Stigma towards younger gun generation?

[smle-man]

Being a woman or Black also presents challenges at many gun shops. I've witnessed and experienced this stuff my whole life of course some shops are worse than others.

Usually my experiences are OK because over time many shops realize I'm not a window shopper and know what I'm doing and have cash to spend.

But I get the occasional turd but I vote with my wallet.

When she was younger my wife refused to go to a particular shop where the employees ogled her. She isn't shy by any means but it made her very uncomfortable and she wouldn't return. What is it with firearms enthusiasts and poor social skills?

[I Swan]

When she was younger my wife refused to go to a particular shop where the employees ogled her. She isn't shy by any means but it made her very uncomfortable and she wouldn't return. What is it with firearms enthusiasts and poor social skills?

Many gun shops are like hobby type businesses. Owner has a passion for the hobby but they and the help tend to be poor businessmen and socially awkward.

Expect in most gun shops for any reasonably attractive female especially if dressed provocatively to be ogled. Some women embrace it others are turned off by it.

Gun hobby also attracts Walter Mitty mall ninja live in basement virgin at advanced age not due to religious beliefs types.

[JWil]

I'm 22 and have been walking into gun shops since I was 18. Yeah, some shops I have noticed will straight up ignore me until I say "hey look I'm not just window shopping" lol.
Hell, I had one guy straight up not show me anything in his display case because "well you aren't gonna buy anything anyways". Well, not from you anymore.

If it's a middle age or younger guy they usually have pretty good CS. My LGS is of course great, have been there since 13 lol.

[bballwizard05]

Why does everything with you millennials have to be a stigma or racist!?!?

Stigma and racism are far from the same. Also you stated "you" millennials, we were born in the same year. This has nothing to do with confidence, if I lacked confidence I would force awkward conversation trying to prove something to someone. "demand attention" sounds exactly like what our generation does. Screaming at rally's because they don't have a job. I think I see the points you are trying to make, but I also feel that you have missed the mark on what I'm saying. Misconstruing my post as a confidence issue is proof. This isn't a measuring contest, it is a conversation on basic customer service skills.

[bballwizard05]

This happened TWO YERAS AGO and you're still whining?

This is Arizona. If you want something man up and ask!!

It is the point. You are an over sensitive millennial.

In many shops they don't want to pester you like a used car salesman.

They expect YOU to ask them if you have questions.

It doesn't matter your age.





Why do some (most) young people expect others to solve their petty issues for them.

Amazing...

LOL. This is classic. Great post.

[bballwizard05]

So OP, was this Bucky O'Neill Guns or High Country? There is no excuse for crappy customer service like that.

This is great. All I will say, is that I have never had an issues with Bucky's and it is actually the shop I ended up buying my AR in. The other spot you mentioned... hit or miss for me. Higher prices so I don't frequent there often.

[golfish]

So you got a AR for 1k...nice

[TheReluctantCraftstronaut]

I think it's two separate issues. The old guard issue is just a generational thing that happens with all generations to some extent. I think today's politics have elevated some of the "young, dumb, and lazy" opinions about younger generations. I don't think it has anything to do with gun shops except that older guys in a gun shop are likely conservative.

The issue of poor service is common in many businesses and so far I've never found a gun shop more informed than me on any purchase I've ever made. Many people in gun shops are just working a job and their knowledge is usually limited to the small niche in the market they participate in. I'd bet 90% of the training on guns for guys behind the counter is from customers informing them (correctly or not).

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[I Swan]

I've heard gun shop counter help Walter Mitty types give advice that if taken would actually be a felony. You know the type if they don't know something they'll sure enough make something up instead of swallowing their pride and finding out correct info.

[CheapBloke]

Dislike every gun store employee who thinks they know more than a customer just because they are behind a counter. Especially the young employees. Worst offenders are Turner's employees from my experience.

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[OCEquestrian]

Dislike every gun store employee who thinks they know more than a customer just because they are behind a counter. Especially the young employees. Worst offenders are Turner's employees from my experience.

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Most gun owners don't know any more than the gun store employees either. Its a total Charlie foxtrot... LOL

[ScottsBad]

There are a lot of good responses here. My experience with guns stores has changed over the years, probably because I no longer wait to speak up.

BUT, Gun stores have a vibe that almost no other retail stores have. Even in the good ones, guys behind the counter don't tend to smile, they always seem hesitant, and judgemental. I can understand some of this is caused by the fact that they are selling weapons and need to be careful about their customers, they take it seriously and have probably been coached to take it seriously and be cautious.

This is not conducive to what is considered "customer service" in today's retail environment. Perhaps if gun stores had Nordstom service levels... But I think gun stores need to be cautious, and I'd feel a little funny if the sales person was too friendly.

I completely understand what the OP is saying, I've experienced it. But I would urge the OP to overcome the BS, it seems to be the gun store culture. Pick the store that treats you best and has the products you want, but realize that the gun stores ARE different.

[HKAllTheThings]

Try the google autocomplete challenge and type in 'gun shop employees' and see what comes up

[mindbent]

Really man? You left because you were offended. Maybe they just had a flood of people like rush hour. The could've been trying to get something done while he finally got the chance, who knows. You could've at least said hello. To expect any type of store to rollout the red carpet for you is selfish. Maybe the LGS you went to is a crapy shop, it could also be a good one. It's like the guy waiting for the cute girl to approach him and wonders what happened when she just walks away. Put your big boy pants on and try to be understanding. Walk in and say hi. The guy might be cool or a complete prick but at least you made an effort. Every shop is different and I lucky enough to find a good shop and I haven't even bought a gun from them, yet.

[OCEquestrian]

Like $1000 is a lot of money anyway...