I went to a gun store today and came into an all too familiar situation. The clerk thinks they know everything and the consumer is supposed to just take their word for it because they should know better. Afterall, they work around the product all day. I've often complained of this happening at guitar stores. The clerk imposes their opinions or off base beliefs on you and you stare at them dumbfounded.
I was checking out a Smith and Wesson model 19 that was nickel plated with a 4" barrel. I already have a model 19 with a 4" barrel, but mine is blued. I got it for such a steal at the time, I couldn't say no.
I did my routine of checking out a revolver. There are a lot of good resources for this online. Nearly every one I have read is a variation of the other. Educate yourself before you buy anything! New or used! I was checking the lockwork on the gun. One of the 6 chambers failed to lock when the hammer was cocked in single action. I brought this to the clerks attention and I was told, "You are babying the gun." Really?
There was no convincing this guy that a good revolver should not do that. Instead I was told to look into colt revolvers. I have owned a colt before. It was a very nice revolver. I sold it and don't miss it.
I've had similar instances when buying guns in the past. When buying a beat S&W 1917, the hammer failed to cock into single action (amongst many other issues). I was told to just pull back harder. I bought the gun for a much discounted price. Upon opening it up, it was VERY apparent that somebody had butchered the inside of the gun up in nearly every possible way. I am still tracking down parts for the gun to this day (years later).
Guitar stores do the same thing. I was once told I was ruining a Fender Twin Reverb RI because I had the reverb at 10. As if Fender would have put a control on the amp that could destroy it. How ridiculous. Where do these tales originate?
When buying an Ampeg VT40, I noticed it worked, but the output was extremely low even when the amp was cranked all of the way up. It was about as loud as one of those battery powered amplifiers. I made mention of this to the owner and he told me it was supposed to be that loud. I assured him otherwise as I currently owned a VT40 as well as a V2 (the head version of the VT40) and both of those amps could peel the paint off of the wall if you allowed them to.
So what is the point of this? I guess I am just venting. I am tired of people making up things or trying to sound like they know everything. Just admit you don't know everything. You are human. Educate yourself and learn something.
Feel free to share any such similar stories.
