GUNSHOP MACHO TURN-OFF

[MAC USMC]

I an 74 years old, ex-Marine, retired police officer and a gun lover. I still can't understand the hot-dog, macho, superior, arrogant attitude I encounter in many gun shops. Some employees, not all, tend to present an image that turns off potential customers, especially those new to the gun world. Why can they not learn to project a positive image about the firearms industry?

Most of us old-timers let the BS ride, make our purchase and leave. Recently, I have started responding to it politely. I simply ask: "Have you ever shot anyone?" They always say, "No". I tell them it might be wise to ease up on the attitude because many of us customers have had that experience several times and know a little about firearms. The silence is really rather rewarding.

[bwiese]

Very true.

This syndrome is often accompanied by clerks spouting off completely-off-the-wall garbage about the law and/or gun politics.

[socalT]

I think one of the most common encounters is that the prospective buyer is not "worthy" enough to purchase the weapon due to the salespersons super intelligengence on thinks considered guns. Slowly nod and move on

[Squidward]

+1

Unfortunately, "the attitude" is pervasive.

[GP3]

Yep. I can't stand it. Luckily, there are SOME good shops that don't have a chip on their shoulder. Take your time and pick the shops that respect their customer.

[doc1buc]

I am a 28-year old vet and I have noticed the same thing. Usually (always) the people who are spouting the most bs have done the least in their lives. I agree that that arrogance is one contributing factor to the decline of our Rifleman Nation.

[professionalcoyotehunter]

I agree.

[bobfried]

I an 74 years old, ex-Marine, retired police officer and a gun lover. I still can't understand the hot-dog, macho, superior, arrogant attitude I encounter in many gun shops. Some employees, not all, tend to present an image that turns off potential customers, especially those new to the gun world. Why can they not learn to project a positive image about the firearms industry?

Most of us old-timers let the BS ride, make our purchase and leave. Recently, I have started responding to it politely. I simply ask: "Have you ever shot anyone?" They always say, "No". I tell them it might be wise to ease up on the attitude because many of us customers have had that experience several times and know a little about firearms. The silence is really rather rewarding.

WHAT?!?!?!

You mean not all gun shop employees are retired Gunnery SGT and serves as a part-time assistant chief to the local PD? On top of their legal education from Harvard?

I'm on the other end of the spectrum in life experience from you and it's even worse for me. I get lecture to about how young people should blah blah blah. This is usually from some guy that apparently did 2 tours in Vietnam as a MACV-SOG advisor for the Montagnard. Of course I can't help it but ignore the fact that the person spewing this amazing biography is extremely obese, handle a rifle like an emu and doesn't know much in term of military lingo; The amazing men spewing this mountain of knowledge is usually in their mid 40's, which would put them at around 12 years of age by the END of the Vietnam war.

[paintballergb]

I simply ask: "Have you ever shot anyone?" They always say, "No". I tell them it might be wise to ease up on the attitude because many of us customers have had that experience several times and know a little about firearms. The silence is really rather rewarding.

LOL! I love that. What I wouldn't give to witness that convo take place.

[Gunaria]

It will probably get worse too.

[audihenry]

I an 74 years old, ex-Marine, retired police officer and a gun lover. I still can't understand the hot-dog, macho, superior, arrogant attitude I encounter in many gun shops. Some employees, not all, tend to present an image that turns off potential customers, especially those new to the gun world. Why can they not learn to project a positive image about the firearms industry?

Most of us old-timers let the BS ride, make our purchase and leave. Recently, I have started responding to it politely. I simply ask: "Have you ever shot anyone?" They always say, "No". I tell them it might be wise to ease up on the attitude because many of us customers have had that experience several times and know a little about firearms. The silence is really rather rewarding.

So true. That's the main thing that keeps me from enjoying gun shops and/or asking questions.

[dfletcher]

There's probably alot of hours of psychoanalysis that could go into it but I prefer the "small mind, small weenie" answer.

Actually, my experience has been for the most part very good, but I do know to what the OP refers & have heard it. Call it the old boy approach, a hazing to prove you're OK, or just insecurity - I really don't know. Ultimately, doesn't it exist because we as customers allow it?

If you go to a store & find a Colt SAA for $900.00 & the owner is a bit grumpy - well, we got our good deal (he made a sale) so who cares, right? Problem is, that grumpy guy doesn't understand he's probably left money on the table. Maybe you'd have bought some ammo, reloading supplies or a holster if he was friendly. So he's lost $$$ but doesn't know it. But you will go back looking for another good deal, even knowing the owner is a pain. I "gar-on - tee.

Not an excuse, I've also seen customers go into a store & make rude as heck comments about the quality & price of the inventory right in front of the owner - like he's not even there. I suppose in theory it shouldn't bug him & the easy answer is "he shouldn't be in the business then" but I don't think that makes it any easier on the guy.

Maybe the answer is it keeps happening because it really doesn't make any difference to the bottom line.

[Gryff]

My favorite was when the gun store employee told me that the way I grip a pistol is completely wrong. Funny...it's the same grip I used to win my class at the IDPA national championships a couple of years back.

Since I'm happily married, I just utilized my trusty Nod and Smile that Gives the Impression That I Agree with You and then left.

[eckerph]

My favorite was when the gun store employee told me that the way I grip a pistol is completely wrong. Funny...it's the same grip I used to win my class at the IDPA national championships a couple of years back.

Since I'm happily married, I just utilized my trusty Nod and Smile that Gives the Impression That I Agree with You and then left.

yup, the old nod and smile works most of the time. Letting people bother you this much is such a waste of energy and computer wear and tear

[surfNshoot]

I think I have to agree here. I’m fairly new to guns. I purchased my first gun in 2006 and was shocked by the attitude of the salesman. Yes I had some newb questions but so what. I wanted to know as much as I could before deciding on a gun. I think that some of it has to do with the lack of competition in my area. I have not been to one local place that I have not seen the macho demeaning attitude. I think the gun shops have gotten greedy and take advantage of the way CA sets the rules up. I called one local shop to have an FFL transfer done and was told no he won’t do it because I can just purchase the gun from him (for $300 more). I was floored. I was at a gun shop in WA. Last week and was shocked at how nice the people were in there. They didn’t even give me a hard time for being from ca. I doubt this thread will change anything but at least I know others feel the same way I do.