First Time at the Gun Counter

The first time you enter the "gun store" can very well be intimidating. in there you will find a myriad of different people and personalities. the same can also be said for the reason why all these people are in this particular place. Some may be there to just browse. Some may be there because their neighbor's house was just broken into and they are looking for a gun for home defense. Still, there may be the those that  are there because it is their first time. We, the firearms enthusiasts, have all been that person. the First timer, the newbie, the virgin if you will. We all began somewhere. we all had a beginning. The great philosopher plato once said, "The beginning is the most important part of the work." and here we are, at the beginning.
   While there are many, at this counter, that are more than willing to help you; you must beware of a few characters. I have listed just a few below.

1. The Gun snob: the gun snob believes that in order to have a quality firearm or experience, the maximum amount of money must be spent. Everything else is pure S**T.

2. The Glock Elite: While glocks are pretty damn good, there are those that are "Glock or die".

3. the 45 or nothing group: this group believes that the 45 (often a 1911) is the end all be all magic bullet that can derail a freight train let alone put a bad guy out of his misery 100% of the time. Oh Yeah, and they never miss either.... PFFFT!!!

4. the brand loyalist: Like the Glock elite, this person is loyal to their brand and all others are sub-par. (i.e. Smith & wesson, Ruger, H&K, etc.)

And the worst one of all...
5. The Eye Roller: This person is the one that will roll their eyes when you ask a simple question. these are the ones that keep the stereotypes alive. The ones that feel they are too knowledgeable or advanced for your puny newbie questions. Unfortunately, too often, this is the person behind the counter. if this is who you find working the gun counter, I want you to do one thing. Thank them for their time, smile, and walk away. trust me when I say that there are many, many other knowledgeable people that are willing and able to help you in your quest. if you encounter the eye roller, go to another store. My suggestion is a local mom & pop gun store. Contact me if you keep getting the run around. I would love to help you by answering your questions and giving my honest opinion.

In closing, I would like to reiterate that we have all been there. we all had our first time staring at all those different calibers, shapes, magazine capacities, and purposes of firearms. at time some of us forget the feeling excitement along with the feelings of being overwhelmed. But I hope that your first trip to the gun counter will not discourage you.