Acaemy's new gun sale policy (GRRRRR)

[stevie_d_64]

When we availed ourselves of the "ammo sale" at Sports Authority (formerly Oshman's) in Webster a couple of weeks ago, the salesman had to carry the ammo to the front counter for us.

Good for them!!!


















Of course, with the amount of ammo some of us buy...That stuff gets real heavy after a while...So I say put those goobers to work!

"Yeah, since your up here, would you be so kind as to carry it out to the gas-guzzling super crew cab truck parked way out in your parking lot?"

Thanks...

[Liberty]

I have shopped at Academy only a couple of times. 1st time was in League City preCHL, the folks were polite and helpful, I bought my Ruger and they did walk with me tomy car.
The second time postCHLand they had relocated to Webster. I was shopping for either a Taurus or Berretta 92, Although I researched the guns previously, the clerk had pointed out some of the differences that I wasn't aware of. They let me handle both guns all I wanted to even though, I made it clear I wasn't prepared to purchase yet. I ended up finding a real bargain elsewhere although Academy's prices were reasonable. I wouldn't hessitate to buy a gun from them in the future though. Good prices, pleasant people and escort service after making an expensive purchase.

[BambooShoots]

How long has this policy been in place?

I bought an AR when I was 19 from them.

Of course, they had to walk me out to the door but otherwise it was uneventful.

But with a policy like this, I'd be hard pressed to support Academy. Plus, their aluminum cased Blazer is now more expensive than the value packs at Walmart. 9.99/50 = 19.98/100 compared to 18.53/100

[AEA]

+1 on buying from Cabela's--top notch folks.

I will "window shop" at Cabela's but I will not buy another pistol from them. I do not go along with being "Escorted" to the exit (while the store employee carries the pistol I just purchased) and having the gun handed to me once outside the front door. Especially since the pistol in question is unloaded and boxed and I am carrying a loaded 1911 and several spare mags on my belt!

They know I am a CHL because they saw my license when I purchased the pistol from them. They should be able to assume that I am carrying when I am there.

It is STUPID store policy that might be OK for the non-CHL purchaser, but not for folks like me and they should change it. We are most likely to be repeat customers anyway and they are loosing a lot of CHL business because of this.

[srothstein]

+1 on buying from Cabela's--top notch folks.

I will "window shop" at Cabela's but I will not buy another pistol from them. I do not go along with being "Escorted" to the exit (while the store employee carries the pistol I just purchased) and having the gun handed to me once outside the front door. Especially since the pistol in question is unloaded and boxed and I am carrying a loaded 1911 and several spare mags on my belt!

They know I am a CHL because they saw my license when I purchased the pistol from them. They should be able to assume that I am carrying when I am there.

It is STUPID store policy that might be OK for the non-CHL purchaser, but not for folks like me and they should change it. We are most likely to be repeat customers anyway and they are loosing a lot of CHL business because of this.

If you think it is a bad policy for CHL's, consider how I feel about it. And I carry openly in the store so they know there is a loaded gun on my hip. And the policy is the same at most large department stores now (Academy, Wal-Mart, Bass Pro). About the only place I can buy a pistol and not be escorted are the small gun shops and police supply stores.

Of course, I have always preferred to support smaller local stores anyway. They are usually much more knowledgeable and willing to order exactly what I want. They cost a little more, but service always does.

[AEA]

I agree, smaller Local Gun Shops or online.
I do mostly online. May "handle" at Cabela's & others, but I usually actually make my purchase online.

[kauboy]

I will "window shop" at Cabela's but I will not buy another pistol from them. I do not go along with being "Escorted" to the exit (while the store employee carries the pistol I just purchased) and having the gun handed to me once outside the front door. Especially since the pistol in question is unloaded and boxed and I am carrying a loaded 1911 and several spare mags on my belt!

They know I am a CHL because they saw my license when I purchased the pistol from them. They should be able to assume that I am carrying when I am there.

It is STUPID store policy that might be OK for the non-CHL purchaser, but not for folks like me and they should change it. We are most likely to be repeat customers anyway and they are loosing a lot of CHL business because of this.

They don't care if your a full outfitted cop with your gun hanging in plain sight. Somebody at corporate sat down with somebody in their insurance department and decided that they would NEVER be responsible for selling a gun, handing it to a stranger(and yes, you are one), and letting him shoot up the place.
So, to cover their backsides, they walk your gun up to the front. They release all responsibility for the firearm, and nobody can sue them if you turn around, walk back in, and blast away.
We don't deserve special treatment just because we have a piece of plastic that says we can carry. That isn't why I got it.
You should be treated just like every other patron of their business.
If that doesn't sit well with you, that's your choice.

If you think it is a bad policy for CHL's, consider how I feel about it. And I carry openly in the store so they know there is a loaded gun on my hip. And the policy is the same at most large department stores now (Academy, Wal-Mart, Bass Pro). About the only place I can buy a pistol and not be escorted are the small gun shops and police supply stores.

Of course, I have always preferred to support smaller local stores anyway. They are usually much more knowledgeable and willing to order exactly what I want. They cost a little more, but service always does.

Did I read that right???
You open carry in public???
In Texas???
Did I miss something? Do you own your own store, and open carry there?

