[J Lambs]

I normally leave my CCW in the car when I go into the Gun shop. I guess I just thought of it as going to the Gun Show. Today I was talking to the clerk about my LCP while I was purchasing my new Kimber 9mm. He asked if I wanted a bag for it (it is in a not so nice part of town). I said, "No, no one should bother me between here and my car." He replied that, "Well, you have your LCP anyway." But I didn't. He said that they support CCW and encourage it in their shop. What is the norm?

BTW.. I have heard nothing but negative things about this store, but I called around and they had the lowest price. It was a wonderful experience and I was impressed with the transaction.

[KyJim]

I carry and the gun stores I frequent would expect me to do so. I do not pull it out. If I were looking for a holster, etc., I would unload it before going inside and then ask before pulling it out. I would then let the clerk verify it was unloaded.

[greenjeans]

Always. P3AT in summer and whatever I happen to be carrying in the winter.

[JustinL]

I have never carried in a gun store. I been to many in Virginia, Maryland and Florida and every single one had a sign stating no loaded weapons allowed. Some had policies allowing off-duty officers to carry provided they declared it. Some pawn shops that sell guns here, but are not dedicated gun stores, are a different story.

[Mainsail]

I carry openly every time I visit my local gun shops.

[Hawk]

The gun shops that I frequent encourage CC.

I believe it's the norm for the area but it's not like a go to a good many shops - there may well be some posting that I'm unaware of.

[JShirley]

Other states may vary, but in GA, merely posting "No Guns Allowed" does not make carry in the store illegal.

I would DEFINITELY ask before producing a concealed firearm in such an environment, and if you know you'll be shopping for an accessory or such, unload and open carry into store, if possible.

John

[Chuck Dye]

I cannot recall a gun store where any restriction went beyond "All guns must be holstered, cased, or unloaded and open."

I routinely carry concealed in gun stores but will either shop elsewhere or comply if I encounter restrictions, depending on the situation.

On the one occasion I unholstered, emptied, and locked open my 1911 to make a comparison in a gun store, no one batted an eye.

[Ltlabner]

I travel three states for work. There's a pretty large number of stores that don't allow any loaded weapons in the store, CCW or otherwise.

While I understand not wanting to have a yahoo walk in with a loaded weapon dangling on the end of their finger, I've never quite understood not allowing CCW inside a gunstore.

[Orange_Magnum]

I look for signs on the door. If none, I carry concealed.

[HuntAndFish]

Do you CCW in the Gun Shop?

Yes. But I don't unholster and unload at the counter. :)

[shadowalker]

Yes I carry, openly a lot of the time, I have good relationships with people in the places I go and like others have said they want people to carry.

I would not spend money in a shop that wouldn't "let" me carry.

[FieroCDSP]

That would be pretty asinine for a shop that makes money on guns to prohibit legal concealed carry. I think I'd be looking elsewhere to spend cash.
The sign at my local says something to the effect of "Concealed guns should remain holstered and concealed, and all other guns (presumably returns, sizing, and range-time guns) must be empty and cased, and checked at the desk.
I've carried there a few times.

[mewachee]

I look for signs, but rarely see one. I have never been asked to leave anywhere, yet. I would comply, unless the person asking me to leave was unlawfully asking. In my state, local municipalities must follow state law, of course private property is a different thing all together.

I did however look at a holster for the gun I was carrying, as an after thought, and I stated that my revolver was loaded; she asked me to unload it at my car. I felt like this was just a common sense policy, just as they don't allow you to load in a store as well.

[03Shadowbob]

Always. State law supercedes any company signs IMO.

[poet]

In my neck of the woods, unless there is a sign that specifically states that carrying concealed is not allowed, I carry everywhere I legally can.

[TAB]

While I understand not wanting to have a yahoo walk in with a loaded weapon dangling on the end of their finger, I've never quite understood not allowing CCW inside a gunstore.



half of any population is below average IQ. Having worked in a ffl I have seen some people do some really, really dumb stuff.

[Jimmie]

I quit going to a gunstore in my hometown because they banned CCW. I go to one now where the policy is: "If it's concealed, we don't want to see it. If you need to expose it, go back outside, unload it, and walk in with the slide/cylinder open." That policy seemed much more mature than simply "NO CCW."

[Tribal]

In all the gun shops I've been to in Virginia, I've only seen two where carry wasn't allowed: a police supply store in Hampton* and Dominion Shooting Range in Richmond. A few more explicitly state that all guns must be cased, holstered, or have their action open, but I think that's pretty much what I'd call "reasonable regulation of firearms."

*This one didn't ban it outright, but they had a sign saying that you needed to ask first.

[mewachee]

Always. State law supercedes any company signs IMO.

However, an occupant of private property may enforce a policy that abides by discrimination laws. Failure to comply with written policy usually warrants a request to leave the premises; failure to comply with that request warrants a ticket for trespass.

[freakshow10mm]

I carry both openly and concealed and the owner has no problems with it at all.

