NO CCW in Sportsmans Warehouse

[BigRed]

Hi Folks!

I went and picked up a shoulder holster from Sportmans Warehouse yesterday (as much as I hate this store). I happened to see a sign that may warrant me to NEVER return to this Wal*Mart-esque mega store. Besides the horrible customer service and that fact that I feel like i am in line at Disneyland to see ANYTHING behind a counter... This rears its ugly head.


Does this pertain to ALL weapons? I promptly ignored the sign and went in anyway. Does anyone know "exactly" what they mean?!

****ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO ****

 

[1911ShooterTJ]

All that sign means is customers bringing in firearms or bows for service, to sell, looking for parts, etc. Anything to do with the business. From what I see, this does not extend to CCW weapons.

I know of some states such as Texas that require a 30.06 sign to be able to restrict CCW use, but this is clearly no such instance of this sign. This kind of sign seems fairly common around here...

 

[Geronimo45]

I think that's referring to folks with guns they want to sell/get repaired/refinished, not CCW'ers.

 

[TIMC]

Don't know what state you are in but that sign would mean nothing to a CHL holder in Texas.

 

[Car Knocker]

I happened to see a sign that may warrant me to NEVER return to this Wal*Mart-esque mega store.

Perhaps you should have asked exactly what the sign was in reference to while you were at SW instead of asking the members here what it means. Seems like that would result in a more definitive answer.

 

[HankB]

At the Round Rock, TX store, SW has a similar sign, as well as one that advises CHL holders to keep their concealed weapon concealed, so they are most definitely NOT against concealed carry. Signs like the one you posted are set up so that first, Joe Deerhunter doesn't walk around the store with a loaded rifle when he comes in to get a 'scope for it, and second, so that when he leaves with his gun (or bow) there's no problem with thinking he shoplifted it.

(On reflection, the CHL sign had some sort of wording to the effect that if the CHL holder draws his weapon, they wanted it checked . . . which is reasonable. Concealed means concealed, and if it's drawn to check holster fit or something, then it's presumed to be loaded, and people handling loaded guns away from the range, even if they're police or CHL holders, may be legitimate cause for concern.)

SW clerks have always been courteous and knowledgeable, in my experience . . . FAR more so than some of the jerks running the small gunshops some people are always insisting we should support.

 

[BigRed]

CAR KNOCKER;

I asked a lady behind the firearms counter and the checkout guy; they both had the look of a lost child in there eyes. I was extremely irritated to begin with and just wanted out of the store.

I would rather hear from informed people here than the 3rd grade graduates that are hired at Sportmans Warehouse.

 

[BigRed]

Thanks Hank B!

I dont know why I have had such bad experiences with SW, but I have really grown to despise this store. I am a younger male, it is NEARLY impossible to get any help at the firearms desk. All the employees kind of just scan right over/under/around me. I guess they dont care that I have bought 6 handguns in the last 4 months.....:banghead:

 

[Leanwolf]

Big Red, you don't bother to list in what State you live or where the Sportsman's Warehouse is located, but here in Boise, Idaho, the Sportsman's Warehouse doesn't have a sign like that. At least, it didn't when I was there last Tuesday.

Maybe a regional thing, or local managerial decision. (??)

(BTW, the gun salesmen at the Boise S.W., are mainly pretty well informed about the firearms they carry.)

L.W.

 

[GerryM]

Sportsman - Loveland Co

Saw the same sign today at the Sportsman in Loveland Co,

Wonder if this a policy change nation wide... if it is, I'll do my shopping elsewhere.

 

[gunsmith]

how could we possibly give you an answer without knowing what State you live in?

here in Reno, NV
I never saw any signs (against ccw) and everyone was pretty nice, I wouldn't
get to upset over a sign like that.
I would save your wrath for real problems like Guilianni and McCain and national reciprocity.

And being as that I have zero idea at all where you live, I cant tell you whether that sign prohibits ccw.

 

[BigRed]

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO!
Im sorry I thought I (stated) the state!

 

[ClarkEMyers]

When I asked I was told concealed carry no problem but don't flash.

When I asked I was told concealed carry no problem but don't flash. I've moved out of the way when other customers pointed firearms at me so I guess having somebody check is OK with me too.

My clear understanding is that when walking into the store with merchandise the merchandise should be checked and cleared. I am reminded of a proverbial price for services sign - mounting a scope purchased here no charge; unloading your gun $100!

I have no problem with Sportsman's Warehouse - from the lowliest clerk to the CEO - and I'm happy to see them in the market place.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

You have three options:

1. Come running to the internet, screaming about how you think you might be being oppressed because you don't like Sportsman's Warehouse and their scary green sign. From there, you can rely on the guesses of those who don't actually know the store policy.

2. Assume they are trying to prevent losses and confusion by people bringing in guns and bows to return/get worked on and taking them straight back to the counter. With this option, you may just choose to ignore the sign. (The "and bows" being a big sign this isn't about concealed carry.)

