unload your gun before going into a gunshow?

[USMC 1975]

I believe that many forget that insurance companies can mandate a great deal under their coverage for any public event.

It can range from no alcohol being served to firearms to a host of other requirements. I have seen some crazy demands by insurance companies.

I will rarely fault the people holding a public event for any outlandish requirements knowing full well that the insurance company providing liability coverage is probably the driver behind those requirements.

Chris

 

[LiquidTension]

If I bring a gun to sell, sure I let them zip tie the action. My carry gun just stays on my person. There's no reason for anybody else to know its there, and I'm not fool enough to pull it out for any reason except a life-threatening emergency.

Then again, the deputies at the show can't require me to go unarmed anyway.

 

[Kurt S.]

Every gun show I've been to here in Texas since CCW was legalized has been posted with a big 30.06 sign. For you non Texans, that's the official no-CCW sign that has some legal teeth behind it. 30.06 is the section in the Texas Code that governs no-CCW and signage thereof.

Still, I think it was last year I was downtown at a show where some nimrod had an ND with a Glock, shot his thumb off or something.

They let you carry a zip-tied gun into the shows, most times they even have the zip ties at the door.

 

[romma]

It is against the law in CT to carry concealed if the show posts... There are cops there and I would rather follow the laws there.

I unloaded at the one I went to and they zip locked my gun, no problems, they were really cool about it.

Note: That doesn't mean I wanted to unload, but they were not jerks either...

 

[sacp81170a]

I figured it's the insurance company for the facility saying "NO WAY we want thousands of guys test fitting holsters with loaded guns and so many people around", but who knows.

That's exactly why they do it. Ever since there was an ND last year at the Holiday Inn Convention Center here where they hold gunshows, the promoter has been required to have an LEO as armed security at the show. In Arkansas, if you're carrying and an LEO asks to see your permit and weapon, you must show it, at which point the promoter tells you his requirements(no ammo, weapons zip tied). It's also posted outside the show, so it's actually a triple whammy. And, yes, we all suffer because some idiot got stupid with a boomstick. Insurance companies suck, but it's real simple: comply or don't have the show. Rant and rave all you want, but take your pick: show or no show.

 

[Werewolf]

The gun show folks have the same right as any other business to ask whether or not you're carrying on the premises,

Not in OK and not unless they're commissioned LEO's. Revealing that information to a non-LEO in OK is the same as open carry which is a big no-no. You'd be breaking the law by answering in the affirmative if you were by revealing your weapon. You'd be lying if you said no and were.

The best answer is one I learned in the military. I can neither confirm nor deny...

The 2nd amendment bigots running the gun show can take it from there.

 

[sacp81170a]

The 2nd amendment bigots running the gun show can take it from there.

That would generally be the insurance company covering the show. The guys who run the shows around here are great people, strong 2A supporters, but they just can't afford to run one without liability insurance that covers people tripping and getting hurt as well as ND's. Try running a show without liability insurance sometime and tell us how it works out.

 

[fearless leader]

I have never been to a gunshow that allowed loaded firearms in the hands of the public.

That being said, there was a show, I believe it was in Harrisonburg, VA, when a bulb overhead popped and you've never seen so many shirts pull up and jackets fly open! All of the people that weren't carrying were pulling out guns out of the woodwork for an instant!

 

[Huddog]

In GA a gunshow is considered a public gathering. To carry concealed at one is a violation of OCGA 16-11-127 and will subject one to arrest and prosecution.

 

[Werewolf]

Try running a show without liability insurance sometime and tell us how it works out.

There are 4 or 5 different gun shows that hit Oklahoma City. There's usually one here every 6 weeks or so. Only one posts a no concealed weapons sign. If 4 of 5 gunshows don't post the entrance then I find it very difficult to believe that it is an issue of insurance.