[vanilla_gorilla]

I carry in any place not forbidden by state or federal law. In Florida, that "No concealed weapons" sign carries as much legal weight as my desire to be a porn star.

[Fat Boy]

The gun shops that I frequent encourage CC.

I believe it's the norm for the area but it's not like a go to a good many shops - there may well be some posting that I'm unaware of.

+1

[-v-]

vanilla_gorilla: LOL! True that here in Tennessee too.

I ccw everywhere. One of my favorite shops here has a policy of if its loaded, keep it in the holster, which I think is a prudent precaution against a negligent discharge. Otherwise, I've yet to see a store that explicitly prohibited CCW.

[PaulBk]

The gun shops that I frequent encourage CC.

Same around here. The local gun shop guys are pretty much the only people who have actually seen my CPL.

-Paul

[19-3Ben]

I do. One of my two gunshops has a sign that says "No Loaded Firearms Please." Out of respect to them, when I walk in I inform that that I am CCWing and ask them what to do since I don't want to leave the gun in the car. They usually just either tell me to keep CCWing and thank me for informing them (rather than try to get away with it), or they ask me to unload while in the store, and then reload on the way out. So I'll end up carrying, but an empty gun.

[Big45]

Everywhere.

[riceboy72]

The shops I frequent in the greater Puget Sound area have no issues with carrying while in their store, so long as the pistol is holstered and you act responsibly. Many have signs posted at the front door reinforcing such.

I, too, ask before I try holsters. If I am doing holster shopping exclusively, I will carry another pistol and bring in the gun I want fitted in a case, unloaded, and show it to them in said condition. I've never had a problem, and I've been thanked for being so diligent and courteous.

[SAG0282]

Absolutely I do.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

ive said it before and ill say it again, my CPL gones on in the moring with my pants and doesn't come off till they do at night. the ONLY otehr time i don't carry is when it is illegal for me to do so, ie gun shows, and federal buildings.

[Bennett Prescott]

If my gun shop didn't encourage OC and CC, it wouldn't be my gun shop.

I don't understand the mentality of people who voluntarily disarm themselves to avoid... offense? I'm not sure.

[TAB]

If my gun shop didn't encourage OC and CC, it wouldn't be my gun shop.

I don't understand the mentality of people who voluntarily disarm themselves to avoid... offense? I'm not sure.


have you ever worked in a FFL?

I have, trust me thier are alot of idiots out there. I've seen so many violations of basic safety rules working there is not even funny.

I kid you not, 1 out of every 5 or 6 rifles that came into to be scope mounted were loaded or had rounds in the mag. I saw CCs have thier guns fall out of thier pockets, was swept by more times then I can count, I think you get the idea.

So I understand all to well why a store owner would want people they don't know with loaded weapons.

[DWARREN123]

I carry everywhere I can. A gun shop that does not allow CCW is not supporting their customers in my opinion. The no loaded firearms sign in my experience is for guns to be traded or worked on.

[Cosmoline]

Maybe it's a cultural thing. I've only seen one shop that has a no ccw sign and they're a bunch of jerks who will never get my business. Leaving iron in your car in front of a gun store seems like an open invitation to theft.

[Cosmoline]

I have, trust me thier are alot of idiots out there. I've seen so many violations of basic safety rules working there is not even funny.

But isn't that the same logic the antis use? Because some people are idiots, everyone must lose their right to carry.

[TAB]

But isn't that the same logic the antis use? Because some people are idiots, everyone must lose their right to carry

not really, but it is a good reason to require training to get a CCW.

[SCGirl]

I noticed at my gun shop/range, all the sales guy openly have their carries displayed! I was surprised..thought it was supposed to be concealed...maybe they have different rules...?

[Chuck Dye]

SCGirl,

On private property the rules are largely established by the house. Ask them and those employees who carry in public likely add a cover garment, perhaps even change holsters, even weapons, before leaving the haven of private property.

[Standing Wolf]

I don't ever do business with anti-Second Amendment bigots.

[TAB]

I don't ever do business with anti-Second Amendment bigots.


don't ever do biz with people that make comments about something they have no idea about.

[mewachee]

Holy chill out.

I we tall did!

[Treo]

Usually the only gun shop I go to, the first time I carried I asked the owner what his policy was, he looked at my like I was out of my mind & said " I couldn't care less, if you unholster in the store an employee MUST clear your weapon."

I personally agree W/ the idea of not carrying the gun I intend to holster shop for in a gunstore. I bring that one in in a case.

[bob2c]

I am allways suprised when I see a sign stating no loaded weapons. But I sort of understand the owners / employees wanting controll of a bad situation should it occur.

I simply unload in the car but keep the gun on me. The reason is I know of some places that have this poicy and theives will occasionally lurk and note who is hiding a gun in their car and when the folks go into the store wammo- free gun. Not everyone has a safe in the car.