3. Call the store and ask to speak to the manager. Ask if the sign applies to your lawfully carried sidearm. This option, while taking a bit more effort than posting on the internet, may actually net you the answer you seek.

However, based on your following two posts, it seems you just have a grudge against SW and want to badmouth them whenever you can. In that case, option 1 probably appears to be the most attractive.

Edited to add:
I just took option three and called them. Took about 2 minutes from finding the number to get the answer. The nice lady I spoke with explained that if you were going to keep in concealed, there was no reason to check it. She said if you were going to pull it out, to match it up with a holster or something, then they would want to check it. She said they checked it to make sure it was unloaded since you were handling it.
So, SW simply doesn't want you fumbling around with loaded guns. That doesnt' sound very nefarious at all.

There, that wasn't so hard, was it?

The sky isn't always falling.

 

[BigRed]

JORG:

Im assuming you work for Sportmans Warehouse. Calm down keyboard commando.... I was curious to see what other stores (in what states) may or may not have this sign posted. I also wanted to see how long it would take for someone to be the hero. You win.

Now aside from irrelevant posts that didnt help to answer my question in any way shape or form; Thanks Fellas!


**Edited to say thanks for you vigilant efforts Jorg

 

[rbernie]

Sportsmans Warehouse is not anti-CCW. The sign is to keep folks from walking in and pulling firearms and bows out of the case in an unexpected manner.

When I go in there to look at firearms, I feel like I have my invisible hat on, because it always take an Act of Congress to get any help. But they're no worse in that regard that Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas, and their reloading supplies are the cheapest around..

All in all, I like 'em. They're a nice resource to have, especially since most of the big sporting goods chains seem to be slowly distancing themselves from firearms.

 

[itgoesboom]

The Sportsmans Warehouse where I live, (Oregon), have a similar sign, but excepts those who are carrying firearms with a CHL.

That is actually better than some of the dedicated gun stores around here that don't even allow concealed carry.

Actually, I love that store. I spend tons of money there for reloading supplies, just bought a safe there yesterday, clothes, etc. They are usually pretty swamped, but you just have to ask for help, and you will get it.

I.G.B.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Those signs are for people who bring in their non-concealed weapons for work, appraisal, etc. I think it's for two reasons. 1. To make sure someone didn't forget to unload their gun and it's pointed all over creation with their finger on the trigger like some folks seem to do. 2. So they can tag it so employees don't think you are trying to walk out of the store with a gun that you have no receipt for.

 

[gunsmith]

sorry big red

I didn't mean to bumm you out, if you go to "user cp" you can fix your profile to say where you are, it makes getting questions answered a lot easier.
If you have been lurking or using thr for awhile you'll see, day in day out
people asking questions like "is ok for me to open carry and eat ice cream?"
and not provide enough info for anyone to answer the question.
We also always get boycott threads, calling for us to boycott stores for this or that , when the real reason is a personal grudge of some sort.

 

[BigRed]

I will admit that they are a super clean, organized establishment with usually the lowest prices around. My local SW just seems understaffed. We dont have a Cabelas here, so it is basically the only store of its caliber around. A few more INFORMED people behind the counters and I would be happy!

 

[SMLE]

I go in the SW in Albuquerque all the time. I've alway assumed that that sign just referred to guns and bows being brought in for service or returns or accessories and ignored it as far as my CCW was concerned. FWIW, I've never had a problem with their customer service there either.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Im assuming you work for Sportmans Warehouse.

0/2 on your assumptions today, sparky. However, I would gladly take an employee discount if they were so inclined.

Calm down keyboard commando.... I was curious to see what other stores (in what states) may or may not have this sign posted. I also wanted to see how long it would take for someone to be the hero. You win.

This is how you thank someone who not only lets you know how to solve your problem, but does it for you? I doesn't seem to be much of a wonder why you don't seem to get good service if this is your attitude.

You try to help a guy out...

 

[BigRed]

GUNSMITH;
No offense was taken in any form! I thought I disclosed my location and was mistaken! I edited my original post to clear the confusion! Thanks A MILLION for helping!

 

[dogloose]

I know the rules of gun safety. I can't say that everyone who owns a gun knows them... or follows them. Employees at big mega-stores may have varying degrees of experience with firearms in spite of the type of store they work in. If a store, due to the nature of its business, expects customers to bring guns and bows in to the store, notifying them of the correct procedure to follow is a reasonable safety measure. No beef here. Oh... and concealed means concealed... so all else does not apply.

 

[tanksoldier]

I've seen a similar sign on the doors to the restrooms at the SW in Loveland. They ask everyone to check their firearms and ammunition at the customer service window before using the restroom.

I asked and employee told me that they had several incidents of customers dropping their firearms when they used the facilities, including one ND. They even station an employee in the restoom from time to time to "enforce" the policy... my dad was talking to the poor guy "stationed" in the men's room and found out that's why he was in there.

There is no sign on the outside doors, last time I went, just the ones on the restroom doors. It's been about 3 weeks... and of course I'm never carrying when I use the restroom.