Interesting......
I went in a month or two ago looking for a holster that the locals didn't have.
I did have a carry firearm, holstered (not hidden by any means). They didn't give me an issue there, however, the firearm that was in a box, open chamber indicator in the firearm (no ammo either) was a no-go for them. I had to check it in downstairs at the main door. They don't give me a ticket or anything (which I thought was odd and won't do that one again). Bring it upstairs and I need to get a ticket at the counter, wait my turn to ask a question regarding holsters.
Now, as I recall, the only incident in a Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops type of store was BECAUSE the firearm was checked in. I can totally see that. They have a test fire chamber in the front of the store that they use to make sure the firearm isn't loaded. Guy racked the slide (chamber indicator flag..... naturally popped out. So, he racked it again (since he didn't get a full slide). But failed. Firearm is a Springfield XD9. I let this go on for about 30 seconds or so and let him know that he has to press in the safety on the backstrap as if he was actually about to fire the firearm.
The guy is clearly not totally comprehending various firearms (especially considering this is a very common one).
Oddball process, to say the least.
Jonathan