Working at a Gun Store: What do I need to Know?

[Knight]

Howdy, all. Like many I've been lurking for awhile (mostly researching OLLs), and so far I love the forum. I am a regular of another gun forum, HK94.com.

I'm considering looking for another job, either in March or July, and a local gun store is at the top of my list. I've been feeling around the places that I'm considering applying at, talking to the guys already behind the counter.

What I need help on is the actual selling process; the names of the forms that need to be filled out, what kind of checks need to be done, etc. If I can go into an interview stating that I am already familiar with these steps, it could help me out. And even if it doesn't, it would still be nice to have the knowledge.

Here's what I know so far:

* You must be 21 or older to work "behind the counter" at a gun store.
* For every firearm purchase, form BATF 4473 must be filled out. (Not 100% on the form name).
* Handgun purchases require the passage of the HSC or previous experience in law enforcement or the armed services. (I know that there's more to it than this, particularly in regards to what "experience" is.)
* 10 day waiting period, purchase on 11th day.
* Limit of one handgun for every 30 days.
* Background check. (I'm wondering how it's performed?)

More info on COE and FFLCR licenses, specifically what they grant, how to acquire them, and whether or not I should consider getting them prior to applying for a behind-the-counter job, would be great.

Thanks for the help! I'll definitely be sticking around the forums, if not posting then reading up on all the great CA-specific info you guys have.

[xenophobe]

Getting a COE beforehand won't hurt.

Know the product... As for forms, every store does their paperwork slightly different, so I wouldn't worry about that, but know the basics.

Write a reciept, calculate a total, get payment, start DROS, copy ID and get thumbprint, give customer receipt, put gun in back room...

I wrote a whole tutorial on this like a year or two ago. Lemme see if I can dig it up...

[xenophobe]

Typical CA Handgun Sale (non-PPT):

1) Customer comes in... says "I want that"

2) In Stock? Order? Either way, check the list to make sure it's okay. (No=Skip to step 43)

3) Need Handgun Saftey Certificate. Do you have a HSC? (Yes= skip to step 10)

4) Set the customer aside. "Do you want to take the test now (yes= skip to step 7), or study the guide?"

5) Customer goes home, studies the guide comes back. Hi "I want that"

6) Need Handgun Saftey Certificate. Do you have? "No, I need to take the test"

7) Set the customer aside. Explain how to take the test. How many you can miss. Not to write in the answer book.

8) Grade the test. (fail=go back to step 5)

9) Need ID. Write info on reference card, HSC card and log sheet. Collect Fees.

10) Write receipt for handgun.

11) Collect fees.

12) Have customer fill out 4473.

13) Explain what a non-immigrant alien is. Explain what other questions mean.

14) Go to DROS machine, swipe card. If it does not swipe, manually enter it.

15) Enter pistol information. Is it the correct model/barrel/color, etc... (With Ruger and Springfield it can be difficult if the firearm is used due to their model # systems) A non-safe gun cannot be DROSED unless it is PPT'ed.

16) Print DROS. Check it. Have customer sign DROS

17) Fingerprint customer

18) Tell the customer when his pickup date is.

19) Tell the customer what documents he needs to bring and hand him his reciept.

20) Customer comes back. "I'd like to pick up my handgun".

21) Can I see you receipt? Do you have it? (yes= skip to 23)

22) What kind of pistol is it? (sometimes the customer doesn't remember... typical responses "a 9mm"... a "Smith and Wesson", about 1 or 2 times out of 10 a customer who doesn't have his receipt will tell us something wrong. "Was it in a case?" "Was it used?". Sometimes it takes up to 5 minutes searching through the back room to find a firearm without a reciept, sometimes it takes almost as long even if the customer has the receipt.

23) Go back into the holding area, find firearm bring it out.

24) Check if there is a DOJ hold (inform customer, go back to step 20) or DOJ Denial (go to step 42)

25) Go to DROS machine and check if pistol is still on the safe list (If NO= skip to step 43) AB2111

26) "I need your ID and your Proof of Residency" (you would be surprised how many people leave their wallet in their car or forget their proof of residency). (If customer has, skip to 29)

27) "I have my ID but don't have my proof of residency" Sit there and explain all the various documents that can be used.... "Vehicle Registration?" (yes = skip to step 29)

28) Customer leaves, and comes back some time later. Go back to step 20.

