45acpForMe
Newbie
I went to Blackhawks HQ today only to be asked to stow my gun. :-( I wrote the following letter and plan to send it tomorrow. Any suggestions for improvements?
President & CEO Mike Noell
Blackhawk Products Group
6160 Commander Pkwy
Norfolk, VA 23502, USA
Dear Mr. Noell,
Firstly I would like to say I love your products. Each pistol I own has a SERPA holster for it (except my FNP-45 where your customer service says you are reviewing & planning for later this year). I have been using your equipment for a couple years and have not been disappointed.
Secondly, I was thrilled to see your headquarters was nearby in Norfolk. I visit my customers in that area three to four times a month and I was excited to think I could stop by your show-room/store rather than ordering online all the time.
With that said I was sorely disappointed when I visited your building today during lunch (1pm) only to be asked to stow my “loaded” pistol in my car. When I arrived I signed-in when asked by the receptionist and then went directly to the store. I believe I was the only customer in the store and the only person working was a blonde woman who almost immediately asked if I was LEO. When I answered in the negative she instructed me that your policy was to only allow LEO to have loaded handguns in the building. She was polite and answered a few of my questions before I left.
I instructed her that I was only exercising my 2A right and she replied that Blackhawk strongly supports the 2A! (If I was told to shut up while in your store I could imply that you strongly support the 1A too!) It is legal to Open Carry a handgun in Virginia. I was also using a SERPA retention holster for my USP at the time. Never did I unholster nor even attempt to touch my holstered gun while in your building. Your employee tried to explain that people like to try holsters with their guns so you don’t allow loaded guns in your store. (BTW: I was hoping to look at tactical vests) I would suggest maybe a sign saying something along the lines of, “Please do NOT unholster a loaded gun while on premises!” rather than trampling on anyone’s rights. I quietly signed out and left your building. Do you really believe that if someone had criminal intent, they would obey your policy?
I respect your right as private property to disallow loaded firearms. I expect you to respect my right to shop elsewhere. (Ironically, two SERPA holsters were on my doorstep when I returned home from a recent online order) I explained to your employee that just like a restaurant that asks me to stow my gun in my car, I will leave but not return. I shop at Home Depot, Food Lion, Mc Donalds, Walmart all the time and don’t get asked to disarm! I even shop for holsters at my local range (The Marksman) and don’t get asked to disarm.
I am flabbergasted that a company that creates and sells gun related products wouldn’t allow average citizens to openly carry in your store. Please review your policy and notify me of any decision to change it. I will post this letter as well as any response you supply (in full) on the open carry forum.
Respectfully yours,
President & CEO Mike Noell
Blackhawk Products Group
6160 Commander Pkwy
Norfolk, VA 23502, USA
Dear Mr. Noell,
Firstly I would like to say I love your products. Each pistol I own has a SERPA holster for it (except my FNP-45 where your customer service says you are reviewing & planning for later this year). I have been using your equipment for a couple years and have not been disappointed.
Secondly, I was thrilled to see your headquarters was nearby in Norfolk. I visit my customers in that area three to four times a month and I was excited to think I could stop by your show-room/store rather than ordering online all the time.
With that said I was sorely disappointed when I visited your building today during lunch (1pm) only to be asked to stow my “loaded” pistol in my car. When I arrived I signed-in when asked by the receptionist and then went directly to the store. I believe I was the only customer in the store and the only person working was a blonde woman who almost immediately asked if I was LEO. When I answered in the negative she instructed me that your policy was to only allow LEO to have loaded handguns in the building. She was polite and answered a few of my questions before I left.
I instructed her that I was only exercising my 2A right and she replied that Blackhawk strongly supports the 2A! (If I was told to shut up while in your store I could imply that you strongly support the 1A too!) It is legal to Open Carry a handgun in Virginia. I was also using a SERPA retention holster for my USP at the time. Never did I unholster nor even attempt to touch my holstered gun while in your building. Your employee tried to explain that people like to try holsters with their guns so you don’t allow loaded guns in your store. (BTW: I was hoping to look at tactical vests) I would suggest maybe a sign saying something along the lines of, “Please do NOT unholster a loaded gun while on premises!” rather than trampling on anyone’s rights. I quietly signed out and left your building. Do you really believe that if someone had criminal intent, they would obey your policy?
I respect your right as private property to disallow loaded firearms. I expect you to respect my right to shop elsewhere. (Ironically, two SERPA holsters were on my doorstep when I returned home from a recent online order) I explained to your employee that just like a restaurant that asks me to stow my gun in my car, I will leave but not return. I shop at Home Depot, Food Lion, Mc Donalds, Walmart all the time and don’t get asked to disarm! I even shop for holsters at my local range (The Marksman) and don’t get asked to disarm.
I am flabbergasted that a company that creates and sells gun related products wouldn’t allow average citizens to openly carry in your store. Please review your policy and notify me of any decision to change it. I will post this letter as well as any response you supply (in full) on the open carry forum.
Respectfully yours,
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