SOP question....lets say you are at the gun counter...

[h20hunter]

So...here is my question for those of you in the retail or customer service side of firearms sales and or service.

Is it not SOP to visibly remove the magazine if applicable, clear the action, and leave the weapon in "open chamber" condition?

I have had two recent experiences. First...the Cabelas in Marysville. The gentleman behind the counter, Tyrone I believe, was cleary well trained in the handling and use of firearms. Ever time he handled a weapon it was cleared and handled like a professional. Every time he was given a weapon back, it was again cleared, confirmed safe, and put away.

Second experience was at Norpoint in Smokey Point. We handled four diferrent pistols. Each one was taken from the display case, mag in, slide down, and placed on the counter. Each time I picked it up, cleared it, put it in slide lock, and put it back down on the counter prior to my bro in law picking it up and handling it. Not once was the weapon shown or confirmed unloaded prior to be handing over.

Am I overly sensitive or what?

[magnanimous_j]

So...here is my question for those of you in the retail or customer service side of firearms sales and or service.

Is it not SOP to visibly remove the magazine if applicable, clear the action, and leave the weapon in "open chamber" condition?

Absolutely without question, yes.

When I was working a gun counter, if you got caught NOT doing that, you’d get yanked off the counter right then and have to go to training again. If the next one wasn’t for 6 weeks, guess who was switched to the 430AM stocking shift for 6 weeks?

[DoubleJ]

You are not being overly sensitive at all.  Tyrone did things the way they should be done.  Period.  Sloppy gun handling is inexcusable.  I know from first hand experience

[h20hunter]

My only regret was not noticing or asking his name. I've emailed Norpoint with my concerns. If it is NOT SOP there I would never reccomend anyone visit that place. We shot some range guns and the staff at the range portion was knowledgble, helpfull, and completly professional.

[Smossy]

Interesting fact, Ive noticed this not done correctly at even the Lacey Cabelas store when my girl has been looking at various guns.
They pull it out from under the shelf and just hand it to her. Maybe say a thing or two about it but thats it. Cant speak for everyone at that store but the few times we have went there I cant recall them clearing.

[724wd]

complacency is inexcusable.     ALWAYS verify the weapon is unloaded! 

[Antlershed]

Was at Cabelas over the weekend and I asked to see a pistol for my wife. The older gentleman behind the counter just grabbed it and handed it to her. I grabbed it from her and made sure it was cleared. Then, the real reason we were there was to buy a cricket .22...we are having a boy in July, and granted he won't be able to shoot it until he is older, we wanted to have his "first gun". Anyway, the new crickets have a lock, that when engaged, won't allow you to put a round in it. The same older gentleman went on to make the comment "that way you can lock it, and then you can let him keep it in his room." Uhhh, NO! My wife and I couldn't believe he would say that 

[Atroxus]

complacency is inexcusable.     ALWAYS verify the weapon is unloaded! 

I was taught that when picking up a firearm or if someone hands me a firearm, to check the chamber. ALWAYS! Even if I just watched someone else do it before me. I was also taught to always clear the chamber before handing a firearm to another person, even if handing it right back to the person who handed to me. I had a friend when I was younger that took me shooting occasionally, and he griped at me every time if I didn't clear the chamber both when he handed me a gun, then again before I handed it back to him. It's habit now...and a good one to have in my opinion.

[pianoman9701]

complacency is inexcusable.     ALWAYS verify the weapon is unloaded! 

I was taught that when picking up a firearm or if someone hands me a firearm, to check the chamber. ALWAYS! Even if I just watched someone else do it before me. I was also taught to always clear the chamber before handing a firearm to another person, even if handing it right back to the person who handed to me. I had a friend when I was younger that took me shooting occasionally, and he griped at me every time if I didn't clear the chamber both when he handed me a gun, then again before I handed it back to him. It's habit now...and a good one to have in my opinion.

Yeah that. I have a real hard time with improper handling and will tell someone so.

[fishngamereaper]

complacency is inexcusable.     ALWAYS verify the weapon is unloaded! 

I was taught that when picking up a firearm or if someone hands me a firearm, to check the chamber. ALWAYS! Even if I just watched someone else do it before me. I was also taught to always clear the chamber before handing a firearm to another person, even if handing it right back to the person who handed to me. I had a friend when I was younger that took me shooting occasionally, and he griped at me every time if I didn't clear the chamber both when he handed me a gun, then again before I handed it back to him. It's habit now...and a good one to have in my opinion.

SOP or not..it should be second nature to someone that has any gun experience..ALL guns are ALWAYS loaded...duh..

[h20hunter]

Here is my email to Norpoint.......I'll post their response when I get it.

"I wanted to share something that has bothered me since my last visit to your facility.  My brother in law and I came in and had an enjoyable time shooting a few range guns. I found that the range guns were kept in excellent working condition and performed above where I would expect for a range gun. The staff at the shooting portion of the facility was nothing but accommodating, professional,  and helpful. However, my experience at the other side of the facility, the retail counter was by and far the least professional I have experienced. We were browsing and were offered to look at and handle a few different pistols in the case. Each time one was taken from the case the weapon was placed on the counter, magazine in, slide down. Is it standard procedure at Norpoint to not clear the weapon prior to either placing on the counter or being provided to a person for handling? Speaking with my brother in law later we both agree that we were made very uncomfortable with actions by the man at the counter. Is it not standard procedure to clear the weapon before handing it to your customer? If not I would like to take that in consideration next time I may want to visit."


I thought the email was very polite and pointed out the good and bad of the visit.

[lostbackpacker]

I think the e mail reads very good.

[kckrawler]

Drama troll (kidding)

If they aren't handling the firearms properly, I definitely think you should bring it to their attention. After all, they are a training facility and should lead by example. Also, I thought your email was very polite but to the point, good job 

[scoyoc5]

Always always always check and clear your weapon!! Hats off to you h20. Hopefully they will reply to your email.

[h20hunter]

Hope so. Funny is we were at my place, hanging in the garage, and I was giving one of my 1911's a quick clean. We were chatting and I finished up and had it in the case. He asked a question about the barrell bushing and its function...I took it out, dropped the mag, checked the chamber, and put it in slide lock. Then, and only then, did I show him the placment of the bushing and point it out. Like you guys have said....it is common sense and should be standard practice each and every time the weapon is handled.