Gun Check at the Gun Shows

[sschrick]

So, at every gun show before they let you enter if you are carrying any firearms, you have to have your guns checked to make sure they are unloaded. And then they put a zip tie through the action to keep them safe and prevent you from loading them.

My question is: Is it the expectation (if you have a valid HCP and are carrying your firearm) that you unload your weapon in the car and have then check an already empty gun at the table OR can you unload your weapon at the table?

Haven't actually carried to a show yet, but just wondering.

[Mike.357]

Unload it first if you are going to let them check it.

If you plan to carry it loaded inside make darn sure it stays concealed and unhandled the entire time.

[sschrick]

I understand if it is loaded, it cannot be handled. . .but why does it need to stay concealed?

[Mike.357]

The doors are posted that no loaded guns may be inside. So it would benefit you to remain concealed if you choose to carry and not check it in.

[Jonnin]

The cops at the door usually do NOT LIKE to unload your gun. They may not say anything but I have been thanked for having it unloaded (they can tell I did this as I leave the magazine and +1 round in the car) and asking them, was told a lot of people bring loaded guns and they really wish folks would take a moment to unload at home or in the car or something. I would not take it to them loaded after talking to them about it.

[sschrick]

Like I said, never carried to the show before, therefore never noticed the sign. I will surely unload it in the car.

Thanks, all.

[Kenstaroni]

Yeah, unload it in the car. Do you really want someone sitting across from you unloading your weapon...sounds like an accident waiting to happen...heck the TSA had an accidental discharge while clearing a .22 revolver that someone had in their carry on a few days ago.

Besides that rare possibility, it's just better practice to do so as not to raise the bloodpressure of the check in person or LEO. I see no reason to carry at shows but if you choose to do so just keep in mind what the rules are and that you are breaking them. I'm actually glad they do not allow carry at shows. There are way too many un-trained folks handling weapons, pointing them all over the place and playing with them. I've been muzzled by so many AR15's and pistols at gun shows that if I thought any of them could possibly be loaded I'd never go to another show again...lol Now don't take me for a 2nd amendment hater, that I am defenately not...lol

[Guest hawkeye10]

Yeah, unload it in the car. Do you really want someone sitting across from you unloading your weapon...sounds like an accident waiting to happen...heck the TSA had an accidental discharge while clearing a .22 revolver that someone had in their carry on a few days ago.

Besides that rare possibility, it's just better practice to do so as not to raise the bloodpressure of the check in person or LEO. I see no reason to carry at shows but if you choose to do so just keep in mind what the rules are and that you are breaking them. I'm actually glad they do not allow carry at shows. There are way too many un-trained folks handling weapons, pointing them all over the place and playing with them. I've been muzzled by so many AR15's and pistols at gun shows that if I thought any of them could possibly be loaded I'd never go to another show again...lol Now don't take me for a 2nd amendment hater, that I am defenately not...lol

The problem is people assume all the guns at a gun show are unloaded. A person should treat all guns as if they were loaded. There have been guns go off at gun shows and there will be again. We all need to be more careful with guns. Don

[Dolomite_supafly]

Also, until recently the security as the Expo Center would take any ammunition you entered the building with. You could not take it out to your vehicle. Even if it wasn't in the gun they still stole it. Now we have KPD it is no longer an issue, or at least not yet, so I say leave your ammo in the car or at a minimum out of the gun. At some point you may show up and the security is back in place stealing ammo again.

Dolomite