Firearm purchase etiquette?

[The_Mule]

I was in a store that sells firearms the other day, I won't name names. I asked to see and handle a used gun at the counter. When I received the gun, I cleared it, because the clerk did not. (I know that they probably knew it was clear)

It looked good on the outside, but I wanted to check inside. I didn't ask, but I proceeded to take it down. I got the gun halfway apart, and to my amazement the clerk said "please put the gun back together and don't take our guns apart". Did I do something wrong? At least they said please.

I was so taken by what had just happened, that I screwed up the reassembly of a gun that I am very familiar with. The second attempt was successful, and I gave the gun back to the clerk. I asked to see another of the same model (also used). I ended up buying this one after they attempted to let me bore light it, but I am kicking myself for doing that.

I am seriously considering not doing business with them after this purchase. Your thoughts?

[ke6guj]

you should have asked before you started taking it apart.

[Joe]

you should have asked before you started taking it apart.

Agreed.

A lot of gunshops wont let anyone strip their guns. Thats how things get messed up

[Will Goes Boing]

you should have asked before you started taking it apart.

This.....

I would've been a lot less polite if I was the guy behind the counter. I know for certain guns like the 1911 it's quite easy to scratch it up while putting it back together.

Imagine if you were at a motorcycle dealership and you started taking off the fairings to see how the insides look. If that sounds ridiculous to you that's pretty much the same for your gun store situation. You can take it apart all you want.... after you buy it and you own it.

I believe you were in the wrong here buddy.

[The_Mule]

Thanks guys.

[Ed_Hazard]

you should have asked before you started taking it apart.

This, even though you may be skilled in assymbley/take down, it is not your property and you should ask permission first.

[The_Mule]

Got it, thanks. ASK next time. ANYONE ELSE? LOL

[IronColt]

you should have asked before you started taking it apart.

that would be the first thing OP should asked.

[FNH5-7]

I don't want it to sound repetitive but "you should've asked". If it were a Glock I personally wouldn't mind you taking it apart especially if it were used. If it were a high-end 1911 on the other hand, I would be ****tin kittens if you wouldn't of asked because of the risk of an idiot scratch.

Always best to ask.

[The_Mule]

It was a Glock

[Laser Sailor]

It was a Glock

Gotta be careful taking those apart . . . I hear they can explode on you.

[jyo]

Having been the guy on the other side of the counter, I must say, customers taking apart guns is not a good idea---lost parts---"dummy marks" on 1911 types that can lower the value of the gun, etc. At least ask if its OK to take it apart, or maybe the salesman will take it apart (I often did). One fellow came into the shop and asked if he could see a bolt hunting rifle, then cocked it by cycling the bolt and then SLAMMED the butt of the gun on the floor! He said that a gun writer for a well-known magazine had recommended you do that to "test" the sear on the gun to make sure it would not go off in the field! A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous.
As for not checking a firearm to see if it is not loaded, I checked EVERY gun as I pulled it out of the display case and checked it AGAIN after the customer handed it back. I was trained this way from an early age and an incident happened to me while looking at guns in a small gunstore. I asked to see a SIG P220 .45 pistol. The store owner took it from the case and handed it to me---I pulled the slide back to check if it was unloaded and A LIVE ROUND popped out onto the counter!! A long silence, followed by me placing the pistol on the counter and walking out the door. A gun is ALWAYS loaded until you confirm it is not---and remember, they can become loaded---always check.

[rockman]

You could have asked the sales person to take it apart for you if you wanted to see inside the gun.(Problem is alot of them don't know how lol). Giving anyone a gun before clearing it is just plain wrong(every gun should be treated like it is loaded).

[coyotebait]

The most dangerous gun is the one that they "know" is cleared. I'm sure you know that though.......you should have asked,

Sorry, had to do it.

[Ronin2]

When looking at buying a car, do you just openup the hood and rummage around in the engine compartment or do you ask first?

If its not your property, no matter what the situation, you should never act as though it is.