Guns.com visited Rocky Ridge Shooters Supply, an old-school, one-stop shop for all things guns, ammo, optics, and accessories in northeast Wisconsin. Owner Mark Micoley has been in the firearms business for several decades as both a dealer and gunsmith.
Running a mom and pop shop, Micoley prides himself on the personal touch only a small shop can offer. He waits on every customer and loves assisting clientele in finding the best firearm for their individual needs. While his passion for helping customers and sharing knowledge is at the top of his list, Guns.com asked about some pet peeves concerning gun store etiquette.
Micoley said one of the biggest issues is when someone brings in a loaded firearm for service. “People come in and they think they’ve unloaded their guns or they just haven’t checked before they come in,” he said, adding that he can’t even count the number of times it has happened.
Bringing a loaded gun into a gun shop and presenting it to the clerk is a major safety hazard, so take a few extra seconds to clear your gun before you leave home, and then again when you arrive at the shop.
“Some days, we got full rounds in here and the fact that you’re walking into a store with people and stuff like that could be a very, very bad day for everybody,” Micoley added.
Micoley suggests to ensure that you’re handing over an unloading firearm, inspect and clear it! That helps alleviate and prevent concerns. But he added that you should also practice muzzle control. Even if firearm is unloaded, there’s no quicker way to make the fine folks in a gun shop nervous than sweeping people in store.
Micoley said he wants everyone to feel welcome, whether an experienced shooter and collector, or a newbie looking to get a feel for a gun before buying, but it’s important to always observe the four fundamental gun safety rules when handling firearms.
Even if you find yourself guilty of some of the pitfalls on this list, Micoley will still provide service with a smile as he welcomes you into the family of responsible gun owners.
What would you add to the list of common pitfalls people do in a gun store or range? Let us know in the comments below.
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