Firearm purchase etiquette?

[bsg]

[The_Mule]

Where in my thread did I state that the firearm in question was "new"?

I didn't DaveFJ80.

[oaklander]

I always check that a gun is unloaded before I hand it to someone - AND - I ask them to check it when they accept it from me.

I also ask them to check it before they hand it back to me - and I check it once again after they have handed it back.

I know this seems excessive (4 safety checks) - but the idea is to just make it automatic habit.

ALSO - there's been more than one time someone has handed me what we both *thought* were unloaded guns. Since I check a gun EVERYTIME it is handed to me, I was safe (after unloading the "unloaded" gun).

Some people do not do this, and as a result some have become organ donors.

These are called "gun cleaning" accidents. While granted, some of them might have been suicides, I am convinced that most were not. They were just people who assumed that their firearm was not loaded.

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.

[Omil]

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?

Sir, at least you bought it. Just enjoy & forget about it.

[The_Mule]

I know this seems excessive (4 safety checks) - but idea is to just make it automatic habit.

Muscle memory, I like it.

[The_Mule]

Sir, at least you bought it. Just enjoy & forget about it.

Sir, read on. I have forgotten about it.

[oaklander]

Thanks!

My automatic habit of doing this actually prevented me from putting a hole in someone's dining table a few weeks ago. . .

Muscle memory, I like it.

[The_Mule]

My automatic habit of doing this actually prevented me from putting a hole in someone's dining table a few weeks ago!

Wow! Close call! Thanks to you, they won't be needing a new dining room table any time soon! Lets hope anyway. :P

[bruceflinch]

Welcome to CGM Mule. Even new & old members like to exercise by:
Jumping to Conclusions & Flying off the Handle...

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

+5000 posts

<500 posts

YOU SHOULD HAVE ASKED.....

sorry man, I couldn't resist....

& of course we have a few unemployed Comedians..

Watch out for the GunStore Sweepers too!

[nation]

you should have asked. more times than not they will break it down for you. BUT i dont blame you. you can learn alot about the firearm doing it yourself so i feel you on this one.

if it was at the store i think it is and the employee i think it is theres a good reason,hes friggin clueless. IE-didnt know how many shells a shotgun accepted and told me that a "AR .22 with colaps. stock and detachable magazine is illegal in california" pointing out there was 5 of those very weapons on the wall for sale behind him he stated"im not hear to argue the law with you" and walked away.

[Xtreme1911]

You should have asked first but since it was a USED gun and you where a serious buyer they should have let you take it apart and look at everything since it is used and not new. It sounds like they might be trying to hide something. I wouldnt go back there again..

[saki302]

Another good rule to follow-

I ALWAYS ask before dry firing a gun to test the trigger- dealer, friend, etc.- it's just a nice thing to do.

Also, don't drop the slide on an empty chamber on any gun that isn't yours. It's harder on the gun and some guns are carefully hand fitted- I don't care if it's "meant to do that", blah blah- if it's not your gun don't do it without asking first.

For the advanced collectors- if you're handed something rare, expensive or unobtainable, try to handle it by touching the non-metal parts- i.e. grips, stock, etc. ONLY. The older collectors REALLY appreciate not having to wipe down their guns every 10 minutes. This may even get you a complement at some shows.

[Rob454]

You should have asked first but since it was a USED gun and you where a serious buyer they should have let you take it apart and look at everything since it is used and not new. It sounds like they might be trying to hide something. I wouldnt go back there again..

Makes no difference if the gun is new or used. It's not his gun. Serious buyer or not you ask before doing something with someone elses property. IMO its pretty rude to just walk up to the counter and ask to see a gun and then take it apart without permission. They are not "hiding" anything as you put it, most gun stores will not allow you to take apart their guns. Some might take it apart for you if you ask but as a general rule no they don't take guns apart. If you were buying a gun from me and you went to look at it I would hope you ask before just tearing it apart. I would be reluctant to do it and I would do it for you because if you scratched it upon assembly or disassembly and you decide not to buy it now I got a scratched gun.. Ive never had anyone tear apart a gun I sold. After you buy it feel free to tear it apart all you wish.

[The_Mule]

UPDATE: I got the Glock home, disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and lubed it. Not a thing wrong with it, not even a scratch. No pitting in the bore or chamber, no rust anywhere. Extremely happy with my purchase.

It sounds like they might be trying to hide something.

The only thing they MIGHT have been trying to hide, is the fact that this gun was extremely dirty. It seems like the previous owner was only concerned about cleaning the barrel and the chamber. I started with a field strip, and ended up detail striping it to get it cleaned enough for inspection.

ALWAYS ask before dry firing a gun. Also, don't drop the slide on an empty chamber

DUH. Sadly though, I see it every time I go into the shop and at work. Makes me cringe.

Ive never had anyone tear apart a gun I sold. After you buy it feel free to tear it apart all you wish.

Eww. I don't like that term, "tear apart". How about "take down", "dissassemble", or "field strip" instead next time? Ok HUH? :P

[joeyant]

You scratch it, you bought it......