theclemsonkid
Member
So yesterday I became the owner of my first firearm, a Glock 19 Gen4 hand gun. A few thoughts I had about the whole experience...
First off, I could not believe how incredibly crowded it was at my local shop. As in "take a number" busy. I was #23, when I got there they were on #9. After about 35 minutes, I finally had my number called. There were I believe nine sales people, a few who looked like "good old boys", so when they guy called my number I was pretty stoked he was one of the more average looking gentleman. I told him point blank that I was new to guns, but I was interested in something small but powerful, and able to conceal if and when I get my CCW. Coming in, I knew I wanted a Glock, so I was happy when he immediately pointed me to the Glock case and told me "any of these will be your absolute best bet" before I ever said what I was looking for brand wise.
He suggested the .40, which was a little bigger and longer than what I wanted, so I said I was thinking more of a .9mm, to which he said, that's perfectly acceptable for a conceal carry weapon. He was more than happy when I said that I had been reading up on, and asking my gun friends about the 19 Gen 4, and he was happy to recommend it as well.
He then did something that pleasantly surprised me. He basically asked how much, if any, training I have had with a hand gun. I told him that I had been to the range probably a dozen times over ten years with friends or family, and I knew how to fire, but that was about it. He told me that he HIGHLY suggested going to this local range, and talking to so and so, who would be more than happy to spend a half hour with me at no cost, in order to show me the in's and out's of the gun, and everything I should know before I even dream about putting rounds in the magazine. He then reiterated that a pistol was not just fun and games, and that you "damn well better take it seriously". I really appreciated that.
I then filled out my FBI background check and after I finished I assumed I would come back in a few days and get my gun. He told me "no, no this will take about 15-20 minutes and you'll be good to go". Uhh, ok? He disappeared into the back room, and sure enough about 15 minutes later out comes my paperwork and per the FBI I am considered a competent person to own a hand gun.
I'm not sure what that whole background check entails, but I had to admit I was a little uneasy knowing that in 15 minutes I had a gun. I would have to assume there is only so much they can check in 15 minutes, right? As well as that, I Was surprised there were no fingerprints or anything else like that. I mean, I could have come in there with a fake or stolen ID, and I doubt there would have been a problem. At least I think not.
Lastly, I got to the counter and was ready to pay up. This was not the same guy who sold me the gun. This guy said, "good thing you're arming up now, cause it's only a matter of months before they shut this whole place down. I'm getting as many AR's as I can, while I can." He then tried to offer me some $1,800 AR they just got a shipment of in. I politely declined. He then also handed me an NRA application and said you can fill this out here if you want. I'm not sure if that is common or what, but I just took the paper and smiled and was on my way.
As I was waiting for the background check I kind of just eavesdropped on a lot of the other people there. The conclusion I came to was that there are a LOT of people who genuinely believe the government is about to take their guns. Not just AR's, but all their guns. There were probably 10-15 people who came in, and then left, when they found out that they were sold out of a certain AR. They were all asking for the same kind (or caliber maybe?) and all seemed disappointed when they found out it was gone.
All and all it was an interesting experience to say the least.
First off, I could not believe how incredibly crowded it was at my local shop. As in "take a number" busy. I was #23, when I got there they were on #9. After about 35 minutes, I finally had my number called. There were I believe nine sales people, a few who looked like "good old boys", so when they guy called my number I was pretty stoked he was one of the more average looking gentleman. I told him point blank that I was new to guns, but I was interested in something small but powerful, and able to conceal if and when I get my CCW. Coming in, I knew I wanted a Glock, so I was happy when he immediately pointed me to the Glock case and told me "any of these will be your absolute best bet" before I ever said what I was looking for brand wise.
He suggested the .40, which was a little bigger and longer than what I wanted, so I said I was thinking more of a .9mm, to which he said, that's perfectly acceptable for a conceal carry weapon. He was more than happy when I said that I had been reading up on, and asking my gun friends about the 19 Gen 4, and he was happy to recommend it as well.
He then did something that pleasantly surprised me. He basically asked how much, if any, training I have had with a hand gun. I told him that I had been to the range probably a dozen times over ten years with friends or family, and I knew how to fire, but that was about it. He told me that he HIGHLY suggested going to this local range, and talking to so and so, who would be more than happy to spend a half hour with me at no cost, in order to show me the in's and out's of the gun, and everything I should know before I even dream about putting rounds in the magazine. He then reiterated that a pistol was not just fun and games, and that you "damn well better take it seriously". I really appreciated that.
I then filled out my FBI background check and after I finished I assumed I would come back in a few days and get my gun. He told me "no, no this will take about 15-20 minutes and you'll be good to go". Uhh, ok? He disappeared into the back room, and sure enough about 15 minutes later out comes my paperwork and per the FBI I am considered a competent person to own a hand gun.
I'm not sure what that whole background check entails, but I had to admit I was a little uneasy knowing that in 15 minutes I had a gun. I would have to assume there is only so much they can check in 15 minutes, right? As well as that, I Was surprised there were no fingerprints or anything else like that. I mean, I could have come in there with a fake or stolen ID, and I doubt there would have been a problem. At least I think not.
Lastly, I got to the counter and was ready to pay up. This was not the same guy who sold me the gun. This guy said, "good thing you're arming up now, cause it's only a matter of months before they shut this whole place down. I'm getting as many AR's as I can, while I can." He then tried to offer me some $1,800 AR they just got a shipment of in. I politely declined. He then also handed me an NRA application and said you can fill this out here if you want. I'm not sure if that is common or what, but I just took the paper and smiled and was on my way.
As I was waiting for the background check I kind of just eavesdropped on a lot of the other people there. The conclusion I came to was that there are a LOT of people who genuinely believe the government is about to take their guns. Not just AR's, but all their guns. There were probably 10-15 people who came in, and then left, when they found out that they were sold out of a certain AR. They were all asking for the same kind (or caliber maybe?) and all seemed disappointed when they found out it was gone.
All and all it was an interesting experience to say the least.
