Armory Sponsor
Posted: 8/5/2009 1:42:38 AM EDT
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I wasn't really sure of the appropriate forum to post this in so I'm sorry if it needs to be moved.
Anyways, I am looking to buy my first black rifle and will be visiting several gun stores. I have no experience with ARs. I am wondering what actions are generally acceptable when perusing the selection of AR-15s. Is it generally OK to pull back on the charging handle and pull the trigger to test it? Is that even what you would do to test the trigger pull? I've heard contradictory things about whether its OK to dry fire an AR. What about asking to tear down the rifle? Would that even be necessary for a new rifle given I really wouldn't know what to look for anyway? Of the few ARs I've handled, I've noticed some slop in the fit of some of them. I've seen ones with loose handguards and ones with a loose fit between the upper and lower. Should I avoid buying these rifles? Anything else to do/ask/check while I'm at the store? Thanks for the help. |
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So no dry firing?
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I wasn't really sure of the appropriate forum to post this in so I'm sorry if it needs to be moved. Anyways, I am looking to buy my first black rifle and will be visiting several gun stores. I have no experience with ARs. I am wondering what actions are generally acceptable when perusing the selection of AR-15s. Is it generally OK to pull back on the charging handle and pull the trigger to test it? Is that even what you would do to test the trigger pull? I've heard contradictory things about whether its OK to dry fire an AR. What about asking to tear down the rifle? Would that even be necessary for a new rifle given I really wouldn't know what to look for anyway? Of the few ARs I've handled, I've noticed some slop in the fit of some of them. I've seen ones with loose handguards and ones with a loose fit between the upper and lower. Should I avoid buying these rifles? Anything else to do/ask/check while I'm at the store? Thanks for the help. You know nothing about AR's but ask if it would be alright to tear one down in a gun shop? You plan on taking instructions along? Having worked in a gun shop I will say this...many idiots walk into gun shops. If there was anything that made me suggest that they walk back out is when they start messing with a gun they ask to "look at". That means LOOK, not dry fire, not take it apart or start aiming it around the store with other customers. I would just ask for the gun and put it back on the rack, they were done "looking". Unless you are a regular customer with gun experience just look and ask questions. Why even let them touch it if it is just to "look"? When I go "look" at a car next time I won't get in ...let alone adjust the seat. +1 |
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When checking out a new gun I always point away from the guy behind the counter, they usually check the action when handing it to me but I like to double check it, anything further than fondling the gun and checking the way it feels I ask, dry fire, I ask, tear down, I ask first.
And I never drop the bolt or slide, I perfer to ride it home, I hate it when people do it to my arms... 
I started out with AR-15's building them, and I have never bought a 100% AR-15 yet but I do like to check them out from time to time, if used tear it down and look for stuff like proper staking on the carrier gas key, make sure it's chrome lined inside the bolt and key, and look down the barrel with the bolt and carrier group out of the gun, look for straightness and for weird blemishes in the barrel. Check markings on the barrel, if used or a self built gun... sometimes you may need to remove the handguards, make sure the barrel makers mark is on there and the twist rate, if it's a flat top make sure there is a nice little F on the front sight. |
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DarkEarth said it best.. and if you visit a quality gun store, they will both appreciate and take time with you to educate you if you ask. Everyone has to learn some time and start somewhere. If the store has their own range that allows center fire, ask for (or pay for) some instruction time. Or ask for a recommended range and take a class. Same thing with field stripping it. you can always ask for a demonstration.
If they are not willing to invest the 15 minutes in you to make you comfortable and spend your $1000~$1500, you can (and should) take it elsewhere. Okki |
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DarkEarth hit the nail on the head!