I also know of a few gunstores that have loads of weapon, are close to the highway and one or two employees at closing... perfect senario for a robbery. And that would be a bloodbath that I would not want to be unarmed for.

[spiroxlii]

The gun shop I frequent has a "No loaded weapons" sign. I asked once if that applied to permit holders or if it was posted mainly for people who were just bringing in weapons to fire on the range. The answer I got was "You can carry your holstered pistol in here if you unload it outside first."

The guy said it very slowly and maintained eye a sort of conspiratorial eye contact with me the whole time. It occurred to me a moment later that he never told me I'd have to let an employee clear my weapon, so they'd have no way of knowing if that pistol riding in my holster was loaded or not. He couldn't outright tell me to carry loaded, but he told me to wear and carry the pistol in a state where only I would know whether it was loaded or not. I'm a regular there, and I often bring new shooters in to teach them basic safety rules and let them get addicted to shooting.

I get the feeling that they made up their policy because so many huge idiots come into the shop every day and commit countless safety violations. I don't even work there, but I shop there often enough to see the ignorant shoppers sweeping people with handguns or shouldering long guns and pointing them at an area that might be empty at that very moment but where people often walk through.

[wuchak]

Yup. The unloaded sign at the door is for weapons you will be handling while in the store. Here in KS there is only one approved sign that applies to permit holders. I do the same as others if I am looking for accessories for my CCW and unload before entering. One store I frequent has a firing range so if you get inside and decide you want to check something for you CCW you can step back to the range and unload with the gun pointed safely down range.

I also go to Cabela's frequently and their sign says that all guns must be unloaded and checked in at the front counter and underneath it is says this does not apply to concealed carry weapons.

[Eleven Mike]

State law supercedes any company signs IMO.


Your opinion is wrong. A proprietor does not need a law to keep you from carrying in his store. He has a right to control what goes on in his place of business. Our second amendment rights do not allow us to violate the property rights of others.

[TAB]

Your opinion is wrong. A proprietor does not need a law to keep you from carrying in his store. He has a right to control what goes on in his place of business. Our second amendment rights do not allow us to violate the property rights of others.


ding, ding, ding we have a winner.

[spiroxlii]

Eleven, I don't think he was saying that we're free to trample on property rights. I just think he meant that the signs themselves don't carry legal weight. Here in Georgia, the signs don't mean anything legally. If an owner or manager asks me to leave for ANY reason, though (even if it's because I'm legally carrying a gun in his or her store), I must leave or I will be guilty of criminal trespass. I can't say, "Nuh-uh! Your sign doesn't mean anything because the law says this place isn't off limits!"

The law may not make the corner store off limits. The sign at the corner store may not be able to change the fact that it's legal for me to carry there. But if the owner/operator wants me out of the store because of my gun (or any other reason), then it doesn't matter if it's legal for me to carry there, because it would be illegal for me to continue to BE there at all.

[mewachee]

I was just thinking about this and the "idiots" that are being talked about. Also, when people talk about mandatory training for ccw, it just sounds to me like everyone wants the training to happen somewhere else.

I think the first place to demonstrate proper gun etiquette and safety is the shop. I am just as alert when someone holds an unloaded gun, as I am when they are holding a loaded gun. I don't know how many times I have been in a shop, and the salesman checks if the gun is unloaded, then proceeds to point it at me, or someone else in the shop.

Every shop should safety protocol signs (such as, "Loaded or unloaded firearms should be pointed in a safe direction, AT ALL TIMES."), and should talk the costumer through the steps they themselves are walking through: "This weapon is clear," "I am pointing this in a safe direction," ect. It seems elementary, and it really is, but many don't know the fundamentals. This teaches each costumer what the shop expects.

Whether we are carrying C.C.W. or O.C., we have no business removing a loaded and holstered gun, unless we intend to use it in the state it is in. If this is "common sense," then there is no need for any prohibitions.

I would hope that you would show me the same consideration in my home.

[TAB]

Eleven, I don't think he was saying that we're free to trample on property rights. I just think he meant that the signs themselves don't carry legal weight. Here in Georgia, the signs don't mean anything legally. If an owner or manager asks me to leave for ANY reason, though (even if it's because I'm legally carrying a gun in his or her store), I must leave or I will be guilty of criminal trespass. I can't say, "Nuh-uh! Your sign doesn't mean anything because the law says this place isn't off limits!"

The law may not make the corner store off limits. The sign at the corner store may not be able to change the fact that it's legal for me to carry there. But if the owner/operator wants me out of the store because of my gun (or any other reason), then it doesn't matter if it's legal for me to carry there, because it would be illegal for me to continue to BE there at all.



So disrespecting the properity owners wishs, even if it legal to do so is ok with you?

This is one of the things that really pisses me off about the gun commuinty. We are all about rights, yet we no prob with violating some one elses rights in the process.

[Eleven Mike]

spiroxlii, I guess you might be right. Still, it is worth pointing out the problem with his claim that state laws supersede the wishes of the "company."

