I wouldn't want an armed stranger in my house without my knowledge.
A question on gun etiquette.
- Thread starter Grayfox
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jag312
Member
1 I have a friend who is a retired County Sheriff. He doesn't care.
2. I have a friend who is retired CIA, and his son is a police officer. He doesn't care, but his wife is a little sensitive. I leave my gun in my car if there are other people at the house who don't know me.
3. I have another friend. He and his wife don't care, but I leave my gun in my car if there are others in the house who don't know me. I have been asked to escort his wife when she goes to San Francisco. She feels safer when my gun and I are with her.
4. A few weeks ago I was visiting an old friend. I had my much beloved 696. She asked if it was loaded. I said, "Hell yes." I unloaded it and handed it to her to examine. She liked it. She also has her own Smith & Wesson revolver.
I don't associate with people who are anti-gun. If someone told me that no guns are allowed in the house, then I figure I'm not welcome either.
2. I have a friend who is retired CIA, and his son is a police officer. He doesn't care, but his wife is a little sensitive. I leave my gun in my car if there are other people at the house who don't know me.
3. I have another friend. He and his wife don't care, but I leave my gun in my car if there are others in the house who don't know me. I have been asked to escort his wife when she goes to San Francisco. She feels safer when my gun and I are with her.
4. A few weeks ago I was visiting an old friend. I had my much beloved 696. She asked if it was loaded. I said, "Hell yes." I unloaded it and handed it to her to examine. She liked it. She also has her own Smith & Wesson revolver.
I don't associate with people who are anti-gun. If someone told me that no guns are allowed in the house, then I figure I'm not welcome either.
I've been in similar situations involving poker games rather than
parties for just the sake of partying. I carry just about 99.5% of the
time except for exceptional situations like my recent MRI where I know
I'll have to disrobe. So when I've been in the circumstances similar to
what you describe I carry as always and sometimes downsize the gun
to make sure it's well concealed and and I tell no one.
parties for just the sake of partying. I carry just about 99.5% of the
time except for exceptional situations like my recent MRI where I know
I'll have to disrobe. So when I've been in the circumstances similar to
what you describe I carry as always and sometimes downsize the gun
to make sure it's well concealed and and I tell no one.
MSgt G
US Veteran
Do you also tell people when you have jock itch? Come on! You could use your keys, pen, and many other items for defense too, if needed. Do you mention these too? Just carry. No one will even know unless there's an emergency. Then they won't mind.
The need for a handgun at such a gathering is questioned. IF you feel so inclined to carry and advise, then empty your pockets and show them your cash and credit cards too... Just leave it in the car. In such a crowd - Someone will be drinking and liquid courage and lack of judgement will prevail and if anyone knows you are carrying then be prepared to enter into a one way conversation with a know it all or maybe even a democrat! As a LEO, I was never been called to a party where alcohol and guns turned out well.
Pisgah
Member
Be aware that in some states there is a legal requirement to inform the owner of a private residence that you are armed, and to get his permission to enter.
bhayles
Member
I'd not be going to a party with a bunch of people I don't know, who will likely be drinking given its a 4th of July party, unless I AM armed, as I, like you, don't drink.
There might be someone there who turns into a total a**hole when drunk, and a dangerous one at that. Yes, that'd be very unexpected, but then we carry in case of the unexpected, right? If it did happen...at a party, grocery store, or anywhere else I have no intention of being defenseless.
There might be someone there who turns into a total a**hole when drunk, and a dangerous one at that. Yes, that'd be very unexpected, but then we carry in case of the unexpected, right? If it did happen...at a party, grocery store, or anywhere else I have no intention of being defenseless.
Ranger17
Member
My view may vary from many others as i don't speak from carry experience yet; and any get-togethers we host tend to be family oriented. Most in the family are hunters/gun owners but most don't carry on a daily basis.
That said, I would not feel comfortable nor want a stranger in my home carrying, especially if kids were around or alcohol was flowing. I don't know their experience, their ability, or even their thought processes. In their car, fine until we get to know each other. And if they choose to leave, that's OK with me as well as it is my home after all.
Back on point, when the time comes and I do carry, it will stay locked in the car if i were to go into a stranger's home for the first time. Just my .02 of course.
That said, I would not feel comfortable nor want a stranger in my home carrying, especially if kids were around or alcohol was flowing. I don't know their experience, their ability, or even their thought processes. In their car, fine until we get to know each other. And if they choose to leave, that's OK with me as well as it is my home after all.
Back on point, when the time comes and I do carry, it will stay locked in the car if i were to go into a stranger's home for the first time. Just my .02 of course.
SAFireman
Member
Everywhere that I go I am armed, and some days I carry a gun 
Have respect for another man's castle, and you can expect that same respect returned when he visits.
Have respect for another man's castle, and you can expect that same respect returned when he visits.
SC_Mike
Member
If I know someone well enough for them to invite me into their home they already know, and appreciate that I carry.
