Yes this is long, but you don't have to read it ;-)
So, I have a tac-rifle course tomorrow and will be using my new AR -15 build for it. After having it assembled for weeks, I was going to take it in to Matt at Wanstalls to give it a once over, secure the gas block for me and make sure everything was safe and ready to fire.
The last time I had some time to take it in, we were hit by the big snow storm and the city shut down, so it was a no-go. My hours at work are the same as Wanstalls, so I haven't been able to get in there until today, really pressing my luck for time. Since assembly, I made some upgrades to my rifle, and in the process, somehow I screwed up and the bolt wouldn't rotate into the barrel, setting off instant panic mode, having no clue on how to fix it or how big of a problem it was.
I took my rifle in today, no longer being a "quick once over" trip to my hometown shop, instead, bringing my baby there in pieces, feeling like an idiot.
In steps Matt! After taking a look at the problem I was having, for a short time, there were two confused men at that counter (with the A.D.D. not helping and me being distracted by the awesome optics under the glass below), do Matt took my broken baby downstairs to his AR lab. When he returned, all was well, with a once lodged detent pin now resting in his scraped up hand (sorry Matt, she does bite sometimes!).
Matt then spent the better part of two hours disassembling and stripping down my firearm, cleaning everything, showing me how to properly lubricate every part, and then the easiest way to reassemble it. By the time he was done, I had a flawless and beautiful AR-15, fully functional, spotless and thoroughly lubricated and ready to go!
Matt worked hard to make sure that not only did I have a safe and functional firearm, but that I had a good understanding of whatever I did not know about it; all while still answering the phone for other customers and making sure that everyone in the store was promptly attended to and assisted by the rest of the Wanstalls crew!
Matt, you helped me through my crisis, didn't make me feel like an idiot for my lack of knowledge, had me feel confident in working on my firearm in the future, helped me in a time of desperation and definitely made me feel like I made a new friend (your name is Matt, right?)! The offer to help me anytime with any questions on my next build, no strings attached, was a classy move and I am in your debt (sorry man, I didn't know you didn't take bit-coin)! Seriously, I can't thank you enough for your help!
Aside from the reason I went to Wanstalls, you know I had to look around, handle some pistols, ask some questions, rub elbows with the industry elite, and at some point, interacted with the rest of the crew in the store. You guys are all amazing! Always friendly, knowledgeable, passionate about your own favorite firearms, encourage questions and not once did I feel pressured or uncomfortable from anyone I spoke with. You were all amazing with every customer that came through and it felt like an awesome social event, watching the familiarity between the customers that came in and the staff manning the shop.
Thank you boys, you made my "Day at the Gun Shop" an experience I'll never forget!!!