Monday, January 16, 2012

 I really admire new shooters. I admire the person who has the courage to come out to a gun class all by themselves even though they've never touched a gun in their life. It takes a lot of courage to do this and I commend the people who highly value the ability to protect themselves.

However, I am also worried for these new shooters. You see, once a person takes a class they often want to go out and get their first gun and they're full of enthusiasm. And I think that's a wonderful thing, but sometimes a visit to the local gun store severely dampens that enthusiasm.

You see, I have a theory about gun stores. I call it the "90% of gun store employees are not nice" theory. Originally, the theory had another name, but my loving wife convinced me that this name was more appropriate.

So before I continue, let me explain the "90% of gun store employees are not nice" theory. It's pretty complicated so pay attention. In short, my theory is that 90% of gun store employees are not happy campers. I bet they've washed out of police academies, never achieved their dreams to join the FBI or never made it to SEAL Team 6.

And due to these failures they are bitter and now feel the need to be rude to others and belittle them. If you've ever been to gun store, you've likely experienced this. When my wife and I were out in California visiting the in-laws last Thanksgiving we went to a local gun store/shooting range. The guy behind the counter was very rude to my wife and deserved a kick to the face.

Just a few weeks ago we were at a gun store in Maryland...

And not surprisingly, one of the employees was rude to both of us and treated us like second-rate citizens who didn't even know what a gun was.

The point is, I hate to hear about a new shooter who is so excited about buying their first gun and has the courage to go to the gun store, just to be treated like dirt or intimidated by some jerk of an employee. I can only imagine how many people decided not to buy a gun or who decided guns were not for them after a terrible interaction at a gun store. (Which is a huge shame, since we all needs guns to protect ourselves, especially in our homes.)



That's why I want to give you some quick advice if you're a new shooter getting ready to go purchase your first gun:

First, never forget the "90% of gun store employees are not nice" theory. Remember, they probably hate their life so try not to take it personally. Second, if you can help it, do not go to the gun store alone to look at buying your first gun. Take someone with you who is knowledgeable about firearms.



But if you have to go alone...

I would take everything the gun store employee says with a grain of salt. Do not let them talk you into buying a gun that doesn't fit your hand or that you don't feel comfortable with. Remember, you are the one who is going to be carrying and shooting this gun, not the store employee.

Also, do not buy a gun that you have never shot before. Almost every gun range allows you to rent guns, so go take a "test drive" of the gun you're thinking of buying.

I could go on and on, but it all boils down to this. You are doing the right thing by taking responsibility for your own protection and you know this. So don't let anyone intimidate you about this or try and talk you out of it.

Lastly, even though I've already said it, please don't go alone if you can help it. You need someone with you who's patient and knowledgeable and who's going to take the time to help you find the gun that's best for you.

Also, even if you're an experienced shooter, please pass this advice on to the new shooters you know, so they don't think all gun people are jerks and intimidating.

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