Personally, this gray area of not knowing what is and isn't acceptable along with the high probability of running into an asshole/know-it-all salesperson is exactly why I rarely walk into a gun store. FWIW, the later is my issue with most sales people, and I work in sales for a living. Most of the time I'm in a gun store I keep my comments to a minimum but typically over-hear incorrect and/or misleading information being dished to other customers. I had to correct a sales manager at Best Buy once because he told a customer that the best way they could hook up the $2k Bose system they were looking at to the 52" HDTV they were buying was with a 25ft S-video cable  sorry for the unrelated analogy but for those of you not familiar with home theater that is about the equivalent of someone telling you to red loctite the FH on your 14.5" barrel to make it legal.
I much prefer meeting guys at the range at HTF shoots or similar organized get-togethers (since most guys don't mind you handling their weapons or even running a mag through them), doing a ton of research here, and buying online. When buying online, simply buy from well respected, reputable dealers i.e. board sponsors. Be honest with the sales person about your knowledge, don't try to act like a know it all, don't mislead them into thinking you're going to buy today, and do as much research as possible before going into the store! |
just read up here at ARFCOM! get and idea of what brand you want, and what type. and go buy a brand new brand name. My first AR15 was(is) a Bushmaster M4 I love it, I didn't take it down, or dry fire. it was brand new in the box and it worked when I got home. When you get home with your new rifle, you can learn how to properly take it down, clean and lube at your own pace.
If you are looking to save money and buy a used one, than that's a different story. You should then at least know what you are looking at. |
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DarkEarth said it best.. and if you visit a quality gun store, they will both appreciate and take time with you to educate you if you ask. Everyone has to learn some time and start somewhere. If the store has their own range that allows center fire, ask for (or pay for) some instruction time. Or ask for a recommended range and take a class. Same thing with field stripping it. you can always ask for a demonstration. If they are not willing to invest the 15 minutes in you to make you comfortable and spend your $1000~$1500, you can (and should) take it elsewhere. Okki The first few pistols and rifles I bought from a local store I liked I asked them about taking them apart for cleaning. Guys would smile, pull the display gun out and walk through the takedown. It is one of the reasons I've kept going back to the store. When I bought my first pistol I went into the store and said I was looking at buying a gun in the next few weeks and wanted to look over a few models that I had read about. Owner of the store probably spent 30 to 45 minutes with me knowing that I wasn't going to buy a gun that day. Guy answered all of my questions and made some recommendations. Needless to say I went back to buy from them when I made my decision. He then spend a few minutes with me showing me how to field strip it and clean it. Also gave me the info for getting my conceal handgun permit and information on ranges in the area. I think I've bought 7 pistols from them at this point and 2 or 3 other guns. I've bought some 1911's from another gun shop because they have a better selection but other than that the first store gives me much better service so I go to them first. OP I've never been handed a gun at a shop where they didn't rack and usually dry fire the weapon. After that they hand it to me. They want to make sure it is empty. |
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Wow, thanks for the advice everybody. It is very helpful. Lots of good points were made.
