I've recently taken the course and I'm applying for both my pal/rpal and I was wondering what the etiquette is when buying a gun in stores? I assume it is alright to hold the gun up in shooting position to see how it feels for you? If you do where do you aim/point the gun? Is there anything to avoid while looking at guns in stores that would be considered offensive?
Gun buying etiquette
- Thread starter Kotnik
- Start date
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
If you are dealing with your local gun store, my best suggestion is to be honest and tell them it's your first time and to be gentle with you.
In truth, you will learn what you need to do when you take your RPAL/PAL. ACTS and PROVE plus good common sense is all you need. Ask the store where they consider a safe direction to point the gun. Ask if they mind you trying the trigger and also if they mind if you drop the slide or try the bolt. Most don't care but you did ask about etiquette.
Oh yeah, one more thing. When you hand the firearm back, make sure the action is open and hand the gun back butt end to the sales person. And try not to "sweep" the room with the gun.
In truth, you will learn what you need to do when you take your RPAL/PAL. ACTS and PROVE plus good common sense is all you need. Ask the store where they consider a safe direction to point the gun. Ask if they mind you trying the trigger and also if they mind if you drop the slide or try the bolt. Most don't care but you did ask about etiquette.
Oh yeah, one more thing. When you hand the firearm back, make sure the action is open and hand the gun back butt end to the sales person. And try not to "sweep" the room with the gun.
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Really just ask. No one will make fun of you or treat you like you're stupid. Generally the dealer we stand to the side and you should have a wall to point at. Always be aware of your muzzle. Like everyone says never point it at anyone. That from my understanding is in fact a crime. But remember these people want your money just ask and I am sure they will answer in a friendly way
this. Really. Just tell them this is your first purchase -- they will want to get you / keep you as a customer. If they have any sales ability at all they will help you through it
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
There is further etiquette when handling a revolver you do not own
General Rules
- Offer to show your PAL, or have it ready
- Ease slides down, we all love the sound of a dropping slide but it can scuff some guns finish & damage others
- Ask what is a safe direction for pointing
- Always PROVE, keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and check the chamber, it's good policy and will let staff know you're paying attention to safety
- Ask before dry firing, most stores will let you, and we'll usually encourage you to try cycling the slide to test the reset
- Don't field strip guns without asking, and don't be surprised if some stores won't let you. Just because you can field strip a 1911 in the dark, doesn't mean that the someone else tried without asking and didn't know what they where doing. If a store is comfortable with you and sees you know what you're doing they may be more understanding
- After handling a specific gun, asking for one "new in the box" isn't bad, but if the box was unsealed in front of you stick with it unless there is something specific about it you dislike, pretty much all guns are handled, and most of them have been test fired at their respective factories
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
More handgun etiquette
Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
No, you do not have to hand it back action open. The clerk already opened it and both of you have seen it is unloaded. You can close it, handle it, and when you're done, hand it back action closed in this instance.
You get points for even asking about this. There are a lot of meat heads out there who just don't care. Don't forget to let us know what you buy!
onetwentyish
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Central AB (AKA Northern Texas)
THIS! I never look down a bore unless I have the firearm already cleared and disassembled to an unfireable state.
The only reason to examine a bore really is to be sure you cleaned it well!
onetwentyish
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Central AB (AKA Northern Texas)
I work under the premise that I would like the firearm handed back to me in the same cleared non-sweeping way I handed it to the guy.
#1 rule is the firearm is always loaded. All the other safety features and precautions are completely redundant but necessary precautions so long as your are doing your job of treating all firearms that are assembled to a fireable state as if they are hot.
As such locking a bolt or slide back puts the firearm one step further away from a fireable state and allows the recieving person to once again verify that nothing wierd has happened.
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
And when you find chatter marks in the rifling begin a lengthy and frustrating warantee process!
Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
It never left the sight of both the store clerk and yourself while being handled. There is no possibility it could have magically loaded itself without being seen. Therefore there is nothing wrong with handing it back action closed!
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
There is also nothing wrong with looking down the barrel of a firearm that is cleared and proven safe either, yet there has been a sh!tstorm of words arguing that point.
The OP asked about etiquette. I always return the firearm butt first or side ways with the action open, if possible. That is my perception of etiquette and I will continue to do it that way. Which ever way you choose, the world ain't gonna end!
