Walmart and guns.

[tom black]

Last night, one of the girls I work with went to Walmart and bought a Mossberg 243 to deer hunt with. The manager asked her if she was buying it for someone else, if no, what did she intend to do with it. He then proceeded to walk her to the exit, while he carried the rifle. Come to find out he left the store lock in place within the trigger guard. Sounds like he was being a major jerk to me. Or is this normal for Wàlmart?
Tom Black

 

[tinman]

I would expect that the lock was just forgetfulness.....carrying a firearm to the front doors is pretty much SOP for every big box store I've been in.

 

[gramps]

Yep, normal to walk the buyer to the front door.
gramps

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

May be normal but I think it's rude. It would have to be an awfully good deal for me to put up with that. Been several years since I've bought a gun at Walmarts, and I bought 5 of them. Yes they were an extremely good deal. Took over an hour to buy them and get them out the door.

 

[tinman]

May be normal but I think it's rude. It would have to be an awfully good deal for me to put up with that. Been several years since I've bought a gun at Walmarts, and I bought 5 of them. Yes they were an extremely good deal. Took over an hour to buy them and get them out the door.

It's just business. If they hand it over the counter, and you load up and start blasting, they will get crucified in court.
Once your outside the building, they're liability for your actions diminish greatly. :mrgreen:

 

[welder]

Wow. I don't think there would ever be that good of a deal for me to spend an hour of my time and then be walked out like a child, store policy notwithstanding.

On the "what are you gonna do with it" question, I would of had some fun with that one.

Shoot it.

Help raise Obama's gun selling success record and Wal Marts profits.

Urinate off a liberal.

The list is endless.

 

[Jim Puke]

Normal for the "walk out" part.

If he had asked me what I was gonna do with it...I would have replied "None of your business!".

 

[427mach1]

I've purchased three rifles recently and was walked out and handed the firearm at the door all three times. Don't take it personally, it is SOP these days.

 

[JFB]

did the rifle come in a box? so did he have to open the box to take off the store lock once you exited the store?

 

[Bullet Puller]

Walmart policy for a firearm purchase is to escort the customer to the front door, with the manager carrying the firearm. It has been that way for many years. As someone said, that is also the policy with most big box stores. I am not offended by that.

As for leaving the store lock on the trigger guard. That is not normal procedure. But, stuff happens.

 

[m657]

"policy for a firearm purchase is to escort the customer to the front door"

I've seen the same at Cabelas when bringing in a firearm for inspection/trade.

 

[Mike J]

The last gun I bought at a Wal Mart was back in the mid-90's. They walked me out with it. They also refused to sell me ammunition at the time of the sale. Heaven only knows what they thought I might do with a Marlin model 60. If I saw a good enough deal I might still buy something from them though.

 

[GunnyGene]

Never bought a firearm from Walmart or any other "big box". Purely a small gunshop guy where everyone knows my name. Or occasionally, private cash transactions, without any paperwork - which is still legal here.

 

[welder]

Same here. I like supporting my local guy, he's been good and fair to me for over 20 years. In my case he makes it easy by beating W-M's price on guns and included in the sale is that old thing called service. I realize though that not everyone has a LGS and W-M's prices are reasonable, probably better than many if not most LGS's.

I have bought many bulk packs of .22 from W-M though, not so much for price but because I am there a few times per month and it was convenient.

 

[Sturgis270]

Cabela's carries the gun to the front door also.

 

[SamV]

I have purchased a bunch of guns over the years. Some from small independents and some from large stores. I think that you might be over thinking that situation. I have been walked to the front of the store many times. I never thought much about it. Every employee has explained their store proceedure. Most encouraged you to keep shopping and just let them know when you are ready to leave. They don't want a customer walking around the store shopping with a firearm in their cart. Besides maybe making some non gun people uncomfortable, other things could happen. What if you put it in your cart while shopping, stop to look at other merchandise and turn around to find it gone from the cart? Even easier if it is a handgun. You paid for it already, now who is responsible for the in store theft? Everything else you put in your cart is not paid for until you leave the front register. Who cares if someone takes your Mr. Coffee or your Hanes boxers from the cart. Go get more off the shelf. I have been in retail way too many years. If you don't think theives would not seek out a distracted shopper with a high value firearm you are very wrong. I have seen shop lifters hang around a store for hours looking for the right opportunity. Just because you see so many dumb criminals, doesn't mean there aren't some clever ones out there.
As for the questions, they might be innocent. I have people ask those types of questions all the time. Where are you going? Where do you go shooting? Do you have a carry permit? And on and on. Mostly they are curious and just want a conversation. I do think that the question about buying the gun for someone else was a serious one. Even though it is on the form, I have had several salespeople ask me if my purchase was for myself. One store goes over the form again verbally before submitting it. I asked why they did that. I was told you would be surprised to find that people would give a different answer verbally. I was told that they stopped a number of inappropriate sales that way.

