Store etiquette

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mring

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So while I wait for my stamped test results and eventual licence, I have a question I forgot to ask during the course.

I would love to go into a gun shop and ask some questions and get some help in deciding my first purchase.

1. Where is the safest direction for the guns to be pointed? Ceiling I would assume but how do you examine it closely with a guy behind the counter and a room full of people. Given the two shops I have walked into so far the places were frign crowded. I was not there long enough to see anyone really handling the guns.

2. I want a chance to talk to the guys in the shops but since I cannot yet buy I really do not want to waste there time from paying customers; albeit I can tell you I will be a paying one in the future. I was at Elwoods and there was literally a waiting line.

Guess that is it for now. Thanks in advance for the guidance.

M.

"Don't worry, tomorrow is another day and Friday is one day closer to coming!"
 
welcome.

just make sure you dont point the gun at any one and your god to go as far as im concerned. try to keep the mussel above head height, dont sweep anybody.
 
I was in a large gunshop the other day and was shocked by the poor handling of guns by both staff and other customers. I can manage to look at a gun without pointing it at anyone, why cant others? There was a gun left on the counter (albeit bolt open) that was pointing almost directly at the front door.

EDIT - Forgot to say, I point guns up a little less then 45 degrees when I handle them.
 
yeah the few people I did see handling them were not exactly careful. Maybe I am being over cautious but rather that then the moron in the room.
 
While it is legal for a non-licensed, non-prohibited, person to inspect, handle, and (in a legal place) to shoot a firearm under the direct supervision of a licensed person, a firearms dealer must be licensed by the provincial firearms office, and the CFO. Licensing is a requirement to conduct business, and a licensed firearms dealer must abide with any conditions attached to his or her business license.

It has become common to hear from firearms businesses that their CFO has stipulated extra-legal restrictions such as: they must demand a customer's PAL before allowing them to see or to handle any firearm or ammunition or loading component, and/or; that they keep restricted firearms out of sight - hidden, just like tobacco products in Nova Scotia stores must be hidden - and necessarily unseen by anyone without a restricted endorsement on their PAL, and/or; that they not stock hollowpoint handgun ammunition, and/or; that they sell hollowpoint handgun ammunition only to government and law enforcement officer and not to the law-abiding, properly-licensed, restricted-endorsement-PAL-holding, citizen.

It is in this climate that we are living. You - the unlicensed person - should be prepared to receive a lukewarm reception from the dealer. (A warmer welcome might just cost him his license.)

It's not personal, it's just business.
 
Target Sports Canada has signs on the walls behind the counter that say something along the lines of "point firearms in this direction only" seems to make sense as long as the clerk steps aside.
 
I go to one of the site's sponsors, P&D Enterprises, MANY times to simply inspect firearms, ask questions and window shop.

Yeah, yeah... I know. I have spent a fair number of pennies there and a lot of the staff know my face as well as their mom's.

However, I would assume that a place that wants your business, is willing to educate you and has any sort of customer service in mind will help you any way they can. I would ask when they are not that busy, so if you have any way to get there at that time (could be 10am on a Wednesday though) you could have some quality time with a salesperson.
 
Can't say for sure.

I went to Al Simmon's one time and they told me its okay to point a gun at them (he proved the gun).

Still couldn't do it...doesn't feel right.
 
Wendell - makes sense.

Just going by the advice I had to "go visit the stores and see what you like" I figured I would ask to make sure I was not a) wasting my time or b)wasting theirs.

Trust me though, I am going to be a VERY good customer lol

Onagoth - could never do that. Just not right.


Thanks to everyone for the feedback.
 
Onagoth said:
Can't say for sure.

I went to Al Simmon's one time and they told me its okay to point a gun at them (he proved the gun).

Still couldn't do it...doesn't feel right.
Click to expand...

And therein lies the proof of good safety training...............
 
good communication is always a plus ...

Ask he clerk about where to point it.

Something as simple as "I'm gonna point it at the floor while I examine it, cool?" works for me.

When I shoulder a long-gun, I start with it pointed at the floor, and raise it to shoulder height.

If you're not sure, or uncomfortable, just ask.

@hillmanr2: thanks for the Homer ... "5 days... but I'm mad now."
 
I have seen some stores that need you to have your PAL prior to handling firearms, and others not so much (in the states you pretty much just need a pulse). And I always try and find an area behind the counter where no one is standing and aim towards down-ish..


Onagoth said:
Can't say for sure.
one time and they told me its okay to point a gun at them (he proved the gun).

Still couldn't do it...doesn't feel right.
Click to expand...

pointing a firearm at someone whether loaded or not is also "illegal" so says the criminal code good on ya for being safe. I can't point a firearm at someone either.. just cardboard cut-outs/Fig.11's. ..

safety is paramount when it comes to firearms, its good to develop positive habits early so they carry on with you..
 
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