[Linda]

I don't disarm to go to any other store, so why would I feel compelled to disarm myself going in to a gun store? That makes zero sense to me! I've never gone to a department store and thought "wow, I should whip out my gun and wave it around". And the same goes for me at the gun store.

[Treo]

QUOTE : " This is one of the things that really pisses me off about the gun commuinty. We are all about rights, "

One of the things that pisses me off about, not neccessarily the gun community but certainly the the THR community is when they DON'T ACTUALLY READ A POST, that essentially agrees W/ their position ( like say for instance a post about how we need to respect the rights of property owners to phrohibit guns on their property) , and proceed to go ballistic on them for posting it.

COULD WE PA-LEEZ ACTUALLY READ THE POST WE ARE REPLYING TO?

[gcrookston]

usually I do. Never have given it much thought.

[Double Naught Spy]

We had a gun shop in Denton, Texas that didn't allow concealed carry. It went out of business very quickly.

As for the original question about whether people conceal carry in gun shops, I figure a gun shop is no different than ANY other carry situation.

[AirForceShooter]

The 2 shops I go to ask you to unload before entering. But carry is fine. The rule makes sense to me so I abide by it.

AFS

[mewachee]

unloading is disarming, makes no sense for them to ask. The bank doesn't ask me to leave my money in the car. The mall doesn't ask me to leave my clothes at the door (good thing). The car dealer doesn't support public transportation only.

Yes, there is a difference here in potential danger, but I would rather think of a gun shop as a tool shop and they don't have signs that say, "Please don't plug your tools in the store.

[mewachee]

One more thought, I do feel there is a difference between a gun shop and others, not sure why other than for the hypocritical part. With that said, I think if someone decides not to see a disarm sign and they are confronted, maybe they should say something like this: (Potential customer) Oh, I thought is was a joke. (Salesman) No sir, it is not. (Not a potential customer anymore) Okay, you will never have a problem with me, because I will never enter these doors again.

Here is another appropriate sign, "An armed firearm should stay holstered on these premises." There you have it, no ambiguity. I mean what I say and I say clearly what I mean.

[spiroxlii]

So disrespecting the properity owners wishs, even if it legal to do so is ok with you?

This is one of the things that really pisses me off about the gun commuinty. We are all about rights, yet we no prob with violating some one elses rights in the process.
One of the things that pisses me off about, not neccessarily the gun community but certainly the the THR community is when they DON'T ACTUALLY READ A POST, that essentially agrees W/ their position ( like say for instance a post about how we need to respect the rights of property owners to phrohibit guns on their property) , and proceed to go ballistic on them for posting it.

COULD WE PA-LEEZ ACTUALLY READ THE POST WE ARE REPLYING TO?

TAB, as treo pointed out in his post above, I was not saying we could trample on property rights. If you read my post, I was actually agreeing with your position that property rights trump my right to carry "wherever I want."

I was basically saying that if it's legal to carry in a given location, then in many states (Georgia included) a sign saying "no guns here" doesn't actually make it illegal to carry a weapon there; HOWEVER, the property owner is still within his legal rights to ask you to leave for any reason, even if that reason is that you're in legal possession of a firearm on the property.

If you refuse to leave (at least in Georgia), the crime you're charged with isn't illegal possession of a firearm or anything like that. The charge is criminal trespassing. Basically, your legal right to carry a weapon on that property becomes a moot point, because it becomes illegal for you to even be there at all if the property owner wants you off the property. The fact that it's legal to carry at location "A" is irrelevant if you can't legally be in location "A" due to the owner's wishes.

In that way, property rights do trump the right to carry "wherever we please." I think that's fair and appropriate. If you own a piece of property, you SHOULD be able to decide what you do and don't want happening there.

[MICHAEL T]

Always !!
If I can't Then my money goes else where.

[rse2]

The new Gander Mountain in Palm Beach Gardens likes our business. They have a posted no loaded firearms policy that specifically exempts CCW license holders. As far as I can tell Gander Mtn. is currently the only firearms dealer/shop in the area that doesn't have a problem with CCW.

I spoke with the manager and made a point to thank him and the owner for recognizing and respecting us and informed him that they would have ALL my future Florida firearms business. I also told him that I was not the only one that felt strongly about this.
He thanked me profusely and said he would be sure to tell the owner.

Gander seems very pro-gun. It is my understanding that Palm Beach Gardens wanted the new store very badly but tried to prohibit firearms sales. Gander threatened to pull the pin on the whole deal and obviously PBG relented.

I've heard all the excuses from all the other dealers; safety, stupid customers, insurance liability, corporate lawyers etc... None of these holds water with me. You either respect your customers and pay attention to them or you lose my business and should lose everyone else's. Maybe sell mattresses and pillows instead.

[Huddog]

Yes.

[Triphammer]

Around S. Az, before CCW all the gunstores had a sign "please unload firearms & open cylinder/ slide" or something to that effect. Most if not all of those signs have disappeared. Most shops don't have any sign but one I've seen states " All loaded firearms to remain holstered". Makes sense. If you want your sidearm out while in the store for any reason, unload before entering.

