Got denied entry into gun show today

[Buster04]

We were asked at the entry to the show if we had any weapons on us and my buddy and I said yes so the ***** hole preceded to tell us that he had to check our weapons and I asked him why and he said he had to unload them and use a twist tie to lock the slide back I told him that no one other than a law official will touch my weapon and then only with probable cause. Has this ever happened to you?

 

[JimTh]

They don't mean anything personal. To answer your question... yes. In Virginia we cannot even take a loaded magazine into the show. The tie is to make the gun inoperable. It has everything to do with insurance. The promoters probably could not afford to rent the venue if loaded firearms were allowed...and if they could you couldn't afford the price of admission to cover the insurance.

 

[Chrisdrummer]

As JimTh said, that's how it's done here in Virginia. The people at the check-in table have always been very courteous, seem to be "one of us" and I have always complied without issue. They didn't force me to come-I chose to. I'm grateful that we can have such good shows here in VA. My foreign friends are green with envy at out rights. This strikes me as a non-issue.

 

[Steve2511]

They do the same in North Carolina, I leave my mag in the truck and they ty wrap at the entrance.

 

[Jaxx]

Same in Texas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kkinderen]

It seems ironic you can't carry a loaded weapon into a gun show. I've mentioned it before and insurance is always quoted as the reason. Seems odd to me no guns are permitted in a gun show but plenty of people want to see them in schools. As Chris said, we have the choice not to go.

 

[FrontTowardEnemy]

Ditto - this has been SOP at the Chantilly, VA shows as long as I can recall. I'm not thrilled by the notion, but as previously said it's voluntary to enter, the rules are posted, and it is all about the insurance at the venues. I've never had anyone be rude to me in the process.

 

[ezkl2230]

The Original Gun and Knife Show (MI) posts this advisory on their web site and at the shows:

ATTENTION:When bringing firearms into a Gun & Knife Show Please follow these simple steps.


1. Bring the firearm in with no ammunition in the weapon.


2. Notify security if you have any ammunition. They will check in all ammunition as you enter.


3. Have firearm inspected and safety strapped so that it may not operate inside the show.


4. Be sure to stop back and retrieve ammunition on your way out of the show. All straps on firearms may be removed at that time.


The only exception to this rule is if you are a police officer with badge and I.D. Or an officer on duty in uniform.

I'm going to send them an email asking for the reason for this policy. It may be an opportunity to bring some pressure from the carry community on the show organizers. They own their own venue in Grand Rapids. Surrounded by guns, but not allowed to carry my own unless it is disabled.

I know the Deltaplex is (or was) on this forum; I wonder if The Original Gun and Knife Show is here.

 

[rehalfacre]

It's posted as state and federal law at the door to gun shows in PA No loaded firearms allowed. I leave mine locked in a secure box in my truck.

 

[lostinataxi]

So don't go to any gun shows. Problem solved. I don't know what they do here in Minnesota where I live. I have gone only to one gun show and vowed never another. Why? Because they charge money to come in. I don't remember anyone asking me about whether or not I had a gun, but perhaps I just don't remember as it has been several years now. I just figure if they want to sell me something, why should I have to pay to come in? There are other ways to buy a gun so I don't see why I need to pay an entrance fee. The one show I did attend wasn't anything special as I recall, certainly not worth paying the entrance fee anyway.

 

[27Reeder]

You can't carry a loaded firearm into a Texas gun show either. And, as a 20 year CHL holder, I have no problem with it whatsoever. (I'm typing this with my G-27 firmly inside my waistband.) It's purely insurance and safety as the main concerns. Plus, police and sheriff deputies are usually in abundance. Also, gun shows (in Texas anyway) are privately staged events, so it is up to the organizer to have whatever rules they want. It's up to you to decide if you want to participate or not. I personally feel perfectly safe at a gun show in Texas.