I would love to just order a new 6920 off the net and know I'm getting a good gun. Unfortunately I'm in a ban state so things aren't that simple and my selection is pretty limited. But at least now I have a better idea of what to do when I'm actually looking at the guns. Now if I find a gun I like and want to test the trigger (with permission), how exactly do I do that? I know you pull back the charging handle, but does it pull back smoothly? Does the charging handle lock in the back position, or does it slide forward automatically? Whats next, what steps am I missing? Should the dust cover open when the charging handle is pulled back? Is that when to check to see if the chamber is empty and to view the bolt and internals? Sorry I know I'm really a noob with these guns but I've never had a chance to actually hold one and see how it works. Also, is it acceptable to ask for a better price or to ask for some ammo thrown in? Thanks |
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Quoted: Wow, thanks for the advice everybody. It is very helpful. Lots of good points were made. I would love to just order a new 6920 off the net and know I'm getting a good gun. Unfortunately I'm in a ban state so things aren't that simple and my selection is pretty limited. But at least now I have a better idea of what to do when I'm actually looking at the guns. Now if I find a gun I like and want to test the trigger (with permission), how exactly do I do that? Pull the charging handle and release. You are cocked. Pull trigger. I know you pull back the charging handle, but does it pull back smoothly? Yes, I guess you could call it smoothly. Its against spring pressure though. Does the charging handle lock in the back position, or does it slide forward automatically? It will slide forward when you RELEASE YOUR GRIP. Do no ride it home because the bolt will not seat. It will stay back however if you press the bolt hold open button while pulling back. Then you just push it forward until it locks closed...assuming you want to leave the chamber open. Whats next, what steps am I missing? Should the dust cover open when the charging handle is pulled back? Yes. Is that when to check to see if the chamber is empty Yes. and to view the bolt and internals? If you mean to inspect the bolt rather than just a see a small portion, then no. Sorry I know I'm really a noob with these guns but I've never had a chance to actually hold one and see how it works. Also, is it acceptable to ask for a better price or to ask for some ammo thrown in? Thanks Ask for a better price and take the ammo if they counter with it. But being in a ban state, you are probably out of luck on Pre-bans. But you never said if you are getting a post-ban AR or are you getting a used Pre-ban? If you are getting a post-ban then its not a rare item. |
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Ask them how much it costs
I wasn't really sure of the appropriate forum to post this in so I'm sorry if it needs to be moved. Anyways, I am looking to buy my first black rifle and will be visiting several gun stores. I have no experience with ARs. I am wondering what actions are generally acceptable when perusing the selection of AR-15s. Is it generally OK to pull back on the charging handle and pull the trigger to test it? Is that even what you would do to test the trigger pull? I've heard contradictory things about whether its OK to dry fire an AR. Will not hurt but it's better to ask first What about asking to tear down the rifle? Would that even be necessary for a new rifle given I really wouldn't know what to look for anyway?Why bother with a quality rifle...wait until you get it homeOf the few ARs I've handled, I've noticed some slop in the fit of some of them. I've seen ones with loose handguards and ones with a loose fit between the upper and lower. Should I avoid buying these rifles?Normal Anything else to do/ask/check while I'm at the store? Thanks for the help. |
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All I know is I've bought, built, repaired, upgraded and shot enough guns, particularly 1911s, taken
courses, for a time taught classes, and ran a range, that I know proper gun handling and muzzle discipline. So when I see something that I want to check out, I respectfully ask the guy behind the counter who many times will check the action to make sure sure he's not handing me a loaded weapon and in turn I check or recheck and from there ask him if i can dry fire it. If I want to buy it I'll ask to field strip it. Usually counter help are helpful and happy to shoot the shit with someone knowledgable. But if the guy is condescending it's because he's some loser thats intimidated when he can't talk guns on a higher level to which I'll make his life more miserable until he blurts out something like 'Bushmasters are the best, thats what all the cops that come in buy and we sell a ton of em.' To the OP, go into a gunshop like you're serious and not some goofball off the street that just wants to handle some guns. Don't go in intimidated, the guy behind the gun counters job is a there to help and advise. Etiquette works both ways. If he's respectful he deserves your respect. If he acts like an asshole he gets treated like an asshole. |
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i would ask before dry firing and tearing down.
a little "slop" between receivers is ok. i would stick with a well known maker and avoid no name junk. just give it a close inspection and if you have any 2nd thoughts, then put it down. i would tear it down though and look at the bcg and all related parts. |
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I would say it is appropriate to ask prior to field stripping or dry firing because it isnt your AR-15. However if they wont let you field strip it or dry fire do not buy that AR.
