First time in a gun shop

[DK519]

So I just received my PAL and likely will be gun shopping in the next day or two.

Never been in to a gun shop before and must say I'm a little nervous.

Now I know how to safely handle a firearm, and know how to PROVE it safe. What I want to know is, if one of the clerks hands me a rifle to look at and he PROVEs it safe, do I need to do the same ie. look down the business end of the rifle after pointing it in a safe direction, removing the cartridges and verifying the feeding path.

I don't want to look like a tool or scare anyone by my complete lack of experience. Asking to handle a firearm seems a little different than asking for a knife from a case.

 

[fenceline]

Do what you feel is safe. When handed a gun I still check the action to ensure no rounds in the chamber.

 

[DK519]

Do what you feel is safe. When handed a gun I still check the action to ensure no rounds in the chamber.

Looking down the barrel shouldn't really be necessary then as I'm not intending to fire it, correct?

 

[fenceline]

Looking down the barrel shouldn't really be necessary then as I'm not intending to fire it, correct?

Used gun? I'd still check the bore for quality/damage.

Its a grown up hobby. If you follow prove and get crap for it, and someone calls you a tool, you aren't the one with the issue.

Again, do what you feel is necessary to ensure the gun is safe for you. Its your butt on the line.

 

[IronCanadian]

When I'm handed a gun or take one out of my own safe I always pull the bolt back to verify that it isn't loaded, it's instinct.

Prove the gun, mind the muzzle direction and you'll be fine.

 

[Blessed]

You don't have a buddy that shoots? Thats the best solution to get comfortable in handling a firearm. If you are visiting hunting stores and would like to handle I would suggest a small "mom and pops" rather than big box department. Small specialty stores are more inclined to have time for you. Go when they are not busy like maybe late morning / mid week and let them know you are new and would like some direction. Go when you have time to wait for the few other patrons to get what they want and leave - this can take awhile because gun owners like to chat at the counter since there is so few other places they can do it besides the club and, well . . here.
For more familiarity try local ranges - call in and be honest - you're new and would like to visit next opportunity there is an orientation or safety meet for the club. Guaranteed you will meet a member that is happy to help you out if you ask. A club local to me has a safety meet once a month for people wishing to join - to promote the rules and safe practices of the club. I have been to it 3 times and plan to go once a year just to see if anything has changed. Not so much out of fear of firearms but of a fear of doing something wrong and facing repercussions or worse still - hurting myself or others. My first firearms purchase I felt like a criminal or like I was buying some seriously depraved ####. Our society has certainly instilled a negative stigma with firearms but don't worry - your concern for doing it right makes you safer than half the yahoos that I took the CFSC with. You just need a little familiarity. Make every move slowly carefully and with thought and you will look like much less of an idiot than you would with a hole in your leg or sweeping your firing line. Update your status with your location - you will likely meet people from your town here and you can arrange to meet at the club with some of them. This site is a great source of experience, use it to your advantage.

 

[sunray]

"...clerks hands me a rifle..." The action should be open and facing you. If it isn't don't accept it. Opening the action is just something one does. Gun shop clerks get complacent by times.
"...don't want to look like..." That's the last thing you should worry about.

 

[DK519]

Well I must say it was a fairly pleasant experience buying my first gun.

Went Wednesday and picked up a Baikal MP153 from a small shop in town. Clerk was a nice guy and showed me a couple other guns I had been researching. Pretty painless experience all in all.

Now I just need some time to get out shooting!

 

[Hookturn]

My advice is to let the guys know that you are new to the sport. Were I work and at all the shops I have been to the guys behind the counter are more than willing to help. Just don't let the slide slam home on the empty chamber, dry fire without asking or, point it at anybody.

 

[thunderhand]

purchased my first hand gun from al flahertys yesterday, the guys were very helpful and informative. , the statt was approved overnite and im picking it up on saturday.