Bass Pro Shops and checking your gun at the door

[David LaPell]

I had heard this one today, about a concealed weapon's holder who went into Bass Pro Shops and went looking at holsters. When he asked the clerk at the gun counter about fitting a holster to his carry gun, the clerk told him his gun needed to have a lock put on it at the door. The lock would preclude him from doing anything with the gun, and it also made it impossible for him to check the gun with a holster. The clerk told him he would have to buy the holster, check it outside and if it didn't fit, bring the holster back in for a refund. So I emailed Bass Pro Shops about this, and what I was told was the following.

Dear David,

Thank you for contacting basspro.com. Your business is truly appreciated. Most of our stores do ask that you check and have your weapons secured upon entering a store. If you are wishing to know the guidelines for carrying a firearm into one of our stores you will need to contact the store directly. You can find the contact information for our stores from the link below. Please contact us again if you require further assistance.

[Magster]

Dose this apply to someone with a legal carry permit at all their stores?

[Magster]

Even though he said most stores I wonder if it's all stores. Whichever way it is it's just wrong. They will lose a lot of business and they should. I will not shop at a store that dose not support the legal right to carry.

[nawilson]

Originally Posted by Magster

Dose this apply to someone with a legal carry permit at all their stores?

It really depends on the state law. Here in Georgia it has no effect. Personally, I always wonder about a gun store that doesn't want its customers to carry. Kind of the opposite of drumming up business...

[McBear]

Originally Posted by nawilson

It really depends on the state law. Here in Georgia it has no effect. Personally, I always wonder about a gun store that doesn't want its customers to carry. Kind of the opposite of drumming up business...

Many of the LGS that I go to have big signs on the door that disallow loaded firearms in their stores. A couple that have ranges. Loading is done in the range proper.

[SAFireman]

Our local Bass Pro Shops allows CHL's to carry.

I think that their objection comes from a patron handling a loaded firearm within the walls of the store. Personally, I would not feel comfortable with anyone 'trying out new holsters' with their carry gun. I really don't want to be around anyone in the store who is loading/unloading their carry piece....."Keep it CONCEALED!"

Probably best for all involved...a safety concern is not them denying anyone their ability to carry legally.

[Smith357]

Rules to keep your CCW piece concealed are SOP around here. The gun stores don't care if you carry, just keep it concealed. The last thing they need is everyone whipping out their loaded guns and trying out holsters or whipping it out to show off you personal mods, It's called concealed carry for a reason, keep it in your pants please. If I want a holster from a LGS I will use a gun from under the counter to check fit. If I'm at a gunshow I bring the gun I'm trying to fit in a rug with a tie.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by nawilson

It really depends on the state law. Here in Georgia it has no effect. Personally, I always wonder about a gun store that doesn't want its customers to carry. Kind of the opposite of drumming up business...

Here is the deal, depending on state law, those signs "No Concealed weapons" or "No loaded weapons" are usually not legally binding. They are not in my state either (Florida). You could legally carry, loaded or not if you have a CCP. However, know your laws.

HOWEVER, any store can have their own policy, forbidding you to carry, and if you refuse to abide by their policy, they can have you arrested or at least given a formal trespass warning. Remember, trespassing + having a gun (CCP or not) = an ARMED TRESPASS charge in some states (like mine) which is a felony and you lose your gun rights, ccp and possibly guns.

You are also under no legal requirement to disclose, but if asked to leave / unload, remove your concealed weapon, you MUST comply. Or you face arrest, or if you are lucky, just a tresspass warning.

You need to know your state laws.

I also do not see the logic in gun stores discouraging carry, but it's their store... you need to play by their rules. It could end badly.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by Smith357

Rules to keep your CCW piece concealed are SOP around here. The gun stores don't care if you carry, just keep it concealed. The last thing they need is everyone whipping out their loaded guns and trying out holsters or whipping it out to show off you personal mods, It's called concealed carry for a reason, keep it in your pants please. If I want a holster from a LGS I will use a gun from under the counter to check fit. If I'm at a gunshow I bring the gun I'm trying to fit in a rug with a tie.

Or ask first if you can use your gun before you go pulling it. It's my experience if you ask them, most of the time they dont have a problem with it.

[Florida Guy]

I shoot at BP almost every week.
They put a lock on each gun at the door which is removed by the range officer upstairs at the range. They also re-install the lock when you are finished shooting which is removed by the guy at the front door.
There is a sign on front of building stating no loaded firearms allowed.
I really don't like their policy, but am used to it at this point.

