first oc story

Well I have been open carrying for about a month now. First an amt 45 backup. then my Tauras 40 caliber, and a 9mm highpoint. Well i carry pretty everywhere within reason and have never had anything but the normal "are you a cop", or "why do you have a gun".

Well about half hour ago I walked into Thorton's in Florence KY on industrial road for a can of chew. This gas station is less then 1/4 mile from my town home so I'm in there at least once sometimes 3 times a day. The ladies are always polite and usually joke with me about chewing oraskhow the kids are. I was wearing the usual blue jeans, work boots, Fobus holster, 9mm, scent-lock hoodie, and john deere hat.I'm only including these details so you get the whole scenario. I also was driving the kid mobile 99 grand voyager.

Hears how it went closed captioning brought to you by My Constitutional Rights.

Clerk- Can I help you?

Me- Yes I need a can of Grizzly wintergreen long cut.

I already have money in hand as always.

Clerk- Next time you come in here leave that in the car.

Me- Leave what in the car?

Clerk- You cant carry a gun in here.

Me- I'm sorry I did not see any postings on the doors, I have never had a problem before.

Clerk- You cant just carry a gun into gas stations.

Me- Well if it isn't posted for me to know how would I know?

Clerk- Do you have a permit?

Me- No I do not need one as it is not concealed and it is my right to bear arms, and open carry without a permit.

Clerk- Ill just talk to the sheriff next time they are in here.

Me- Okay have a nice day.

This is the first time I have ever been hassled. Did I handle the situation correctly? If not please let me know what I did or didn't do. I almost feel that I should have said my rights don't need justification. I always try to be polite when asked and let people know how KY laws allow open carry. I honestly am really angry how she reacted. Any input and or suggestions are appreciated.

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next time don't bring up posting - this talk just encourages folks to post - try to ignore the employee's weird comments unless ordered to leave, then leave - set your stuff on counter or floor and leave - and if its private property, they can have whatever policy they want on guns, so no use getting mad - I trust you did refuse to buy anything there, right? if not, you just validated that employee's behavior.

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Clerk- Next time you come in here leave that in the car.

Me- Leave what in the car?

Clerk- You cant carry a gun in here.

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Well I decided to write to corporate office, explained exactly what happened just as I did here and recieved this breif response.

We have a company policy that firearms are not allowed in the stores unless it is law enforcement, if you want further details contact David Bridges at 1-800-928-8022 ext 243 for additional details.

I Plan to respond to this person as well as Matt Thorton. I did reply to the email and told them that until I can exercise my rights in their business I will no longer be a customer. I also told them that I have a rather large family in the tristate area and that they would no longer be doing any business with thortons. I explained that I do not believe it was safe leaving my firearm in the vehicle, and that I feel safer carrying and that many local business' feel confortable and safer with me and many others open carrying.

Now my next step should I let Matt thorton know that I am a part of a group of individuals like me who feel the same way about their policy that I do? I just dont want to put any other individuals into this situation. Thanks all for your help and support.

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