One in the chamber a no-go at Bass Pro...

[deerslayer]

...according to one of their employees today. While searching for a case for checking a gun as airline baggage in the near future, an employee explained that a customer once removed his handgun from his holster to see how it would fit a certain case. The employee stated that this guy actually had a round in the chamber! At this point, I thought, "Wow, what a dunce for un-holstering his gun in the store." However, the employee thought he was crazy for carrying a loaded gun. He went on to explain that customers must inform someone at the store that they have a gun upon arrival and that they are not allowed to have a round in the chamber. I replied that he meant guns that were going to have a scope mounted, worked on, etc. He said that, no, it pertained to people with carry permits as well. When I asked him if this was posted anywhere near the entrance, he replied, "No, but anyone with a carry permit should be smart enough to know that you can't just walk around in the store with a round in the chamber." I started to inform him of how wrong he was, etc., but thought better of it and ended the conversation by simply replying, "Wow, I didn't know that." I decided not to go all it's-our-2A-rights-as-Americans and leave well enough alone because, for all I know, this sheep could have been the store manager and might push to get the place posted or some hideous rule like he was describing. I double checked the front doors on the way out and saw nothing about guns.

Ignorance is bliss.

[hornett22]

From what I have seen, the morons working at Bass Pro have no business selling air fresheners,let alone firearms.

[NRA]

a gun with nothing in the camber is one step away from a paper weight

[billyscott]

You're right NRA, not heavy enough to be a boat anchor. But I have run across this in several gun shops.

[Guest Catfish36]

You're right NRA, not heavy enough to be a boat anchor. But I have run across this in several gun shops.

I have only seen a sign posted on one gun shop. The one on Alcoa Hwy in Knoxville across from CourtSouth. I think it reads "no loaded weapons". I found this rather odd. Are they not aware of who their customers are???

Anyway, You probably did the right thing by dropping it..even though I am not sure I would have been able to keep my mouth shut. Hopefully this is just the ignorance and misunderstanding of one lone mistaken employee and not an actual store policy.

[jay1313g]

From what I have seen, the morons working at Bass Pro have no business selling air fresheners,let alone firearms.

LOL!!!!!!

[BigDaddyx4]

That's amazing!!! Amazing that you didn't bust out laughing in his face! :-)

[jtmaze]

What about cocked and locked???? The range I frequent says no loaded guys but once they get to know you they don't care.

[Spiffy]

I saw the best shirt one day. It has a dog on it looking at you with this look. The caption reads "I'm not saying your stupid, But I am thinking it". I have found I can mimic that look pretty good at times like these.

[deerslayer]

He was probably a member of the so-called "Winchester 94 crowd." Don't get me wrong, I have a 94 in the safe. These folks believe it is their God-given right to own a deer rifle or shotgun, but privately scoff at the notion of regular folks carrying a handgun. We got into a discussion about IDPA and USPSA and I asked him if he shot handguns. He replied that he did not, but that he hunted a lot. It wasn't mere ignorance of the law or the store's rules; I got the feeling that he thought anyone who carried anywhere with one in the pipe was a little crazy. From my experience, there are more Model 94 types than one would think.

[Lumber_Jack]

I would not have been able to walk away from that maroon. I would have rather been asked to leave by a manger than simply let him continue on, ranting obsurdities.

[Guest ArmaDeFuego]

I dont blame you for not setting him straight. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.

[quietguy]

"Winchester 94 crowd."

I understand what you are getting at, but wish you would find another firearm to label your stereotype.

[deerslayer]

I understand what you are getting at, but wish you would find another firearm to label your stereotype.

Ok, Winchester Model 70 crowd.

[Fallguy]

My guess another employee of such a place either making up policy or not understanding the one the store does have.

[tnhawk]

...He went on to explain that customers must inform someone at the store that they have a gun upon arrival and that they are not allowed to have a round in the chamber....He said that, no, it pertained to people with carry permits as well. When I asked him if this was posted anywhere near the entrance, he replied, "No, but anyone with a carry permit should be smart enough to know that you can't just walk around in the store with a round in the chamber."...... Ignorance is bliss.

I would more likely expect to find a vegetarian cooking at Outback Steakhouse.

Some businesses prefer that you not handle a loaded weapon in their store, that I can understand.

[TMF]

Eh, I had a paint guy at Lowes tell me I don't need to have my primer tinted. I just nod and continue with what I was going to do anyway. If they want to be ignorant, let 'em. It's only gonna irritate you that they won't listen.

[QuietDan]

Doubt very seriously that it's a Bass Pro Shop policy. Rather, the delusions in the fevered mind of one sub-par employee.

Regardless, I don't show or handle my loaded concealed carry weapon in a store unless it's out and firing at a robber or some such.

If I'd gone in planning to look at a holster, I'd test fit the holster on the store's unloaded copy of my weapon; no need for them to see my weapon.

[Dennis1209]

I dont blame you for not setting him straight. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.

^ That's my way of thinking too.

[Raoul]

My experience with Bass Pro is that none of the staff has one in the chamber. It's like going to a Dicks with boats.

[Patton]

I'm still in shock someone would shop at Bass Pro Shops. -Overpriced-

[Lumber_Jack]

My experience with Bass Pro is that none of the staff has one in the chamber. It's like going to a Dicks with boats.

Is this an analogy of their mental state?

Sent from my Mom's basement

[Lumber_Jack]

I'm still in shock someone would shop at Bass Pro Shops. -Overpriced-

Gift cards, it's the only reason I go there.

Sent from my Mom's basement

[Volzfan]

I think we have The Andy Griffith Show to thank. They taught people that LEO's couldn't be trusted to have enough sense to carry a loaded weapon and should keep their bullets in their pockets until needed.

[Raoul]

Is this an analogy of their mental state?

Sent from my Mom's basement

Mine perhaps.

My rant is that, like Dicks, the staff is typically not particularly informed about what they sell and as such like to lord their presumed authority over the customer. Then again, perhaps I'm just a jackass.