gun store etiquette

[gaseousclay]

One more thing: Was he sweeping you with the muzzle while examining the gun or was he deliberately lining you up in his sights? It would make a difference in my reaction.

he was lining me up in his sights. when I looked over at the guy the gun was aimed at me and he was squinting because he was looking down the sight. I don't see a difference between doing a muzzle sweep or pointing a gun right at me. it's a huge no no and my first thought was that this guy was an accident waiting to happen

[lcpiper]

Oh no, That dog don't hunt and he needed his butt chewed right off.

I am perhaps not so polite as some so I can certainly say that the moment I spotted him would have been the same moment he would see my expression go 100% ballistic and I would'a shouted something that started with "Hey ...."

[oldgunsmith]

I've always had the best luck by finding a way to clue him in without making him feel stupid, such as mentioning that we have to be real careful about pointing a gun in here because somebody might get in the way. They are more likely to learn something if you get the point across without embarrassing them.

[Skans]

he was lining me up in his sights. when I looked over at the guy the gun was aimed at me and he was squinting because he was looking down the sight

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In that case, then I'd address the guy directly, and it wouldn't be too friendly either. But, I wouldn't go over the top on something like this in a gun store either. A simple "HEY! Don't point that gun at me!" should suffice.

[Puddle]

Getting muzzle swept in a crowded shop is one thing - annoying still, but forgivable for the most part.

Getting scoped by someone intentionally - wow. That actually starts to boil my blood just thinking about it.

[Vanya]

I'm all for being polite...

I rather like the idea of smiling and saying in a loud voice, "Excuse me, sir -- why are you pointing a gun at me?"

Or if the guy looks like a jerk... one might yell "GUN!" and hit the deck, rolling for cover. After which, "Oh, sorry, just having a flashback, nothing personal... but you can SCARE people, doing that. And someone might get hurt..."

[shafter]

he was lining me up in his sights. when I looked over at the guy the gun was aimed at me and he was squinting because he was looking down the sight. I don't see a difference between doing a muzzle sweep or pointing a gun right at me. it's a huge no no and my first thought was that this guy was an accident waiting to happen

That would have ticked me off for sure. Not sure how loud I would have gotten over it though.

[Kreyzhorse]

I had a shotgun pointed at my head at a gun show. After sweeping the barrel away with my hand, I was not polite to the offender.

There is simply zero reason to point a gun at another person unless you intend to shoot them.

[Justice06RR]

Same way we can assume that all guns are loaded, always...

You never point, aim, or sweep anything that you are unwilling to destroy...

This is really pretty basic...I find it more than a bit disconcerting how many people seem to be making excuses for the irresponsible actions of someone they know nothing about...

Not making excuses, but being around firearms you will at some point in time be swept by others whether you like it or not.

Think about all the Military and LE who sweep their fellow colleagues with loaded weapons on duty. Also if you go to a gun show, you are guaranteed to be swept by someone. Even worse, you sweep yourself (in the leg) every time you holster your pistol on your waist.

The best way not to be swept? well stay away from other people holding guns.

Its really just common sense. If you get swept unintentionally at a gunshop, kindly approach the person or notify the employee if it really bothered you.

[Powderman]

Folks, I'm sorry--but I believe that being considerate, polite and accepting goes right out of the window when guns are concerned.

Rule #1: ALL guns are ALWAYS loaded.

No execptions. No excuses. No shortcuts. No second chances.

If I am handling a firearm, the first thing I do is to clear it. I don't care if the person in front of me just reassembled the gun, there is no loaded ammunition or even empty brass within 100 feet, and the gun has no firing pin--ALL guns are ALWAYS loaded.

I was in Cabela's a while back, and while my wife was downstairs looking through clothing, I went upstairs, heading for the Gun Library to drool and wish.

As I came up the escalator, I found myself staring right down the barrel of a pump action shotgun. There were a group of youngsters (between 20-25) milling about, and taking pictures.

I moved to the side quickly, and walked up to the person holding the shotgun. "Hey, guy--watch that muzzle. That's not cool."

His answer?

"Oh, don't worry, it's not loaded."

I replied, "Friend, all guns are ALWAYS loaded. Don't take the chance." I then went and informed store personnel.

If you find yourself being covered by a muzzle, MOVE. Get away from the line of fire.

Go and tell the person in a clear and firm voice something along the lines of, "Hey, watch that muzzle, OK?" Do not give them a chance to do it again.

Remember, it only takes a second--and someone's life is changed forever, or snuffed out. Don't take the chance.

All guns are ALWAYS loaded. Never, EVER forget it, even for a second.

[Ben Towe]

Oh, I definitely would not have been happy if he was lining up his sights on me.

I have personally discovered at least two loaded guns on display at gun shops, which is enough to make you nervous.

On the other hand, accidental sweeping will happen from time to time in a crowded gun store, virtually everyone has done it and had it done to them at some point. That's why "keep the booger hook off the bang switch" indoctrination is so important. That way if you have that momentary lapse in muzzle awareness (and unless you are a machine, you will) or someone walks in front of a gun you are holding (happens all the time) you won't have a tragedy on your hands.

