buying guns at academy

[Medic218]

My experience was that we did all the paperwork and whatnot at the gun counter and then I was walked to the front by a manager to the register when I then paid for it. Once I was at the counter, pre-purchase, the manager thanked me for my business and then walked away and did her own thing and I was on my way.
I don't care if I get walked to the front, regardless of what my status of being able to carry is. Its the companies policy and if thats the way they want to do thing then I have to play by their rules if I choose to do business there.

[G.A. Heath]

And this is precisely why I don't buy guns there. In the last month I have purchased nearly $2000.00 worth of firearms. I may have saved money at academy, but I didn't even bother looking because they don't respect my property rights while expecting me to respect theirs.

[aggie06]

I bought a gun there once and didn't have to wait too long - I was out the door in about 30 minutes. The only reason it took that long was that I was picking out the best looking stock I could find on the gun I was buying. I have had a couple bad experiences with the gun counter at the store on 75 & Royal in Dallas, so I'd stay away from there if you can. Like someone else said, go for the prices and not the knowledge or expertise of the employees. If the guys at those gun counters were really good at their jobs, they'd be working at an actual gun store.

[pbwalker]

The only reason they walk you up is to verify with the computer up front that serial numbers and stock numbers match up with what was procured at the gun bar. I can certainly understand that as they deal with a lot of inventory and need to cover themselves.

For those who don't like the walk up front, do you get just as mad (or refuse to do business) with Best Buy when you buy a TV and they have to walk you up front to pay for it? Same thing with a computer... (this applies to most stores with high dollar items)

I'll save myself some money and walk with the manager. It's usually good for a 45 second conversation about guns and hunting.

[zero4o3]

The only reason they walk you up is to verify with the computer up front that serial numbers and stock numbers match up with what was procured at the gun bar. I can certainly understand that as they deal with a lot of inventory and need to cover themselves.

For those who don't like the walk up front, do you get just as mad (or refuse to do business) with Best Buy when you buy a TV and they have to walk you up front to pay for it? Same thing with a computer... (this applies to most stores with high dollar items)

I'll save myself some money and walk with the manager. It's usually good for a 45 second conversation about guns and hunting.

I was just about to say the same thing, go try to buy anything more then say 150-200 dollars at bestbuy and let us know if they just hand it to you that being said if they are walking you outside of the store thats a little silly, but still wouldnt bother me.

[G.A. Heath]

Its not the walk up front that I have an issue with, the gun isn't mine until its paid for and that doesn't happen until you get up front. What I have a problem with is the walk out of the store and not being allowed to take possession of my property until I leave the building.

[Purplehood]

Its not the walk up front that I have an issue with, the gun isn't mine until its paid for and that doesn't happen until you get up front. What I have a problem with is the walk out of the store and not being allowed to take possession of my property until I leave the building.

They leave me at the register. From that point on I am solo.

[pbwalker]

Its not the walk up front that I have an issue with, the gun isn't mine until its paid for and that doesn't happen until you get up front. What I have a problem with is the walk out of the store and not being allowed to take possession of my property until I leave the building.

They leave me at the register. From that point on I am solo.

Same here...I've never had them walk me out of the store.

[RECIT]

I've had it both ways in the same store here in Rosenberg. It didn't bother me either way. It is a company policy that I can live with.

[cougartex]

They leave me at the register.

They have never walk out of the building with me.

The last time I purchased a gun at Gander Mountain (about 6 years ago), I paid in the gun department and they walked me to the exit.

[hirundo82]

I've purchased a number of guns at Academy, and have always had a good experience. Never had to wait longer than I did at other stores. I have noticed that they take a long time if they have to do the NICS call (may be an FBI issue rather than an Academy issue), but of course that's not an issue with a TX CHL.

[Katygunnut]

I've had it both ways in the same store here in Rosenberg. It didn't bother me either way. It is a company policy that I can live with.

Both ways, even in the same store. Usually, they leave me at the front register, but I believe 2 of my 9 purchases, they walked the extra 20 feet to the front door. I'm normally a stickler for my rights, but I wasn't too upset by them physically holding my property for an extra 30 seconds or so after I have paid for it.

I just bought a gun from an individual and it took him over a minute to hand me the gun after I had given him the cash! That also didn't really bother me. I guess I'm just an easy going guy on this point. Of course don't get me started on the grocery stores that continue holding MY stuff while they put it in bags long after I have finished paying (sometimes that can be up to a 2-3 minute delay).

[G.A. Heath]

Grocery Stores bag your products and, sometimes depending on the store, carry out for you as a service. Ask them not to and they won't. If they refuse, or it upsets you, take your business elsewhere. That is what I do in regards to Academy, it'll work for you as well.

[Katygunnut]

Grocery Stores bag your products and, sometimes depending on the store, carry out for you as a service. Ask them not to and they won't. If they refuse, or it upsets you, take your business elsewhere. That is what I do in regards to Academy, it'll work for you as well.

Doesn't really bother me at all. I was trying to use sarcasm.

To me, the extra minute or so that the Academy employee holds onto my purchase after I have paid for it really isn't that concerning. Especially given that this has only happened on 20% of my purchases there (2 out of 10). There is almost always a delay of some sort from the time you pay until you physically get to hold the thing you bought and an extra minute or so really isn't that big of a deal. After all, the place you pay is extremely close to the front door.

Others may disagree, but that is my opinion.

[HadEmAll]

My opinion is a composite of what others have posted here. I've purchased 4 handguns at Academy in the last 3 years.

1.Prices were somewhat higher than what I would pay at a gun show, but not outrageously so. The thing is, they had it, and I chose to pay a little more for the gun then, as opposed to waiting for the next show, where they may or may not have what I was looking for. Besides, I stay armed at Academy, and am disarmed at gun shows. It matters to me.

2.The procedure has taken from 35 to 45 minutes. A manager is required at some point, and has to be located. I have my CHL. I don't know if not having it adds to the time required. I'm sure it could.

3.Always had friendly personnel, but rarely knowledgeable. No problem, I know what I know, and am not there for advice, just the product.

4.I have heard some of the worst advice and opinions on guns and shooting from people behind the counter at Academy's. I have had a hard time keeping my lip zipped several times, when I heard some customer getting bogus advice, but managed. Not my place. That customer is as capable of doing their own research as I am, and if they don't, well, the world is always full of dumb people.

5. The "perp walk" as some put it, is in their policy, and doesn't bother me. I figure since I'm carrying, and the manager/salesman escorting me to the register is not, I'm actually doing the escorting.

All in all, I think we gunsumers are fortunate that Academy is around to serve as another place to purchase handguns.