Question

[Marc]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum as well as guns in general. Looking at either the Bersa .380 or the Ruger LCP .380.
Bersa feels comfy, still looking for the Ruger.

I'm having a hard time understanding why the unfriendliness with gun shop and gun show employees.
Called shops and talked with a couple guys at the DFW show. Not exactly helpful, informative, or friendly.
Why is this?

Not to be confused with people on here. From what I've read, people are more than willing to help and answer questions.

Thanks,
Marc
<><

[squirrelbaster]

hmm, not sure why your being treated badly. but i did want to say that the bersa thunder is a good choice, i own one its very nice and accurate. i dont have any expireince with the ruger. but i think that LOTS of wieght should be put on what handgun feels the best in hand and aims the most naturaly for you. hope this helps and sorry you local stores dont value you as a customer

[BaserRonin]

You should see the people the guys at the show have to deal with all day, it would make me cranky as well. try to defuse them, make them realize you aren't a moron who just wants to take their time, and they usually open up just fine.
As for the gun-counter guys, they are usually just jerks. It appears to be the norm around here as well. I just have to find a good one and keep buying from him. Keep looking, there is a good one out there somewhere.

on to the .380's. I have large hands, so I check very carefully to be sure the slide is not going to drag across my hand when I fire it. It makes the weapon very unreliable and hurts to boot. I don't know much else about /380's...I am sure someone else can give you an actual review on those 2 pieces. Good luck!

[dilagaf2]

The ruger stands out as the better gun to me , i've owned both bersa and rugers and the ruger seems to me more dependable and a better resale or trade value in the future.I also prefer at least a 9mm for carry and protection but thats just my preference , if you decide to go with a 9mm take a look at the sr9 by ruger,nice slim gun with hi cap mag.

[TXplt]

If you're in the DFW area, might try the shooters club at 817 740 0805 or Sporting Arms at 972 315 9086. I've bought pistols from both (but not the 380) and have had good experiences. Good luck.

They also rent pistols at the range.

[mitch_mckee]

Originally Posted by Marc

Hi,
I'm new to the forum as well as guns in general. Looking at either the Bersa .380 or the Ruger LCP .380.
Bersa feels comfy, still looking for the Ruger.

I'm having a hard time understanding why the unfriendliness with gun shop and gun show employees.
Called shops and talked with a couple guys at the DFW show. Not exactly helpful, informative, or friendly.
Why is this?

Not to be confused with people on here. From what I've read, people are more than willing to help and answer questions.

Thanks,
Marc
<><

While there are few reasons for a store employee to be rude to a customer, I think that gun shop people have to contend with a whole lot of "tire kickers", people who want to buy guns until they find out that good ones are expensive.

[Marc]

I appreciate the feedback.
I understand that heving to deal with some may be difficult, but to always do this?? This is the business they're in, if you are an gun enthusiasts, I would think that you would want to inform and educate those interested.
Not trying to generalize, my apoligies if it seems so. I know there's some guys out there that will take the time to talk to you.
I remember 10 years back having to carry a 38 for work in Vegas, every 6 months we would have to go to the range and qualify. Those guys were all into it and would talk guns all day long. They didn't care if you knew anything about guns, but they did care about informing you about them.

I've been tire kicking for a few weeks now lol, the gun will be for me and my wife and my budget is that around the Bersa or the LCP.
We had one guy at Academy trying to sell us a 12 gauge, although I could handle it, my wife cannot. But at some point will most likely get the Mossberg 500.

Anyway I appreciate all the help. The Bersa felt really nice but have heard some are picky about what they are fed. Which I'm guessing means some may jam at some point.
I have yet to see the Ruger LCP but have seen 2 videos that really have me sold. lol
I'm guessing they may be hard to find for a while, due to being new. A guy at the gunshow told me it's the same as the Kel-Tec. Although may be modeled after it, I'd rather go with the Ruger.


Thanks again,
Marc
<><

Originally Posted by TXplt

If you're in the DFW area, might try the shooters club at 817 740 0805 or Sporting Arms at 972 315 9086. I've bought pistols from both (but not the 380) and have had good experiences. Good luck.

They also rent pistols at the range.

Thanks a bunch, I'll be calling both.

