The firearms community is filled with passionate, knowledgeable people who love to share their experience and expertise. From gun shops to shooting ranges, most encounters with fellow gun owners are positive, with people eager to exchange tips, talk gear, and enjoy the sport.
However, there are always those few individuals who make the experience less enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s arrogance, gatekeeping, or just plain bad etiquette, these types of gun owners can be a real problem.
If you’ve spent any time in a gun store or at the range, you’ve probably run into at least one of these personalities. And if you haven’t – well, take this as a guide on what not to do.
The Know-It-All Who’s Never Wrong

Knowledge is a great thing, but the moment someone stops listening and starts dictating, they become insufferable. The Know-It-All has an opinion on everything and makes sure everyone around them hears it – whether they asked for it or not. They dismiss new techniques, refuse to learn, and often hand out bad advice with total confidence.
What makes this type of shooter particularly frustrating is their unwillingness to grow. Even top-level marksmen constantly refine their skills and adapt to new developments in shooting. But the Know-It-All? They figured it all out years ago and see no reason to change. The worst part? They’ll correct you even when they’re dead wrong.
The One-Upper Who Always Has a Better Story

No matter what you’ve done, the One-Upper has done it better – or at least that’s what they want you to believe. Hit a steel plate at 600 yards? They did it at 800… with iron sights. Just picked up a beautiful 1911? They own twelve, including a prototype only they know about.
The problem with One-Uppers isn’t just that they exaggerate – it’s that they suck the fun out of someone else’s excitement. The shooting community thrives on shared enthusiasm. Someone’s first time hitting a target at distance or their excitement over a new gun purchase should be encouraged, not overshadowed by someone trying to make themselves the center of attention.
The Bargain Hunter Who Won’t Take a Hint

Haggling might work at a flea market, but a gun shop isn’t the place to nickel-and-dime your way through a purchase. Local gun stores operate on tight margins and provide a service that online retailers simply can’t match – face-to-face advice, hands-on experience, and a knowledgeable staff that helps you make informed decisions.
Walking into a shop and trying to grind the owner down on price, then turning around and buying online to save a few bucks, is the kind of behavior that keeps smaller stores from thriving. Yes, price matters, but supporting local businesses helps ensure those businesses are still around when you need them.
The Time Waster Who Tries Every Gun in the Case

It’s one thing to want to handle a few firearms before making a decision. It’s another to spend an hour asking to see every gun in the store when you know full well you’re not buying anything. Gun shop employees are usually happy to answer questions and let you check out different models, but their time is valuable – especially when other customers are waiting.
This type of shopper often pairs their browsing with an attitude of, “I’ll just buy it online later for less.” That’s fine, but if you’re using a store as your personal showroom while never intending to spend money there, you’re taking advantage of their expertise and resources without giving anything back.
The Guy Who Shoots Like an Idiot but Teaches Like an Expert

There’s nothing wrong with being a beginner. Everyone has to start somewhere. The problem comes when someone who barely knows what they’re doing starts giving lessons like they’re an instructor. Whether at the range or in a gun shop, this type of shooter doles out unsolicited advice – often demonstrating poor fundamentals while doing so.
If someone is genuinely looking for help, it’s great to offer friendly guidance. But if you struggle to keep your own groups tight at 10 yards, maybe hold off on explaining recoil management to strangers.
The Loudmouth at the Range Who Thinks He’s in a War Movie

Shooting is an exhilarating experience, but some people take it way too far. We all know the type: the guy at the range who yells every time he pulls the trigger, makes exaggerated tactical movements while shooting, or treats a casual range day like a combat simulation.
Even worse is the person who gives a running commentary on their every shot. “Oh yeah, dead center. Another one! Boom! Perfect hit again!” It’s great to be enthusiastic, but there’s a fine line between enjoying yourself and being that guy everyone avoids.
The Guy Who Ignores Safety Rules but Acts Like a Pro

Safety is the single most important aspect of shooting, yet there are always a few people who think the rules don’t apply to them. Whether it’s poor trigger discipline, waving a gun around while talking, or failing to clear a firearm before handling it, this kind of shooter puts everyone around them at risk.
The worst part? They usually act as though they know better than everyone else. When corrected, they either brush it off or get defensive. No matter how skilled someone is, ignoring basic safety is a surefire way to lose credibility – and respect.
The Gear Snob Who Thinks His Setup Is the Only Good One

There’s nothing wrong with appreciating high-end firearms and accessories. But when someone starts looking down on others because they don’t have the latest red dot or the most expensive rifle, it becomes a problem.
The gear snob loves to scoff at budget-friendly firearms, mock factory triggers, and talk down to anyone who doesn’t run the same setup they do. The reality? Good shooting has far more to do with skill than gear. A $500 pistol in the hands of a trained shooter will outperform a $3,000 pistol in the hands of someone who doesn’t practice.
The Shooter Who Treats Newcomers Like They Don’t Belong

The shooting community should be welcoming. Everyone starts somewhere, and the more people who learn about firearm safety and responsible ownership, the better. But there’s always someone who acts like new shooters are an inconvenience or a joke.
Instead of helping or offering guidance, they roll their eyes, make snide comments, or act annoyed by someone asking questions. This type of behavior doesn’t just drive people away – it gives the entire community a bad reputation.
Be the Shooter People Want to Be Around

At the end of the day, being a great gun owner isn’t just about how well you shoot or how much you know. It’s about being respectful, open-minded, and welcoming to others in the community. Everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned veterans, has something to learn – and something to share.
The best shooters aren’t the ones who boast the loudest or correct the most people. They’re the ones who practice, stay humble, and help others without making them feel small. So whether you’re at a gun shop, a training course, or the range, don’t be the person people roll their eyes at. Be the shooter they respect.

Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.