No harm is done to an AR by dry firing, in fact dry firing is a part of the function check. Of course all safety rules apply and should be followed. |
| The store I work at doesn't allow the customer to tear down any firearm. Just because if they don't know as much as they think they do, we'll be the ones picking up the springs or pins. We don't take down any new guns either, but for a different reason. Open it enough times and it's not quite so new anymore. And some people do care about getting an untouched gun. The ones that ask if there's one that's still in the case and has never been handled. You've seen the posts here about people not liking the slight color variation in an upper and lower? |
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The store I work at doesn't allow the customer to tear down any firearm. Just because if they don't know as much as they think they do, we'll be the ones picking up the springs or pins. We don't take down any new guns either, but for a different reason. Open it enough times and it's not quite so new anymore. And some people do care about getting an untouched gun. The ones that ask if there's one that's still in the case and has never been handled. You've seen the posts here about people not liking the slight color variation in an upper and lower? If it's a used gun, I would walk away if not allowed to break it down. What springs are you talking about? I seperate the upper from the lower, pull out the CH and BCG, no springs are coming out anywhere, and if they do, it's a piece of shit. |
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The store I work at doesn't allow the customer to tear down any firearm. Just because if they don't know as much as they think they do, we'll be the ones picking up the springs or pins. We don't take down any new guns either, but for a different reason. Open it enough times and it's not quite so new anymore. And some people do care about getting an untouched gun. The ones that ask if there's one that's still in the case and has never been handled. You've seen the posts here about people not liking the slight color variation in an upper and lower? If it's a used gun, I would walk away if not allowed to break it down. What springs are you talking about? I seperate the upper from the lower, pull out the CH and BCG, no springs are coming out anywhere, and if they do, it's a piece of shit. Picking up the springs is stated as an inevitable outcome to letting customers in a gun store tear down a pistol who don't know what they are doing, not specifically towards the AR-15 platform (think 1911 mainspring). I work in a gun store as well and I have reservations about someone field stripping a firearm without asking. Ask me first, and I will most likely let you. To the opening poster: Take some time and look at posts that show what everything inside an AR should look like. Check to see if the bolt came with the gun (easiest to identify with a Colt IIRC), gas keys are properly staked, and if its a new gun, very little to non-existent wear. ETA: Spelling |
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If you buy a Colt, make sure to field strip it before you buy it. I have seen many a "Colt" that was either a parts gun, or had been stripped of their BCGs (replaced with no-name junk) This is sage advice that needs to be repeated. I've lost track of the number of used "Colts" I've looked at that didn't have the proper markings on the BCG, upper receiver, or barrel. I bought a "Colt upper half" sight unseen once that ended up having a cast front sight base
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Academy has child proof locks on their guns. You may get the gun/fishing/camping/beach/lake/boating expert
behind the counter to remove it but I'm sure he "doesn't have the key". Hell, order a complete upper/lower from PKs and build your own, man. These guys on here will help you. You'll get a crash course on ARs and start ahead of the curve as opposed to just buying off the rack. |
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I wasn't really sure of the appropriate forum to post this in so I'm sorry if it needs to be moved. Anyways, I am looking to buy my first black rifle and will be visiting several gun stores. I have no experience with ARs. I am wondering what actions are generally acceptable when perusing the selection of AR-15s. Is it generally OK to pull back on the charging handle and pull the trigger to test it? Is that even what you would do to test the trigger pull? I've heard contradictory things about whether its OK to dry fire an AR. What about asking to tear down the rifle? Would that even be necessary for a new rifle given I really wouldn't know what to look for anyway? Of the few ARs I've handled, I've noticed some slop in the fit of some of them. I've seen ones with loose handguards and ones with a loose fit between the upper and lower. Should I avoid buying these rifles? Anything else to do/ask/check while I'm at the store? Thanks for the help. You know nothing about AR's but ask if it would be alright to tear one down in a gun shop? You plan on taking instructions along? Having worked in a gun shop I will say this...many idiots walk into gun shops. If there was anything that made me suggest that they walk back out is when they start messing with a gun they ask to "look at". That means LOOK, not dry fire, not take it apart or start aiming it around the store with other customers. I would just ask for the gun and put it back on the rack, they were done "looking". Unless you are a regular customer with gun experience just look and ask questions. |