[JeepGeek]

Eleven, I don't think he was saying that we're free to trample on property rights. I just think he meant that the signs themselves don't carry legal weight. Here in Georgia, the signs don't mean anything legally. If an owner or manager asks me to leave for ANY reason, though (even if it's because I'm legally carrying a gun in his or her store), I must leave or I will be guilty of criminal trespass. I can't say, "Nuh-uh! Your sign doesn't mean anything because the law says this place isn't off limits!"

The law may not make the corner store off limits. The sign at the corner store may not be able to change the fact that it's legal for me to carry there. But if the owner/operator wants me out of the store because of my gun (or any other reason), then it doesn't matter if it's legal for me to carry there, because it would be illegal for me to continue to BE there at all.


So disrespecting the properity owners wishs, even if it legal to do so is ok with you?

This is one of the things that really pisses me off about the gun commuinty. We are all about rights, yet we no prob with violating some one elses rights in the process.

I believe you have managed to draw a conclusion exactly opposite to what the gent was saying...

[CSA 357]

There Is A Shop Here In Cullman That Has A (no Loaded Guns Sign) I Dont Shop There Any More, I Have A Permit , I Will Spend My $ Some Where Else! Hes A Real A$$ Hole Too!

[mewachee]

I've heard all the excuses from all the other dealers; safety, stupid customers, insurance liability, corporate lawyers etc... None of these holds water with me. You either respect your customers and pay attention to them or you lose my business and should lose everyone else's. Maybe sell mattresses and pillows instead.

+1

[Ala Dan]

Yep, I sometimes CCW in our gunshop; but most of the time, I
open carry~! ;) But then again, I work there; so its permissable~! :D

[Rmart30]

Most here in Alabama say no loaded guns permitted inside..

[wristtwister]

It kind of depends on which gun shop I'm going to visit. The one close to my house wouldn't care if I came in with full tactical gear on. The one across town gets a tight ass every time I walk in the place, even though they have no signs up prohibiting concealed carry. I've bought plenty of guns from both places, but the local guys are the more "CC-friendly".

As an ex-cop, I like all kinds of gun toys... tactical gear, etc. and while I don't buy a lot of it, I spend quite a bit of money on shooting and firearms... so whoever doesn't want my money... all they have to do is tell me to leave my gun in the car, and I will... along with the rest of me, as I drive back to a friendlier place... 'cause I'm probably wearing one I bought from them.

WT

[Big Boomer]

Always carry concealed in the gun stores. They have trained eye's for the most part. They pretty much know who is and who is not carrying.

When I walk into them I usually spot about 50-60% of the patron carrying. That small "bulge" on the 3-4 O'clock area :cool:

You can usually figure out the spare mags and even IWB or OWB and usually by the print of the grip if it's an auto or revolver. You just have to watch them long enough.

[Ltlabner]

It kind of depends on which gun shop I'm going to visit. The one close to my house wouldn't care if I came in with full tactical gear on. The one across town gets a tight ass every time I walk in the place, even though they have no signs up prohibiting concealed carry. I've bought plenty of guns from both places, but the local guys are the more "CC-friendly".

Wristtwister....the cc-friendly shop wouldn't be One-Shot while the tight ass place is Target World, would it?

[wyocarp]

The stores that I frequent expect that I am carrying. One often ribs me about how many I might be carrying which is often more of a joke than the truth. If a gun shop is paranoid about guns, they should get in another line of work and I will find a different place to shop.

[jackstinson]

Yes, I carry in gun stores.
All of the ones I frequent allow concealed carry in their shops. Some have signs proclaiming that fact. They only ask that the gun be holstered.
Jack

[VHinch]

If I have pants on, I have a gun on as well, and my gun shop probably wouldn't allow to come in there anymore if I didn't wear pants, so I suppose that would be a yes. :neener:

[mewachee]

I think shop owners of questionable policies should be given the opportunity to receive this link or a print out of this conversation. Most of the people posting here seem to be responsible and respectable people. Yes, some of the views are different, but I think that it has more to do with the balance of politics on gun control locally.

Where I live, I kind of look for signs, but half heartedly. It is kind of like going to the grocery store, did I leave my wallet in the car or not, a question I don't think to ask. I bank outside and I don't spend much time in courthouses and federal buildings, so I don't think about it much.

[03Shadowbob]

Always. State law supercedes any company signs IMO.
I wrote the above and obviously need to explain it since a few of you don't see where I was coming from (that is understandable since my answer was short with no meat to it).
What I should have wrote is that yes I always carry in gun shops. Just like I carry anywhere that is not off-limits in the state statutes. Regardless of the sign, I will enter a place of business carrying. I have no respect for their sign as they have no respect for my God given and state approved right of self preservation and protection. If they find out I am carrying and ask me to leave I will do so as I do respect their wishes to no longer have me there. That sign is just a piece of paper with no legal or ethical bearing whereas the state statute is the opposite. Now they can have me arrested if I refuse to leave or come back after they asked me to leave but that they can not have me arrested for carrying a firearm legally.

