Good experience at Bill's

[Scratch]

You know what they say... you always hear about the "bad" experiences, but not the "good" ones. With that Al's gun shop thread, I thought I'd post up my good experience at Bill's (Robbinsdale) yesterday.

I haven't been to Bill's Gun Shop in at least 5 years. The last time I was in there, I had a bad experience looking for a new handgun. It seemed like the guy didn't want to take my money. Just wasn't very helpful and treated me like dirt, so I haven't gone back since.

But yesterday, I went there with a buddy of mine who was also with me that same day years earlier and hasn't gone back either. I wasn't looking for a gun, just along for the ride, but my buddy was looking for a small CCW for his wife and wanted to see what was out there. Something like an LCP... I'm in the process of getting my FFL so he wasn't going to buy yesterday, just wanted to "kick the tires" so to speak and see what was out there, and I know how gun shops probably don't really like that....

We spent over an hour in there and talked to I think, all the workers there. Every one of them were very courteous, and helpful, didn't "talk down" to us, or treat us in any way bad. They were all a pleasure to talk with and had some great insight and knowledge. We didn't spend a dime in there, but they still were very helpful the entire time we were there.

Just wanted to say thanks to Bill's Gun Shop in case any of the workers are on here. We will be going back with his wife to rent some different guns in the very near future.

[OldmanFCSA]

You know what they say... you always hear about the "bad" experiences, but not the "good" ones. With that Al's gun shop thread, I thought I'd post up my good experience at Bill's (Robbinsdale) yesterday.

I haven't been to Bill's Gun Shop in at least 5 years. The last time I was in there, I had a bad experience looking for a new handgun. It seemed like the guy didn't want to take my money. Just wasn't very helpful and treated me like dirt, so I haven't gone back since.

But you went back and gave them another chance after a bad experience - give Al the same chance.I should say - I don't owe Al or any gun shop owner or employee anything except my respect for their services.
I try to treat all with respect, even on days when I am having difficulties with my own personality.

[Stradawhovious]

Thanks for posting your experience. You're right, you do hear more about the bad than the good. I'm guilty of that myself.

[Rem700]

I havnt been there in over ten years went in looking for EFMJ and was told there was no such thing havnt been back.
On the same trip heard a employee trying to sell a pistol gripped shotgun because it was easier to navigate inside the house and it was much easier to rack the slide
Only a couple of there employees I have much faith in and they post here.

I have also experienced other quirks at most other GSs

[Stradawhovious]

I havnt been there in over ten years

A lot changes in 10 years.

[Rem700]

I havnt been there in over ten years

A lot changes in 10 years.

Yes things do change, I have frequented the north store as needed over the years.

[PileDriver]

Been to both locations a couple of times, no issues. Haven't bought anything from them yet, and they're okay with that. They apparently know that people in the store is a good thing, and keeping them come back is a good thing. The only way to sell something at a B &M is to have them INSIDE THE STORE, AND LIKING IT.

[wrench]

I bought my first pistol from Bill's nearly 10 years ago. They were polite, kind, and respectful to the newby (me).
Since then, I've bought several pistols and long guns from Bill's, and was treated nicely every time.

[sawgrass]

[quote="Scratch"]
The last time I was in there, I had a bad experience looking for a new handgun. It seemed like the guy didn't want to take my money. Just wasn't very helpful and treated me like dirt, so I haven't gone back since.
quote]

Yea kinda funny...my last experience at Al's was just great and the last time in Bill's both just a couple of weeks ago sucked. The salesman didn't listen to a word I said, was sarcastic, condescending and talked over me. I drove out to the Gunstop and made my purchase there. That said, I've had many good experiences at both the Frontiesman and the Gunstop. Both places have let me know when they thought they had something that I might be interested in. FWIW I've made several purchases at Bill's in the past without issues. I've had sites installed on two Glocks there without any problems. I won a rifle there once too.

[selurcspi]

Thanks for posting your experience. You're right, you do hear more about the bad than the good. I'm guilty of that myself.

So Strad, are you ready for a trip to Front Sight yet?

[Stradawhovious]

So Strad, are you ready for a trip to Front Sight yet?

Nope.

[selurcspi]

So Strad, are you ready for a trip to Front Sight yet?

Nope.

ROFL

[David]

Bill's is my store of choice in this area. The inventory and people like Joe and Ryan make it the place I frequent the most. I've been going there since the 80s when Joe Pipitone and Tom Martin were the two you'd most usually see behind the counter, and they were not only great to work with but also a blast to hang out with.

I've had some interestingly stupid conversations with some of the more "green" staff there over the years, but no worse than any other store, and I've always been able to get the item or info I wanted in the end. If you talk to someone there who rubs you the wrong way or doesn't seem to know what he's doing, just talk to someone else. Most likely the next person will be more to your liking. It's a big store, and they are bound to have a couple associates that aren't up to speed. Luckily, they don't last long.

[Snowgun]

Bills is great, I just wish they were in the south west metro.

[Squib Joe]

Thanks for the positive input, everyone. All we can do is try harder, and maybe we'll see more posts like this!