Ask any gun store owner and they’ll simply reply with ‘just come on down!’ but we know it can be harder than that. Showing up unannounced to a gun store can be intimidating. There’s a confusing amount of options. All the semi-automatic pistols look the same and who knows what mistakes I’ll make in front of the counter clerk. The thought of showing up to the gun store without direction can be off-putting enough to make you think – “Oh, I’ll stop by when I have a pocket of time later.” That moment never comes and you find yourself in the same position as years before – curious but feeling too vulnerable to make the leap.

This guide is meant to give beginner shooters of all walks of life the tools and direction to make you feel comfortable taking those first steps into the store. Within this guide, we’ll cover how to prepare, what to bring, what to expect during your visit, and how to make a responsible, educated, and confident firearm purchase.

Breaking Down the Steps to Your Visit

What to Prepare Before your Visit to the Gun Store

Even before you step foot into the shop, there’s some introspection that needs to place first. The clerk can’t help find what you need if you don’t know what you need yourself.

Before you head to your local gun store, consider the following:

• Purpose of the gun
• Prepare for questions you’ll get asked
• Helpful details to share
• Making an appointment

What is the purpose of your gun?

You’ll want to demonstrate clearly why you are shopping for a firearm. Most commonly, there are three main purposes for gun ownership:

1. Personal protection inside the home
   1. If you’re seeking a firearm for in-home protection, the clerk will be able to guide you more clearly to options that fit those requirements. Since it will be kept at home, they probably won’t steer you towards the smaller models that need to be concealable. They also might ask you some questions about how you plan to store your firearm. Consider these questions and be prepared to come to the store with some general guidelines of what’s your living situation (home, apartment, RV, etc.), where you plan to store your firearm (cabinet, safe, nightstand), and if you have young children, roommates, or any other unauthorized people who may be able to access your firearm.
2. Personal protection outside the home
   1. When purchasing a firearm for out-of-home, your needs will differ. You will need something that can be easily hidden and light enough to carry around comfortably. After all, a hidden gun is less likely to be seen or stolen – a scenario you don’t want to find yourself in. With this purpose in mind, the clerk will show you models that are better suited for concealment and can be easily drawn out of their location (Hint: think a sleeker design without any bells and whistles that could be easily caught on clothes, purse straps, or jean loops).
3. Recreation
   1. Whether it is recreation, small game hunting, or competitive shooting – this area has the most variety of firearms to select. The clerk will probably ask questions around where you commonly shoot, how many rounds you want to carry, the length of the barrel (since you don’t have to worry as much about storing it in a nightstand or on your body). Be open-minded on what you like to shoot and what feels most comfortable for you. Recreational shooting should be fun. You want the firearms you own for this purpose to fit that need. If you own a firearm that hurts your hand every time you shoot it, it won’t make it to your next visit to the range.

Do I want a revolver or pistol?

What to Expect During your Visit

What questions should I ask at the gun store?

During your visit you are going to see a wide variety of models. Having a clear idea of what is important to you will help narrow down what you’ll end up liking. A few questions that can be helpful to bring include:

1. Is this easy to clean/can you show me the take-down process?
2. Do you know if this model has significant recoil?
3. What’s the availability of ammo for this pistol?
4. Are there any warranties with this model?
5. What does the aftermarket product availability look like for this model?
6. Is this a reputable company?

What details would be good to share for the clerk?

Every gun is going to fit and feel differently for each person. We each have varying levels of strength in our hands, grip, and forearms. We all have different sized hands and finger length. Outside of physicality, we also have perceptions we bring to each firearm – whether it be size, weight, or recoil.

The most important decision you’ll want to make before stepping foot in the store is the purpose for your firearm. Outside of that, there are certain details that may be helpful to think through either in advance of your visit or during. Those details include:

• Grip strength
• Joint issues
• Price constraints

How can I create a smooth visit?

If you do not feel comfortable showing up announced, there are ways you can ease any discomfort you’re feeling to prepare for your visit and ensure you’ll have a positive experience at the store.

• Call in advance to let them know you are coming
• Share important details in advance of your appointment
• Send them an email and ask what is the best path for you
• Choose a time when the store is not busy
• Go by yourself – the gun you are purchasing is for you and you alone. If you don’t want a peanut gallery, it probably won’t benefit you to have a spouse or friend looking over your shoulder and sharing their preconceived notions and perceptions about your gun.

