I’m not really a complainer by nature (thank goodness), and I don’t tend to have problems with customer service at most of the businesses I deal with– in part because I am picky about who gets my money. Having said that, I had a bad experience with Larry’s Pistol and Pawn in Huntsville that I wanted to document.
Larry’s has been in business for a long time; when I moved to Huntsville in 1991, they had the only indoor pistol range in town. As long as I’ve lived in the area, I’ve shopped there, and I’ve never had a bad experience. Yesterday, though, I had a salesman who was both discourteous and uninformed about the law. He refused to sell me a rifle because I am a dual resident of California and Alabama– “I won’t sell you this because it’s not legal in California,” he said.
I explained that I’d just gone through the same process at another local store, which had called the local Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) office to confirm that it was legal. According to 27 CFR 478 § 11, it is in fact legal for a US citizen who resides in more than one state to purchase a long gun in any state of residence. I meet the legal residency definitions for both Alabama and California, and if you read Example 2 in the definition for “State of Residence” it’s clearly applicable.
Rude Guy wasn’t in the mood to listen; he told me that the other store where I’d made a previous purchase had broken the law. That didn’t seem likely; gun stores tend to be terrifically careful to follow the law and ATF regulations because failure to do so can get them shut down and their employees jailed. I politely thanked him and left. Then I called the local ATF field office myself and spoke to a very helpful ATF employee. I explained my situation, she cited 478§11 to me, told me I was good to go, and gave me her phone number to have Larry’s call her if they had any questions.
Armed with this information (ed.: see what I did there?) I went back to Larry’s, stood in line for the same guy, and explained my phone call. He was even ruder than before: “I don’t care what she said,” he said angrily; “I still won’t sell to you.” Clearly there was no point in arguing, so I left.
I’ve sent Larry Burnett, the owner, a detailed letter explaining what happened, so we’ll see what action, if any, he takes. Until I hear back, though, Larry’s is off my shopping list. If you’re in the market for firearms, ammunition, or supplies, I suggest you go elsewhere.
What’s even more unfortunate is that if the item you were attempting to purchase is one that’s extremely popular due to recent events, it will be sold to someone else before the owner takes any action on this. Sad.
I’d guess that the clause that supports is applicable to you is:
“Example 2. A is a U.S. citizen and maintains a home in State X and a home in State Y. A resides in State X except for weekends or the summer months of the year and in State Y for the weekends or the summer months of the year. During the time that A actually resides in State X, A is a resident of State X, and during the time that A actually resides in State Y, A is a resident of State Y.” ??
Seems pretty straightforward to me. I’ll bet Larry does you right.
I have also encountered rudeness at Larry’s. On several different occasions they were rude and did not seem to have the time to help me. I wanted to buy a handgun but was unsure what exactly I wanted. I asked to look at a 1911. Still unsure I asked to look at another one. The man told got upset and told me to come back when I knew what I wanted. I personally will not be doing business with them again.
Go to Craig’s in Athens – Lindsay Lane Shopping Mall. I was very happy with the service and support to help a new gun shopper.
Thanks, Dan. I bought a rifle from them back in December; in fact I went there today to look for a stripped upper but they were closed. I’ll be back again.
Hi! I’m Kayla and me and my family opened a new pawn shop in Madison called quality pawn. Address 7449 HWY 72 W Madison AL 35758 … We would love to help you with anything possible! Please come check our GREAT selection of ammo and guns! 256-325-3113
Thanks, Kayla– my sons and I have been to your shop a couple of times before you got your FFL. We were treated well, and your prices on .45 ACP and .223 ammo are quite reasonable. We’ll be back.