[timo]

I plan on purchasing a new pistol in the next few months, so I am going to be going to gun shows and local gun stores to see what is out there. One thing I have never felt entirely comfortable with is what is/isn't acceptable while handling a firearm in this situation. Obviously, I want to get a feel for the gun in my hand, but I am pretty sure they would frown on me pointing the gun anywhere but the ground.

I know that dry firing is right out of the picture. How about the slide?

What do you guys recommend? I just don't want to go to the store or the gun show looking like a complete tool and offend or upset the owner.

Thanks!!

Tim

 

[Cthulhu]

Dryfiring should not be "out of the picture" at all. Just be courteous and ask the dealer first. I'm sure 95% of the time, they'll say okay, though they may have to remove a securing device of some kind first.

Part of "kicking the tires" when shopping for a new gun is trying the trigger feel. I'd actually be suspicious of any dealer who was adamant against me trying the trigger out.

Just ask the dealer if you want to try something or have any questions.

-JT

 

[NkmG19]

What about using the slide release lever versus riding the slide. I once got scolded for doing this. I was told not to use the slide release unless I was going to buy the gun.

 

[OrlandoDriver]

What about using the slide release lever versus riding the slide. I once got scolded for doing this. I was told not to use the slide release unless I was going to buy the gun.

Yep i was at East Orange Gun Shop a guy did the same as you pointed out oh did the staff guy let him have it in a nice way ofcourse.

 

[Cthulhu]

Theoretically, the slide not having to strip a round from the mag could conceivably lead to increased forward momentum as the slide moves forward, which could possibly induce stress in various parts of the slide and/or frame as the slide slams into battery. If you had Snap Caps or something, that should eliminate any worries for that, but that'd be unlikely.

Again, ASK the dealer first. If you can't or don't ask, just slowly ease the slide forward.

It's pretty important to get the feel of the trigger on a gun you consider buying, but it can be argued there's no reason to go ahead and release the slide with the release. If you want to see if you can operate the release, you can do that with the slide closed.

Dunno...any members who are dealers who want to comment?

-JT

 

[flccnp]

Obviously, I want to get a feel for the gun in my hand, but I am pretty sure they would frown on me pointing the gun anywhere but the ground.


Tim

Or point it up towards the ceiling.

If it is used I would either ask them to field strip it or ask if I could do it myself if I knew how.

 

[T.S.]

What do you guys recommend? I just don't want to go to the store or the gun show looking like a complete tool and offend or upset the owner.
Thanks!!
Tim

As others have said here, I ALWAYS ask the owner or sales person permission before I ever pick up any firearm at a gunshow or gunshop. It shows that you have respect for the owner and his property.

Even thought I am sure that it is unloaded, I always open the weapon and check to verify that it is.

If I want to sight the weapon, I look to see which way I can do so where no one else is standing.

If that is not possible then I point it up and downrange across the counter making sure NOT to point it at the owner!

If I want to open the action, or dry fire, or want to close the slide on a semi-auto, I again ask persmission to do so. If the owner has an objection to me doing so, it gives him an opportunity to say so BEFORE I do something he would prefer that I wouldn't.

Basically give the owner the respect he and his property deserves, and he will show you the respect you deserve. When it doubt .... ASK.

 

[deadeyedick]

As others have said here, I ALWAYS ask the owner or sales person permission before I ever pick up any firearm at a gunshow or gunshop. It shows that you have respect for the owner and his property.

Even thought I am sure that it is unloaded, I always open the weapon and check to verify that it is.

If I want to sight the weapon, I look to see which way I can do so where no one else is standing.

If that is not possible then I point it up and downrange across the counter making sure NOT to point it at the owner!

If I want to open the action, or dry fire, or want to close the slide on a semi-auto, I again ask persmission to do so. If the owner has an objection to me doing so, it gives him an opportunity to say so BEFORE I do something he would prefer that I wouldn't.

Basically give the owner the respect he and his property deserves, and he will show you the respect you deserve. When it doubt .... ASK.

+1

That pretty much covers it. :thumsup

 

[Steve48]

When it comes to gun shops, I try to choose a time when the shop is not busy to look over the hardware. That can give you some clear directions in which to point the piece without pointing it at anyone. I shudder when I see how some of the patrons are handling firearms.