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

[high country]

There are places for redundant safety.....ensuring the license plate light works during the day....not so much, handling a potentially dangerous item....absolutely.

[h20hunter]

Here is the reply I received. I'll be trying to provide some additional information to help her identify the problem.




Thank you for your email.  I appreciate you taking the time to let us know what we can do to improve.  It is only through our failures that we can learn. 

First, it is absolutely our policy to clear EVERY firearms before handing it to a customer.   Patron safety is of the utmost importance.  There is no excuse for not following company safety procedures.  I will look personally into this matter and also bring this matter up at our next weekly training session.  You should fell safe when visiting our facility.  I apologize for my staff not following safety protocol.  We take pride in being a safe shooting environment and we take comments such as yours very serious.

Do you know who did not follow procedure?  Can you narrow it down by at least day/time of your visit?  Can you describe the individual.  I am not wanting to make an excuse, but we did hire some new staff recently, and it is apparent that there are some training issues.

I also wanted to ensure that aside from the safety issue, you were treated in a courteous and respectful manner.  Please let me know if you have other concerns or praises for our business.  Again, I want to apologize for your inconvenience.  Please do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any further concerns.  My mobile number is xxxxxxxxxxx.

Regards,

Jan
Jan Gossing
Owner

Norpoint Shooting Center LLC
8620A NE 172nd Street
Arlington, WA 98223

Tel.: +1.360.386.8832
Fax : +1.360.386.7171
www.norpointrange.com
 
             
 

[Russ McDonald]

When I got out of the Navy, I couldn't find a job in my field right away so I went to work at a home a farm store with a sporting good department.  I eneded up the department manager for sporting goods.  Clearing the weapone before showing it to a customers was part of our safety training.  Being the manager too I made sure that everyone who was behind the counter did so.   I do it with out even thinking about it even today.  I have been to alot of different stores and if I was handed a fire arm and they didn't clear it I would automatically do it.  It is commone sense.  It is pretty cool that the owner of Norpoint emailed you back H2O.

[brush hunter]

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 

Congrats on the new son, I bought a cricket for my grand daughter and she started shooting at 3 years old. as far as handing someone a firearm without checking it first...well one should be slapped

[Biggerhammer]

I can care less how they hand it to me, I always check/ clear it myself before the fondling begins.

[h20hunter]

Thats fine and dandy but what about the guy next to you, behind you......what if he doesn't do the same. Worth the risk? NOPE.

[JLS]

I'm going to clear it myself also.  HOWEVER, it should be done by every person that picks up the weapon.  If nothing else, it is reinforcing this practice to your son, your daughter, your wife, the kid behind you, the kid's dad, and so on. 

Gun safety cannot be redundant enough.  Take a look at the negliglent discharges that take place at gun shows.

[smdave]

Jan the Owner of Norpoint is a very nice person.

He can watch all those cameras from home. He could see what is going on when ever he wants. I have spoken to him on the phone while in there and he has said there you are I see you.

Every gun should be cleared before handing it off.

[h20hunter]

I will agree that Jan (not a chick as I stupidly assumed!) seems to be an upstanding business owner. His response to the matter seems to be very direct. I have no doubts the follow up will be very thorough. Just from the few emails we exchanged I would not have a problem visiting Norpoint in the future.

[6x6in6]

I won't touch it if it has not been cleared/checked under my observation.  And then, I will also clear/check it myself before the true fondling.
I expect the same when I'm done fondling from myself along with whomever will be the next person to take possession.
Redundant, sure.  I'll take redundant thanks.

No, you are not over reacting.
And that was a very good response showing genuine concern from Jan!!

[mountainman]

I can care less how they hand it to me, I always check/ clear it myself before the fondling begins.

Any employee of mine that does not open the action and drop the magazine BEFORE handing it to a customer is no longer selling guns! Have let several go that have missed this critical step...several have left to work at the other local gunstores..only hope they have learned the lesson and show proper safe handling now..I personally would not touch a gun handed to me without being cleared first!! No exceptions!!

[Elkaholic daWg]

 As soon as I read this I knew what business you own................



http://www.highmountainhuntingsupply.com/

[troyspinetar]

I actually purchased a pistol about a month ago from Norpoint. Every pistol they handed me was safety checked and magazine handed to me separately.
Of course I always check myself, because until I see with my own eyes that gun is loaded.
Sorry about your experience. I'm glad you took the time to address this issue. The last thing we need is more negative attention focused on firearms.

[mountainman]

Have a friend who picked up a gun at a gunstore locally that was on the counter. A hunters ed instructor. Gun went off, lost a finger and part of a hand. Stupid mistake on his part AND the employee putting the gun on the counter. More so the employee!!! Now when I see him, I always give him a "High Four"...

[mountainman]

As soon as I read this I knew what business you own................



http://www.highmountainhuntingsupply.com/