"Couldn't I pay one of you guys to be my second?" I asked, sounding like a character out of a Russian novel.We've already had one post discussing this today. This suggests it's not localized to California.
"We're busy," he snapped, flipping through a catalog.
Our personal contact with a public that may not know much about us is where many people will form perceptions of what "the gun culture" is like. Me, I don't put up with rude clerks.
[Via HZ]
I'm glad they gave that guy the brush off.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm reading too much into it but it seemed to me that he was looking for a hook for his story.
Implying that "anyone" could rent a gun, linking the suicide angle, asking to pay them to standing for him. It seemed like a major league setup.
They were smart to steer clear of him.
If it was just this instance, I'd agree with you anon, and in this case, you may very well be right. I've often winced at how naive gun owners are around reporters--being friendly and open with them, only to be portrayed as buffoons when the story appears. Still, this came on the heels of another post (see the internal link) and I've noticed a certain smugness bordering on rude at many gun shops myself.
ReplyDeleteThey could have explained the rules to the guy in a much more polite way that would not have damaged customer goodwill--something any business is stupid, not smart, for allowing to happen.
Just to add a view from the new guy on the block. I've been amazed at the bad attitude of gun brokers, shop owners, enthusiasts and even range employees. I cringe when I have to ask anything from these folks. It seems only at the point of sale do these guys act like your not totally wasting their time. I had to learn about guns from magazines, books, and forums...and I live in Mississippi! I'm amazed that they make you feel like your wasting their time when they are never busy (with good reason I'm finding.) I can understand why women are rarely seen at these placs.
ReplyDeleteMike