View Full Version : Utah - Local gun shop employees are D-bags....
novak1911freak
04-09-11, 10:03
Recently, I have seen a trend that local (Utah) area gun store have ass-hats as employees.....
Now, I have to preface these stories with the fact that I am not an SME, I've never been 'in the suck' but I shoot as much as I can and I try to spend more time and money on the software than I do the hardware.....
Yesterday, I was at one of the local fun stores.... I am looking at the plastic gun case, wanting to compare the SW M&Pc, the SW SD9 and the Glock 9mm (19 and 26 models).....
When the employee comes over, I ask to see the SD9 first and he, at first seems helpful, getting the gun from its spot and hands it to me... I wanted to see what the trigger pull and reset were like compared the M&P and the Glock...(It sucks, by the way).... I asked what his opinion was and he said that he didn't have trigger time with the SD but he has shot its predecessor before and it was fine... I asked if he was talking about the M&P, his response was a very cold, 'No.' Nothing more.... I then responded, 'oh you meant the Sigma.' His response was 'yup.'
After I looked at the SD9, I looked at the M&Pc, which in my own ignorance had trouble because I am not familiar with the M&P and its magazine disconnect and when I removed the magazine to facilitate easier slide manipulation to test the reset, the trigger wouldn't fire, I will say that he was helpful when he showed me a technique to bypass the disconnect by keeping the thumb on the slide release while cycling the slide.... but this is where he began to cop an attitude of, 'You like guns?! Oh how cute!'.... I then saw, a Glock 26, and at the time, I was not sure, which model it was (26, 27, 33, 39).... so I asked to see the 'Baby Glock'.... that must have pissed him off because, with an annoyed look on his face, he said, 'The Glock 26?' 'Baby Glock is just a nickname.'
After finishing up with the pistols, I asked if he had any Troy rails and he said he only had one but it was for a midlength rifle so I probably wouldn't want it... My AR is a midlength Noveske so I explained that would be fine, after seeing the rail, it was the MRF variety and I am looking for the VTAC or TRX model.... I think he started to realize that I was not such a newb when I asked if he had any AAC Breakout comps in stock as I saw several of the Blackouts but, alas, no Breakouts....
I then asked about the new Aimpoint Pro and he said that it was basically an M2....Now, in my research, I thought the Pro was closer to the M3.... so I started to mention the differences, starting with the dot size and he said that the M2 can be had with the 2 MOA dot size... I know currently that the M2 is only available 4 MOA....
Shortly after that I left....
This is not the first time, nor is it isolated to one store.... A couple of months ago, I wanted to see the new SW Bodyguard 380 and a few other pocket semi autos....so I went to a different fun store.... I asked the person behind the counter, who was free if he had the SW Bodyguard .380, the other employee who was already working with a customer chimed in, 'You mean the .38.' I said, no, I am looking for the .380 semi auto version.... His response was that there was no such pistol and the pistol was SW's version of the LCR.... That employee went on to help his current customer so I asked the guy who was helping me to see the Keltec P3AT and the Ruger LCP... the employee showed me both and proceeded to tell me that the Ruger was the best of the 2 and that Keltec ripped off the Ruger design through industrial espionage..... I was done at that point....
About 2 weeks after that episode, I was at a local sporting goods store(Not Cabelas), again looking at pocket guns.... I asked to see the LCP again and was helped, I then asked to see the Sig P238 that was on the rack.... The employee walked over, handed me the Sig and said, 'You don't want the Ruger, get the Sig! Sig sounds cooler than Ruger!'
I hadn't been in a gun store/sporting good place since that time until yesterday.... It isn't so much the incorrect information that bugs me, it's the attitude that accompanies it..... Especially when you try to share what you know, they aren't having it and it comes across as 'How dare you! I work in a gun store!'
I wanted to post this in the general gun forum but I don't have enough posts to do so..... I had to get that off my chest....
You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
From the descriptions I was trying to ID the stores...
