Firearm purchase etiquette?

[geeknow]

Easy guys. I think the op has his answer.

As the guy on the other side of the counter, we appreciate being asked. The reality is that, for every customer that does it 'right', there are 3 that will wind up with a pile of parts and a confused look.

[Mickey D]

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.

Ok, I think the OP get's the message.

[xrMike]

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)

This wasn't the point of your thread, I know, but any time that 1 person hands a gun over to another person, both parties should check that the weapon is clear, every single time, no exceptions.

You were right to notice the clerk's goof.

Whenever I see somebody do something like that I immediately suspect their lack of knowledge or disregard for all the OTHER gun safety rules, and I keep a real close eye on them around the guns.

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Always apply the same general etiquette (which is also a part of safety):

1) Always clear a firearm that has been handed to you in the event that it has not been done for you.
2) Visually inspect to make sure it is clear.
3) If you have been handed the firearm just to look at it, always ask if it is okay to do something else with it (such as disassembly)
4) And personally, I always ride the bolt forward or hammer down. It might be a part of of regular wear, however I always baby whatever firearms I handle, even my own.
5) Always hand back the firearm after clearing it and leaving the action open.

[DaveFJ80]

Just to add, do you really feel the need to take apart a brand new, unfired gun at the store to examine it? Sure others may have put their hands on the same gun, but most likely it also wan't taken apart by them (especially if the store clerk said no). Therefore, with a brand new firearm, do you really need to take the gun apart to look inside?

Personally, I don't think you need to unless you have a question about a specific internal part (FLGR, recoil spring, etc), but then you still ask the clerk about taking the slide off to examine it. The only time I wanted to take the slide off of a Glock was to examine the recoil spring used in the specific model, otherwise I don't see a need to field strip a brand new Glock. I usually ask if they will do it for me, or if I'm allowed to do it. They'll usually do it for me or they might say no. Either way, you're not making anyone mad.

[mossy]

you should have asked before taking the gun apart, stores dont like it when you dry fire, field strip or letting the slide slam shut on a empty chamber.

[Spooled Up]

The clerk should have pistol whipped you

As stated ask them first. I always check to make sure its not loaded, then ask if I can dry fire it.

[dieselpower]

no need to disassemble a Glock.

On a high end used 1911, or AR15, I would request a store employee disassembled the firearm to prove its 100% genuine and NOT some chi-com POS with a high end roll mark.

[santamonica9]

so I think the OP got the point already. Yes ask first, we all get it. He was looking @ a used Glock so I can understand why you would want to really examine the gun. If the store says no to you taking it apart ask if they can do it. Gun guys know why you would want to check guts & the barrel - quick tip bring a flashlight, lock the slide back and look through. (of course after proper safety checks)

Personally, I was looking at a AK variant from InterOrdanance Inc. - I asked the clerk if I can take it apart and check her out. He looked at me puzzled, then asked if I know I can put it together agian afterwards. He did not. So with his permission I proceeded to take it apart and I even gave hime aquick lesson on the gun itself also. I went back in there about a week later for ammo and I see the same clerk, taking apart the same AK for another customer who wanted to look at the guts too. He came over to me and gave me a 10% discount as a thank you for the lesson.

each store is different, each clerk is different - always ask first no matter what your going to do. In regards to the other posts, if your buying a used car from a private sale do you not let your mechanic check out the car before you make the final purchase???

it is your money and your responsibility to find what you want & check that its in a condition you are willing to purchase it

[SgtDinosaur]

I don't always clear a gun that I'm looking at, but I never put my finger on the trigger or point it towards someone. Sometimes I do clear them, especially if it's used.

[DaveFJ80]

I forgot to mention, in regards to safety checks.... for any gun store that you might visit (for anybody), does the clerk ever hand you the handgun without the slide locked back?

All of the stores I've been to, the clerk will always lock the slide back when handing you the gun, so you both know it has been cleared. If somebody gave me a gun with the slide forward, I would still pull it back and verify that it was empty. But leaving the slide locked back when passing the firearm back & forth between people is a better practice of safety.

[evidens83]

You should have asked first....

[renzoku]

Heh, makes me glad I bugged my firearms instructor to help me with my service weapon selection. Saved me some face, as I'm sure I'd have violated etiquette codes somewhere. Luckily the store owner and my instructor are on good terms, so it was totally cool for him to come in and give my first weapon a good look over.

Got a real nice used Sig, hardly any wear.

[Rob454]

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

So let me understand. You walked in a store, asked to see a gun and then proceeded to take the gun apart without permission, And now you don't feel like doing business with them again?

You were wrong for taking their property apart in the first place. The clerk has no idea if you can put the gun back together correctly or not and the next guy who purchases it has a problem like the gun blows up in his hand/ malfunctions or maybe you scratch it when you reassemble it and now they are gonna have to drop the price because it has scratches on it or warranty it or some sort of liability.

its no different than walking in a store and picking out a item than taking it out of the box to make sure its all there. THEN putting it back on the shelf and taking the one next to it that has not been opened.

I bet if you were selling a gun and I walked up and proceeded to take it apart without your permission you would be pretty put off wouldn't you


PS i just read the other responses. Sorry for being redundant ^^^^^

[choprzrul]

/Start Bandwagon

Ask first

/End Bandwagon





Kudos to OP for taking the time to ask. I am sure that this thread has educated OP along with countless others.

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