Marc
<><

[BPierce]

A lot of gun people and those who sell them in particular are a bit leery about anyone entirely new to shooting who is looking for a little, easy to hide, handgun. Most of us tend to wonder "what's he going to do with it?" We consider a 380 as a backup weapon or for "deep cover", neither purpose makes much sense for a nubee. It's a little like the "Saturday night special" mind set. People who know handguns understand that in the hands of an inexperienced person a little under powdered gun will get you into more trouble than it will get you out of.

Try walking up to the same people and ask about a 22 rifle for plinking or squirrel hunting, or rabbits (gopher hunting is a spring pastime). I think you will find them entirely different. If you establish yourself first, perhaps talk about your experience with the 38 special, then transition to talking about a 380 you won't find the same barriers.

[nathangdad]

The recession George Bush says we are not in at this time is taking a real toll on small business owners and their employees. That is not an excuse for rudeness but do understand many of these people are really being squeezed at all financial angles and the cost of fuel is both sqeezing and crushing many small and intermediate sized businesses. I would not take it personally. Basically, their option is to go for the quick sale and not to expend energy on discussion, education, etc.

[SwedeSteve]

Do yourself a favor, and find one, well mannered gunshop owner. Then stick with him. It takes some looking, but is well worth it to cultivate a longterm relationshp. Lots of rude people in all walks of like, unfortunately!

[Marc]

Originally Posted by BPierce

A lot of gun people and those who sell them in particular are a bit leery about anyone entirely new to shooting who is looking for a little, easy to hide, handgun. Most of us tend to wonder "what's he going to do with it?" We consider a 380 as a backup weapon or for "deep cover", neither purpose makes much sense for a nubee. It's a little like the "Saturday night special" mind set. People who know handguns understand that in the hands of an inexperienced person a little under powdered gun will get you into more trouble than it will get you out of.

Try walking up to the same people and ask about a 22 rifle for plinking or squirrel hunting, or rabbits (gopher hunting is a spring pastime). I think you will find them entirely different. If you establish yourself first, perhaps talk about your experience with the 38 special, then transition to talking about a 380 you won't find the same barriers.

Under powered gun will get you in to more trouble than it will get you out of? Sorry but when we do decide to go ahead and buy a gun, besides plans on getting a CCP, I plan on going to the range and getting familiar and practicing as well as taking my wife. Much better than guessing if the time to use it comes up.
As far as being inexperienced, it seems like most, forget that at one point, they too, wore the same shoes.
Hope you understand that if no one takes time to help (which last time I checked the person behind the counter, they are, there to help) how does someone ever get experianced?

I don't feel I need to establish myself to someone that should be wanting to earn my business, whether for one purchase or many. So me talking about how I used to carry a 38 at work probably won't come up.

Originally Posted by BPierce

"Most of us tend to wonder "what's he going to do with it?".

Exactly and MOST would or should take the time and ask "what's will this be used for?" Hence that's why we were swayed towards a 12gauge.


Thanks,
Marc
<><

[Deep13]

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

Do yourself a favor, and find one, well mannered gunshop owner. Then stick with him. It takes some looking, but is well worth it to cultivate a longterm relationshp. Lots of rude people in all walks of like, unfortunately!

That's what I did. This guy is a real perfectionist who really cares about the product. If you ask about a product, he will not only tell you the features, but will also talk about engineering features and describe the history and development of it. I've never bought any junk there and suspect I never will.

[Marc]

Originally Posted by nathangdad

The recession George Bush says we are not in at this time is taking a real toll on small business owners and their employees. That is not an excuse for rudeness but do understand many of these people are really being squeezed at all financial angles and the cost of fuel is both sqeezing and crushing many small and intermediate sized businesses. I would not take it personally. Basically, their option is to go for the quick sale and not to expend energy on discussion, education, etc.

IMO more reason to take time with customers. Pretty sad that it would come down to expending their energy to help someone. That's why they are there, to help, not just to sell. Pretty poor attitude for the shops that IMO would drive away potential customers rather than gain them.

Marc
<><

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

Do yourself a favor, and find one, well mannered gunshop owner. Then stick with him. It takes some looking, but is well worth it to cultivate a longterm relationshp. Lots of rude people in all walks of like, unfortunately!

That's what I'll do, I don't think I could buy from a shop that won't take the time for their customers.

