This question can be viewed in a couple ways, imo. I'm similar to you in that I don't carry, although I do own and have shot, but still need more practice. Except the shotgun, lol !

In one way it's like asking how much things cost. That's "technically" poor taste. But, some ppl don't care. (Went to a delivery at a clients vacant rental and they were there to oversee installation. We chatted and they mentioned cattle farming. Impulsively(?), I asked how many head. The client curtly bit my head off and gave some metaphor of how "low class" of a question it was. Whatever, I didn't know!)

Then, there's folks that are enthusiastic about the hobby, sport, and self reliance aspects, that enjoy sharing their knowledge. As a cashier, a multiple repeat customer would be ok to me, but not necessarily "one off" ones. It's subjective too about your own personality within these interactions.

Imo. Hope that makes sense.