I make it a point to go to the show that does post the entrance. I almost buy a ticket and then remember the sign at the entrance. I don't pay and tell 'em I just plain won't do business with 2nd amendment bigots and then leave. Not highroad but then I've never claimed to be a highroad kind'a guy. Gunnies ought to be ashamed posting the entrance to their show. They're not doin' the cause any good. If they're in it just for the bucks - more power to 'em. I support capitalism 100% - but they aren't gonna get one red cent from me.

The first time I went to that particular show (it was a year or so ago) I had my grand daughter (6yrs) along who enjoys going to gun shows with me. She asked me why we weren't going in. I explained to her right there in front of the 3 folks running the gate that the operators of that show just wanted our money and really didn't care about gun owners or their right to own guns (she pretty much understands RKBA - sharp for a 6yr old - even knows the 4 rules though she still has trouble getting them in order). The lady selling tickets turned all red and the two guys just turned around and walked away.

I took my grand daughter to the OKC Zoo that day. She allowed that that was just as good.

 

[sacp81170a]

If 4 of 5 gunshows don't post the entrance then I find it very difficult to believe that it is an issue of insurance.

Don't know about the ones in OKC, but the venue here requires liability insurance, the insuror requires the signs and LEO security. I may not be right about the situation in OKC, but you certainly aren't right that every gun show promoter who posts a sign is a 2nd amendment bigot. Live and learn. Maybe painting with a broad brush is not so good?

Question: If they're 2nd Amendment bigots, why would they be having the show in the first place? If you don't like their attitude, take your business elsewhere. It is a free country after all.

 

[Car Knocker]

I carry everywhere it is legal to, including gun shows.

 

[Valkman]

In Vegas it's not legal as it's posted but the one time I forgot to leave it in the car (was dropped off) there was no way I was going to unholster and unload it for the cop at the door. I just carried on in and didn't wprry about it and all was fine.

 

[gym]

My adcice is bring your own nylon ties, because these bozos they put at the door, will put the tie in such a way that if you don't have a cutting pliers in your car, your gun could get scratched trying to cut it off, if you brought one to sell. Plus they don't know how to operate the new auto's and may break somthing like a mag release or a saftey, I have seen this happen.

 

[jpsimms]

I carry a loaded gun openly at gun shows here, (oregon) as it is legal, but depending on which show it is they may ask you to unload and provide you with a ziptie. I had this happen, and the guys were pretty cool about it, except that they did not catch it at the door. there was no sign, just a guy "checking" who did not notice my 1911 in a tactical leg holster, but a vendor noticed and said I should zip tie it before they noticed. I did, no worries, but I left the ammo in the clips.

 

[Jim March]

Welll....I can think of one good reason for this.

A few people go to the gun show to shop for new holsters for their CCW piece, and end up checking the fit right there.

If said piece is loaded, and the holster isn't a familiar type, the odds of an AD/ND go up.

 

[bogie]

Guys, Knob Creek one of the most tightly regulated gun shows in the country.

And I've felt safer in very few other places.

People also do stupid things. It takes a few seconds, if you are really kinda slow-bus, to load your boomstick. It takes a millisecond to screw up -with- it loaded.

I've also witnessed an accidental discharge at a gun show. There are now NO gun shows in the largest venue in the St. Louis area.

 

[jrfoxx]

People also do stupid things. It takes a few seconds, if you are really kinda slow-bus, to load your boomstick. It takes a millisecond to screw up -with- it loaded.

I agree 100%. However, the statement is eqully true of ANYWHERE you carry a loaded gun, not just at a gun show. Do you carry your gun unloaded everywhere else, too? if not, why not?

It takes a few seconds, if you are really kinda slow-bus, to load your boomstick

so why not be just as extra safe everywhere else too, and always carry unloaded, and/or with it zip-tied?

why am I more safe, and in less need of a loaded gun at a gunshow, than say, my mailbox, or a crowded walmart at noon, or as the owner of a gun store, etc? I've never seen armed security or police at a gun show, personally, just like I havent at Wal-mart either, yet I havent heard anyone advocating its bad to carry a loaded, concealed gun in Walmart. Gun stores have been robbed, in broad daylight, with visibly armed workers and others inside, so why can't it happen at a gun show, especially, if the BG knows all the guns are unloaded and/or zip-tied?