 

[737tdi]

A lot of good thoughts here but I think the major point is being missed. I think you should be offended that a manager of a "big box" store is required to escort you out of the store with a firearms purchase. Not offended at the store but at the attitudes and actions of other people. That it is needed is what is offensive. Yes, the store would have some mighty lawsuits if someone purchased a firearm in the store and then started killing with it, offensive. Yes, the gun could be stolen while you are picking up some bananas in produce, offensive. That someone in the store would be scared by a weapons purchase in your cart, offensive.

The person owning a gun is becoming a offensive stereotype, I must be out to kill someone! Although all on this board are law abiding citizens we would still be sterotyped as gun nuts, offensive. Isn't it offensive that we have to defend ourselves to other law abiding citizens that this really is our right.

SamV: As for the questions, I only agree with one of them. Are you buying this firearm for another person? The others are poopoo. If you have a carry permit it would have been given at the beginning because that makes it a much easier sale. Where am I going, what/where do I shoot, what are you going to do with the gun?. If I were to start getting questioned like that I would walk out of the store and never come back. You have filled out the 4473, if they want to question something on that, fine. The other stuff is none of their business. JMO.


Karl

 

[Jim Puke]

A lot of good thoughts here but I think the major point is being missed. I think you should be offended that a manager of a "big box" store is required to escort you out of the store with a firearms purchase. Not offended at the store but at the attitudes and actions of other people. That it is needed is what is offensive. Yes, the store would have some mighty lawsuits if someone purchased a firearm in the store and then started killing with it, offensive. Yes, the gun could be stolen while you are picking up some bananas in produce, offensive. That someone in the store would be scared by a weapons purchase in your cart, offensive.

The person owning a gun is becoming a offensive stereotype, I must be out to kill someone! Although all on this board are law abiding citizens we would still be sterotyped as gun nuts, offensive. Isn't it offensive that we have to defend ourselves to other law abiding citizens that this really is our right.


Karl

Karl...we are ALL, already offended by these things.

We talk about it constantly on this forum.

But, you/we can be offended all we want...IT AIN'T GONNA CHANGE.

 

[737tdi]

Jim: Well it won't if you don't try. Not saying you don't but we have to quit being the whipping post. It is not gun owners fault for morons. We have to start/continuing to be proactive. You know, I know, and we know that we are being funneled into a corral. Is there a way out? I don't know, what I do know is that there are some very bad things coming (look at the MO. farce) and it ain't going to be good.

Research the new stories on the Missouri Univ. stories about racism. It was one guy and he stirred up so much crap with lies, lies. KKK my ass. Sorry but it just chaps my butt. One dude can cause a riot and lying all the time. A bit off topic but it deludes to the offended.


Karl

 

[gtxmonte]

While some might be offended...........they seem to be offended at everything and take it personally. How about lets just forget about WHO bought the gun. Suppose they hand it over the counter and the purchaser is merrily on their way out of the store and some thug takes it away from them and shoots up the store with it. From a legal standpoint the store can't take that chance. I understand it could be taken away in the lot and the same thing could happen.........

I have ZERO problem with them carrying the gun to the front. As mentioned, Cabelas does the same, as well as Dick's, Academy, Bass Pro, Gander Mountain.

It's store policy...........you don't approve.........don't go, simple enough

 

[blume357]

That's a whole lot of what ifs.... my point is you can 'if this happens' a thing to death. The one point that seems realistic to me is at the top of this page by SamV. Since you have to purchase the gun at the gun counter, they don't want you then walking around the store with the gun in your cart for someone to steal. At least for me that is a very valid reason for 'walking you out of the store with the gun.'

 

[toysoldier]

Been several years since I've bought a gun at Walmarts. Took over an hour to buy them and get them out the door.

