First long gun purchase etiquette

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xp190

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Hi Guys

I just got my R/PAL, took the course in Feb, sent papers in end of March, got the license last week.

So now I'm thinking of buying my first gun, but I don't know how it works.
I was thinking of going to Bass Pro Shops in Vaughn and picking up a Ruger 10/22.

I have never seen anyone buy a gun, or have any clue as to what I should expect as far as ID, and so on.

How does it work exactly?

I go up to a counter and ask to see a Ruger 10/22, the guy makes sure it's unloaded and hands it to me to check out? That leaves him right in front of me, to the side more customers, I can't point the gun at anyone to see how it feels now can I?

What about ammo? I guess you order and pick up at the counter as you walk out? Do long guns come in not too revealing boxes? I can't carry it in plain sight to my car.

I'm pretty sure this is all straight forward, but I'm just curious how the process works in a relatively crowded store.

Cheers!

xp
 
PLEEEEASE don't buy your first gun from Bass Pro.

The experience will turn you off ever purchasing another! Plus, they're a ripoff.

Try SAIL, LeBaron, or any of the vendors listed on here.

Even better.....buy privately. VERY simple now.
 
XP190,

I would just be honest with whoever you are talking to and say you are new to guns, that this is your first purchase and that you were thinking about getting ###X gun. I haven't been to a gun store where someone will not be patient with you if you are honest. Usually the safe direction to keep the firearm pointed is towards the wall behind the counter (and not at the sales guy who just handed it to you). 99% of the time they will ask to see your PAL before they hand you the firearm to look at. The sales person will PROVE the gun safe to him and most will pass it to you in such a way that you can inspect/see that it is unloaded. Remember to keep your finger off the trigger. I like to shoulder the fire arm and look down the sights a couple times to ensure fit and feel.

I have not bought a NR firearm post registry, but I'm assuming they will take a second look at your PAL if you decide to buy it. I've read here on CGN that depending which province you are in they may record the sale in a ledger. You pay them and away you go. NR only needs to be unloaded to be transported. Every long arm I have bought has come in a box, but I would not recommend walking around a mall carrying it. Depending on what type of ammo you are buying, it will either be behind the counter or on a shelf not far from the counter. They will ask to see your PAL when you purchase ammo.

It's a fairly easy and painless process. The hard part is not wanting to buy everything else on the wall.

Welcome to shooting and enjoy your firearm!
 
I have had nothing but negative experiences with the people at BassPro. I am officially boycotting that store and I will be writing them to let them know why. Go to LeBaron instead. They are good people there, they will take care of you. The guys at BassPro treat you like they are doing you a big favor instead of the other way around.
 
Wow, great feedback guys.

And many thanks for the suggestions, LeBaron is actually much closer to me then BassPro.

I went to BassPro once to see the store and it seemed like a good place to buy, but I value others opinion a lot more then what I think I'll be getting.

My concern was about shouldering the firearm to check the fit, I'm fairly average so I don't think it will be an issue, but just not to buy blindly.

I have my PAL, and the piece of paper that came with it. The paper states to keep it with you at all times due to other restrictions being listed on it, but there actually are none, I guess if it gets worn out and falls apart in my wallet, no one will give me a hard time because of it?

Once again many thanks, I will visit LeBaron this week if time allows.

xp
 
xp190 said:
Wow, great feedback guys.

And many thanks for the suggestions, LeBaron is actually much closer to me then BassPro.

I went to BassPro once to see the store and it seemed like a good place to buy, but I value others opinion a lot more then what I think I'll be getting.

My concern was about shouldering the firearm to check the fit, I'm fairly average so I don't think it will be an issue, but just not to buy blindly.
Click to expand...

As has been said above, ask the attendant/salesperson that you'd like to shoulder the rifle and ask where is their "safe direction". He might point you to a shelf behind his back maybe a few inches to the left or right.

Welcome and enjoy.


I have my PAL, and the piece of paper that came with it. The paper states to keep it with you at all times due to other restrictions being listed on it, but there actually are none, I guess if it gets worn out and falls apart in my wallet, no one will give me a hard time because of it?

Once again many thanks, I will visit LeBaron this week if time allows.

xp
Click to expand...
 
Apollyon said:
Go to LeBaron instead. They are good people there, they will take care of you. The guys at BassPro treat you like they are doing you a big favor instead of the other way around.
Click to expand...

You think Le Baron is any better, LMAO. They're a bunch of ass clowns. I called once and the idiots at the "gun centre" told me that they were to busy to help me and that I should call back in 15 minutes. I tried two more times and after being on hold for over 10 minutes I gave up. The only decent employee in the "gun centre" at Le Baron would be this very nice red headed girl. Always smiling and goes out of her way to help. The old fart dinosaur there is a useless turd.