Just food for thought....

 

[Picknlittle]

I figure I can play by their rules or choose to go home and pocket the $7 to $10.
I don't think it's wise to violate the protocol to make a point.

I think it's probably wise to unload at shows simply because there are all levels of gun experienced folks there. Some automatically check and verify (even known empty weapons), some don't have a clue.

It would take a complete moron to pull a gun and cause trouble at a gun show because there are many guns that can be loaded and charged in the time it would take to draw one. That'd be really stupid on many levels.

 

[Hokkmike]

Just went to a show in Virginia. The signs said absolutely no loaded firearms are permitted in the building. I assumed they were talking about the stuff at the show.

The sign as my Gander mt. says all firearms must be checked at customer service upon entering the store open in an unloaded condition, but that this did NOT apply to concealed carry weapons.

I have a friend who was an FBI agent who, upon entering my house, always placed his handgun on top of my fridge. When he left, he reholstered. I never asked him to do it, made any comments, or really paid much attention to it.

 

[Treo]

My concern isn't so much getting in but once in , if I am found W/ a gun that I just told them I don't have, how do I prove that the gun is really mine?

The show here in the Springs does have armed security & signs but no metal detectors.

Bottom line I think carrying in a gunshow causes more problems than it solves.

 

[X-Rap]

I'm betting that if 100 posted here saying that they feel their carry weapon doesn't apply, a fair amount would pull during the show for any of a number of reasons and take that times all the shows in the country and you will have plenty of ND's. This doesn't indict us all but but the few guilty will make us all suffer.
I agree that if the gun will actually never leave a holster or pocket there is no danger but we can't be certain of this and in a gun environment all accidents will be spotlighted.

 

[Nightwing]

I totally disagree with gun free zones. 100%!!!! But this is different. The dealers are usually armed, so if anything breaks out someone is very very close. Also, there are cops RIGHT THERE. you don't even have to call and wait for them to show up.. .they're all over the building.
I would still probably carry with my CCW, but I wouldn't worry too much in there. I still would rather defend myself than someone else, but the chances of anything happening at a gun show are slim to none, and there are TONS of armed folks withing arms reach of you at all time.
I dunno. Not a big deal. I don't like the putting it in the glove box idea either. You don't think there are criminals that scope out gun show parking lots? Same as the guys that rob trucks in home depot's parking lot in broad daylight.

 

[TexasRifleman]

The gun show folks have the same right as any other business to ask whether or not you're carrying on the premises, to expect an answer, and to expel you if so (or, should they choose, if you don't have a loaded gun, for that matter). I would expect that they zip-tie any unloaded firearms you bring in as well.

Actually in a lot of states they don't.

If they don't want you to carry concealed they can post signs, or they can verbally state that concealed carry is not allowed, but you are generally under NO obligation to reveal that you are carrying concealed unless you're dealing with law enforcement, and in some states not even then.

Even if there is a metal detector you don't have to reveal you are carrying. At that point they can verbally deny you entry and you must leave but you still don't have any duty to reveal you are carrying concealed.

I carry concealed to gun shows and when asked if I have any guns I say "No" if I'm not bringing anything to try to trade.

Bottom line I think carrying in a gunshow causes more problems than it solves.

Again and again : Concealed means concealed.

 

[Sniper X]

I walk in with it unloaded but with an extra couple loaded mags in the back pocket out of sight. They never ask me iof I have any ammo so there is technically no violation since they zip tie the action when I walk in. After being in the place a few seconds I break out the leatherman and break the zip tie loose and leave it in the weapon so if I need it in a hurry all I have to do is pull the zippy tie out, load a mag and I'm ready to go. I'm so inot training I train at this drill at the range!