CCW and Bass Pro

They are all like that, I think it's more if your bringing a gun for them to look at, or are returning for what ever reason. I've OC'd there and the greeters don't say a thing.

I was once told, as F40 said, that CCW was alright. The sign was in reference to guns that were going to be handled in the store.

I just walk in. I won't ask again because I already have the answer I want.

It pays to check on a couple of things:

1) What do they mean, exactly? If you're bringing a gun in to sell/trade, or for gunsmithing, they want you to check it it at the service desk as you enter so you don't get accused of stealing. (Yes, they can check the serial numbers against their inventory list, but having a Cust. Service Manager already knowing you brought it in with you simplifies things. Further, if you are walking the aisles with a rifle in your hands, they probably would like to see that it is unloaded and the action open -- just like if you are bringing it into a range or gun club. If you are handling the gun in public, is must be cleared and safe. If you are carrying a concealed (or open) holstered defensive sidearm, obviously not.

2) They could be saying (in effect) "No CCW!" Whether this is a concern to you has more to do with your state law than company policy.

Around here, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Gander Mt., etc. all have signs on their doors saying exactly the same thing -- followed by "This does not apply to our customers who carry concealed." Here it wouldn't matter what they said as state law preempts their store rules (there is no legal weight behind a "no CCW" store policy). But that might not be the case in OK.

(I can't find anything in OK law that says a store may prohibit CCW, but it might be legal -- I don't know.)

In the case of No. 1, you don't have any reason to disapprove of Bass Pro. In the case of No. 2, you obviously do and you should send them a letter telling them that you won't shop there until they change their policy.

Before you get too worked up, maybe make a phone call and ask them what the sign means.

Bass Pro. Sevierville,Tn has no such notice last time I was there

The notice applies to guns that will be handled in the store, e.g., bringing one in for sale, trade or repair, trying your CCW for holster fit, etc. They naturally want it to be confirmed unloaded and not confused with one they have in inventory. It is not meant to apply to lawful CCW as long as your carry gun(s) remain holstered, but it should be clearer.

Sam1911 said:

Around here, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Gander Mt., etc. all have signs on their doors saying exactly the same thing -- followed by "This does not apply to our customers who carry concealed."

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When the Glendale, AZ Cabela's opened in 2006 (I lived there at the time) it had a similar sign. It evidently caused some consternation because shortly after they added the "does not apply to CCW." They would not have gone far in AZ with a "no CCW" policy.

Alan,

I'm afraid you've misread the sign. Those signs are for those who are bringing a firearm back for some reason, for those bringing in their firearms to the gunsmith, or for those who are bringing their firearms in to use at the indoor shooting range. (Not all Bass Pro Shops have the indoor shooting range).

I've been told by BPS employees in the firearms sections that if customers carry their firearms on their persons, they are not required to check in their firearms. I've also been told by these same BPS employees that customers may now open carry throughout the store, without checking in their firearms.

They just want everyone to make sure that their firearm is on their person, if not, then their firearms need to be checked in. I go to my local BPS quite often and I know some of the guys. They wouldn't lie to me about this issue. However, Alan, just go back to your local BPS and ask them. Clarify, just don't jump to conclusions.

Not to be a negative nancy but if you choose not to go to their store anymore... they really won't care. You have to go some where else to shop, and they will still be there raking in money.

Which is the exact reason I will still shop at places that don't allow CC. They don't care if they lose my business, and all it does to me is put me out.

However, as far as your problem with Bass Pro. Like everyone else has said. It is just for people bringing back guns they bought there, or are going to trade in/sell to Bass Pro.

I just emailed the local one here(Charlotte, NC). They have a similar sign up, I have always assumed it meant they are anti-CCW. I will post the response when I get it.

Texas Gun Person said:

Not to be a negative nancy but if you choose not to go to their store anymore... they really won't care. You have to go some where else to shop, and they will still be there raking in money.

Which is the exact reason I will still shop at places that don't allow CC. They don't care if they lose my business, and all it does to me is put me out.

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Disagree. $$$ is everything to a business. It is their sole reason for existing. If you don't shop there, someone *else* will be raking in the money. Sure, one guy will not hurt them, but with enough people observing a boycott, a business will notice and care. Especially a sporting goods store where a higher % of their customers are likely to CCW.

Glock Covert....The BPS at exit #407 does have such a sign, for folks who bring in guns for trade, service or whatever. Drop by and see.

alanwk said:

Went to Bass Pro in OKC today and noticed a small sign stating to check your weapon at the front desk. Well that certainly will NOT happen with me. Guess this was my LAST visit to the store and I will not purchase any more items there. They have nerve to request this and they sell firearms.