 

[Peggy Reist]

It's the same way in Kansas. I think it's always been this way in most, if not all, states. It's for everyone's protection and yeah, it is strange that's one place you can't carry.
I'm going to a gun show next weekend and it's one that's been going on for probably 30 to 50 years. There was a lady killed there before they started checking all guns at the door. It didn't have to happen. It was always a rule that you couldn't have a loaded gun at the show, but they've stepped up enforcement considerably since that happened.

 

[prccw]

i've been to Chantilly,VA and Orlando,FL gun shows, and they don't allow loaded guns inside. I guess it's a SOP.

 

[Peggy Reist]

So don't go to any gun shows. Problem solved. I don't know what they do here in Minnesota where I live. I have gone only to one gun show and vowed never another. Why? Because they charge money to come in. I don't remember anyone asking me about whether or not I had a gun, but perhaps I just don't remember as it has been several years now. I just figure if they want to sell me something, why should I have to pay to come in? There are other ways to buy a gun so I don't see why I need to pay an entrance fee. The one show I did attend wasn't anything special as I recall, certainly not worth paying the entrance fee anyway.

Most gun shows around here are put on by gun clubs to raise money for shooting ranges and such. Some are put on by charities to raise money for children. I haven't heard of any that were put on for selfish reasons.

One I went to 3 weeks ago will probably never be held again. The dealers had to pay $60 or $70 for each table and most had from 4 to 10. Several of them told me that by the time they paid for gas, motel room, meals and their tables, they were several hundred dollars in the hole because they hadn't sold much. Even the ammo was reasonably priced, people just weren't buying anything.

 

[KevinD]

I can't fault the organizers on this one. The last thing I want to do is be locked in an oversized gym with 300 Bubbas whipping out their XD45's (Cuz they don't make a 46!) and flagging a dozen people, all while trying to find that perfect Uncle Mike's nylon holster.

Now I remember why I started making all my gun purchases online.

 

[Rocketgeezer]

We were asked at the entry to the show if we had any weapons on us and my buddy and I said yes so the ***** hole preceded to tell us that he had to check our weapons and I asked him why and he said he had to unload them and use a twist tie to lock the slide back I told him that no one other than a law official will touch my weapon and then only with probable cause. Has this ever happened to you?

At first I was going to bust your ass, but I realize your post may be genuine, so to answer you question yes, I know of no gun show in the lower 48 anyhow that allows loaded guns, way to much of a chance of negligent discharge, as far as I know even the exibitors are not allowed to carry loaded, I know in a way it sounds stupid, but that many loaded guns in one place no matter who was carrying would be a bad idea,.........or you could just not go to gun shows......

 

[walknotinfear]

Really, if the sign says no loaded weapons than do as you are instructed or you do not get to enter the show. If you feel so strongly about it than flex your muuscles again and just don't tell them you are carrying a concealed firearm and go on with your business (not recommending this). But as soon as you flexed your muscles and said only a LEO can ask you to unload your weapon you deserved to be shown the way out of the gun show. Next time show a little resepect, follow the rules or just stay home.

 

[Nightmare45]

Not a problem by all my guns someplace else.

 

[ricka057]

Same in Florida, it's never been an issue for me. I can choose to zip tie it or leave it in the car, so I just leave it in the car.

 

[ezkl2230]

You can't carry a loaded firearm into a Texas gun show either. And, as a 20 year CHL holder, I have no problem with it whatsoever. (I'm typing this with my G-27 firmly inside my waistband.) It's purely insurance and safety as the main concerns. Plus, police and sheriff deputies are usually in abundance. Also, gun shows (in Texas anyway) are privately staged events, so it is up to the organizer to have whatever rules they want. It's up to you to decide if you want to participate or not. I personally feel perfectly safe at a gun show in Texas.

I really am not concerned about law enforcement being present "in abundance." I carry because I have the right to do so for my own defense and that of my family and I am getting tired of insurance companies trying to bring about their own gun bans by making it too expensive to carry. And as I have said in other postings and will continud to push for, businesses are not the same as truly private property. My right to defend myself does not end when I enter the premises of a business.