I had the same experience when purchasing a single-shot Chipmunk rifle. I thought it was ironic that I had to be walked out the door, with the sporting goods manager carrying the unloaded, boxed gun while I had my LCP in my pocket. :?

 

[GunnyGene]

That's a whole lot of what ifs.... my point is you can 'if this happens' a thing to death. The one point that seems realistic to me is at the top of this page by SamV. Since you have to purchase the gun at the gun counter, they don't want you then walking around the store with the gun in your cart for someone to steal. At least for me that is a very valid reason for 'walking you out of the store with the gun.'

Mitch (my local shop) has a pistol range outside the back of the store, where he allows buyers and others to try out a gun they just bought, or one of his rentals, or others who wear their own gun into the store just to use the range. To get to it you go behind the counter, thru the work area where a couple of gunsmiths are usually working on something, and out the back door. Nobody thinks twice about it.

All the ammo is stacked on shelves around the shop, like cans of tuna - self service. Most of the long guns the same on floor and wall racks & not locked up. Handguns are under the counter glass, mostly. Questions or assistance are quickly addressed by Mitch or his son. An altogether pleasant and friendly place to just hang out and yak. And nobody is going to "escort you out the door" unless you're being a jackass. :wink:

 

[smoke-eater]

Never bought a firearm from Walmart or any other "big box". Purely a small gunshop guy where everyone knows my name.

Same here. I may pay a little more, but I'm a firm believer in supporting my local shops.
About 20 years ago, I did buy an air rifle as a Christmas gift for my son, (no, it wasn't a Red Ryder :lol: ) at K-Mart. Because this is the Peoples Republic of New Jersey, I had to fill out the same mountain of paperwork as would be required for the purchase of a "real" firearm.

Jeff

 

[Kevin]

If someone is offended about being escorted out, I would like to find out if that person shops at Costco or Sams. I bet so. Aren't you offended when they want to "verify" your receipt AFTER you paid...you know, when you're leaving the store? Same with Frys Electronics... Those stores don't get a nickle of my money.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I had the same experience when purchasing a single-shot Chipmunk rifle. I thought it was ironic that I had to be walked out the door, with the sporting goods manager carrying the unloaded, boxed gun while I had my LCP in my pocket. :?

 

[contender]

I think the issue here is the fact that many big box stores that sell more than just firearms have adopted a policy of carrying a firearm out of the store as means of promoting safety & reducing liability.

It's not the same as going to a gun shop where the main business is firearms & in general,,, most are already carrying, or expect people to be carrying.

Think about it,,, gun shops are not places that too many thugs want to attempt a robbery. Yet,,, just last night or the night before,,, on my local news,,, a guy already suspected in the robbery of one Wally World,, held up another one.

Big box stores have a different type of customer vs, a specialty shop like a gun shop. In the big box stores,,, where CCW is legal,,,out of sight means out of mind. But in a gun shop,,, in sight & in mind.

Liberal soccer moms are the same types that stick their heads in the sand & ignore logical, educated info about firearms. They also do not think the people around them in wally world are carrying firearms. They envision knuckle dragging, white hooded, gangster rapping, shady looking folks as the ones with guns. Not the average working guy or that well dressed lady, or the doctor or,,,,,,,,!

And the long running attitude of people being offended by firearms & their owners has been one of the tools the media started many years ago to demonize us & try to control us. If we are made to feel bad about firearms,,, we won't do so, or even promote the idea.
Offensive? Absolutely.

So, who do we blame?
First,,, the media which is run by liberal minded folks who want to take away our rights. Add in the anti-freedom politicians who push the agenda of demonizing guns & gun owners. And NOT to make this political,,, I blame lawyers.
Lawyers are the ones who write & draft laws. They are also the ones who look at any opportunity to SUE somebody for any possible reason they can think of. Spill your ordered hot coffee on your lap? Sue them for making it too hot.
Lawyers create work & jobs for lawyers by writing laws.

It didn't happen overnight. Common sense used to prevail. If a person had sex with a woman, we all knew what that meant. Billy boy claimed it wasn't sex with Monica. Guess who allowed him his free pass? The liberal media.
For a long time,,, the folks who want to control us have been chipping away at anything they can to destroy our rights & make us, as gun owners feel as if we are bad just for being a gun owner.

Offensive? You betcha!