I avoid most of the stores because the dudes working there seem to be pretty ignorant most of the time. Too bad really that that is the face of the industry for many people.
novak1911freak
04-09-11, 17:17
From the descriptions I was trying to ID the stores...
I avoid most of the stores because the dudes working there seem to be pretty ignorant most of the time. Too bad really that that is the face of the industry for many people.
The first place rhymes with the word Fug's
The second place was the WVC/Taylorsville version of the large Ogden outlet
The third rhymes with Gortman's Hairhouse
I couldn't agree more with what you and Templar said.... I am going to have to only buy ammo from the wal mart......
The first place rhymes with the word Fug's
The second place was the WVC/Taylorsville version of the large Ogden outlet
The third rhymes with Gortman's Hairhouse
I couldn't agree more with what you and Templar said.... I am going to have to only buy ammo from the wal mart......
One out of three ain't bad (#3). I had #1 at a place that rhymes with "Bet Slum" and did not have a guess on #2...
I met an FFL through an internet FFL list back in 94 and he has been my guy since... I occasionally will stop by a place to check on something specific (usually SW or Cabelas) and look at the guns and am never impressed by what I overhear.
You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Couldn't agree more. That's retail for you.
Honestly, though, is it reasonable to expect that some wager working for said peanuts is going to have enough trigger time on every gun and accessory in the store to give you objective feedback?
variablebinary
04-09-11, 23:16
I know people personally at Doug's and Get Some.
Your mileage will vary depending on who is scheduled that day.
I used to go to Get Some to use the range on my way home from work because it was convenient. Finally quit going because I couldn't stand the horrible attitude I would get from the staff and some of the stupid things I would hear them say.
I do work part time on the gun counter at Cabela's and have corrected fellow employees a few times when they started to embarrass themselves. Of course, it is also good to remember that as many horror stories you hear about the guys behind the counter, they have just as many about the customers.
As for me, I know what I don't know and am not afraid to tell a customer "I don't know, let me see if I can find out for you." I also try to avoid giving my opinion about a gun unless I am specifically asked.
Your mileage will vary depending on who is scheduled that day.
And that is gospel truth everywhere right there.
MarshallDodge
04-22-11, 16:53
I know people personally at Doug's and Get Some.
Your mileage will vary depending on who is scheduled that day.
Agreed.
Gun salesman are no different than any other salesperson. Sure, they should be 100% knowledgeable on every gun or accessory in the store and should try each and every one out so they can tell you what is best but it just isn't going to happen.
They get people from all walks of life coming in and asking about hunting rifles and shotguns, AR15s, big bore revolvers, and tiny carry guns. They are not going to know every detail about each one and I guarantee they will not have the same mindset as you.
There is a guy up at Impact in Ogden that I know pretty well and he is very knowledgeable but even we disagree on what may be the best gun to fit certain needs. Just try to put yourself in their shoes for one day. I guarantee you will think differently.
I try to glean as much information as I can from local shooters, gunshops, and the Internet. Take it all and pick what you think is the best pieces of information and then make your decision.
Agreed.
Gun salesman are no different than any other salesperson. Sure, they should be 100% knowledgeable on every gun or accessory in the store and should try each and every one out so they can tell you what is best but it just isn't going to happen.
They get people from all walks of life coming in and asking about hunting rifles and shotguns, AR15s, big bore revolvers, and tiny carry guns. They are not going to know every detail about each one and I guarantee they will not have the same mindset as you.
There is a guy up at Impact in Ogden that I know pretty well and he is very knowledgeable but even we disagree on what may be the best gun to fit certain needs. Just try to put yourself in their shoes for one day. I guarantee you will think differently.
I try to glean as much information as I can from local shooters, gunshops, and the Internet. Take it all and pick what you think is the best pieces of information and then make your decision.
