I made my way down to WSS nice and early this morning: for my first trip to their gun counter. I've heard so many complaints about the gun counter there (from forum members and my father), that I was more than a little apprehensive about what I was going to encounter. I knew, however, that no where else in town could help me with what I was looking for as I'd already phoned around.
As I knew it was going to be a lengthy visit---I was planning on purchasing my first pistol, and I was not firmly decided on what model of Buck Mark I wanted---I was there just before the store actually opened. I wanted to beat the rush, and make sure that my indecision didn't hold up anyone who knew what s/he wanted from making a quick purchase.
When the store opened and I made my way to the gun counter I was quickly and warmly greeted by Terance (smaller red-haired gent). He showed me the Buck Marks they had in stock: two models, both of which I was interested in based on the reading I had done. I strongly prefered the appearance of one of them, however, and as that isn't the most imporant thing to base a purchase on, Terance worked with me to help me critically assess which was the better choice for me. He listened to my impressions of feel and fit, and he gave his impressions. As I felt quite strongly that the pistol I liked the look of better also fit my hand better, he examined the guns quite closely to determine what physical differances between them would account for the differances in fit and feel. There were differances, so it wasn't all in my head. He peppered our exchange with tips on marksmanship, and other bits and pieces of useful information (and a little bit of general BSing, which is always welcome).
The whole process from the time I walked in to when I walked away from the till took around an hour (and I am thankful that no one appeared to be held up from making their own purchases while Terance worked with me, the counter was pretty quiet and the volume was easily managed by the other staff). The service he gave me was easily on par with---and maybe even exceeded---the service I recieve at the Fishin' Hole . . . which I honestly didn't think was possible for any other retail establishment. I can honestly say that WSS will be my first stop for firearms and related items in the future.
While she won't be home until this coming week, here's my new pistol:
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...51&type_id=429