I recently went to Galyans this past weekend to buy a rifle scope, while there I got an interesting response from both employees, and other customers...
First when I walked it in, I stopped to have it "checked" at the front info desk, where it then was escorted to the gun section upstairs. The people up there had already just sold me the scope, but then opened the case to mount it (I would have done it myself, but wanted to test their reaction to a BLACK RIFLE).
The kid mounting it, "Travis", was really nice, and was happy to see an Evil Black Rifle come in for the scope mounting... After assembling the upper/lower, all of the employees in the gun section were saying how it was so "Cool! What is that!?" or "We don't sell cool guns like that, do we?" Travis on the other hand knew exactly what it was, he's a very knowledgable young college kid, and asked if it was a kit build Olympic, or assembled. He wanted to see other people's kit-builds before getting one that way.
So basically the few gun-area employees weren't upset with an evil black rifle, and actually wanted to each get a chance to handle it (after scope was mounted) so they could determine if they like its feel, etc... This surprised me.
But then you've got your many soccer-moms, bow-hunters, and skeet-shooters there who were walking by, and ALL of them gave me the most EVIL looks imaginable! One of the soccer moms was overheard while walking away, "Why would anyone bring an "assault rifle" to a sporting goods store!?"
Travis just laughed and was kind of surprised at the looks people were giving us. Then he says, "I guess this rifle makes them feel inferior with their 10/22's!"
It was an interesting experience though, and I'm glad that I went there, that reason alone made it worthwhile!
PS. The scope I bought is a Tasco Varmint/Tactical 6x-24x42mm with Mil-Dot Reticlce, Target Turrets. I haven't had a chance to sight it in yet though. I can't afford ammo or range fees with it yet. I hope it goes well.