[Magster]

Originally Posted by Florida Guy

I shoot at BP almost every week.
They put a lock on each gun at the door which is removed by the range officer upstairs at the range. They also re-install the lock when you are finished shooting which is removed by the guy at the front door.
There is a sign on front of building stating no loaded firearms allowed.
I really don't like their policy, but am used to it at this point.

And this is the problem. The gradual erosion of our rights with us getting used to each step.

[Pote]

time to take that business elsewhere. I think its bull. there are plenty of other outdoor shops that allow you to take in your guns. I mean really? they make money off of the man who has guns, yet they want him to relinquish his 2nd A rights at the door? uh, no. Just like any other store with that policy, I don't shop there anymore.

[Silversmok3]

The reason they have this policy is pragmatism in the "Age of Litigation".

Let us assume a business like Bass Pro suffers a spree shooter who begins a rampage with a firearm. In the aftermath,the victims' families would be all but running to Schiester & McSchiester for a civil damages lawsuit against Bass Pro for "permitting armed guests". The premise being that because BPS permitted armed customers, they contributed to the decision of some crazed maniac to go on a rampage.

Thus the "disarm at the door" signs.

Most large retail stores have "no gun" signs for that reason. If there is a place to boycott it is the tort lawyers of America.

[Magster]

In my eyes
,the store owners with these signs at the door, are putting store policy ahead of the US Constitution. I believe nothing comes before OUR Constitution.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by Silversmok3

The reason they have this policy is pragmatism in the "Age of Litigation".

I agree. It does not "make it right", but that is their excuse.

Let us assume a business like Bass Pro suffers a spree shooter who begins a rampage with a firearm. In the aftermath,the victims' families would be all but running to Schiester & McSchiester for a civil damages lawsuit against Bass Pro for "permitting armed guests". The premise being that because BPS permitted armed customers, they contributed to the decision of some crazed maniac to go on a rampage.

A really lousy excuse. How about we all never leave the house because maybe someone will come out of nowhere and kill us. Lawyers exist just for stuff like this, ambulance chasers.

Most large retail stores have "no gun" signs for that reason. If there is a place to boycott it is the tort lawyers of America.

I rarely ever see signs like that. Pretty much the only places I see them are gun shops, pawn shops and place like that. I never see them in retail stores. I dont have a bass pro shops near me, so I cant say I ever saw their sign. I dont remember if they had it or not at the only one I have been to near Atlanta.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by Magster

In my eyes
,the store owners with these signs at the door, are putting store policy ahead of the US Constitution. I believe nothing comes before OUR Constitution.

I am not going to defend stores that have these silly policies, but let me clarify one thing.

The US Constitution does not stop companies from stopping you from doing anything.

The bill of rights to constitution starts with "congress shall make no laws..."

Not "bass pro shops shall make no laws..."

The constitution stops our government from doing things, not individuals or companies. That's why you have no first amendment right to say what you want at work.

Food for thought anyway.

[bp231986]

AT my LGS/Range they have a sign that reads " WE encourage LEGAL carry"

[McBear]

Originally Posted by Magster

And this is the problem. The gradual erosion of our rights with us getting used to each step.

I have found, in having this discussion over the past few years is in the use of "OUR". As in "The gradual erosion of our rights". That differs greatly if you are talking about a gun owner and his 2nd Amendment rights or a small businessman and his free market, free enterprise rights. In this instance neither side wants a "gradual erosion of rights"...and both have valid arguments.

[Poodle Soup]

You have the right to carry a gun and shop where ever you want. Business owners have the right to deny anyone service. Is it a dumb choice? I think so. I personally just ignore the signs saying no guns allowed because there not going to see mine unless I have to use it.

[NE450No2]

I really do not think it is a good thing to take out a loaded gun in a store and be trying it in holsters.

If I was going to do that I would take the gun to the store unloaded.

I would have another gun as my CHL for that day.

Also I will NEVER shop, or eat, in any business that is against legal concealed carry.

Before I moved, the bank I did business with had a sign that stated to the effect that, "Many of our Customers are Legally carrying Concealed Weapons in accordince with State Law.

They has another sign that stated Legally Concealed Handguns Welcome Here.

[Poodle Soup]

Originally Posted by NE450No2

Before I moved, the bank I did business with had a sign that stated to the effect that, "Many of our Customers are Legally carrying Concealed Weapons in accordince with State Law.

They has another sign that stated Legally Concealed Handguns Welcome Here.

I have yet to see a business that is for the carrying. When the law passed here in Iowa that made it SHALL issue instead of MAY issue some... people... went around passing out the "No firearms or weapons allowed" signs. Malls and banks are the only ones still up around where I live though.