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Quoted: So no dry firing?Quoted: I wasn't really sure of the appropriate forum to post this in so I'm sorry if it needs to be moved. Anyways, I am looking to buy my first black rifle and will be visiting several gun stores. I have no experience with ARs. I am wondering what actions are generally acceptable when perusing the selection of AR-15s. Is it generally OK to pull back on the charging handle and pull the trigger to test it? Is that even what you would do to test the trigger pull? I've heard contradictory things about whether its OK to dry fire an AR. What about asking to tear down the rifle? Would that even be necessary for a new rifle given I really wouldn't know what to look for anyway? Of the few ARs I've handled, I've noticed some slop in the fit of some of them. I've seen ones with loose handguards and ones with a loose fit between the upper and lower. Should I avoid buying these rifles? Anything else to do/ask/check while I'm at the store? Thanks for the help. You know nothing about AR's but ask if it would be alright to tear one down in a gun shop? You plan on taking instructions along? Having worked in a gun shop I will say this...many idiots walk into gun shops. If there was anything that made me suggest that they walk back out is when they start messing with a gun they ask to "look at". That means LOOK, not dry fire, not take it apart or start aiming it around the store with other customers. I would just ask for the gun and put it back on the rack, they were done "looking". Unless you are a regular customer with gun experience just look and ask questions. Why even let them touch it if it is just to "look"? When I go "look" at a car next time I won't get in ...let alone adjust the seat. |
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This is simple. If you're simply browsing dont expect to walk into a shop and tear down every gun you get your hands on. Browsing is simply that. If you see a row of say 6 AR rifles/carbines pick a couple that you may actually buy and ask price first before you take it into your hands.
MOST IMPORTANT POINT - You can gain the trust of a shop worker quickly by showing SOLID safety practices and humble reserve. Dont look nervous or overexcited. Ask pertinent questions, Not "can this thing shoot through cars?". If price is good and you still might do a purchase, ask to handle them. As part of good safety practices the shop worker should charge the handle to check the chamber before handing it to you. This is kind of accepted and you should re-check the chamber upon taking the gun into your hands. Take this time to look at the bolt lugs and face. Dont expect 100% new due to factory test firing. However pay attention to the lugs and overall cleanliness of the gun. If the shop took it to the range and got it all dirty you should be able to notice. STAY OFF THE CONTROLS OF THE GUN, FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER, DONT PUSH BUTTONS OR WORK LEVERS. The last thing you need to do is bump the bolt release and send that thing into battery while looking up confused at the shop worker. Thatll get it taken right back and put on the rack. WITHOUT the need to break it down, inspect for front sight cant, upper/lower wobble. Buttstock function and cheekweld. Inspect overall fit and finish. This should get you to the point of purchase decision. NOW- if you decide to make the purchase. ask the shop guy to take her down for you so that you can check the bore. Now the bolt and carrier are out and the gun is opened up for your holding the barrel up to the ceiling light for inspection. Inspect the bolt carrier key for staking and looseness. Inspect the lugs. Look for any major metal to metal ware spots on the moving parts. If its been shot alot the hammer face will show it. Ask if the shop backs up the gun in case the damn thing wont shoot. If its a Colt, make sure you've got colt parts in it. Do the paperwork, pay the man, buy some ammo, say thanks and leave. One last note for the consumers. If the shop workers even appear a tiny bit asshole ish or overly condescending. Feel free to take your money elsewhere, they dont deserve it and that shit dont fly in todays world of deeply discounted internet sales. They need to be nice guys. Not assholes. |
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We keep some rifle on the shelf for store display.
You can take them down and dry fire them if you ask. If you want to take your rifle down you can as soon as you plunk the money down and buy it. When the store I gunsmith for says "New in the box" it means just that, you get new in the sealed box. |
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Do you want to buy a gun that has been dry fired and messed with by 30 people before you? I don't.