Oh wait... just noticed the "police supply stores" bit.
So you're an officer I assume?
I feel like a horse's patoot.

[srothstein]

Sorry, Kauboy. I am a police officer for TABC. I carry openly in plainclothes 90% of the time.

[The Annoyed Man]

Just curious...

Does TABC policy allow you to carry concealed off-duty anyway, even without a CHL? I was just wondering, since so many police departments actually expect their officers to carry off-duty, whether that was a TABC policy also.

Another question...

Do a significant percentage of LEOs still choose to get a CHL, even though their jobs allow them off-duty carry?

These questions just sort of occurred to me when I read your post.

Regards,

Chris

Sorry, Kauboy. I am a police officer for TABC. I carry openly in plainclothes 90% of the time.

[texasmr2]

As an Academy employed 'goober' I must say I dont agree with their policie's either. Also to the member who said "the employee did not know anything about the gun" yes that happen's alot but all you need to do is ask to speak with someone who is more knowledgeable about the firearm's. Take me for instance I'm the fishing expect, so to speak, and dont know alot about the firearm's nor do I care too, I'm not a gun nut plain and simple BUT I will get someone who is more knowledgeable than me to help you. Heck I dont care if I make the sale or not because it's not like we get commision's or anything but I do care that the customer is kept happy. I have removed the trigger lock's on a few occasion's for regular customer's but Academy does not want the gun's being dryfired I dont know why.

Another problem with Academy is they mostly hire highschool kid's who dont care about anything. One thing I can guarantee though if any member of this forum come's the store I work at in Katy, I-10 and 99, and ask for me you will at least get great customer service and I WONT ask you for your TDL .

I'm only at Academy untill I am accepted at one of our local police agencie's.

Thank's for listening and I understand everyone's frustration,
Gregg

[tboesche]

Well, I just bought one from the Academy on I-35 in Burleson yesterday. I picked up a Ruger 10-22 Carbine for $184.00 for my daughter. While there, I looked at a couple AR's, They had no problem handing them to me. No trigger locks! When I was ready to check out, the sales person, not the manager, walked me to the cash register, and then out side of the store she handed me the gun.

[srothstein]

Without wanting to hijack the thread Chris, the answer is we are encouraged by the law to carry 24/7. Peace officers in Texas are required by the CCP to respond to any crime in progress in their jurisdiction. My jurisdiction is the state. I don't have to get involved necessarily (be a good witness can be the response) but being armed makes it much easier to do what I have to do.

As for the CHL, I do not think many cops get them. I will be finally getting mine for two reasons. I will not need a NICS check anymore, and my daughter is wanting hers and it is something we can do together.

The only real benefit to a CHL for cops is the NICS check, but it may confuse things if there is a 30.06 sign. Right now they do not apply to me. If I get the license, they will. Since I generally avoid anyplace with even a ghostbusters, this is not too much of a problem for me. Other officers may see this as more of a problem than I do.

PM me if there are more questions so we can let the thread go on its topic.

[kauboy]

Well, I just bought one from the Academy on I-35 in Burleson yesterday. I picked up a Ruger 10-22 Carbine for $184.00 for my daughter. While there, I looked at a couple AR's, They had no problem handing them to me. No trigger locks! When I was ready to check out, the sales person, not the manager, walked me to the cash register, and then out side of the store she handed me the gun.

That's my store of choice too! I live just a hop, skip, and a jump from it.
I have to ask, when you looked at the ARs, did you ask to pop the pin and look inside?
I did, and they didn't want me to.
However, I'm still satisfied with the service there. I bought a Bersa Thunder .380 CC a while back and the sales guy even stayed on the clock to help me, instead of handing me off to the next guy.
Corporate policy is understandable, and not something many employees are inclined to challenge. But, staying with a customer past your time to get off without the bonus of commission... now that says something about the service they offer.
And why I continue to visit regularly!

[CompVest]

As an Academy employed 'goober' I must say I dont agree with their policie's either. Also to the member who said "the employee did not know anything about the gun" yes that happen's alot but all you need to do is ask to speak with someone who is more knowledgeable about the firearm's. Take me for instance I'm the fishing expect, so to speak, and dont know alot about the firearm's nor do I care too, I'm not a gun nut plain and simple BUT I will get someone who is more knowledgeable than me to help you. Heck I dont care if I make the sale or not because it's not like we get commision's or anything but I do care that the customer is kept happy. I have removed the trigger lock's on a few occasion's for regular customer's but Academy does not want the gun's being dryfired I dont know why.

Another problem with Academy is they mostly hire highschool kid's who dont care about anything. One thing I can guarantee though if any member of this forum come's the store I work at in Katy, I-10 and 99, and ask for me you will at least get great customer service and I WONT ask you for your TDL .

I'm only at Academy untill I am accepted at one of our local police agencie's.

Thank's for listening and I understand everyone's frustration,
Gregg

Thank you for your input on behalf of Academy employees. It is always easy to comment on the less then gracious employees. I have had good experiences at Academy and enjoy shopping there.

[Mike from Texas]

I won't buy a gun from them even though they do have some really good pricing on Glocks. I prefer to support my local gun store/dealer.