imported post
skidmark wrote:
I'm not bashing anybody about the availability or unavailability of unloading barrels at gunshows, because there are any number of reasons why they are not commonly available.
We are all responsible for our own behavior and the consequences of our behavior. There are any number of ways to bring a firearm to a gunshow - even when that firearm is our every-day carry self defence weapon.
Even when the gods are against you and the pooch ends up getting screwed in spite of everything you did exactly perfectly to prevent that from happening, you are responsible for the consequences of the pooch getting screwed.
Do your best to be safe. Stay away from people who behave in an unsafe manner. It is your choice whether or not to, and how to if you take option A, speak to/with/at them about their unsafe behavior.
The OP wanted to know "the ettiquette" of dealing with a loaded handgun as he enters a gun show. A few of us have kicked that around for him. A few others have indicated that they are more than likely to disobey rules for their own convenience.
To me the bottom line is that as patrons of gun shows we should behave in such a manner as will encourage the promoters to continue holding gun shows without needing to resort to draconian measures such as pat-down searches before being allowed to buy your ticket. But if you want to push them in that direction, just remember that you are responsible for the consequences of your behavior.
stay safe.
skidmark
Everyone has to make their own decisions unless it reflects on others. Gunshows are private affairs. You don't have a right to go to one and the promoter has no obligation to let you in.
If it were just people I know and I know are responsible, I'd say stick it in your pocket and go in.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of stoopid in this world. The last thing I want is to have an AD in a crowded space like a Gunshow, Granted, it might just get rid of a few people I dislike...that would be a good thing. It might also get rid of me and despite some opinions, that would be a bad thing from my point of view.
Do you have to carry a gun everywhere. I certainly hope not.
Could your gun be stolen out of the trunk. Maybe but I've been leaving one in the trunk and truck for more years than I like to think about. The only gun that's been stolen from me was by a worthless gunsmith Kurt something or the other KKF firearms. He just never did the work and returned it.
Thankfully, he's dead now so that's a dead issue.
If it concerns you that much, leave it at home...
Gunshows are private and we need to follow the promoters rules or not go. If not we may not have them anymore.