carrying at your local shop

Shops have lots of different rules. Some say anything goes, just keep it in the holster. Some have big signs up to say ALL GUNS must in a case and unloaded if you bring them in the store. Many fall somewhere in between -- essentially, if you're going to bring it out in the open, it had better be empty and cased; if it's concealed, leave it concealed.

I will not enter a gun store that does not allow customers to concealed carry or open carry when the law/local jurisdiction allows it.

It is pure elitist behavior that reminds me of the politicians that want to ban firearms for law abiding citizens when they themselves have carry permits.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

It is pure elitist behavior that reminds me of the politicians that want to ban firearms for law abiding citizens when they themselves have carry permits.

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I'm sure its due to business liability/insurance issues, rather then 'elitist behavior.'

I think a lot of people are idiots, and due to the nature of their business gun stores "concentrate" these idiots. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard of people pulling out and waving a loaded gun around in the store. Granted this can happen with CCW holders, too, but given that they have a range attached to the shop I can understand them not wanting people with questionable training and experience to open carry in their shop.

Now, whether they can legally post signage that limits open carry only is questionable, but all they'd have to do is tell you to leave if you refuse to not open carry.

I'm sure it is a liability thing. I don't know of a single store in my town that doesn't have a sign saying that all guns must be unloaded unless on the range. Now, they don't check to see if anybody is concealing or not, and I don't think they limit open carry per se (which is legal here), but the gun must be unloaded before entering the store. Nobody wants to be muzzle swept by some idiot with a loaded gun, or worse if they are real idiots.

The shop within walking distance of me encourages it, but demands responsible handling. I've pulled from my holster and unloaded to show off what I have before.

The place with an indoor range has the signs that demand everything be unloaded, cased, and not carried... but their unofficial stance is that concealed means concealed.

As it is leagle to open carry here. No one has told me not to. Then again I don't go to a lot of different shops eather!

I will not enter a gun store that does not allow customers to concealed carry or open carry when the law/local jurisdiction allows it.

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OR it is for their safety. I have several friends who work or own gun stores. They tell me stories all the time of people coming in to sell firearms that are "unloaded" and they aren't.

mg.mikael said:

I'm sure its due to business liability/insurance issues, rather then 'elitist behavior.'

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I am absolutely certain that this is the case. People who get ticked off at these rules are people who have never had to try to find affordable liability insurance for a business that has built-in perceived hazards. For example, I operated my own martial arts training hall for eighteen years, and regularly had to deal with insurance companies that continually tried to jack up my costs when they found out that people might actually hit one another in such a place. And when they found out that there might be swords on the premises, they would start to spray spittle, and run in circles peeing on themselves like inbred chihuahuas (figuratively). Guns on location would have made their heads explode and my insurance rates would have put me out of business.

Have a little understanding for your LGS's rules about open carry. They are trying to keep their doors open so they can provide a service you like, but they occasional idiot customer is not the only idiot with whom they have to deal.

Gun shops (and gun shows) are one of the few places where we routinely violate at least a few of Col. Cooper's laws, by necessity; can you really remove a handgun from a case in a crowded shop without sweeping someone, for instance?

In much the same way that an IDPA match requires care in where and when firearms are handled, gun shops (and ESPECIALLY gun shows) need to keep a limit on the variables they're presented with, to be sure neophytes and fools don't poke holes in the rest of us.


Larry

"I think a lot of people are idiots, and due to the nature of their business gun stores "concentrate" these idiots"


Bingo.

And many of the other comments are true as well. Gunstores are particularly susceptable to firearms mishaps, as are gunshows. CC ought not be an issue so just wear a coat.


Willie

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> liability issue

"Cost of doing business."

If they choose to prohibit me from lawfully carrying in their store, I'll choose to spend my money somewhere else, as I do with other businesses that don't want my money.

My shop lets you do whatever you want, most of us carry and we've never had an issue of someone waving a loaded gun around. It's not rocket surgery.

I won't do business with a company that infringes on my Rights, I don't care if it's a coffee shop, jewelers, or gun shop. That being said I do make an exception for gun shows because it's the organizers making the rule (which most people ignore) rather than the individual FFL's.

Their private property, their rules. Vote with your dollars and feet but private property is just as important a freedom as any other.

Ryanxia said:

My shop lets you do whatever you want, most of us carry and we've never had an issue of someone waving a loaded gun around. It's not rocket surgery.

I won't do business with a company that infringes on my Rights, I don't care if it's a coffee shop, jewelers, or gun shop. That being said I do make an exception for gun shows because it's the organizers making the rule (which most people ignore) rather than the individual FFL's.

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Just a thought, but not trying to start an argument. I absolutely respect your right to your opinion, and appreciate your dedication to your 2nd Amendment rights. However, the way our rights work is that they kind of work right up to, but not beyond, the point at which they infringe the rights of another. These shop owners are not infringing your rights, they are exercising theirs in the same way that you exercised yours by making the decision you made about open carry in your shop.

Just sayin'. You have a good day.

It's not rocket surgery.

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The ironic part of that is those who would be inclined to show off their loaded gun in a store might not get it.

I understand there are some who won't patronize a store that doesn't allow certain forms of carry. But then again, if you are doing the right job carrying concealed, how are they going to know?

The problem is with those who want to display their new toy, not the ones dedicated to "Concealed means concealed." You get shooters who are all in different parts of the gun ownership path, some are just starting out, others are mature seasoned veterans. I wouldn't hold it against the gun shop owner for having to restrict carry options due to the less well trained. His store, his rules.

Taking the sentiment that "anyone who restricts my right to carry is wrong," do we then allow any visitor to our home the same consideration?

Sometimes, when the shoe is on the other foot, the perspective seems to change.

It's a gun store. Employees carrying a gun in a holster in the open is part of the merchandising and sales approach. Like a car salesman driving the latest model around town. That the insurance companies would inhibit your right to carry there is something you should take up with them. Go armed with statistics and facts, be prepared for a quick dismissal. They can easily show you exactly why the costs are so high. It's risk - a gamble - when the odds go bad, lawyers line up to milk that cash cow for everything it's worth. Restricting that would mean having limits on tort awards, and the law would also have to include every other situation of product liability there is.

Exactly what we have now.

If you want to see how it works in other areas of insurance, log onto the ACA site for a quote.

Imagine a car dealer who demanded you park off their property and walk on to avoid accidents in their parking lot. If you buy a car they'll have an employee drive it to the curb and turn it over to you.

Bad idea for them, worse idea for a gun shop. It offends my brain for a shop to want to sell me a product and demand I not use or even carry it while I'm in their store.

Although I routinely carry concealed in gun shops (never seen a sign saying not to) if I was bringing a gun in for repairs or to sell, in other words with the expectation that it would be handled, I would bring it in unloaded, action open, in a case, and let the gun store owner check it to his own satisfaction before handling. I would expect the same consideration in my own home.

Tinpig

i know my rights and i know my (and get this)--my responsibilities. i conceal carry. if a store has a keep it in your pants policy then i suggest those who suffer <deleted>keep it sheathed and outta sight.

The Constitution guarantees your rights against government intrusion. A private business isn't government. The rights of one individual do not trump another individual. If I don't like an obnoxious message on your tee, open carry, or the cut of your jib, I can refuse service. If you don't like the shop policies or owner, you can patronize another business more deserving of your dollars or starting a business that reflects your values.

No one is forcing anyone to do anything in a free society where two people voluntarily chose to engage in business, as it should be.