OC around Belvoir Question

my95z34 · Sep 28, 2012

I just picked up my first handgun yesterday. Once my holster comes in I plan to OC whenever possible. I've been lurking here for months, and there is a ton of great information, but I do have a question. Is there anywhere around the Fort Belvoir area I should avoid while OCing?

Thanks in advance!

Tess · Sep 28, 2012

I've lived a few miles from Ft Belvoir most of my 10 years in Virginia, with absolutely no issues anywhere around post. Stay off post, of course, and you're good to go.

To be honest, in the area, the worst I've been treated while OC is at Sharpshooters Range.

my95z34 · Sep 28, 2012

Tess said:
I've lived a few miles from Ft Belvoir most of my 10 years in Virginia, with absolutely no issues anywhere around post. Stay off post, of course, and you're good to go.

To be honest, in the area, the worst I've been treated while OC is at Sharpshooters Range.

Gotcha. I talked to the manager at PetSmart in Hybla Valley yesterday and she asked me not to do it due to it making other customers uncomfortable. Do the malls around here have any rules against OC?

But, that's crazy that, of all places, you got treated poorly at a damn gun range! I saw their sign yesterday that you have to unload and holster your weapon on their premises.... that's dumb...

Uber_Olafsun · Sep 28, 2012

Malls pretty much all suck. I have carried at petsmart at Springfield with no problem. Might want to contact their corporate to find out policy.

my95z34 · Sep 28, 2012

Uber_Olafsun said:
Malls pretty much all suck. I have carried at petsmart at Springfield with no problem. Might want to contact their corporate to find out policy.

She said it's not against policy, but she asks not to do it.

Uber_Olafsun · Sep 28, 2012

If she is asking you not to do it then she is trying to make it policy. If their corporate follows state laws and she is not following corporate policies perhaps they should give her a call. Was this the one on rt1?

my95z34 · Sep 28, 2012

Uber_Olafsun said:
If she is asking you not to do it then she is trying to make it policy. If their corporate follows state laws and she is not following corporate policies perhaps they should give her a call. Was this the one on rt1?

Yeah, back in that big shopping center where Home Depot is.

Uber_Olafsun · Sep 28, 2012

I think payday I have to take my dog to get some treats.

peter nap · Sep 28, 2012

Just as a guideline, it's probably best to not ask.

OC'ing is like carrying a pocket knife or a cell phone. It's not something special unless you treat it that way. Others pick up on that.

my95z34 · Sep 28, 2012

So, malls and movie theaters are ok to OC?

peter nap said:
Just as a guideline, it's probably best to not ask.

OC'ing is like carrying a pocket knife or a cell phone. It's not something special unless you treat it that way. Others pick up on that.

Yeah, I guess that's a good point. Sorry, I'm new to this.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Steeler-gal · Sep 28, 2012

my95z34 said:
Gotcha. I talked to the manager at PetSmart in Hybla Valley yesterday and she asked me not to do it due to it making other customers uncomfortable. Do the malls around here have any rules against OC?

.

Most of the malls in this area prohibit carry. Ive OCd at the Springfield and the Woodbridge PetSmart with no issues. As a general rule of thumb, Ive been advised never to ask about an establishment's carry policy. Just OC and wait to see if/how the store reacts.

my95z34 · Sep 28, 2012

Steeler-gal said:
Most of the malls in this area prohibit carry. Ive OCd at the Springfield and the Woodbridge PetSmart with no issues. As a general rule of thumb, Ive been advised never to ask about an establishment's carry policy. Just OC and wait to see if/how the store reacts.

Cool. Thank you.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Tess · Sep 29, 2012

my95z34 said:
Gotcha. I talked to the manager at PetSmart in Hybla Valley yesterday and she asked me not to do it due to it making other customers uncomfortable. Do the malls around here have any rules against OC?

But, that's crazy that, of all places, you got treated poorly at a damn gun range! I saw their sign yesterday that you have to unload and holster your weapon on their premises.... that's dumb...

I don't have a pet, so have never been in there, but have been (in that shopping center) to Chevy's, TJMaxx, PayLess, AutoZone, Home Depot, Staples, Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond, Capitol Discount Merchandise, Noodles & Company, Coldstone Creamery, Radio Shack, 5 Below, Shoppers, IHOP, Starbucks (of course) with no issues.

I was asked to leave Target in Springfield Mall, but didn't mention it because it's not "near Belvoir" in my book <grin>. (There's a post on that in the OC in NoVA thread somewhere here around page 119). I was escorted from the Mall by no fewer than four UNARMED individuals, and since then shop at the Target on Rte 1, where I have no issues. I haven't found anything at Springfield Mall I can't get elsewhere.

Uber_Olafsun · Sep 29, 2012

I would not go to Springfield mall unless I was armed. Be interesting to see how it changes.

Mike · Sep 29, 2012

Uber_Olafsun said:
Might want to contact their corporate to find out policy.

Noooooooo. Never ask permission, this just creates the need for a gun ban policy. Never suggest sign posting, if you ask for them, they will come.

rspiess · Sep 29, 2012

Tess said:
I don't have a pet, so have never been in there, but have been (in that shopping center) to Chevy's, TJMaxx, PayLess, AutoZone, Home Depot, Staples, Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond, Capitol Discount Merchandise, Noodles & Company, Coldstone Creamery, Radio Shack, 5 Below, Shoppers, IHOP, Starbucks (of course) with no issues.

I was asked to leave Target in Springfield Mall, but didn't mention it because it's not "near Belvoir" in my book <grin>. (There's a post on that in the OC in NoVA thread somewhere here around page 119). I was escorted from the Mall by no fewer than four UNARMED individuals, and since then shop at the Target on Rte 1, where I have no issues. I haven't found anything at Springfield Mall I can't get elsewhere.

I OC at that PetsMart on a regular basis and have never had any trouble. My four year old daughter and I were there last week picking up some food for the cat. We also stopped off at the Home Depot, Ruby Tuesday, and AT&T store. No issues at all.

I also OC at the Springfield Target regularly. The unarmed Target security guy follows me around sometimes but I've never been approached by anyone. When the mall was open I never left Target so the mall security guards never were an issue.

Uber_Olafsun · Sep 30, 2012

Mike said:
Noooooooo. Never ask permission, this just creates the need for a gun ban policy. Never suggest sign posting, if you ask for them, they will come.

You already have a manager telling ou they don't want you carrying. If she is just making it up and does not have the authority of the owners to make that decision they need to know.

Funny how people scream don't ask about policies or signs! I would like to know who supports my rights and who doesn't. If they are not posted but you know anti would you go against their choice by concealing vs just not shop there?

BillB · Sep 30, 2012

Uber_Olafsun said:
Funny how people scream don't ask about policies or signs! I would like to know who supports my rights and who doesn't. If they are not posted but you know anti would you go against their choice by concealing vs just not shop there?

I'm with you here. I want to know who is opposed to my right to carry and prohibits my carrying a firearm into their establishment. I want to know this before I enter and spend any of my money there.

altajava · Sep 30, 2012

In the past four years, I've never heard a word from the petsmart employees from Fairfax to Reston to Gainesville. Only a couple of snide remarks from the people doing adoption events and never to my face.

The Wolfhound · Oct 2, 2012

Last visit to PetSmart......

I got into a good discussion on holsters with the staff. "The Great Hairy Beast" and "Wee Beastie" tried to empty the treat bin at the register while I was chatting. Down here it has been no issue but I do travel with a significant distraction.

OC around Belvoir Question

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