I could care less if I can inspect it and make sure everything is ok. Opening up an AR to look at the internals isn't going to hurt anything, it might be different with a 1911 or say a Luger. I guess it all depends on the type of gun. The salesman should open up an AR for you to inspect if he does't want you to do it yourself in my opinion. If they don't there are other places that I am sure are more accomodating. |
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Do you want to buy a gun that has been dry fired and messed with by 30 people before you? I don't. The Garand I bought was made in 1945- it was used a little bit before I got to it. I sure hope less than 30 people touched it though.... and it better not have been dry fired 30 times... And my Finn M39 with a 1897 receiver saw a little bit of use before I bought it too. I sure hope that one wasn't dry fired by anyone before I got to it- it may not last. The Colt upper I bought is 15+ years old. I'd hope that having ONLY 30 people handle and dry fire the weapon doesn't do any damage to it... if it does I would be buying a different firearm. |
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Wow, I wish I had someone to go with who knew what they were doing. Even after reading a bunch on here its still not the same when you're actually at the store handling the gun.
The gun stores I've gone too that are helpful with good customer service only have 1 or 2 ARs. The gun stores with the big selections are assholes and give you attitude when you walk in the door. Maybe I'll just get something off the net. |
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Just go buy a "New" Colt from a reputable dealer who will stand behind it if you get it home and discover a problem that you didn't cause. Look around here to find a "fair" price and even the name of a reputable dealer. Don't even mess around with a used one or a Gun-show one. Half the time the people selling them don't have good knowledge so take them out of the equasion by buying "New". And you'll never go wrong buying "Colt".
Note: Some reputable dealers sell at Gun-shows. But know who they are before hand. |
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As to "racking it" I run the action everytime I hand a gun to customer to make certain it is clear and don't mind them running ot again to make themselves comfrotable the gun is unloaded.
Only exceptions to that are some of the high dollar revolvers I have had go through the shop. Those I tend to zip tie to avoid having a potential collector item ringed up. Dryfiring it? Ask the owner, if it a collectable or something with fragile firig pins they may not want you to, or they may want to put a snap cap in before you do so. That said, if it is a service rifle design and they will not give you the go ahead to dry fire it. Thank them for their time and find another seller. If dry firing does damage to the M16FOW the military would be breaking them daily due to the amount of D/F they do. Tearing it down. For an AR, Glock, AK, etc. Ask the owner if it is ok, and if they have a solid work surface. I have seen folks dropping AR and AK parts on the ground at gunshows, so the request for a work surface shows that you respect the property of the seller enough not to take chances with it. Guns with non-tooless or possible to screw up take down procedures, ask the seller to take it down for you if you want to see the insides. You really don't want to be the guy who scratches the slide on a nice 1911 because you have a problem getting the slide release in place. One thing to recall. The four rules are still in effect! So don't sweep people. |
I know this first part may offend some but it's true. Colt is not the only reliable AR manufacture out there! Sorry it had to be said  There are more manufactures than I can name. ARs come in multipal calibers and not all rifles are made the same. Not all are Direct Impingement (DI) nor is DI needed to make it "battlefield reliable". There can be slop between the upper and lower and the gun will function just fine. Slop will not affect how the AR shoots. Buy an AR based on what your needs are and have fun with your purchase