[revolvergeek]

Originally Posted by Florida Guy

I shoot at BP almost every week.
They put a lock on each gun at the door which is removed by the range officer upstairs at the range. They also re-install the lock when you are finished shooting which is removed by the guy at the front door.

Our local BP store does this for customers that do not have a CHL. For customers that do have a CHL they want to look at it, then say thanks and send you on your way.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by Poodle Soup

I have yet to see a business that is for the carrying. When the law passed here in Iowa that made it SHALL issue instead of MAY issue some... people... went around passing out the "No firearms or weapons allowed" signs. Malls and banks are the only ones still up around where I live though.

I dont know that sort of sign in my life. Pretty much EVERY SINGLE gun store and pawn shop around here has signs telling you not to bring loaded weapons into the store, CCP or not.

I think it's ridiculous, but the option is to either not shop at any gun store or deal with their silly restrictions, or just ignore them. I usually just ignore them and carry anyway. Those signs are not legally binding in my state.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Originally Posted by Smith357

Rules to keep your CCW piece concealed are SOP around here. The gun stores don't care if you carry, just keep it concealed. The last thing they need is everyone whipping out their loaded guns and trying out holsters or whipping it out to show off you personal mods, It's called concealed carry for a reason, keep it in your pants please. If I want a holster from a LGS I will use a gun from under the counter to check fit. If I'm at a gunshow I bring the gun I'm trying to fit in a rug with a tie.

Whoa..... a sensible answer!!!! Too many of these and the thread will go to hades

[postman93]

The Bass Pro Shop in KC and Cabella's have a sign at the front door that says all firearms brought in for gunsmithing, trade in or any other reason must be checked in at the front. It also says "does not apply to concealed carry". Our local Cabella's and Gander Mtn in Wichita has the same sign. Mike

[WGSNewnan19]

Originally Posted by Magster

And this is the problem. The gradual erosion of our rights with us getting used to each step.

actually its just the opposite - a reinforcement of private property rights. open your own range then you can decide who carries there and who doesnt.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by WGSNewnan19

actually its just the opposite - a reinforcement of private property rights. open your own range then you can decide who carries there and who doesnt.

It's amazing how so many so called "strict constitutionalists" dont truly understand the document, and when and where it applies.

[Magster]

The Constitution as it exists today is not the same one that was presented to us by the Founding Fathers. Political and Corp. agendas have influenced judgments and interpretations of a number of the Articles and Amendments originally written into the Constitution. This must be taken into account when interpreting the meaning of said Articles and Amendments today.

[Ltlbear]

I understand BPS's reason if they have a range upstairs. They or you do not know how competent any one is with a loaded gun. Look at Youtube and get the idea of a lot of people. I do not believe it applies to CHL holders but if you have a license, and are carrying a loaded gun, you should not take it out in public for any reason other than to use it. Not to show it, not to try out a holster, not for any reason other than defense. If you do it could get you in trouble in a lot of states.
Again, they have no idea how safe you or anybody else is with a loaded gun, so their rules are to protect themselves and other customers from some fool who is going to the range and has to walk through the store to get there. I wonder how many loaded guns they find in the range bag or pistol case with this practice and unless all these people have a CHL they are in violation of the state law.
I think it makes sense, just don't ask me to do the same with my carry gun, because I am not even going to tell you I have it unless as required here in TX, they have a 30.06 sign posted and then I am not going in.

[Colt357]

The sign by the door explicitly says that the unloaded, inspected, and locked rule does NOT apply to licensed CPL holders.

Colt

[nipster]

Originally Posted by Magster

The Constitution as it exists today is not the same one that was presented to us by the Founding Fathers. Political and Corp. agendas have influenced judgments and interpretations of a number of the Articles and Amendments originally written into the Constitution. This must be taken into account when interpreting the meaning of said Articles and Amendments today.

The constitution has never applied to what businesses can and cannot do, but what the government can and cannot do. Hence the "Congress shall make no law..."

While I agree with the general premise of the rest of your post.

[Donn]

Originally Posted by postman93

The Bass Pro Shop in KC and Cabella's have a sign at the front door that says all firearms brought in for gunsmithing, trade in or any other reason must be checked in at the front. It also says "does not apply to concealed carry". Our local Cabella's and Gander Mtn in Wichita has the same sign. Mike

Same here in SE lower Mich. If you're not going to draw your weapon for any reason, no need to check in.

[RobzGuns]

For Poodle Soup, Nipster and those who haven't seen a pro gun sign on a business... You need to visit Texas!

Here's a sign posted on the door of a bank in Chappell Hill, TX.


There are plenty of businesses who proudly display 'The legal Possession..." type of sign. My LGS has signage that pretty much reads 'If You Carry Concealed, Keep it Concealed'. No bringing it in loaded/ to check holster fit.