Thanks,
Marc
<><

[mjames834]

In St. Louis, the Ruger LCP isn't really available. One shop has one, but it's there for seeing. They will be plentiful, soon. The .380 Thunder runs about $250 for the Duo-Tone, more for other finishes.
From what I'v seen of the LCP, it's small like the Kel-Tec. That probably means it will have more impact on your hand when it goes off. I own a Bersa Thunder & it's amazingly comfortable & pretty accurate for a short barreled gun. I don't mind shooting several mags from it. It comes apart easily & parts are easy to get.
It's a shame dealers & folks at gun shows cut their own throats by being snots. Granted tire kickers will try your patience, but folks who don't know need info & will remember when it's time to buy....even if it's 6 months later. It's always fun passing out good info to folks needing it. (That's how I am when we're showing Ethel at a car show. Let kids sit in it, answer questions, smile & say thanks for compliments.) I shop the shows & buy from people who want my business, paying a higher price in some cases. Don't know how close Buda is, but Cabelas has a good selection of handguns. Don't know where the closest Bass Pros is for you.

[Bravo]

The Ruger LCP is already being nominated for handgun of the year, just for innovation. I would definitely give it a good luck when the become more available and tested by the public.

[Triggerjerk]

I have had a similar experience at a gun shop here. The owner will let me look at a .38, but seems to be somewhat impatient if I look the gun over. He reminds me every time that they inspect all the guns and back them up with in house gunsmithing. I tell him every time that I realize that...as I keep inspecting the gun. These are not lemons, either, but nice guns. He's not trying to hide anything. He just seems to want to get the transaction over with. In my case, being very experienced with revolvers, and not looking for advice, I just take the attitude if the price is right and I want the gun. But I would rather go to the other shop that I patronize. They let me look. They are polite. They know that I buy, and that if I do not buy today, I will be back. That's the kind of service that we all prefer. billy wrote about lack of customer appreciation recently in another thread. We'll go where we feel appreciated.

[ArkansasHunter]

MARC thats why this fourum is here to hep you when your not completly sure about a certain gun(s).

First off Thank You for Joining Gun and Game feller !!! I hope when you receive the answears your looking for it will cause you to hang around and enjoy the site as much as we do.
There's a lot of knoledge about Guns to be gained here and maybe you can pass along some information to someone in need.
The Bersa and the Ruger will both be mighty fine pistols for your intended purpose.
But personaly I'm buying a Ruger LCP as soon as my Friend receives a shipment in at his gun shop.
I've never held either one but Ruger seems to be very relyable, I've learned here.
Good Luck and I hope to see you around...A.H

[Triggerjerk]

I am prejudiced toward revolvers. With that out in the open...do not overlook fine .38 revolvers like the S&W Airweights. These are snubbies with aluminum alloy frames. They are compact, light and reliable. You can sometimes find these used for decent prices. Look on Home Page - Smith & Wesson for these. I have the Model 442 in double action only and I love it.

You can load these with anything from light target loads to .38 +p's, and they will function fine. No safeties or decockers to be concerned with. Pull the trigger and they fire.

Again, I am a revolver man, so while I am not against autos, I like revolvers better. So does my wife, and we shoot the Ruger MK II in .22 LR all the time. So it's not like we're not exposed to semi-autos. I shoot the Ruger more than any other gun. But in a pinch I want a revolver. Why? Because once you shoot it the gun is safe unless you manually cock the hammer or pull the trigger all the way through a double action cycle again. If I am in a fast food restaurant and some wacko starts shooting, I want the gun to be safe between shots without having to worry about a safety or decocker. Some of the armored truck companies in this area have a rule that any gun carried by their employees has to be DA only, whether revolver or auto. I suspect that is to prevent accidental discharges in a hectic situation.

[Taurus Fan]

I'd look around at some of the small 9mm's available, if concealment is an issue. I've owned three different .380's, and while they're quite trim and cute, you'll feel better with a more powerful cartrdge on your hip. You said that you're new to guns, you may even be better off getting a revolver as a first purchase. Their simplicity and user friendly qualities make sense for a beginner, and revolvers are much better suited for home defense than automatics. (My opinion)

[Durandal]

I gotta go with them on this one. Im not what one would call an "experienced gun owner" but my first handgun has been a revolver for the simple fact that its simple straight forward, double action. and if you can count to six, you can prevent an accident from occuring. (.45 automatics make me nervous personally just because of the whole chamber thing)

pull and fire a few and see what feels natural to you and work from there. as to the rudeness thing, it is kind of a big deal even here in idaho a local shop owner was rude to a friend of mine going in to make a purchase, and my friend wont go back there. (which is tragic to the guy who works the place because the dude has like thirteen guns that I know about and maybe a few that I dont. bad for business that.)