Everyone will have differing opinions when it comes to retail locations but you'll find that most leave a lot to be desired when it comes to customer service.

The short and simple...

Walk into whatever store, ask to see a particular rifle, safety, ask for a safe direction, make your own decision, purchase.
 
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4n2t0 said:
...Le Baron ........The only decent employee in the "gun centre" at Le Baron would be this very nice red headed girl..
Click to expand...

There's a nice red-headed girl there?
About which Le Baron are we talking? I'm in Ottawa.
I think I need to purchase some ammo................
 
4n2t0 said:
You think Le Baron is any better, LMAO. They're a bunch of ass clowns. I called once and the idiots at the "gun centre" told me that they were to busy to help me and that I should call back in 15 minutes. I tried two more times and after being on hold for over 10 minutes I gave up. The only decent employee in the "gun centre" at Le Baron would be this very nice red headed girl. Always smiling and goes out of her way to help. The old fart dinosaur there is a useless turd.

Everyone will have differing opinions when it comes to retail locations but you'll find that most leave a lot to be desired when it comes to customer service.

The short and simple...

Walk into whatever store, ask to see a particular rifle, safety, ask for a safe direction, make your own decision, purchase.
Click to expand...

I don't know which LeBaron you are talking about, but I'm pretty damn sure they are better than the asshats at BassPro at Vaughan Mills.
 
XP 190
Not sure where you live, but personally I would not go to LeBarons either.

If you are not too far from Al Flaherty's, go there. It wont be too busy and they will take more time with you than LeBarons will. Or go to Williams Arm's in Port Perry, or Gagons...but not Lebarons. Or better yet go up the 400 to Epps. It will be busy but they will have more selection as well as be willing to take time with you.

After you show your PAL, ask for what you want to see, ask where you can point it while checking fit. If you buy it they should be giving it to you in the box (you should buy a trigger lock or bring one with you, or maybe it comes with one - ask them) which you will carry to your car when you leave. You dont need a case if it's boxed. But some places will give you a deal on a case when buying a firearm. Ask.

You can purchase ammo at the same time no problem, they will put it in a bag for you.

Have fun, be safe, and don't give LeBarons or Bass Pro your business. Go to a local shop where they will treat you the way you deserve.
 
Hi Guys

Well, I got my first gun. I wanted it to be a Ruger 10/22 but apparently they are all on back order for several months.

I went to LeBaron, despite many of you saying not to, and I know why exactly.
A few years back I bought my air rifle there, just a Crossman, nothing special, I wanted to see a few, and the guy who was helping me was not very nice, that guy is still there, and I remembered him, and stayed away from him. Instead I talked to an elderly gentleman, who was very helpful, talking to him felt like he was there for you all the way.

I told him it's my first rifle, and I'm not sure what I need or should even look at, he showed me everything, and told me to look around and decide on what I would be happy with. He showed me a few 22 cal rifles, he recommended the Remington 597, I have to tell you I was expecting to spend twice as much just for the rifle, but this this was on sale for $155, so this is what I went with, along with some supplies, cleaning kit, trigger lock, and 500 rounds, all under $300, I still need a shoulder strap and a case for it, but it can wait, I have a nice Tasco scope as well, and it works amazing.

As you can probably tell, I tried the rifle out already also. A friend of mine, who did the license at the same time as I did picked up his Remington 597 the day after me, and on the long weekend we went up to his private property (122 acres or forest and fields) to do some shooting.

The rifle worked great, we cleaned them up real good first, and then it was off to load up the first magazine, my friend went first, I went second. Overall, great performing rifle as far as I can tell. No recoil, the scope was just about zeroed in right out of the box, nice light and durable, easy to dismantle and clean. Only downside was the magazine, it could just a bit of work as it jammed twice on me in the 100 rounds I fired, and I don't think I could squeeze 10 rounds into it, but, the gentleman at the store said he will have banana clips for it in the next week or so, I'll probably pick one up along with more ammo.

I have to tell you I'm happy with the purchase, and I thought I'd be a much worse shot then I turned out to be. I'll set up some targets later on on my own property and do some shooting to improve my aim. I'll stop by SAIL and a few other stores as well and see how they compare, but LeBaron is literally down the street from where I work.

Thanks again everyone, one happy shooter here :)

xp
 
Congrats on the purchase.
Nice to hear about a new shooter coming into the sport.
So, what's your next gun going to be? Wait, don't tell me, an SKS!
 
Apollyon said:
I have had nothing but negative experiences with the people at BassPro. I am officially boycotting that store and I will be writing them to let them know why. Go to LeBaron instead. They are good people there, they will take care of you. The guys at BassPro treat you like they are doing you a big favor instead of the other way around.
Click to expand...

x10,000

When I first started it was all about Basspro.
That all changed after I visited the Woodbine LeBaron. I haven't been to Basspro since.