F75gunslinger
Member
I will let a home owner know, and if they have an issue with it I will decide from there whether or not I wish to attend. It's a respect issue .
I always get myself in trouble for responding to threads like this because I hardly ever carry anymore. The need is just not there for me anymore. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I lived or worked in more dangerous places. I pity folks who have to live or work where they are in constant physical danger. 
But this thread caused me to think about the last large party I attended where I knew next to no one. Interestingly, given the occupation of many of the attendees, there is a very good chance that at least one or two people there were carrying... possibly even more.
But in retrospect, do I now see that it would have been wise for me to carry there simply because I did not know most of the attendees and because some folks there were drinking beer or wine?
Sorry, I still have to say no. If I thought a party were to get so crazy out of hand that I'd need a gun for the wife and me to escape harm, I probably wouldn't go.
But this thread caused me to think about the last large party I attended where I knew next to no one. Interestingly, given the occupation of many of the attendees, there is a very good chance that at least one or two people there were carrying... possibly even more.
But in retrospect, do I now see that it would have been wise for me to carry there simply because I did not know most of the attendees and because some folks there were drinking beer or wine?
Sorry, I still have to say no.
If I thought a party were to get so crazy out of hand that I'd need a gun for the wife and me to escape harm, I probably wouldn't go. Cal44
Member
How well does your GF know these people?
She may have already told them.
Maybe ask her what she thinks you should do.
She may have already told them.
Maybe ask her what she thinks you should do.
Arik
Member
Generally I lock it in the car. However a few months ago I was invited by a friend to a friend's boyfriend's birthday. I sorta know the girl but never met her boyfriend or his family. I was coming from work and was armed. It was still kinda cool outside and I was wearing a motorcycle jacket over a lightweight hoody. The weather was sunny but in the low to mid 60s. So I wasn't to concerned with the gun printing (Glock 19 IWB). While talking to people at the party I notice one guy, in the group of us talking, having a slight bulge on the side of his shirt. It was just the way he turned and I happened to notice that the shirt isn't hanging straight down but laying on something. I knew exactly what it was but didn't say anything. Just thought to myself that there are two of us carrying. I don't know or remember how but within the next half hour the conversation turned to silencers and SBRs. Turns out he was carrying a Glock 19 too. The small group of us (maybe 8 people out of which 2 were carrying and another was a good friend of mine who I know has guns) decided to hit the range the week after.
Long story short a random group of people meet at a party and a week later spend the day shooting.
Long story short a random group of people meet at a party and a week later spend the day shooting.
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I wouldn't carry in a party. Mostly because I wouldn't feel a need to. I don't go to biker parties. That way I can aggressively discuss politics and morality, without being tempted to shoot them. I'll just point my finger at them and shout bang, bang, bang!
3rdgeargrndrr
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I carry a knife in my pocket as well, I dont feel a need to inform the homeowner. Its the operator not the tool.
Concealed is concealed, if all those people know you are armed, its no longer concealed, and if imbibed family or friends know you carry, it could be a recipe for worse things to happen.
If I am ever asked, I say, "No Im not carrying."
If someone somehow knew and felt uncomfortable, then I would leave.
I dont even inform other gun owners that I would carry, especially if I did not know them, unless this was a open carry gun barbeque.
Nobody is supposed to know if you conceal, only my wife and eldest daughter know. FYI I dont drink for a myriad of reasons, but self righteous indignation is NOT one of them. Stay safe
Concealed is concealed, if all those people know you are armed, its no longer concealed, and if imbibed family or friends know you carry, it could be a recipe for worse things to happen.
If I am ever asked, I say, "No Im not carrying."
If someone somehow knew and felt uncomfortable, then I would leave.
I dont even inform other gun owners that I would carry, especially if I did not know them, unless this was a open carry gun barbeque.
Nobody is supposed to know if you conceal, only my wife and eldest daughter know. FYI I dont drink for a myriad of reasons, but self righteous indignation is NOT one of them. Stay safe
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I use Don't Ask Don't Tell in all cases. If you carry condoms, do you ask friends if it is OK to bring them into their home? I consider this the same, none of anyone else's business.
Don't care if others drink and pass out, only concern is my own behavior and I'm not a drinker either.
No laws requiring notification in my state, so I don't. I don't usually discuss guns with people I don't know.
Don't care if others drink and pass out, only concern is my own behavior and I'm not a drinker either.
No laws requiring notification in my state, so I don't. I don't usually discuss guns with people I don't know.
Just carry it concealed and keep your mouth shut. I'm more concerned about somebody who feels a need to tell me they're armed and "respect" my wishes. I figure those folks aren't really respecting me as much as they want to advertise themselves. Next thing you know, they want to discuss their carry piece. Then, either they want to show it to you or somebody else, maybe a non-gunny, wants to see it. Just keep in concealed and enjoy the party. Don't over-think it.
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