[moooose102]

yes, I do, thank you for asking.

[Supertac45]

I carry into 3 different local ones.

[MinnMooney]

There isn't a gun shop or sporting goods store within a 100 mile radius that I haven't carried my sidearm into. I can't imagine a "Do Not Carry" sign on the door of a sporting goods store where they sell guns!!

[MinnMooney]

Regardless of the sign, I will enter a place of business carrying. I have no respect for their sign as they have no respect for my God given and state approved right of self preservation and protection. If they find out I am carrying and ask me to leave I will do so as I do respect their wishes to no longer have me there. That sign is just a piece of paper with no legal or ethical bearing whereas the state statute is the opposite. Now they can have me arrested if I refuse to leave or come back after they asked me to leave but that they can not have me arrested for carrying a firearm legally.

Very well written. I do believe that I'll borrow your philosophy from now on. I'll obey the state statutes and I'll leave if asked (in person) but the sign is extremely disrespectful of my rights.

[32 Magnum]

Here's the rub - I work part time in a gun shop. We're on a major highway between two high crime, high drug sale areas. I'm always on a high state of alert and I'm always armed. Every time the door opens I quickly scan who's coming in to assess risk. I've had people walk in wearing full motorcycle helmets with dark face shield - not a good idea. I've have a few folks walk in with long guns, uncased and held in ready positions - not a good idea. I had one guy approach the counter and suddenly pull his handgun from behind his back without saying a word - he damn near **** himself when he looked down the barrel of my .44 Special - all he wanted was some extra magazines. It's all about common sense and common courtesy folks. Put yourself on the other side of the counter - always ask if it OK to pull your gun or leave it outside and ask to bring it in - doesn't hurt and shows courtesy and concern. Leave it holstered, concealed, or in your car - ask and be polite - no harm no foul.

[Geno]

I carry 24/7 in every location in which it is legal. I do not go to any area (other than work) where CCW is not legal, including to attend church.

[mewachee]

32 Magnum, I respect your choice to carry in what you make sound like a very dangerous job, but it is equally as important for a customer to protect themselves. I wouldn't want to be totally responsible for a customer that I said couldn't carry, especially if I was the only one in the store whom I deemed okay to be armed. Therefore, I would be primarily responsible for the defense of my customers, in a place where there is more ammo and guns than any other kind of business.

With that said, I didn't hear you saying "no carry," but to keep loaded guns holstered.

[btg3]

Gunshops here encourage CC and emphasize keeping it concealed in their shop. They do not want to see any loaded weapons.

[esq_stu]

I always carry in gun shops. Some require that it remain concealed. One I know of does not allow personal weapons in the open unless the person is an LEO. If I want to try a holster, I normally use a display gun. If I need to see a 'smith, I bring it into the shop unloaded in a case and invite the clerk to open the case and check inspect the gun.

[dogngun]

They usually ask my what I'm carrying today, and I'd hate to let them down.

mark

[wristtwister]

LilAbner...
no, the CC friendly store is "Freedom Gun & Pawn", the TA's are "Trader's Gun shop" in Taylors... and it's surprising. They all "open carry" in the store, so one more gun in there isn't going to make much difference in either place, and they have enough people working that they wouldn't have any chance of an "incident" occuring with just one employee. They have a bell on the front door at both places, so nobody is going to sneak up on them... it's just paranoia +.

I needed a clip for a new Sig I had bought and asked the guy at the counter if I could step in the back hallway and fit the clip into my gun to check if it fit properly. I thought he was going to stroke out, and he asked me "Do you have anything in the chamber?"

I asked him "What's that got to do with the clip fitting the pistol?" He never answered me, he just told me to "uncover" my weapon and disengage the clip leaving the gun in its holster (which was cumbersome as hell, I might add. Catching a clip across your body is tough), but they just seem overly paranoid for people who deal with guns every day.

I guess it's okay to violate the state concealed carry law by revealing your firearm in public, but it's too dangerous to stick an empty clip into a firearm in a private hallway out of public view. Go figure that one out and get back to me...:what:

WT

[hceptj]

I've never seen a shop that prohibited CC in my area.

[btg3]

he asked me "Do you have anything in the chamber?"

I asked him "What's that got to do with the clip fitting the pistol?"


You didn't state whether your CW was loaded or not, but if everyone who needed a clip wanted to test-fit on a loaded firearm, I would not want to be around.

[Gun Geek]

I wrote the above and obviously need to explain it since a few of you don't see where I was coming from (that is understandable since my answer was short with no meat to it).
What I should have wrote is that yes I always carry in gun shops. Just like I carry anywhere that is not off-limits in the state statutes. Regardless of the sign, I will enter a place of business carrying. I have no respect for their sign as they have no respect for my God given and state approved right of self preservation and protection. If they find out I am carrying and ask me to leave I will do so as I do respect their wishes to no longer have me there. That sign is just a piece of paper with no legal or ethical bearing whereas the state statute is the opposite. Now they can have me arrested if I refuse to leave or come back after they asked me to leave but that they can not have me arrested for carrying a firearm legally.