[rebs]

1st rule of gun safety, never point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot !
At Gander they have always asked to see your permit before allowing you to handle a hand gun, so you have a permit and have taken the required training to get your permit then you SHOULD know not to point it at another person in the store under any circumstances.
Secondly treat every gun as if it is loaded.

When looking at a gun in a store I stand side ways to the counter so I am facing the person next to me, that way I can look at both sides, top and bottom of the gun and it is always pointed towards the wall behind the counter. If I want to look down the sights I point it at the wall behind the counter again.
Never assume a gun is not loaded and never under any circumstances point it at anyone you do not intend to shoot.
To answer your question, I would not allow a gun to be pointed at me either. In a store I would immediately inform the person working there, in a positive manner without any screaming or yelling. AT a range it would definately be a different story, I believe I would inform the individual in a rather loud voice to express his lack of safety and unsafe actions.

[Kimio]

I've had a few close calls at the range before, but honestly, there is a tactful way to approach this without making a scene IMO. Being an ass about someone making a mistake doesn't really endear them to listen to you and accept whatever advice you're giving them.

You can be polite while still rebukeing someone, but that's just me. Gun owners have enough enemies right now, we need to educate and encourage safe firearms handeling and right now, the aggressive approach may not be the best way to go about it. The media spews how we're a violent and angry lot enough as it is.

[Motor-T Marine]

Have we forgotten never point a weapon at anything you don't intend to shoot ?

[Motor-T Marine]

Rebs is right. Someone clears a gun and hands it to you. Clear it yourself and then treat it like its loade and when youre done , clear it and hand it back. Most gun store clerks will check it again themselves. That's 4 times. You know how you're driving to work and for a split second don't remember if you put the garage door down. ? CLEAR IT AGAIN!

[ScottRiqui]

What's the general opinion on shoulder holsters? Are they terrible because you're sweeping the hell out of everyone behind you, or is it okay because the gun is holstered (hopefully with the trigger covered up)?

[Skans]

You can be polite while still rebukeing someone, but that's just me. Gun owners have enough enemies right now, we need to educate and encourage safe firearms handeling and right now, the aggressive approach may not be the best way to go about it. The media spews how we're a violent and angry lot enough as it is.

Really? Even if the guy isn't just sweeping you unintentionally, but purposefully aiming the gun at you checking out the sights and other gun functions??? According to additional information provided by the OP, that's what he was doing.

There's a time for civility and instruction, and then there is a time for abruptly correcting stupidity and thoughtlessness. Even if you never grew up around guns, EVERYONE knows not to point a knife at someone. And most normal people can figure out on their own, without any instruction, that you don't go into a store, pick up a gun and start aiming it at other customers.

[geetarman]

In a big box store, there are not many ways to handle a gun without sweeping someone.

It isn't a good thing but what really concerns me more are the folks who go to the LGS and un-holster a gun for the gunsmith. You really don't know anything about the gun. That is really a touchy point for me.

I shoot a lot at the outdoor range and the ROs are very aware of inadvertent sweeps and will get in your face if you do.

My very best friend is an LEO and he is very unforgiving of muzzle sweeps.

Even at the gun counter in a big box store he is very aware of sweeping. That scenario is not as disconcerting to me but then I realize he has seen a LOT of gun violence some of which is unintentional so he is viewing this somewhat differently than me.

He is more correct than I am.

I am becoming more like him. . .probably a good thing.

[southjk]

Really? Even if the guy isn't just sweeping you unintentionally, but purposefully aiming the gun at you checking out the sights and other gun functions??? According to additional information provided by the OP, that's what he was doing.

Yeah, I think in that case the time for civility is gone and a loud, "Hey, watch the muzzle" as you are ducking down would get your point across. If it's just a sweep or inadvertent pointing in your direction as he's looking down at the gun just checking it out then I think you approach him (after moving out of the line of fire) to calmly say, "excuse me, please mind the muzzle direction. You had it pointed directly at me".

[lcpiper]

Some of you seem to operate on the idea that at a store there are only guns and no ammo. Or that the customers didn't bring their own guns in with them for some reason. What if the gun isn't the store's gun?

I don't care where you are or what you are doing. If you point a gun at me you will likely have one pointing right back and I suggest you consider mine loaded.

[Skans]

If you point a gun at me you will likely have one pointing right back and I suggest you consider mine loaded.

I don't think I'm going to go that far; not in a gun store where I'm a customer and the other guy is just a customer. A stern shout-out is all that's called for....maybe a little jog to the right or left too.

[lcpiper]

Do you live in Arizona where no permit is required for concealed carry?

Where the gun in the guys hands could be off the shelf or from his pocket?

[StukaJU87]

I don't know if the question has been asked, if it was I didn't see it, but how far away was this guy? That right there would determine how to handle the situation.

If the guy was close, then that's one thing. If the guy was on the other side of the store, then maybe he wasn't aiming at you, just in your general direction. Which, depending on your point of view, could look like he was aiming directly at you.

[allenomics]

+1 pax.

[wayneinFL]

I was at Bass Pro a long time ago with a friend. He pointed out that I ducked every time that the clerk swept me with the muzzle. I didn't even realize I was doing it.

he was lining me up in his sights. when I looked over at the guy the gun was aimed at me and he was squinting because he was looking down the sight

There isn't much that angers me more than someone intentionally pointing a gun at me. I try not to take it personally.