But it's been those little things that they chipped away at that have grown into such stupidity. We used to raise our kids in homes with firearms & we taught them gun safety. Taboo to them now.
We used to spank our kids when they mis-behaved. Taboo now (if you get caught.) We used to teach kids respect for our elders, our neighbors, the cops, etc. Nope,,, kids are not taught that much anymore.

In short,, many people live in a rose colored world & want everyone else to see what they see & they want it to be a utopia of life.
Reality is not like that. BUT,,,,,,, they have done a lot of damage because of their attitudes.

Lawsuits are such a way of life now that it's obscene.
Thugs are everywhere just waiting for an opportunity.

As a gun owner I too find it offensive when anybody tries to make me feel as if I'm a bad person for carrying a gun or supporting freedom.

Yesterday was Veterans Day. Most of America honored us & supported us. yet, there were people who dislike Vets. They hate war. They do not want anybody to be fighting. But the sad reality, that they refuse to believe is that there is evil in the world. That there are too many different attitudes to where it will never be a utopia where we all live in peace & harmony. Heck,,, here on this Forum I've seen some SERIOUS differences of opinions & as such, even here some people just can not like each other. Greed, power, dominance are all things that drive some people.

So what does all this have to do with the OP?

Attitudes & lawyers.

Lawyers want to sue, and the attitude is in the public domain,, a business has to do so many things to try & prevent lawsuits that they border on the ridiculous.

So what do we do to change this?

We go to any business where we spend our money, such as restaurants & such that allow CCW or open carry. We take a few minutes to seek out a manager & politely thank them for being Freedom supporters. Don't get into a political discussion, just be polite & say things like; "I want to thank you for supporting Freedom by not posting your business against the lawfull carry of firearms." Explain to them how you as well as many Freedom loving Americans prefer to spend our money in places that support our Freedoms.

By using the phrase "freedom" vs gun owners,,, it will remove the negativity that they have been conditioned to.
Use the same tactics of selected words that have been used to demonize us.

Even liberals have a hard time arguing the word freedom because that's the same word they use against us.
Get creative & use the very language they use against them.
And everytime a lawyer wants to sue,,, (something we can't stop until we reduce the number of lawyers & make them accountable for junk lawsuits,) get another lawyer to point out the stupidity of the suit, & use the same words against them. I know it'll take a lot longer than my time left here on earth,,, but if we start it,,, others will follow.
We can also combat it by attacking the media with the internet & using the very same arguments. Use the term Freedom, use the same arguments they use against us by turning their own disagreement against them.
When someone says; "I see his gun,,, it scares me" to a store manager, a cop or whoever,,, respond by saying; "I see unarmed people at schools & it scares me knowing those children are not protected." Tell them; "I'm scared of people not owning firearms to protect our nation."

Big box stores & their policies offensive? Yes.
But we can fight back.

 

[Kevin]

I was just driving on an errand and was thinking about this thread. The last few guns I have bought were from Cabelas. They only walk you to the door here in Allen Texas if the gun does not have a case. At least that has been my experience. In fact the last Gun I bought was in a box...and since I didn't buy a new soft case, they pulled one out of the back and just gave me one....close the case and I walked out by myself. Very nice all the way around.


It takes longer to drive to the gun store here in Texas than it does to buy the gun.

Good post Contender, thank you.

 

[jgt]

I have been on the walk to the door at Walmart. My thought at the time was.....If they are going to have this policy why don't they put the gun counter in the front of the store. Less time spent for everyone. As for who to blame, it is the stupid judge that lets the case be tried in his court, knowing all the time most are not only frivolous, but are an infringement on the Second Amendment. Most time the lawyers make up the intent in the mind of the person being sued, as it was in the case brought against Bill Ruger.

 

[mohavesam]

Heck, I'm offended at having to fill out a form to buy a gun! Then again, most people here don't know what it was like before 1968. Or 1986. Or 1988. Or 1994 for that matter.
Its ALL about control of course. Some is "reasonable", some not.

But I don't want to hear (or see first-hand) about some moronic murderer buying a gun and loading it inside a store, then executing non-believers on the way to barricade our families inside that store, either. :roll:

"Walking the gun to the door" is a common practice (dictated by the insurance carriers BTW) for years now, and IMHO no one suffers from not being able to fondle their new rifle through that store.