Dear Gun World, how have you guys stayed in business all these years? You must be fortunate enough to have a steady clientele comprised exclusively of poor saps who like to be overcharged and ignored when they walk into your shop. At least that's *my* guess, because your shop appears to have absolutely no redeeming qualities compared to some of your competitors.
There was a particular item that was sold out at my usual merchants of death, so extensive shopping around finally landed me at this poor excuse of a gun shop. I called to ask if they had what I was looking for in stock. They said "yes", but when I asked "how much", the reply I got was simply "we don't give out prices over the phone".
Looking back, I'm starting to see why, because folks would probably not bother making the drive over if they knew the prices you were demanding. You might as well tell your heretofore potential customers "don't ask questions you don't want the answer to".
Well, I innocently said to myself "eh, the most I'll probably get charged is MSRP, how bad could it possibly be?". As I later learned to my dismay ... *very* bad. I was charged MORE than MSRP. Seriously, Gun World? I'm honestly surprised you guys don't have a neon "Caveat Emptor" sign prominently displayed on your shop's window.
But, humor me, let's ignore that for a second. The *real* concern was when I walked into the shop, I saw the clerk at the front counter eyeball me for a few seconds, and then utterly ignore me for the next few minutes until I finally figured out that at *Gun World*, apparently it's the *CUSTOMER* that has to be proactive and show initiative when engaging in business transactions, and not the goddamned sales reps.
Anyone remember "The Customer Is Always Right?" Well, here at Gun World, it's more like "f*** the customer and the horse he rode in on". I can only assume the clerks at Gun World are impeccably trained to chant the latter slogan in front of a mirror 10 times before starting their shift every day.
Now, as an unapologetic defender of Laissez-faire capitalism, I'm *somewhat* willing to overlook the high prices, on grounds of "the invisible hand of the market".
But the barely concealed arrogance of their staff, and the obvious disinterest they show towards customers? That shit is uncalled for, there ain't an excuse in the *world* for that sort of substandard customer service. Seriously, I've gotten better service at my local DMV for crying out loud!
Given my bad experience here, you may be wondering why I didn't rate Gun World with only 1 star ... my answer is as follows: Lock, Stock, and Barrel. Ever been there? No? Well, long story short, it was a gun shop in Arcadia/Temple City that was apparently closed down by the ATF a few years back. It was also probably the WORST gun shop I've ever been to in my life, and the staff *there* makes the guys working at Gun World look like rock stars in comparison. If Gun World is the worst shop *you* have ever been to, take comfort in knowing it could have been worse.
Everyone's seen Pulp Fiction before, yes? Good. Remember the scene at the pawn shop where Butch and Marsellus get captured by the cornholing hillbillies? Yeah, during my trip to Lock, Stock, and Barrel, my friend and I nearly ended up in the same predicament as Butch and Marsellus ... or so I felt at the time, based on the creepy vibes we got from the staff there. Now, say what you will about the staff at Gun World, but at least I didn't get the feeling that they were going to try to force me into a gimp cage at gunpoint.
In any case, if you want to go a gun shop that will take proper care of you, go to Alamo Jewelry & Loan - now the gentlemen working at *that* store actually seem like they care whether or not you want to give them your money. I for one will not return to Gun World ... barring a total change in ownership and staff. read more