Academy scraping the bottom of the barrel

[hard_r]

When my wife, who was not yet my wife at the time, and I decided to buy our first pistol for our shared home, we were going to use her credit card to pay. We asked who should do the paperwork, they said whoever was going to be the owner. Since it was to be a bedside gun for us to share, we just decided to have her fill out the forms, since she was paying with her card. When the manager came to approve he said it was a straw purchase and he couldn't sell her the gun because he "knew" she was just buying for me. I offered to submit to a background check as well to prove it was not a straw purchase. He said no. I called it bullsh$t. He told me it was "Federal Law". I made the mistake of saying to my wife, "Come on, let's go to Bass Pro." My friend, who was still filling out paperwork for a pistol he was buying, heard the manager call Bass Pro and warn them of a straw purchase and give my name and my wife's name.

When we got to Bass Pro, the guy saw my name, asked about what happened at Academy. I explained the situation. He submitted my background check and sold me the gun, no problem. We laughed about it while I checked out. I will never attempt to buy a gun at Academy again.

 

[p238shooter]

If you stand back and look at the situation. Too many regulations to be sure everyone follows. Too many legalities that could get your business shut down. Too much BS with no common sense attached. Too many "legal eagles" ready to pounce with too many judges to go along with them. Warning, this coffee could be hot, do not pour on your legs.

 

[pinkhamr]

Nope, they are just ignorant ...... JMO

 

[bettingpython]

Another awesome thread highlighting the virtues of the big box mega mart shopping experience.

Cheaper is not always better.

 

[338Shooter]

They had a rifle that is below my dealer pricing. they wouldn't transfer it to my FFL. Academy's gun counter is a joke.

 

[KOPBET]

When the manager came to approve he said it was a straw purchase and he couldn't sell her the gun because he "knew" she was just buying for me. I offered to submit to a background check as well to prove it was not a straw purchase. .

I wish people would learn the definiton of a straw purchase. Managers should know better.

 

[AKguy1985]

Academy's gun counter help is worse than walmarts. I've told my ordeal with academys help in the past. Had somebody get butthurt over it too. Ahwell i know where they rank in my book.

Edit: this wasnt the academy on 41st was it????

 

[dubs chops]

Another awesome thread highlighting the virtues of the big box mega mart shopping experience.

Cheaper is not always better.

It wasn't even cheaper!!! I was jsut trying to find one in stock in town. Ended up having sports world order it for me even though I am not too fond of them either.

 

[hanson405]

I've never had any issues at Academy, but there are some good, older guys working the counter at my local Academy. Other than talking everyone they can into a Bersa (not that bersa's are bad, but on three different occasions I've heard someone ask for an LCP and all three times the guy said, oh those stink, heres a Bersa)

 

[UnSafe]

I think the distinction here is people going in to just buy an item in stock vs. wanting to discuss/ seek advice or service about an item with multiple legal rules about the purchase. If they have a competitive price and it's in stock, Academy is a pretty simple place to buy. If it's advertised but not in stock and the clerks are clueless about how to find/ order it, call the manager. If he/ she can't figure it out, move on or call other stores in your area to check availability.

I wouldn't expect a general sporting goods store clerk to have insight about technical data or how to order a specific item, but I would expect the CSR to call around to other stores in the chain and possibly find one or take my number and call when and expected shipment of rifles arrives.

I'm getting to the point where I only buy guns FTF or online and transfer via my FFL guy, unless there's a very, very good deal at a retail shop.

Just getting too cranky and old to pay the retail markup and wait behind some guy debating the merits of the latest gunwidget, shooting 5.56 in a .223 chamber or whatever with the salesman....