Some CO Springs OC Experiences

Howdy folks,

Been in Colorado Springs just over a month now, having moved from Montana. Been OC'ing pretty much everywhere and at least 95% of the time I leave the house.

So far, nothing but absolutely terrific experiences. I notice a few folks that look down at it, but don't seem to pay much mind to it. I regularly OC when at my bank (Wells Fargo) and I have to say that they are nothing but downright polite, nice and I've had nothing but the best service with them. I OC'ed at Sportsmans Warehouse off Chelton today while picking up some shooting supplies, and again nothing but fantastic service.

I have still yet to have any MWAG calls, encounters with police officers on traffic stops, or anything of that nature, so I don't feel like I've TRUELY had the whole experience yet. I'm sure at some point someone somewhere will call in about it, and I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Just wanted to state publicly for the record how welcoming and open to OC The Springs are. If you are nervous or worried about OC'ing here, you shouldn't be. As a newcomer, I've felt very respected and welcomed in every establishment I've OC'ed in, and have never been asked to leave.

Thanks for your time and all your advice!

-Alex

Good to hear from you. Welcome to Colorado Springs. I believe that you shouldn't have to "expect" any issues arising from your free exercise of the Article 2, Section 13 RTKBA in the Springs. Presenting yourself in a manner that reflects that you do NOT EXPECT your Article 2, Section 13 RIGHT to be brought into question- and you likely will not. Private property acceptance is of course another matter, requiring some deference and public relations effort.

metronumic said:

I OC'ed at Sportsmans Warehouse off Chelton today while picking up some shooting supplies, and again nothing but fantastic service.

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I've OC'ed at Sportsman's but isn't their policy CC only?

mahkagari said:

I've OC'ed at Sportsman's but isn't their policy CC only?

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I carefully studied their "Firearm Policy" posted outside the doors before I walked in (as I do with every establishment I enter when I'm carrying). It specifically stated that if you plan on unholstering a weapon you are bringing into the store, it will need to be turned over to staff, unloaded, and given back to you at the front desk. There was nothing mentioned about concealed carry versus open carry.

I presume they don't want people with loaded handguns trying out holsters. Makes sense to me.

I think as stated before, if you present yourself in a calm, relaxed, confident manner, nobody seems to think twice about it. If you get nervous and shifty about it, I think it will naturally alarm people.

I just realized, Cabela's does not allow OC in their stores, CC only.

I don't shop at Cabela's anyways myself. In general I do not give money to businesses that do not allow customers to carry firearms.

metronumic said:

I just realized, Cabela's does not allow OC in their stores, CC only.

I don't shop at Cabela's anyways myself. In general I do not give money to businesses that do not allow customers to carry firearms.

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The allow OC around here. Are you sure they don't allow it there?

metronumic said:

I carefully studied their "Firearm Policy" posted outside the doors before I walked in (as I do with every establishment I enter when I'm carrying). It specifically stated that if you plan on unholstering a weapon you are bringing into the store, it will need to be turned over to staff, unloaded, and given back to you at the front desk. There was nothing mentioned about concealed carry versus open carry.

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Huh. Up here the "door policy" says that if you are carrying concealed they request you don't remove it from concealed position. I think it says something about welcoming CCWs. I may be wrong that it doesn't explicitly forbid OC, but the sign discourages it between the lines. I'll check next time I'm in.

Cabela's in Washington doesn't care as long as it doesn't leave the holster, OC or CC. If you are looking to try holsters or accessorize you need to check it at the little counter. I have checked a pistol, finished shopping, received it back reloaded, chambered and wandered back in to collect wife and kids out this way.

There is an older discussion here http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?49535-Cabela-s-store-policy

Seems pretty much the same.

metronumic said:

I just realized, Cabela's does not allow OC in their stores, CC only.

I don't shop at Cabela's anyways myself. In general I do not give money to businesses that do not allow customers to carry firearms.

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Well here in the Grand Valley I have OCed in Cabela's more times than I can count. The only thing ever said to me by the guys at the door was..

"Sir, Cabela's supports open carry, however if you plan on trying out holsters or anything we do ask that you unload outside".

I said "If I planned on anything like that it would be unloaded and in a case".

He said "Thank you for that; some people, you know".

I said "Yea I use to work at a gun shop, I understand".

Other than that one exchange my OC piece has never been mentioned in Cabela's.

metronumic said:

I just realized, Cabela's does not allow OC in their stores, CC only.
I don't shop at Cabela's anyways myself. In general I do not give money to businesses that do not allow customers to carry firearms.

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Vitaeus said:

Cabela's in Washington doesn't care as long as it doesn't leave the holster, OC or CC.
If you are looking to try holsters or accessorize you need to check it at the little counter.

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What he said.
And if you decide while you're there that you want to try holsters, ask if they have a plastic gun you can use.

I have checked a pistol, finished shopping, received it back reloaded, chambered and wandered back in to collect wife and kids out this way.

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That's the problem I have with Cabella's - they escort you out of the building before giving you the gun you had in for service, or the one you just bought, or the unloaded one you were using to try holsters (in my experience, once it's out of the holster, they think they control it until it's out of the building).

I was not clear, I reloaded at the check in counter, no one said anything.