

I have been in stores where they don't even want to see you borrow $20.00 or any money from another as that can be a " straw " purchase . They asked the people to take care of it outside & comeback .

Use your buying power else where . Maybe give the gun shops in your neighborhood or even further a try . watch how they talk to other people . ask questions .

Don't let them get to you .

[meangreen46]

Without knowing what transpired between your buddy and them before, it's hard to say why they reacted that way. Businesses can lose their FFL license in the blink of an eye for allowing a straw purchase to take place. A shop near me just lost theirs for the same reason. I'm sure Big 5 has very strict policies in place to protect them from this happening. Definitely take your business to another store, but they would probably do the same if they thought you were buying a gun for your buddy.

[ke6guj]

I'm appauld they treated you in such manner. Believe me this is judt some FUD spread by an uninformed manager. Take your business elsewhere by all means. But not all Big 5s are run my illogical jackasses. Maybe try a different store if your willing to give a second chance.

Once again, sorry that happened, thats messed up.

I wouldn't call it FUD. I would call it a Big5 manager that is trying to protect the FFL of his store against a sting straw purchase. Basically, ATF tells FFLs that if something appears fishy in a gun sale, to refuse to do the sale.

unfortunately, the OP's friend being a prohibited person has tainted the OP in the FFL's eyes.

[bsg]

Without knowing what transpired between your buddy and them before, it's hard to say why they reacted that way. Businesses can lose their FFL license in the blink of an eye for allowing a straw purchase to take place. A shop near me just lost theirs for the same reason. I'm sure Big 5 has very strict policies in place to protect them from this happening. Definitely take your business to another store, but they would probably do the same if they thought you were buying a gun for your buddy.

+1.

[jaq]

I wouldn't call it FUD. I would call it a Big5 manager that is trying to protect the FFL of his store against a sting straw purchase. Basically, ATF tells FFLs that if something appears fishy in a gun sale, to refuse to do the sale.

unfortunately, the OP's friend being a prohibited person has tainted the OP in the FFL's eyes.

Bingo.

OP, don't blame Big 5. They were doing what they ought to have done. It is there duty to be vigilant against Straw Purchases.

Or, blame them if you want. But you have only yourself to blame.

Welcome to Calguns and welcome to becoming not ignorant of the very many and very serious laws re: firearms.

[IntoForever]

I'd actually have to agree with Big-5 on this one. I'd hate to get fined or lose my FFL over a suspect straw sale. When I buy firearms, I go alone for purchase and pick-up.

[Ed_Hazard]

They have the right to refuse service, you have the right to shop elsewhere.

Theirs a saying about laying down with dogs...but I digress



You might want to get to know your freind better, does he go shooting with you? Does he ride in the car to the range with you? Has he been in posession of your guns?

All these questions can have answers that can have serious consequences for you and him.

[VictorFranko]

Yup, don't blame Big 5.
Also, there was no mention of why your friend was refused a prior sale. Is he a convicted felon possibly?

[Wicked Pete]

This is FUD. Can't buy, because of the company you keep? Gheez.

[guns4life]

Don't worry, you got away before they made you wait 11-12 days for your DROS...consider yourself lucky not to deal with them anymore. You can also write a letter to their corp if it makes you feel better.