[OldArcher]

Originally Posted by David LaPell

I had heard this one today, about a concealed weapon's holder who went into Bass Pro Shops and went looking at holsters. When he asked the clerk at the gun counter about fitting a holster to his carry gun, the clerk told him his gun needed to have a lock put on it at the door. The lock would preclude him from doing anything with the gun, and it also made it impossible for him to check the gun with a holster. The clerk told him he would have to buy the holster, check it outside and if it didn't fit, bring the holster back in for a refund. So I emailed Bass Pro Shops about this, and what I was told was the following.

Dear David,

Thank you for contacting basspro.com. Your business is truly appreciated. Most of our stores do ask that you check and have your weapons secured upon entering a store. If you are wishing to know the guidelines for carrying a firearm into one of our stores you will need to contact the store directly. You can find the contact information for our stores from the link below. Please contact us again if you require further assistance.

This is just another reason I don't do business, even by Internet, with Bass Pro, or other companies that are anti-gun, anti-American...

OA, out...

[gejoslin]

Originally Posted by nipster

Here is the deal, depending on state law, those signs "No Concealed weapons" or "No loaded weapons" are usually not legally binding. They are not in my state either (Florida). You could legally carry, loaded or not if you have a CCP. However, know your laws.

HOWEVER, any store can have their own policy, forbidding you to carry, and if you refuse to abide by their policy, they can have you arrested or at least given a formal trespass warning. Remember, trespassing + having a gun (CCP or not) = an ARMED TRESPASS charge in some states (like mine) which is a felony and you lose your gun rights, ccp and possibly guns.

You are also under no legal requirement to disclose, but if asked to leave / unload, remove your concealed weapon, you MUST comply. Or you face arrest, or if you are lucky, just a tresspass warning.

You need to know your state laws.

I also do not see the logic in gun stores discouraging carry, but it's their store... you need to play by their rules. It could end badly.

Unfortunate but true. One must follow the laws of your state. Or suffer the repercussions. The best option imho is don't shop where they force lawful CHCL permit carriers to disarm themselves. Stand up for your rights! Don't shop there! Vote with your dollars and email their corporate office your opinion. Just my 2 cents

[nipster]

Originally Posted by RobzGuns

For Poodle Soup, Nipster and those who haven't seen a pro gun sign on a business... You need to visit Texas!

Here's a sign posted on the door of a bank in Chappell Hill, TX.


There are plenty of businesses who proudly display 'The legal Possession..." type of sign. My LGS has signage that pretty much reads 'If You Carry Concealed, Keep it Concealed'. No bringing it in loaded/ to check holster fit.

Not to brag, but you cant even take your piece into a restaurant that serves beer or liquor at all and the "30.06" sign issue. In my state signs like those are not legally binding and the only restriction in regards to places which sell alcohol are you cannot be at "the bar" or in "the bar area", you can be in a restaurant which serves alcohol. Your CWP is $140 for 4 years, ours is $65 for 7 years.

Plus, it's so hot and dry out there.

[OFT II]

Nipster, the laws have been changed a bit here in Texas. You can carry in a restaurant or any business that sells alcohol as long as less than 51% of their income comes from the sale of hooch. You can carry in liquor stores since they don't serve on site. The license is now good for five years.

I do agree with you about it being hot and dry here. I lived in Houston for a while. It is miserably hot and humid down there.

[gdauth]

Originally Posted by nipster

I am not going to defend stores that have these silly policies, but let me clarify one thing.

The US Constitution does not stop companies from stopping you from doing anything.

The bill of rights to constitution starts with "congress shall make no laws..."

Not "bass pro shops shall make no laws..."

The constitution stops our government from doing things, not individuals or companies. That's why you have no first amendment right to say what you want at work.

Food for thought anyway.

Actually, it is the First Ammendment that starts with "congress shall make no ...".

Here is the second: A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

As you can see, it does not specify Congress shall make no laws. It is silent on who can not infringe on the right. Therefore, I think that the original intent was to bar all governments from infringing on the right. Otherwise it makes no sense to bar the federal government while leaving state and local governments free to infring on the right.

[JcMack]

The Cabelas here has much the same policy. Open or concealed carry is O.K., but keep it holstered. I found this out while trying to fit a holster to my gun. There were no signs posted about store policy until after my visit.

[speedyquad]

we may not agree with it, buuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttt...wait for it....it is their property. they have the right, public or not, to set the rules for their property. look at it this way, if you invite me on your property for a cook out and i decided i want to go naked, you have the right to ask my naked butt to leave.

[Moonman]

Concealed MEANS Concealed.