At Basspro I had to take a number AND show my license just to see any of the guns on the wall.
At Lebaron the sales guy couldn't get them off the wall and into my hands fast enough.

At Basspro I have to FIND someone to open the ammo cases.
At LeBaron a nice lady is ALWAYS waiting behind the ammo counter.

The choice is simple.
 
I am not sure why everyone knocks LeBarons. The one in Ottawa is fantastic and is one of the cheapest local places to sell .22LR ammo.

I have only bought my SKS from them, at a decent sale price (189.99 for a Laminet).
 
xp190 said:
Do long guns come in not too revealing boxes? I can't carry it in plain sight to my car.
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Was a bit curious about this remark.

To my knowledge, if the rifle is unloaded, and you're carrying it, there shouldn't be any real legal issues with carrying it to the vehicle, or transporting it home. I can see why people might want it covered, boxed or in a case. But from what I understand about transporting firearms, it only has to be out of sight if you leave the firearm unattended in your locked vehicle. Even then, covering it with a blanket is considered 'out of sight'. Otherwise, you can hang that sucker in your rear window gun rack and drive around with it in plain view. Probably best if the action is open, and gun is deactivated, for instance by removing the bolt if its a bolt action.

Any other thoughts on this issue? Am I wrong? If you think so, please provide proof, thanks.



I did some checking online, and there is a law that applies to business that non-restricted firearms be transported in an opaque container. But I can't find anything that requires individuals (non-businesses) to do so.

TRANSPORTATION OF NON-RESTRICTED FIREARMS
10. (1) An individual may transport a non-restricted firearm only if

(a) except in the case of a muzzle-loading firearm that is being transported between hunting sites, it is unloaded; and

(b) in the case of a muzzle-loading firearm that is being transported between hunting sites, its firing cap or flint is removed.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), an individual may transport a non-restricted firearm in an unattended vehicle only if

(a) when the vehicle is equipped with a trunk or similar compartment that can be securely locked, the non-restricted firearm is in that trunk or compartment and the trunk or compartment is securely locked; and

(b) when the vehicle is not equipped with a trunk or similar compartment that can be securely locked, the non-restricted firearm is not visible from outside the vehicle and the vehicle, or the part that contains the non-restricted firearm, is securely locked.

(3) If, in a remote wilderness area that is not subject to any visible or otherwise reasonably ascertainable use incompatible with hunting, an individual is transporting a non-restricted firearm in an unattended vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk or similar compartment that can be securely locked, and the vehicle or the part of it that contains the non-restricted firearm cannot be securely locked, the individual shall ensure that the non-restricted firearm

(a) is not visible; and

(b) is rendered inoperable by a secure locking device, unless the individual reasonably requires the non-restricted firearm for the control of predators.
Click to expand...

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-209/page-4.html
 
Long Story short, unloaded and trigger lock your good to go. Having said that, in our current society the odds of someone calling the cops if you walk out of a shop with a gun in your hands is probably pretty good.
 
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I would check your grammar there. There is no "unloaded and/or". It is always unloaded (except in use). And you may trigger lock if you want.

The way you wrote it with the "and/or" sounds like you could either unload or trigger lock. Because if you take the "or" option it would read "unloaded or trigger lock".
 
Silveragent said:
I would check your grammar there. There is no "unloaded and/or". It is always unloaded (except in use). And you may trigger lock if you want.

The way you wrote it with the "and/or" sounds like you could either unload or trigger lock. Because if you take the "or" option it would read "unloaded or trigger lock".
Click to expand...

True, I ment to take the and out but forgot. Fixed now though.
 
Chef40 said:
Long Story short, unloaded or trigger lock your good to go. Having said that, in our current society the odds of someone calling the cops if you walk out of a shop with a gun in your hands is probably pretty good.
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The 'or' is still incorrect. The unloaded part is mandatory. If you have it loaded and a trigger lock on it, you're still illegal. It's the only thing that is mandatory, as long as you are fully attending the rifle. I personally think its also good to have the action open, or bolt pulled out, but not required.

But when you see incidences like the native carver in Seattle who was gunned down by police for carrying a perfectly legal knife, it makes you stop and think that you could run into a law enforcement officer who doesn't know the laws well himself.

Actually, or CFSC instructor told us about some guys he knew who were stopped by the RCMP in small town Canada someplace (BC I think). They had their expensive rifles in the gun rack, in plain view, but unloaded. The officer wanted to confiscate them. They refused. They all went back to the RCMP detachment where they spoke with the head constable there. He explained his version of the law. They requested proof. He presented a sheet of paper outlining the gun laws. They pointed out that he was looking at the regulations for restricted handguns. They flipped the sheet over and showed him the non-restricted regulations, which made it clear they were perfectly legal. Here these officers had been confiscating firearms and laying charges for some time without realizing they were misapplying the laws they enforced.
 
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