I won't call the store by name but I was in a particular establishment this evening that sold firearms. There were three people behind the counter, two guys and a girl, trying to help a young man who wanted to buy a pistol. Their ignorance blew my mind. The young man said he was 18 years old to which one of the guys said you aren't old enough to purchase a pistol. When he said that the other male employee said, "well there are ways around that", and proceeded to tell him to give the cash to an older friend and let him buy it for him. As the thought crossed my mind, "I can't believe he just said that, especially right in front of me, not knowing who I might be", the female had to speak up and show her ignorance. She proceeded to tell them the young man could buy the pistol, taking it with him, even though he was too young, as long as he said it was a gift for someone else who was old enough to own it. I decided to leave at that point so as not to be a witness of anything.

Well, it can't be Gander Mountain since there would never actually be three people behind the counter.

I think you need to make a phone call on that deal.

Dang Right...

That doesn't surprise me.

I'm guessuming that it was one of the big chain stores. I'd expect nothing different if it was.

My father in law came from out of state and asked my opinion of what would be a good choice for a CCW. Took him to Bass Pro Shop, which at the time probably had the best selection. Walked up to the counter and had an elderly fellow ask what we were interested in. Told him a 9mm CCW. He then told us what he'd been selling the most of. Turns out, a Smith and Wesson .500. Why was he selling so many? Border Patrol was buying them by the dozens. Why? Because they would penetrate an engine block. Turns out, this salesman was at one time on the Smith and Wesson shooting team. I was extremely surprised he wasn't Seal, sniper or tunnel rat in Nam.

Could be profitable as well......

Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner.

That and no 18 year old in Alabama has a job that pays well enough to buy a handgun at Gander Mt.


But yeah they can be blisteringly ignorant of state and federal gun laws at such places. I mentioned that I had sold a rifle to another person in front of a couple of Wal-Mart employees at the gun counter one time and they started freaking out like I had confessed to smuggling cocaine into the country. Tried to explain that an Alabama resident could sell their own firearm to another Alabama resident as long as it was a face to face transaction. I don't think I ever convinced them.

It's not just big chain stores. I've been in dedicated gun stores and amazed at how ignorant the sales ppl were.

I usually just stand and listen and ill know shortly who's worth talking to.

You do realize that it is legal to own and buy a handgun at the age of 18 in Alabama don't you? Federal law prohibits the sale of handguns to anyone under 21 and that's what the FFL has to abide by.

What I thought as well. Just can't carry until 21 right?

My son is 17 and he already owns a few rifles and pistols. He's getting his concealed permit when he turns 18.

You have to be 21 to purchase a handgun under federal law. However, you only have to be 18 to carry a handgun. You can get a concealed carry permit at 18.

That place needs to be reported.

Sounds like Academy Sports to me. There's some clowns behind the gun counter at the one near me...and Gander too.

That's a good one!

And since the new laws were passed it is much easier to get a permit at 18 than it was in the past. Sheriffs must issue a permit now unless they have a valid reason not to. Before, at least here, they would not issue one to younger people unless you had a specific reason to carry and jumped through a lot of hoops.

If you have taken the time to post this and not made the "phone call" your putting all of us in danger, I would imagine that if they do this they will also give the answers to the FFL form....that can really be an issue

sounds like that was Mr. Joe - he's extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of shooting, reloading and a dang incredible fisherman.