Impact... ahhhh... the porn store. I like Kevin and Gil there, the rest... not so much. Mainly because they are fixtures there. They've been there for years. Kevin is pretty "no nonsense, buy what you want" kinda guy. Gil would sell you his mother, but he's an interesting guy none the less. He still remembers my name every time I walk in the place (mainly because his commission check probably has it printed on it) and always has some off the wall story to tell during checkout. There's a couple younger guys there though that wear race gun rigs and like to fondle their gun while they're talking to you... kinda makes me nervous.
The first place rhymes with the word Fug's
The second place was the WVC/Taylorsville version of the large Ogden outlet
The third rhymes with Gortman's Hairhouse
I couldn't agree more with what you and Templar said.... I am going to have to only buy ammo from the wal mart......
LMAO, this is classic. I'm going to use these names each time I visit them now. I can't stand dealing with smug opinionated sales people.
COVERBUSTER
06-04-11, 17:16
Impact Tards. :jester:
Makes you wonder if management realizes what a put-off to potential customers their employee's behaviors and attitudes are at times. If there was a way to quantify the bottom line effect, they might sponser some human interaction training. Unfortunately this line of work attracts "the type".
ArizonaLawman
12-18-11, 07:30
It's definitely frustrating. That's why I have relationships with local shops and FFL's.
They get get anything, and even if I have to spend a few extra bucks...I am glad to do it. I'd hate to envision a world where ONLY large chain gun shops exist.
I was at "The Hairhouse" as the OP called it...looking to purchase either a Sig Mosquito or a Walther P22 for my daughter's upcoming 8th birthday (I know...I am either the world's worst or best dad), and the girl picked up the P22, without verifying that it was clear and PULLED THE TRIGGER.
We all know...number one...don't dry fire a .22. But really? ALL the other things wrong with what she did gave me an acid ball in my stomach.
"Thank you...but I changed my mind" was all I said as I left sha
king my head.
I wasn't going to get on the safety soapbox and preach to an atheist...I just left, went to a mom and pop shop another 20 miles away, and got the "Raspberry" Mosquito...for about $10.00 more, BUT...they threw in a brick of .22...so it worked out nicely.
It's also funny to see some of the people IN the stores. The 450lb guys wearing Oakleys and cargo britches from the local big & tall, talking about "peice of kit" and "training scars" and alluding to their VAST experience in "Dirtistan" and "The Agency". I'm not going to throw too many stones at some of them...but I think if you have a LOT of experience in "Dirtistan" climbing up and down them big ole' hills...you MIGHT not be carrying another big feller in your pants.
Oh well. We do the best we can.
Here's a resurrection of this thread due to this magical find:
The gun store song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=I3gVRWLOHpA)
Here's a resurrection of this thread due to this magical find:
The gun store song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=I3gVRWLOHpA)
Ha ha that is classic! The "tacticool song" he wrote is really funny too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_PItzGsmas&feature=related
As for Utah, there is definitely asshats in a lot of the guns stores. My preferred store for actually buying guns is still Gallensons. They have always had the best prices IMO.
lonewolf21
01-26-12, 21:38
I was informed by an employee of one of the best stores here in Arkansas, a large store with toys a plenty, that most commercial AR's come from the factory with 16.5 and 17 inch barrels. The model I was asking about was a 14.5 midlength. Really dude!
You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Gonna have to steal this.
Im necroposting this but i agree with the utah gun shops are mostly douches, unfortunately its not just up north, i live in St. George and most of the 'good old boys' here shouldnt ever deal with customers. I'm getting tired of going to the main local place (ryhmes with pixie dumb and wish) trying to order something and everytime they say it'll be here in a week and they'll call me when it gets in and 2 weeks go by and after never getting a call i find out they never even bothered ordering it. i dont know how they are business anymore, while his prices are good it takes more than good prices to have return customers, and yet all i hear from the locals is how good dick treats his customers yet ive never seen it. Its pretty bad when the big box SW employees outclass them in customer service and product knowledge in almost every category, its getting to the point that its worth paying a little more at the big box to actually be treated like a human being.