+1

I completely agree with you. I carry all the time, even at work. The only places I do not carry are those that are prohibited by law. Any store with a no gun sign out front is a store I obviously dont want to be in.

Wal-mart does not have a sign out front, yet they stopped me one day because something was sticking out under my shirt a little bit. (First it is perfectly legal to carry open if you have a permit in my state. so CCW doesnt matter, they strongly recommend you conceal ) The manager came up to me and asked me if I was armed. I replied with "why?". Not being rude or anything I just try not to inform anyone that I actually am. He said "Sir if you are armed I will have to ask you to leave this store." I asked him where his sign was posted and why I would have to leave.. blah blah. To make a long story short after I told him I would take my money else where to shop from now on and be sure to let the public know that the local wal-mart is anti-gun, he decided I could stay. I never raised my voice I never got angry but never had a problem in wally world since.

[mljdeckard]

All of the gun stores I frequent in Utah are fully supportive of open or concealed carry.

Any gun store employee who is fitting a magazine should not be asking you if it is loaded, because all guns are always loaded. You should have cleared it when you handed it to him, and he should have checked it again. No reason for anyone to ask any questions.

[Geronimo45]

Yes. Chupacabras can attack anywhere at any time. :p

[RONSTAR]

I don't I figure if any thing happens the clerks will for sure have me covered if I do bring a firearm inside for accesories holster etc... I put it in a case unloaded and carry it in that way

[03Shadowbob]

I don't I figure if any thing happens the clerks will for sure have me covered

You are affording them way too much credit. Do not think for a second they will be worried about you as they will be thinking about self preservation, which is exactly what you should be thinking.

[simpleguy]

The only place I don't carry is where not legal, in Oregon this means Sheriff's departments and Courthouses for the most part.

[papajohn]

The clerks in the stores I frequent all know I'm packing, and consider me free security while I'm there. If someone comes in to rob the place while I'm there, I will defend myself, and them, without reservation. Some of them carry, some do not. The more guns in the hands of the good guys, the better for all concerned.

PJ

[wristtwister]

btg3...
Safe handling of firearms doesn't mean "loaded or unloaded"... it means "safely handling the weapon". Simply having one in the chamber doesn't mean its being handled or manipulated unsafely.

I don't usually buy guns that don't have decockers on them, and if I do, then I carry them without anything in the chamber. Those with decockers have a pin block that prevents misfires unless they're broken... nothing to do with "loaded or unloaded".

If I had a gun that would fire by simply inserting a clip into it, I'd have it back in the gun shop that day... and I'd keep my booger hook off the bang switch while handling it... or any other gun while examining it or working with it in a personnel area. I can't imagine a scenario where I'd be pointing a gun AT anyone while checking a clip insertion... it would be pointed at the floor.

I don't point guns anywhere but down, downrange, or at whatever I'm planning to shoot... regardless of "loaded or unloaded"... and keep my finger out of the trigger well until I'm ready to shoot.

WT

[btg3]

Well of course I'm quite comfortable if it's just you handling a loading firearm behind my back. It all the other customers that worry me, doncha know. :rolleyes:

[camsdaddy]

I was walking into a pawn shop awhile back andnotice a no loaded weapons sign . I figured this meant no loaded weapons as if you were coming to pawn them or have them look at them. I asked the guy behind the counter and he said no we dont want our customers coming in here with loaded guns of any kind. I told him thought it was dumb but they have that right and I have the right to leave and I did with my loaded gun and my loaded wallet.

[32 Magnum]

Let me clarify my statements above:
We do NOT discourage CCW in our shop.
We do encourage CCW and sell lots of handguns specifically for that purpose.
There are "regulars" that are always armed, who come in on a frequent basis.
Strangers are certainly welcome - I, and the other couple guys who work at the shop - do not like to be surprised by strangers pulling a handgun without first asking if it's okay (majority do) or let me know they're about to do so - this is only COMMON COURTESY. When this situation arises, it is pretty easy to assess the skill and safety cognizance level of the person, just by how he handles and where he points his gun. I've had some real amatures, point at me and I've asked them to make sure their gun was unloaded and not pointed at me - some people just don't get it - CCW does not mean the carrier is proficiently trained nor smart enough to be safe.
I've had several occurances where regulars were in the shop, when groups of gangbanger-types (they never seem to come in alone, always in threes or fours) have come in to the shop and I was always glad to have the back-up presence of the CCW regulars - had one of these happen last Monday - two regulars stuck around until the gangbangers left - they didn't have valid IDs.

All I'm trying to get across, here, is that gun shops are high profile targets for the miscreants - all that is asked, in most places, is that YOU the customer act responsibly, respectfully and safely - not too much to ask for and should be common sense.