This is what I have. I trust it with my life, which I can not say about any rifle from Colt, FN or other brand that I have fired. My Rifle: Make: LWRCI Model M6A2 Carbine Operation: Short Stroke Gas Piston Chambered: 5.56 NATO Barrel Lingth: 14.5" PA Barrel Twist: 1:7 Here is some personal rules that I follow at the firearm store. (Before you get to the store) 1. Do your research before you go to the store! The more you know about the brands, and the different products they offer the better. There are some GREAT rifle companys out there. Many are not carried at all of the major stores or even at the small stores. Others sell out quick and may not be in stock. Read some articles and take the advice from instructors like Pat Rogers. Many have good advice from years of experence. Know the basic function of the firearm as well. 2. Know the going price for what your looking for. Remember you get what you pay for! 3. Dress professionaly. If you look like a dirtbag, you will be treated like a dirtbag. (At the store) 4. Smile and be friendly. 5. Remeber the 5 safety rules and use them! 6. Ask questions and dont be afraid to admit that you have no prior experence with that type of firearm. 7. Hand the firearm back to the sales person the same way you receaved it. Most sales reps will pull the bolt/ slide to the rear and inspect the action before handing the weapon off. Some will set it on the counter (more often with pistols). Inspect the weapons chamber and mag well when you receave it and hand it back. 8. Give the firearm a good once over, ask permission about dry firing the weapon and only ask permision to disasemble the firearms if you have experence doing it. If not ask the sales rep. 9. After you perchase the firearm ask the sale rep to show you assembly and disasembly if you have no prior experence with it. 10. Before you leave say thankyou for taking the time to go over all your questions with you. |
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Maybe I'm a dick, but whenever I go to buy an AR15 I always pull the upper off the lower and check out the BCG and barrel/chamber. I don't take the BCG apart or start dicking with the lower parts, but I inspect the gun at least that much.
With 1911s I always pull the slide off the frame and check the rails / barrel and bushing slop and so on. It's an expensive gun and if the guy has a problem with it he can stop me prior to pulling the whole thing apart. 9 times out of 10 I teach the fun store worker something about the gun anyways. And I always dry fire to make sure the trigger is smooth. Maybe if it was a super expensive custom I'd ask, but if it was something I'd have for SHTF or duty then it should be expected to hold up to a little DF. Plus I am very loyal to the places that treat me right, so if someone chooses to be a dick then they don't need my business. |
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Do you want to buy a gun that has been dry fired and messed with by 30 people before you? I don't. The Garand I bought was made in 1945- it was used a little bit before I got to it. I sure hope less than 30 people touched it though.... and it better not have been dry fired 30 times... And my Finn M39 with a 1897 receiver saw a little bit of use before I bought it too. I sure hope that one wasn't dry fired by anyone before I got to it- it may not last. The Colt upper I bought is 15+ years old. I'd hope that having ONLY 30 people handle and dry fire the weapon doesn't do any damage to it... if it does I would be buying a different firearm. I have bought many old guns myself. I'm not talking about old guns. NEW ones should be new, not screwed with by anyone that stumbles in off the street. Two times I handed a new gun to a customer only to watch him drop it on the floor. Wouldn't matter much if it was a Garand battle rifle, these were new rifles and it did matter. Many times while too busy to keep a good eye on the guy "looking" I found that he has taken apart a pistol and is now trying to get it back together. One of those was a new Colt Gold Cup and the guy laid a nice gouge in the side from not know how to install the slide without damaging the pistol. Not new anymore and the gun shop eats that. If it were my shop I would have said "you just bought a pistol". |
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This is simple. If you're simply browsing dont expect to walk into a shop and tear down every gun you get your hands on. Browsing is simply that. If you see a row of say 6 AR rifles/carbines pick a couple that you may actually buy and ask price first before you take it into your hands. MOST IMPORTANT POINT - You can gain the trust of a shop worker quickly by showing SOLID safety practices and humble reserve. Dont look nervous or overexcited. Ask pertinent questions, Not "can this thing shoot through cars?". If price is good and you still might do a purchase, ask to handle them. As part of good safety practices the shop worker should charge the handle to check the chamber before handing it to you. This is kind of accepted and you should re-check the chamber upon taking the gun into your hands. Take this time to look at the bolt lugs and face. Dont expect 100% new due to factory test firing. However pay attention to the lugs and overall cleanliness of the gun. If the shop took it to the range and got it all dirty you should be able to notice. STAY OFF THE CONTROLS OF THE GUN, FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER, DONT