COMMON SENSE=COMMON SENSE i hope, unfortunately that is not always true.

[bm51]

Read thru this because of what I did just last week at BPS. Went in to find a different holster for my carry gun. Even though it was tempting to try out the fit in the aslie, I took the holster over the the counter and asked the guy behind it if I could fit this holster to (and I pointed to it) that gun in his case. He had no problem with pulling out the gun, taking off the trigger lock (even though I do not think he is suppose to) and letting me try it. Problem solved, no one got nervious about me pulling out my gun, fact is nobody knew I had the exact same gun on my person (as it is suppose to be). I was not offended that someone may be trying to take away my rights (I agree with the ones who say it's a conceal permit keep it that way) and I found out that the holster does not fit the way I would like. Done this way, sign or not no one knows. No laws are broke but as stated above the store has the right to post it's rules. You have the right not to enter.

[Etemmu]

Yeah, keep it concealed! In Mich. it is a no-no to publicly display a concealed pistol unless it needs to be used for its intended purpose.

I have always used Google to fit my holsters and have never had a problem with fit. Comfort on the other hand...

Maybe gun shops should start having a dressing room or two available for this

[ogilvyspecial]

Originally Posted by Etemmu

Yeah, keep it concealed! In Mich. it is a no-no to publicly display a concealed pistol unless it needs to be used for its intended purpose.

Here in Michigan Open Carry is legal so it's no biggie, legally speaking, if your
cover garment happens to blow open in the wind and your gun becomes visible.

Now, if you pull your gun out of it's holster in public, that's another matter entirely.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by gdauth

Therefore, I think that the original intent was to bar all governments from infringing on the right. Otherwise it makes no sense to bar the federal government while leaving state and local governments free to infring on the right.

I'll disagree on that one. IMO, the framers were very smart to delegate to the states and "the people", the vast majority of power. Therefore, the LOCAL citizens would have a say in LOCAL affairs, not some beauracrat in Washington, ie a Senator from NY telling the good people of Georgia what to do in THEIR state. That's why Federal powers should be limited to those enumerated in the Constitution. Unfortunately, we've allowed the Feds to get into every facet of our lives, and expand beyond the enumerated powers of the Constitution.
If states choose to make local laws that suit their populace that's fine with me. If they "infringe", vote them out. Keep the decisions at a local level, where the "will of the people" can be met. What's good for a coal mining state is not necessarily good for a state that depends on financial centers.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

[nipster]

Originally Posted by ladder13

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Well, not really anymore. The Civil War kind of changed that.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by nipster

Well, not really anymore. The Civil War kind of changed that.

That's right, as I stated here :

Just do it...

[Bedrockk]

Originally Posted by nipster

Here is the deal, depending on state law, those signs "No Concealed weapons" or "No loaded weapons" are usually not legally binding. They are not in my state either (Florida). You could legally carry, loaded or not if you have a CCP. However, know your laws.

HOWEVER, any store can have their own policy, forbidding you to carry, and if you refuse to abide by their policy, they can have you arrested or at least given a formal trespass warning. Remember, trespassing + having a gun (CCP or not) = an ARMED TRESPASS charge in some states (like mine) which is a felony and you lose your gun rights, ccp and possibly guns.

Nipster - in your last few posts you keep reiterating that the 'no firearms' signs are not legally binding, yet you miss the inherent policy behind the signs which you actually pretty succinctly reference in your first post in this thread.

While the signs in & of themselves may or may not be legally binding, they are in essence promoting/displaying/informing of the store's policy forbidding firearms which makes "ignoring the sign" a chargeable offense.

Ultimately (unless you know for a fact that the store has no gun policy) the 'sign vs policy' issue is a difference without a distinction.

[rrobertson]

The Cabelas in CT has a sign as you enter saying firearms have to be checked. Only the ones being brought in for trade/sell/work/etc, not the CC'd ones.

[LenS]

When the BP opened in MA this sign caused a stir. A few people on our regional forum actually worked at BP and the question was asked. Answer was that ONLY those guns brought in to be worked on (add scope, etc.) have to be unloaded and checked at the door. CCW was fine.

Common Sense (not so common) has it that you don't bring a loaded gun into any store to try holsters, etc. I'm with the person who says CCW a different gun that day and case the one you want to check holsters, etc.

The MA store doesn't have a range so that might change things (policy) somewhat.

I don't read such signs (not binding in MA) so I don't recall exact wording and I rarely go in there but it is usually while I'm working and definitely CCW'g. It's not a favorite shop and I don't fish, so have little to no need to go there. I also only use high-end holsters that are custom made, so I never have a need to try holsters there either.