29) Customer goes back out to car, then comes back in a few minutes later and provides document.

30) Take the document, go to the copier, make a copy.

31) Take the ID, fill out the back of the 4473. Have customer sign.

32) Does the gun come with a factory lock? (If yes, skip to 36)

33) Ask customer if he has gun safe. (if yes, skip to 35)

34) Ask customer if he knows the make and model. (If he doesn't and can't call to get it, go back to step 20)

35) Fill out and sign Safe Afidavit and gather up all documents.

36) Grab a Safe Handling Demonstration Form and fill it out.

37) Demonstrate while explaining how to operate a handgun.

38) Ask customer to repeat the process. (Fail= go back to step 37)

39) Have the customer sign the Safe Handling Demonstration Form.

40) Does the handgun come in a hard case? (Yes= skip to step 44)

41) Would you like to buy one or do you have something with you? (No=go back to step 20)

42) I'm sorry I cannot sell you this handgun. Void out all paperwork and figure out a return minus stocking charges and DROS fees. Have a nice day! (end)

43) I'm sorry I cannot sell you this handgun. It is not on the Safe Gun List approved for sale by the DOJ. Have a nice day! (end)

44) Here is your firearm, have a nice day! (end)

Of course there are a few things I've left out, but this is it, for the most part.

Enjoy!

[Knight]

Perfect! Thanks for the step-by-step, Xeno.

As for knowing the product, I pretty much have that taken care of. There are just a few areas that I need to study up on, such as bolt-action rifles. This handy little guide will be promptly be added to my self-study class .

[tackdrivr]

I wrote a whole tutorial on this like a year or two ago. Lemme see if I can dig it up...

No offense, but there's some problems with it. For example the lock/safe information needs to be entered in the comments section at the bottom of the DROS prior to transmitting the DROS.

[leelaw]

Xeno - don't forget the new federal requirements to show proof of a lock sold with the firearm, which the safe affidavit does not exempt.

[leelaw]

No offense, but there's some problems with it. For example the lock/safe information needs to be entered in the comments section at the bottom of the DROS prior to transmitting the DROS.

Could you refer to the law that states that? I've heard penning it in is kosher.

[MrTenX]

Don't forget you'll also need to be familiar with all the firearms that are on display and be able to respond to questions like-

How many bullets do it hold?
How long is da barrel?
Will dis kill a cop?
Whats better, 9mm or .45?
Whats better, .30-06 or .270?
Whats yer most akrat rifle?
How far can it shoot with dis scope?

Stuff like that.

Good luck.

[tackdrivr]

Could you refer to the law that states that? I've heard penning it in is kosher.

When you guys have questions about this or that call the field reps at DOJ. That's what I do.

619 263-4887.

[fal_762x51]

Which store in Humboldt County? Please don't say Pro Sport.

[leelaw]

When you guys have questions about this or that call the field reps at DOJ. That's what I do.

619 263-4887.

That's where I heard it from, and judging from my experience with the phone jockeys in the past, I've come to find that something written is better to have than something stated over the phone.

So, do you have a written source for this?

[tackdrivr]

That's where I heard it from, and judging from my experience with the phone jockeys in the past, I've come to find that something written is better to have than something stated over the phone.

So, do you have a written source for this?

If I get some time I'll look. Workie workie today. Friggin swamped.

The field reps know what's going on. It's different than the regular DOJ folks.

[leelaw]

If I get some time I'll look. Workie workie today. Friggin swamped.

The field reps know what's going on. It's different than the regular DOJ folks.

OK, thank you.

[xenophobe]

No offense, but there's some problems with it. For example the lock/safe information needs to be entered in the comments section at the bottom of the DROS prior to transmitting the DROS.

Did you see the part where I said I wrote it over a year ago? And there has never been a need to enter that in the DROS Entry Screen that I was ever aware with.

Please feel free to create your own list to share with others.

Xeno - don't forget the new federal requirements to show proof of a lock sold with the firearm, which the safe affidavit does not exempt.

Yeah, I know, I don't feel like adding another line and renumbering the whole thing.

[Knight]

Which store in Humboldt County? Please don't say Pro Sport.

Not that I'm saying Pro Sport . . . but what's the problem with them?