imported post
So, I decided to go to Wal-Mart to buy some 00 buckshot for my shotgun. I have a CHL and I was carrying my G27; Openly and loaded in my new Serpa holster on my strong side, with a loaded spare magazine on my weak side in a pouch.
Went in the store, greeter greeted me with a smile, etc. Looked at some clothes, then walked over to Sporting Goods and looked at ammo but they didn't have any 00 buckshot. On the way out, I stopped to look at candy bars near the electronics section. At that time, at least 2 Wal-Mart employees came up to me (could have been more obscured by the merchandise).
Guy with glasses: "Um, sir, is that uhhhhh legit?" (referring to my pistol)
Me: "Yes" (Not sure what he was asking exactly, but since I was sure EVERYTHING about my pistol is legit, I answered in the affirmative).
Guy with glasses: "Can I ask you to leave?"
Me: "Sure. I didn't see a sign on your store so I didn't know it was against store policy."
Guy with glasses: "It's actually Oregon state law."
Me: "OK?"
Then I left. I know the law, but I wasn't going to argue with the guy, especially since being asked to leave private property pre-empts all the other laws anyway.
On the way home I called the store and asked to speak with the general manager. Managers, I've learned, are a revolving door, and there is nobody actually responsible for the whole store at any given time, so names are pointless to take down. So I got a hold of a manager and he had the following interesting things to tell me:
* He wasn't sure if it was store policy, corporate policy, or Easport Plaza policy, but he was sure it was against some policy, because the Wal-Mart he worked at before had the same policy, so he was pretty sure it was corporate policy.
* The cameras were following me the entire time I was in the store, lots of customers were complaining, the walkie-talkies were all abuzz with my every movement, and people were scared because I was looking at ammo (which is ironic because I was carrying a loaded pistol, and a spare magazine full of ammo, in plain sight...not to mention I would have bought 00 buckshot, which as far as I know, can't be chambered in my pistol, or ANY pistol for that matter).
* He did thank me for leaving when asked to do so. I told him regardless of the gun laws, with which I was in full compliance, as soon as I am asked to leave private property I am obliged to do so under law. He then said he was interested in finding out where the policy came from (possibly realizing that it's possible no such policy actually exists?) and that he was going to look into it.
So, I plan on writing a letter to Wal-Mart asking them to clarify their policy, and, if one exists banning weapons, to please place a warning clearly on all entrances to avoid further situations such as this, or, if there is no such policy, to train their employees in store policy so they don't drive out their customers for no reason. Also, maybe inform all employees of Wal-Mart that they are (I'm assuming) neither lawyers nor police officers.
So, I decided to go to Wal-Mart to buy some 00 buckshot for my shotgun. I have a CHL and I was carrying my G27; Openly and loaded in my new Serpa holster on my strong side, with a loaded spare magazine on my weak side in a pouch.
Went in the store, greeter greeted me with a smile, etc. Looked at some clothes, then walked over to Sporting Goods and looked at ammo but they didn't have any 00 buckshot. On the way out, I stopped to look at candy bars near the electronics section. At that time, at least 2 Wal-Mart employees came up to me (could have been more obscured by the merchandise).
Guy with glasses: "Um, sir, is that uhhhhh legit?" (referring to my pistol)
Me: "Yes" (Not sure what he was asking exactly, but since I was sure EVERYTHING about my pistol is legit, I answered in the affirmative).
Guy with glasses: "Can I ask you to leave?"
Me: "Sure. I didn't see a sign on your store so I didn't know it was against store policy."
Guy with glasses: "It's actually Oregon state law."
Me: "OK?"
Then I left. I know the law, but I wasn't going to argue with the guy, especially since being asked to leave private property pre-empts all the other laws anyway.
On the way home I called the store and asked to speak with the general manager. Managers, I've learned, are a revolving door, and there is nobody actually responsible for the whole store at any given time, so names are pointless to take down. So I got a hold of a manager and he had the following interesting things to tell me:
* He wasn't sure if it was store policy, corporate policy, or Easport Plaza policy, but he was sure it was against some policy, because the Wal-Mart he worked at before had the same policy, so he was pretty sure it was corporate policy.
* The cameras were following me the entire time I was in the store, lots of customers were complaining, the walkie-talkies were all abuzz with my every movement, and people were scared because I was looking at ammo (which is ironic because I was carrying a loaded pistol, and a spare magazine full of ammo, in plain sight...not to mention I would have bought 00 buckshot, which as far as I know, can't be chambered in my pistol, or ANY pistol for that matter).
* He did thank me for leaving when asked to do so. I told him regardless of the gun laws, with which I was in full compliance, as soon as I am asked to leave private property I am obliged to do so under law. He then said he was interested in finding out where the policy came from (possibly realizing that it's possible no such policy actually exists?) and that he was going to look into it.
So, I plan on writing a letter to Wal-Mart asking them to clarify their policy, and, if one exists banning weapons, to please place a warning clearly on all entrances to avoid further situations such as this, or, if there is no such policy, to train their employees in store policy so they don't drive out their customers for no reason. Also, maybe inform all employees of Wal-Mart that they are (I'm assuming) neither lawyers nor police officers.
there are customers >with children< who do not feel comfortable with another customer carrying a gun.:what: My reply: “Yes, they need to be educated on the difference between a real threat to their children and a person who would act to protect them. Bad guys don’t open carry.” You could see the light:idea: come on over her head and several of the gaggle of associates who had gathered around, were grinning. 
