So a Dick’s Sporting Goods stores opened up recently somewhat near where I live. I had never been to one and I found out they sell guns, so I finally and over the very loud protests of She Who Must be Obeyed manage to squeeze some free time and visit the store. On arrival, I made a bee line to the gun counter to see what are their offerings and prices. I quickly see that no handguns of any kind are for sale but they have a somewhat decent selection of sporting long guns and not so bad prices. Nobody is in the gun section so i take my time to see what other things they sell and they also have ammunition for handguns (OK, no handguns but I can sell you the ammo for them), knives, scopes, etc. Finally a pimpled, bespectacled young whippersnapper drags himself behind the counter and droningly asks me if he can help me.

Me: Just looking but, let me ask you a question. How come you guys don’t sell handguns?

Kid: It is against the Laws of the State of Florida.

Me: Huh? Bullshit!

(I admit that this was not a very polite way to indicate I was not ingesting the excuse, but my BS meter got pegged real hard.)

Kid (recoiling at the outburst): Well, you know, it is different more complicated paperwork….

Me: It is the same paperwork for both handguns and long guns. You guys must have an FFL, right?

Kid: Whut?

Me: Form 4473?

Kid: (Vacant stare)

Me: you know, the Federal form it must be filled when you sell a gun over the counter?

Kid: Er….. Pfffft! (No kidding, he did that)

Me: Thank you, have a nice day.

Nope, not coming back to Dick’s. At least one employee honors the name of the store with his knowledge and attitude.