Gun Store Etiquette

At this point, you’ve already done the following:

1. Decided on the purpose for your gun
2. Called in advance/let the shop know you are coming
3. Have a list of details you’re willing to share and questions to ask

Now, there are a few rules you’ll want to be considerate of during your visit. These rules are selected both because they respect the property of the gun store and the safety of yourself and those around you.

Within your exposure to firearms, you’ve probably been introduced to the NRA gun safety rules:

1. Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
3. Always keep your gun unloaded until ready to use

Whether you are at the range, performing dry practice, cleaning your own firearm, or shopping for a new one you will want to abide by these rules always.

Do’s and Don’t of Gun Store Behavior

• Open/Concealed Carry: Don’t be surprised if your clerk is carrying a personal firearm. They’ve chosen employment at the store for a reason – a true passion for the shooting sport. Feel free to ask any/all questions about their personal carry as well, you’ll probably learn something new that might inform your purchase.
• Safety First: Keep these safety rules in mind always. If you are unsure about a safe direction to point your muzzle or when to place your finger on the trigger – just ask. The clerk will appreciate your safety considerations and guide you on the right protocol.
  • Always make sure the gun is unloaded when it is handed to you. It is likely the clerk will check the firearm themselves as well.
  • Avoid “sweeping” others around you which happens when you have the muzzle pointed in the direction of others.
• Respect the product: It is probably the first time you’re holding a potential model. Parts and grip are going to feel foreign. If you are trying to operate the firearm (by ejecting the magazine, opening the slide, etc.) and it does not feel right – pause – ask the clerk. They are trying to sell these firearms and won’t want you trying to force the gun to do something it was not designed to do.
• Respect other shoppers: If other customers are around, you want to be respectful of their shopping experience as well. You don’t know their background, their preferences, or their comfort level. Avoid making claims like “I would never buy that” or “How could anyone like that model?” It could be the person right behind you that owns and loves it.
• The “hand off”: Keep an eye out for how they handed you the firearm. They likely held it in a way that allowed you to put your dominant hand on the grip and steer clear of the trigger well. If possible, try to hand the gun back to the clerk the same way they gave it to you.
• Engaging the trigger: Different models will allow you to dryfire (engaging the trigger when the gun is unloaded). Ask the clerk beforehand if you are able to dryfire that specific model. If not, they will probably provide you some dummy rounds and/or snap caps. These are specially designed cartridges that have no firing capabilities but will help protect the firing pin when fired.
• Enclosed case: If you are bringing a gun in, make sure it is unloaded and if possible – in an enclosed case. The case itself could be a soft-sided zipper case, a cardboard box, or something similar. If you don’t have one, you can ask the clerk first how they want you to bring in the gun.
• Illegal behavior: Gun stores have a responsibility to sell firearms to reputable, law-abiding citizens. Don’t make jokes about engaging in illegal activity with your firearm. It will put the staff on edge and could put you in a fun conversation with local law enforcement about your supposed claims.
• Know the law: Every state will have specific requirements on firearms and their carrying capacity. Make sure the gun you’re purchasing abides by these restrictions. Ask the clerk any questions but knowing that regulations sometimes aren’t widely shared, it is best to do some research beforehand.

What to look for in the pistol

What to do after you’ve selected your firearm

Are you ready to make the purchase?

If you’ve decided to make the purchase, there is a certain protocol to follow to register the firearm. These regulations vary by state. You should expect to show proof of identification and fill out necessary forms. These forms are to ensure you are a law-abiding citizen and do not have certain felonies and/or criminal history on your record.

Depending on the state, there could be a delay before you can bring home your firearm. It could also be a delay based on the queue for the state law enforcement organization to review your background check.

In most larger franchise stores, you may be accompanied with the clerk to the front register to avoid any possibility of access to an operable firearm and available ammunition a few aisles over – which could lead to a dangerous, fatal result.

Are you not ready to make the purchase?

If you aren’t ready to make the purchase:

• Ask the clerk if you can take pictures of the models you liked best.
• Thank them for their time to answer your questions and create a positive experience.
• Take notes when you get in the car/get home. Like ammo, naming conventions for firearms have (basically) zero logic. Firearm make/models can all start to blur together – P365, Glock 43, 43X, P238, LCR, LCP, SR22. A few weeks after your visit you won’t recollect which models felt the best.
• Perform further research about the models you liked and do some price comparisons.
• Make sure to leave a review online for the store. This helps show other prospective newcomers that they can expect the same high quality of customer experience and be the reason they pay the store a visit.