What's with the attitude from gun stores?

[theGinsue]

FWIW, I've always gotten good customer service at the Firing Line. I've never bought a gun there because their prices are on the high side, but I can't complain about the staff. They've always been friendly to me. I wish I could use the range there, but every 5 minutes some ass clown walks in with a broom and steals my brass!

Agreed. My one and only visit to Firing Line was last month (they're in Denver, I'm in the Springs...not many opportunities to visit). I went there to meet with IslanderMyk. Things were busy that day, but not too nuts (yet). Sneakerd took the time to come say hello, answer a couple of questions I had, and offer a little bit of BS chatting with Mike and I all while he continued to check things on the display shelves. This was on Dec 14th - just a few hours after the Sandy Hook shooting. As busy as he was, Sneakerd gave me the little time he had to BS. I was impressed.

[Troublco]

Not with me you're not, you guys always treat me well. I remember in my visit last month we had to stop our conversation a couple of times so you could address newly entered customers and ask if they needed any help. That's good customer service right there.

I've never had anything but a positive experience there. Hell, I stood there talking AR's for about half an hour and another guy came in and joined in and it took a few minutes before I discovered it was Dr. Fwd. When I'm in Denver if I'm in the market for anything AR related I go there first.

FWIW, I've always gotten good customer service at the Firing Line. I've never bought a gun there because their prices are on the high side, but I can't complain about the staff. They've always been friendly to me.

I have, too. I think they're on the high side price-wise too, but they've always been friendly and helpful.

[StagLefty]

not worth the ban.

It's the internet HBAR-take a break and relax. Your absolutely right it's not worth a ban. Hang in there Bro.

[airborneranger]

Obviously these stories are of gun shops up in the Denver metro area or so. I have had similar incidents (both good and bad) in gun stores in the Springs. One shop in particular, Bravo Arms, is run by two outstanding guys. I would usually stop by there once a week or so after work and fondle the new inventory. I think I also purchased 3 firearms from them so just hanging out really isn't a problem.

There is another place in the Springs that has a much larger inventory but the customer service is complete shit. The guys behind the counter act like they are all Navy Seals. However, judging from their fitness levels it is clear that isn't the case. They act like they are doing you some sort of favor by showing you a firearm or a particular product. Needless to say, I don't go there.

[theGinsue]

Great advice Stag. Folks (everyone), please heed this advice.

There is another place in the Springs that has a much larger inventory but the customer service is complete shit. The guys behind the counter act like they are all Navy Seals. However, judging from their fitness levels it is clear that isn't the case. They act like they are doing you some sort of favor by showing you a firearm or a particular product. Needless to say, I don't go there.

I know which store you're referring to & because of their attitudes I always discourage folks from going there. I get asked at work several times a week where someone should go for a firearm or accessory and I always tell them to go to this place as an absolute last resort.

I'll also give a second big thumbs up for Bravo Arms. Great couple of guys there.

[Monky]

In my case, I'm just a dick. Even outside the shop

I don't think you're a dick. Shitty pool player.. but not a dick.

[zteknik]

Being from New York I'm used to crappy attitudes.
But for the most part most of the shops I've been to there have been nothing but pleasent.
Most of them ran but some retiree trying to make a living and the few I went to were ex service men.
There is a couple that felt like you were walking into McDonalds with how they handled themselves,needless to say I diddn't want to go supersized....

The only experience I've had here sofar was at Sportsmens den when I was trying to find a holster for open carry and they were quite rude.
Needless to say I will not go there again een though there practicly down the road from me..

[Hoser]

I'll also give a second big thumbs up for Bravo Arms. Great couple of guys there.

I agree. Its too bad they closed their doors a few weeks ago.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Any owner who interviews sales staff seems to ask about their gun knowledge first, and hires the folks with the most, and that's where the problem starts. 90% of the interview needs to be about customer service and sales skills. A good salesman can sell anything. They can quickly learn what they need to about the guns, just like vacuum cleaners or cars.

Hmmm ... I have the opposite opinion. I've seen far too many salesmen who were just that -- salesmen -- with little knowledge about the products they were actually peddling. I WANT the guys at a gun store or computer store or car dealer to know something about the products they handle. I haven't had any bad experiences with customer service at Whistling Pines or Specialty Sports in Colorado Springs, can't talk to any stores up in the Denver area.

[sneakerd]

Have to agree with Aloha. The people we deal with don't want salesman- they want expertise. They understand if you're not an expert about everything in the store, but you need to be an expert with most of it. Most of the behind the counter work is consultation, not sales.