2020 was a banner year for gun sales. Now it looks like 2021 might not be any different. More and more people are heading to the gun store for the first time to purchase their own home defense firearms.
As gun owners, we welcome more Americans to our ranks. After all, it’s much better to defend the Second Amendment — and our own homes — when more people are on board with the basic premise. But there is one problem we need to address — too many fresh gun owners haven’t grown up with the same ettiequte we have.
Today, we’re going to look at the do’s and don’ts at gun stores.
Do: Consider One Gun at a Time
Think of the gun store like a high-end jewelry store. They are only going to take one piece out at a time for you to look at. It’s the same way at a gun store. There is only going to be one gun on the counter for you to look over at a time.
Do: Ask Before Dry Firing
It’s polite to ask before you do anything with the gun you are considering purchasing at the gun store. That includes dry firing, releasing the slide, or even fiddling around with any of the components. Get permission from the owner or person helping you when you are looking at a gun.
Do: A Safety Check
Even though the sales associate probably did a safety check before they handed you the firearm, it’s still vital that you always perform a safety check yourself when a gun is put into your hands. Do an actual chamber check to make sure it’s unloaded while the gun is pointed in a safe direction.
Do: Some Research Before Going In
Although it might be fun to go to the gun store to browse around, it’s important to do some research beforehand if you are serious about buying. That will allow you to have a better idea of what you are truly interested in, and will narrow down some of your choices.
Don’t: Expect the Sales Guy to Know Everything
The store gets new products and shipments all the time. It’s unrealistic to think that the sales guy has shot and tested all the guns they are selling. It’s fine to ask questions, but understand that unless you are really familiar with that sales associate, they probably aren’t going to be able to answer all of your questions.
Don’t: Say That You Can Get a Better Price Online
That’s a pretty insulting thing to say to a gun store owner. Yes, you may be able to get a better price online, but it’s still rude to outright say that inside the gun store. Don’t try to lowball the gun’s price if you can’t come up with a realistic number.
Don’t: Expect a Great Trade
If you are trying to trade your firearm in and have high expectations, you may want to try to lower them. The gun store owner is there to make money. You are probably not going to get that sky high number in trade that you want.
Don’t: Unholster Your Own Gun
When you are trying to trade-in your gun, don’t unholster it. It’s better that you bring it in a case with the slide open and unloaded so they can see it’s safe. That’s just good gun store etiquette.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
This is first time in over 50 years I have ever seen anything as well written and practical published on the internet about what to do and not do in a gun store!
Yes, magazines hint about some of it in their pages of good advice. But not as complete.
Glad to see it. Wish more citizens could read it, it is easy enough to understand.
There are sure enough idiots out and about!