TTAG Facebook page reader Michael Tallent sent this to us:
I was passing by today and randomly stopped in to look at the pistol selection at Dunham’s Sporting Goods in Shelby, NC. Every handgun in the case has a trigger lock on it. Cool. Theft deterrent. OK. I ask to see a pistol from the case and I am informed that per store policy, I must have a valid ID and a Pistol Purchase Permit (oh the joys of NC’s antiquated system) or a Concealed Handgun Permit to even hold it. I have never heard of such foolishness, but we establish that I meet the requirements and he removes the gun from the case . . .
He tries to clear the weapon with the trigger lock on it. Obviously, it doesn’t work. I painfully watch him try three times before I, the customer, had to inform him he would not be able to manipulate the slide with it locked as it was. He then tries to hand me the gun with the lock still on it.
I ask if he would remove the lock and I am informed that is also against store policy. I didn’t even touch the gun, politely voiced my dissatisfaction, and left.
So, how is a potential customer supposed to: A) judge the weight/balance in their hand with the lock on it B) feel the reach to the trigger C) judge the ease of operating the safety/magazine release/slide lock lever D) judge trigger pull/stacking/break/overtravel/reset E) judge whether or not a female or older person has the hand strength to manipulate the slide?
Basically, Dunham’s is asking a customer to buy blind. It also seems as if they are actively trying to alienate one of the largest demographic of potential customers, the gun enthusiast. It also seems as if they employ salesmen who do not even understand basic operation of the product they are selling. And lastly, I was told special order of an item not in the case is unavailable.
All this in one of the more 2A friendly states, to top it off. But, Dunham’s will not ever have to worry about me buying so much as a pack of gum in their store. As a matter of fact, I will never set foot even in their parking lot ever again. Rant complete.