After much debating, I decided it was time for me to become a gun owner. I've never pictured myself owning a gun, however, due to my current occupation as a traveling hospice nurse, I find myself in some not so nice places with some not so nice folks from time to time. Recently, I was followed by someone I asked for directions in a trailer park after getting lost in an area where my GPS did not have a signal. Anyhow, the experience left me shaken, and after being encouraged by many, including my boss and a few patients, I lamented over this but decided to heed the advice.
So I went into this location as it is the closest to my home. This was my first time here. I did notice only 2, maybe 3 staff members, upon entering one of whom greeted me with a hello as I walked by. I was pleasantly surprised to see the fish tank with a catfish almost as big as I am!!
The store is clean and well organized.
I made my way upstairs to the hunting section and to the firearms counter. I had ordered a Smith and Wesson M&P 22 compact online for pick up. I figured it would be a quick in and out. There were 3 employees, 2 couples, and an older gentleman being waited on. There were a few other customers browsing as they waited. I was completely overwhelmed at the thought of having to get a gun and had just gotten my concealed carry permit that same day. I was not aware I had to scan a qr code to be put in que to be served until another customer informed me. There was a big old sign which I had not seen as I was still in disbelief. I was about to become a gun owner.
Be prepared to WAIT!!.
They do not rush when they are with customers. I was thereaybe a full hour, maybe a little longer before I was called on. As I stood there, I was paying keen attention to each employee and their mannerisms and listened to the information they were providing to the various customers regarding their firearms... every opportunity to learn should be utilized after all.
There was a young man I later found out his name was Ben. He looked like a baby (only 21 years old) however thecway he handled the firearms and the knowledge I heard him imparting on his customers, I made sure I would have him wait on me. Luckily for me, the young lady he was assisting was super nice and allowed me to be nosey and stand there next to her as she went through the process (thanks, Daishza!!).
Ben and I developed a rapport pretty quickly. He was very respectful and had knowledge way beyond his years. He was able to calm a lot of my fears and provided extensive education on my purchase. When I tell you he went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!! I know absolutely nothing about guns. He spent time making sure I was comfortable holding it, showed me how to hold it, making sure I knew the safety features and how to utilize them, help me select a case, ammo, cleaning kit and answered my questions. I didn't feel pressured in completing the transaction, I was made aware I could change to something else, nor did I feel afraid to ask "dumb questions." He explained the different options for ammo, the difference for each and so on.
Ben was PHENOMENAL!!
Honestly, at first, I was reluctant and a little intimidated:
1- Everyone else purchasing seems to know their way around guns
2- Apart from Daishza (that I had just met), no one looked like me. ( I know it has nothing to do with the store. However, it can be intimidating)
Overall, it was an awesome experience. I left the store feeling empowered, not because of what I purchased, but because now I had a better understanding of what it was if that makes sense. I also met a gentleman, Jim, who was looking to purchase a rifle for his grandson as a birthday gift. Jim is a retired police officer and a member of a local gun club. There is also a retired police officer who works at Bass Pro Shops at the gun counter (I forgot his name, older gentleman with a full beard). They also imparted a lot of knowledge on me (gun safety, best ranges, classes, insurance, state gamelands, additional permits, and so on).
I would highly recommend this location for Bass Pro Shops. The wait times can be a bit much. However, having experienced the level of customer service Ben provided along with all I learned in this initial visit, it is well worth the wait. After scanning into the que, you can browse the store (there is plenty to keep you occupied... for me, it was an additional $300 in clothing and a cowboy hat .
I wish I could give 10 stars. I will definitely be returning. read more