PUSH BUTTONS OR WORK LEVERS. The last thing you need to do is bump the bolt release and send that thing into battery while looking up confused at the shop worker. Thatll get it taken right back and put on the rack. WITHOUT the need to break it down, inspect for front sight cant, upper/lower wobble. Buttstock function and cheekweld. Inspect overall fit and finish. This should get you to the point of purchase decision. NOW- if you decide to make the purchase. ask the shop guy to take her down for you so that you can check the bore. Now the bolt and carrier are out and the gun is opened up for your holding the barrel up to the ceiling light for inspection. Inspect the bolt carrier key for staking and looseness. Inspect the lugs. Look for any major metal to metal ware spots on the moving parts. If its been shot alot the hammer face will show it. Ask if the shop backs up the gun in case the damn thing wont shoot. If its a Colt, make sure you've got colt parts in it. Do the paperwork, pay the man, buy some ammo, say thanks and leave. One last note for the consumers. If the shop workers even appear a tiny bit asshole ish or overly condescending. Feel free to take your money elsewhere, they dont deserve it and that shit dont fly in todays world of deeply discounted internet sales. They need to be nice guys. Not assholes. seriously, this is what i wanted to say but better than i can say it. nice job DarkEarth. having worked in a shop for a while and now opening my own shop there are some "rules" (not set in stone but general in nature) when it comes to a customer taking down a weapon. if i know you and you are a regular i'll let you do it while i watch. if you're real regular and i trust you (as in i would trust you to work with me) i'll hand you the weapon and go back to what i was doing. if you're new or semi-new then i'll take it down if you really want me to. if it's a run of the mill nothing special weapon i may give you a dry fire to try the trigger and that's about it. if it's custom or limited or real f'n spendy i'll need to see some cash before you pull the trigger. would you want a $1500 AR that has been fingered and dry fired by two dozen people? it's tough to say these things and not sound like an ass hole but this is the best way to explain it. one big thing i would say is "be cool". don't act like a know it all jerk and you should be just fine. if the guy behind the counter either don't know shit or "knows it all" and is kind of an ass then walk away. i also stand behind the products that i sell. if it's a new gun then it's 100% as received from the factory (i'll re-do the carrier key and castle nut upon customer request) if it's a used weapon then i'll have inspected it the best that i could before bringing it in and i'll give the buyer as much information as i can. i don't like to buy parts guns because of the unknown quality of the parts used. as for new in the plastic weapons, sorry it's not going to happen. i open and inspect every weapon that comes through the door. i am the last line of quality control before it gets to the customer. if i catch a bad gun i send it back, canted FSB is a good example. now, if you order in a special firearm and want to be there when it's opened and inspected then by all means. i'll give you a call and you can come in and go over it with me. if you don't want it out of the sealed plastic (not many come that way) then you can accept any defects that may be in it. as long as i can clearly see the serial number i'll leave it sealed. if i can't see the number you can forget about a "sealed" gun. (after you get a gun and the SN don't match the paperwork or the box you'll understand) |
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If he's respectful he deserves your respect. If he acts like an asshole he gets treated like an asshole.
You hit the nail on the head with that one, that is why there are certain gunstores I frequent, and those that I avoid. Funny thing is the asshole salesman that lost a sale from me is well known for being a dick by several people I have talked to who have met him. |
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Went to the San Antonio show last week to pick up a cheep 9X18 'whatever'
to shoot up the free ammo I scored last month.
Stopped by PDQ, Inc. from Corpus. They had several Polish P64's on hand, and asked to check out one. For the first time in my life, the employee set a small rubber mat on the counter and then produced the pistol. He said I was free to check it out and if I had any question to just ask. I was shocked. A polite vendor at a gun show! The price was $20 higher than a different dealer down the aisle, but I bought it from PDQ simply because of their professional attitude and a bit of common sense. |
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