[phoglund]

I walked into a local sporting goods store/gun shop just last weekend carrying a Kahr CW9 IWB but with the shirt tucked in showing the grip and back of the slide. The shop has a sign stating no loaded firearms but I decided they meant folks coming in with loaded guns in their hands looking for ammo/accessories/repair and not weapons holstered and carried for personal protection. An employee obviously noticed I was carrying but said nothing.

Around here I think most stores are thinking safety not gun rights. Like it or not, there are a lot of yahoos around that pull out the old boom stick once a year for hunting etc. and know nothing about muzzle control or trigger discipline, not to mention checking the chamber. They just want to keep their walls, employees, and customers free of unnecessary holes.

[32 Magnum]

Another couple points:
Our shop is located in the Lehigh Valley of PA, on the Rt 222 Corridor between NJ and Lancaster, PA - which was recognized by the US Justice Dept., several years ago, as needing Federal Grants to the various local and State Police agencies to help supress the crime and drug trafficing along this route. Over half of the gunshops in our area have either been burglarized after hours (our shop was hit about 2.5 years ago, when a truck was backed through the front wall and the handgun cases cleaned out) or robbed during business hours. The most recent robbery happened early this year, when the 70+ year old proprietor of a shop outside of Easton was nearly beaten to death during a daylight robbery, by four assailants. NONE of the robbers or burglars have been apprehended and all the other dealers that I know, are very apprehensive about their safety - most keep several loaded firearms, including shotguns on their person and behind the counter or in the back rooms for personal safety. GUNS equal money to the organized gangs that operate in this area. My home was burglarized 5 years ago, armed home invasion - I wasn't home, but my youngest daughter was and she and two friends were terrorized for 2 hours, thank God none of them were hurt - and 31 hand guns were stolen from me. Depending on the crime level in your area, the dealers and employees in their shops have a right to be cautious - the right of self protection and self PRESERVATION extends to them also.

[mewachee]

Somebody else will be carrying everywhere you go, hopefully. To begin with, if a thief were going to steal guns from a shop, the first person they would go for would be the clerk. Also, this is the same mentality that says call 911.

"911." "There killing everyone." "Sir, who..." blah, blah, blah. I ask the wife of a friend, who doesn't approve of my wife's CCW, "What would you do if a man was coming through the window?" Her response, "Call 911." Yeah, they will be their as soon as they can.

You are your primary defense. I believe person who realizes that, should also make the decision to protect others, but you can count them to do that.

[Janitor]

Yup. I ccw in every type of store.

If they've posted that they don't allow guns, I don't shop there.

[machinisttx]

I carry anywhere it's legal to do so.

Disarming when not required to do so makes me scratch my head wondering why....

[zoom6zoom]

I OC in all the shops I frequent. On one visit I left it in the car and the owner told me to "go back out and get it!"

One of the shops in Lynchburg has no problem with customers carrying but doesn't let their employees carry. Still shaking my head over that one.

[BlindJustice]

Yes, and if they want to see my modd'd 1911 they are asked to please catch the round I'm going to get out of the gun by racking the slide after
removing the loaded mag. It's only the younger hired help who are a bit spooked not the owner as I' usually stop by to buy a box of ammo on a
semi-regular basis to support the small businessman. I wouldn't bring up the subject in a Wally WOrld or other large chain store

R-

[RustyShackelford]

I've lived and worked in about 3 states and in all 3 I have never seen a shop or range that would allow CC or even open carry of loaded weapons, :uhoh:.

Large signs and warnings are posted all over. I would think a few places were less concerned about safety/insurance issues but most had rules against it...

RS

[Matt-J2]

I dunno if it's still there, but the local Gander Mountain had the sign saying more or less; 'no loaded weapons, does not apply to ccw holders.'

I suppose that's just standard door decor for Gander.(see location at left)

[CajunBass]

Concealed and open carry. Why wouldn't I?

I've never seen a sign on any gun store I've ever been in that didn't say something along the lines of "CHP holders excepted" on their "no loaded guns" signs if they have anything posted. When open carrying I've never been asked if I have a CHP either. For one, open carry is legal. For two, just about every gun store around knows me on sight.

They just see $$ when I walk in. Maybe not many, but at least a few.

[SCKimberFan]

I CC to every gun store I visit in SC. In NC, there are a couple that have a no loaded weapons sign posted - I just don't understand - they want you to buy a gun there, but don't want you to bring it back in when you are shopping. One does allow permit holders to carry - the other makes no exceptions.

No exceptions here either - the one that doesn't allow cc doesn't get any of my $$$.

[btg3]

there are a couple that have a no loaded weapons sign posted - I just don't understand - they want you to buy a gun there, but don't want you to bring it back in when you are shopping.
Well if they sold it to you loaded, they might feel differently about it. :D

[GBExpat]

Do you CCW in the Gun Shop?

Of course.