Working in a gun shop?

[SilentCom]

I am thinking about working in a gun shop or firing range and am curious as to what I will need to know to work in this type of setting. I have an interest in firearms and have some knowledge of basic workings and terminology. I don't have that much experience actually firing a gun having only fired a gun once before. I'd appreciate some info from people who have actually worked in a gun store or firing range.

 

[Scolar Visari]

Depends on the place.

Things that I think you should know:
Be well versed in manufacturers and models. Be able to tell a Kimber apart from a Sig GSR.
Basic gun-smithing. Know remedies for basic/common malfunctions or problems.
Understand what firearms commonly go for. Don't try to blow smoke up my ass during a purchase.

Those are just a few things I can think of right now. General experience is what you need.

 

[Berethond]

To work in a gun store wouldn't require any more special training than other store. And anything you do need to know, you would pick up very quickly.

Working at a range could be a very different story. If you're just working the front, it'd be like any other job. But actually working the range part requires specialized safety training.

 

[Gaiseric]

I tried to get a job at the range I go to and they told me the requirements are:

Need to know how to safely handle firearms and be able to teach others
Basic gun-smithing is a plus
Deal with the public
Disassemble, clean, and reassemble many types of guns without manuals
A lot of experience(Every range and shop I've been to the employees have had handguns on them at all times)
At least 21 years old(make gun sales and carry a handgun on their person)
And what Scolar Visari said is really good stuff.

In my experience gun shops and ranges tend to hire people they know or who are regulars, so getting to know the people where you want to work would be good. And if you go enough it can show them you are safe, responsible, and you know your stuff. 'Course somethings maybe different depending where you go and where you live.

 

[Ziadaine_v1legacy]

one thing that can help is to go for a gun licence and/or join a gun group to learn more. Assuming this is America, why does the "employees have had handguns on them at all times" not surprise me?

 

[Gaiseric]

one thing that can help is to go for a gun licence and/or join a gun group to learn more. Assuming this is America, why does the "employees have had handguns on them at all times" not surprise me?

It is more for security. Gun stores get robbed. And at gun ranges everyone there has a gun and sometimes people get stupid. I've heard a few stories of people pulling guns on range masters or trying to start a fight while they have a gun in hand(I have had a loaded gun pointed at me a couple times because the customer was an idiot or not paying attention).

The joining gun group thing couldn't hurt though. Usually there are local, state, and national gun groups.