Ok rant over.
I have been so conditioned by some of the conversations I have overheard at local gun shops that I cringe every time I hear someone that is new to firearms ask a question. I just assume that they are going to get bad advice. I was actually very pleasantly surprised a few months ago when I was buying some 12 ga shells at the Walmart in American Fork when I heard a young woman ask the older gentleman behind the counter a question about firearms and she received a very knowledgeable , polite and non-condescending answer that was 100% correct. I remember leaving thinking that it was a shame that I just assumed that they guy behind the counter would either give her bad advice or make her feel dumb for asking a question.
I also had a great experience at the small town gun shop in the town I grew up in South Carolina a few months ago when I took my 65 year old mom out to get her a carry pistol (at her request). I had pointed her in he direction of some pistols that I thought would be a good fit for her and as we are looking at different models she asked the guy behind the counter which one he thought she should get. I instinctively roll my eyes waiting for him to pull out a Taurus Judge, but instead he tells her that he would suggest that she try out several different models from quality manufacturers and pick the one that felt best in her hand and she would feel best about carrying and then buy enough ammo to get plenty of practice with it. I thought that was solid advice. We ended up leaving with a hammerless Ruger LCR .38 Special and a few boxes of ammo.
we only have One gun store in My area that the people behind the counter Know what they are doing and treat you with respect No matter what you are Looking at .
Only problem is the price:blink: i understand the cost of running a business Over head and stuff .but about the only thing i use them for is FFL transfers and they are really good for that
and they don't give me any grief about bypassing them ,"saving every penny helps" was what i got out of one guy .
I wish other stores was like that But More and more like to treat you like you don't where the bullets go:rolleyes:
I also had a great experience at the small town gun shop in the town I grew up in South Carolina a few months ago when I took my 65 year old mom out to get her a carry pistol (at her request). I had pointed her in he direction of some pistols that I thought would be a good fit for her and as we are looking at different models she asked the guy behind the counter which one he thought she should get. I instinctively roll my eyes waiting for him to pull out a Taurus Judge, but instead he tells her that he would suggest that she try out several different models from quality manufacturers and pick the one that felt best in her hand and she would feel best about carrying and then buy enough ammo to get plenty of practice with it. I thought that was solid advice. We ended up leaving with a hammerless Ruger LCR .38 Special and a few boxes of ammo.
Those kind employees are special and unfortunatley rare and more gun counter commandos should take some tips on how to deal with customers.
Ha ha that is classic! The "tacticool song" he wrote is really funny too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_PItzGsmas&feature=related
As for Utah, there is definitely asshats in a lot of the guns stores. My preferred store for actually buying guns is still Gallensons. They have always had the best prices IMO.
I agree. I bought a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x from them. They had to order it, but they gave me a great deal, much better than I could find online or at other stores. They quoted me 8 weeks, which I was willing to wait, got it in about 10 days. They are very nice to me each time I go in to pick up ammo. I have purchased a few pistols from them.
I try to do all of the research possible prior to stepping foot in most LGSs. Whether right or wrong, I usually know exactly what I want.
Suwannee Tim
01-29-13, 19:01
Asshats? In a gun store!? Say it ain't so!
I have a new look. I haven't got a haircut in a year and haven't had a beard trim in three years. I like to think of it as the Albert Einstein look but someone pointed out that Einstein didn't have a beard. The Karl Marx look. Even though I take a shower every morning I do look a bit or more than a bit homeless especially as I hate to spend (waste) gun and ammo money on clothes and will wear a shirt until it is so thin you could read a newspaper through it. Anyway, I walk into a guns store and the kid behind the counter becomes condescending. A couple of times I have pointed out to him that I have been shooting twice as long as he has been alive and make twice as much money an hour as he except I work a full time schedule with lots of overtime. Then I ask "Who then is the idiot here?"
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