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Why let it bother you? If your piece is truly concealed nobody will know.

The Bass Pro in Las Vegas also has a small sign posted.
I just ignore it. Because it has no weight of law and the only thing they can legally do, if they find out i'm carrying (yeah, right), is ask me to leave.

I shop at the same bass pro here in okc, i lived in norman for the last year and no issues what so ever. A lot different laws vs az where almost everywhere you can oc

Bass Pro is pro CCW. They feel that "concealed is concealed". But if you are open carrying a firearm into the store they want to check it. Here in Springfield they will even put a trigger lock on it that will be removed when you arrive at their indoor range or gun shop. And when you leave they will, again, remove the lock and log you out. Never been asked at the indoor range to see my CC weapon or lock it when using the range. They have watched me reload and holster it and wished me a "good day" as I leave the range.

Bass Pro in Auburn Hills Mi does not have a problem with CCW. I think that sign is referring to guns brought in for service, long guns, people without ccw's going to the range, etc...

In fact when I went shooting there I asked the guy at the front desk if he wanted to see/check my xd that I was carrying. He said that since I have my CPL then he doesn't want/need to see any of the pistols I had with me (I had others in my case), just the rifles. He made it plain and clear that CCW is ok with Bass Pro. It may be different where you are but I'm guessing corporate policy is similar nationwide.



Cabelas' in Dundee Mi had the same problem awhile back. They had the same sign and people thought they were anti-ccw. They changed the sign to state only guns brought for service or return need to be checked, and that CPL holders are always welcome.

There have been lots of issues with this before. They have been emailed and there was a corporate response, CC is fine. (they'd never know anyhow) and it was also stated that OC is allowed. It came straight from they're president.

Sorry for your misunderstanding, and your loss of not shopping at BPS...I on the other hand will continue to go to the one in Rossford, before I go to Cabelas in Dundee. BPS still has some of the cheapest ammo, and not near as many tourists...my .02 worth

Yup, as everyone else has stated, the sign is simply written poorly. Legally concealed weapons are not the ones they are worried about.

The same policy applies at most outdoor/sporting goods supply stores like Academy. I had to check my FAL in when I wanted to find lower rings for the scope, but kept my Glock 23 on my hip the whole time. It's just good sense to make sure a firearm your employees will be handling is actually empty, as accidents do happen, and especially when handling an unknown firearm.

Still 2 Many Choices!?

I CC past such signs all the time (Cabela's most often). Sometimes, it's obvious that I'm carrying; I am not ashamed of my gun, so I don't go overboard in my attempts to hide it.

I've been looking at holsters there, and struck up conversations with other people in the aisle, who would lift their cover garment or otherwise show their method of carry. We exchanged experiences with various holsters, carry methods, comfort, etc. This was all right in front of the gun counter, and nobody gave a rat's ass about all the weapons. Given that Cabela's sells an aisle or two of CCW-specific accessories, and a lot of CCW-oriented handguns, I'm sure they are fine with happy customers discussing their experiences with other customers.

As others have said, the sign applies to guns in customers' hands, or in boxes or cases, that are being brought in for trade, appraisal, warranty service, etc. I have never understood it to apply to personal defensive firearms, nor has anything or anyone at Cabela's led me to believe that it does.

I've open carried at the store outside of Atlanta without issue.

to gouranga, concord mills' bass pro does not care. obviously don't brandish it but my shirt rode up while I was looking at a choke tube near the floor on the rack once and the guy standing next to me (employee) just told me i should probably pull my shirt tail back down. I thanked him and nothing else was said. I don't buy guns there because they are priced too high and have crappy selection, but you can't get flies anywhere else in the charlotte area.

Thanks courtgreene. That is good info. It boggled my mind that they might be anti-CCW. One thing I love about NC is, unlike NY (where I grew up) most business do not have anti-CCW signs up. When I saw that sign (which was not that clear either way), it threw me. Especially when you go to Gander Mountain, they have an extremely clear sign that saws "We support our customers who lawfully carry concealed firearms in our stores." Which was a nice touch IMO.

My 2c - If its the stores policy, its the stores policy. Silly as it may be, and unenforceable/ignored as it may be, they've every right to dictate the rules on their premises. Do whatever you like - but don't bitch if they do happen to say something.

You might mention the policy to them and tell them your thoughts on it, but ultimately its their property and their rules. Not worth getting upset about, IMO. Not saying I'm a goody two shoes, either - I'd likely conveniently "not see" that sign on the door if it was me. But if someone should later bring it up - I'm a guest on their property, end of the day.