Local Big5 = idiots

[Lead Waster]

To clarify

1) The part that bugged me was the comments the one guy said about "It's best not to sell to the resident aliens". I don't think Big 5 employees are allowed to discriminate against customers.

2) The documents I brought in were not denied by DOJ, Big5 doesn't want internet printouts. When I came in to START the DROS, the employee there said "That's fine, but you need one more months worth". He was holding my prinouts! There is no "Original" when you use eBills. They just don't exist, and if "originals" existed, it's what I handed him ... the first printouts of my eBill! But, store policy is what it is. Had the DROS originator told me they were not sufficient I would have brought some other paperwork instead.

I'm less angry now than I was then. I was angry because I wasted a lunch hour going to get the shotgun and having already waited 11 days, I was anxious to get it, having paid in full for it! And the comments of the two employees made me feel like some kind of outcast (yes, I know, boo hoo, my feelings were hurt).

In any case, let that be a lesson to people ... printed eBills are not sufficient. Even though Big5 will photocopy your originals and store copies ANYWAY, they don't want you handing them printouts. Whatever, it's store policy and the guy who starts the DROS should at least mention that.

[santamonica9]

I would send an e-mail to corporate. I hope you got names to go with those side comments etc. If not, send them their descriptions -> corporate Big 5, would not like these bigots representing their name. I know the santa monica location is much nicer. Sorry to hear this has happened for you

[all torque]

The one in Murrieta has never given me any grief. Cant say that they are the most knowledgeable staff but they do try to help. Bought two weapons in the last couple of years from them. One being my Mossy 500 combo that I pick up tomorrow.

[robcoe]

After 2 experiences with Big 5 I prefer not to shop there anymore. I bought 2 guns from them(with printouts of Ebills interestingly) but both times they somehow managed to lose the copy of the dros information with my thumb print and I had to go back and re-print their copy.

I have only ever seen one Big 5 employee who had a clue, and unfortunately I only ran into him when I was picking up my first Mosin and had already decided to avoid that place like it was full of the plague.

[wjc]

Oh heck, I stopped shopping there when I asked the manager of the hunting/shooting area if they carried broadheads...ya know, for arrows.

He didn't know what a "broadhead" was.....

I just walked out.

[TheExpertish]

Exactly. Unless you plan on stealing product from the store, their house = their rules. Ridiculous as it may seem, their corporate answer to everything is to go way over top. Can't say as I blame them, since they have so many stores. Still, they obviously have no concern for training their employees either.

I agree. They don't train them when there is so much out there for them to educate themselves on with incentive. There are great sites like 3point5.com.

Their house = their rules.
You have every right to shop elsewhere if you don't like the house's rules.

The problem I have is that the "house rules" are different from store to store instead of following whatever corporate policy they have.

I've pretty much had nothing but good experiences from my local Big 5 ( Dublin ) over the last 10 or so years. : shrug :

If you have credit card statements, those also satisfy the federal 90-day requirements. Feds require "original documentation":

http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-4473-1.pdf

20(c)

Acceptable documentation to prove 90-day continuous residency must be original documentation (e.g. utility bills, current bank statements, rent receipts, mortgage payments, lease agreements, personal property tax bills, documents issued by Federal, State, or local government agencies, first-class mail issued by government agency, insurance policies, or bill with current address or major credit card bill.

-- Michael

This is why I always keep one bill on paper just in case someone does not accept printouts or e-bills.

Give Big5 corporate office a call and file a complaint. I did that once with Home Depot because some young kid won't help me load some cements onto the truck until I flag down the store manager. A complaint with corporate and a Home Depot regional manager gave me a call and ensure me that it will never happen again.

Never like my local Big5 because the workers there are like walking zombies. But I venture in there once in a while when there is a good deal.

Zombies is an understatement. At least a zombie will notice you're there. I'm lucky if 25% of the time I get a sideways glance. I love standing at the counter just looking at stuff for 15 minutes without anyone asking if I need assistance. I hate speaking up and asking for help because I always get the impression I'm bothering them.

Oh heck, I stopped shopping there when I asked the manager of the hunting/shooting area if they carried broadheads...ya know, for arrows.

He didn't know what a "broadhead" was.....

I just walked out.

Yeah, that happens to me. I usually get a shrug and a smug smile. I've had to educate their customers for them on a couple of occasions. I don't mind knowing more than a sales guy, but at least have a f*#@ing clue.

[Lead Waster]

I picked up my shotgun today. The guy behind the counter was the guy who started my DROS previously. I used mortgage statements and since I was missing one months of mortgage statement, I filled that month in with a bank statement.

Oddly, I looked at DOJ site and I thought it said "no bank statements" however, the "cheat sheet" I was given by the Big5 guy said "Bank statements OK".

Anyway, it was better today with this employee, he seemed to know what he was doing.

Also, another guy pointed out the one day sale to me, but I picked up a lot of walmart ammo previously.

[Utha Schleigle]

Yes it get more humorous at BIG 5, when you start shot gun ammunition shopping.

Whatch out they will sell 20ga for your 12ga and/or 3 1/2" mag shells for 2 3/4' chamber.

Best quote ever BIG 5 sales person --- "You can get this box of 25 shells for $6.99 instead of the 5 shells for $5.99." Translation box 25 20ga trap shells #8shot instead of 12ga 00buck 8 pellets both on sale.

[scion]

LOL...was he using a phaser?

Then the manager told me that he shoots sub moa at 600 yards and on a bad day a 2" group.

[NationsMostWanted]

At least you got it resolved which is a good thing

[blazeaglory]

Yeah good job. Screw them.

Shop at Turners next time. Ive found their deals to be a bit cheaper. I just picked up a Maverick88 for $210! Drivers license only

[TheExpertish]

Yes it get more humorous at BIG 5, when you start shot gun ammunition shopping.

Whatch out they will sell 20ga for your 12ga and/or 3 1/2" mag shells for 2 3/4' chamber.

Best quote ever BIG 5 sales person --- "You can get this box of 25 shells for $6.99 instead of the 5 shells for $5.99." Translation box 25 20ga trap shells #8shot instead of 12ga 00buck 8 pellets both on sale.

It's the square peg in a round hole sales technique.

[DrRobert]

I found this works the best, make sure your driver licence and a dmv printed copy of your registration match up. No problems with that. Those comments are B.S. dumb ***.

-DR

[ChaneRZ]

That's discrimination man! I'm also a resident alien but no problems so far. When I buy a firearm, I show them my driver's license, green card, and 6 months of credit card bills for proof of residence. That is all!

[Lead Waster]

Yeah, I've determined that you just gotta gauge the sales person. I think like people said, Big5 is a sporting goods store that hires teenagers so it's hit and miss.

I think resident aliens get lumped together with illegal aliens sometimes, just because of the whole "alien" thing!