I went to Shooters yesterday for some range time and chose not to open carry in the store as I was a little short on time, so I figured that as long as I would be loading and shooting as soon as I got in, I just grabbed my cased weapons and when in. Plus the fact that the parking lot was practically empty, so, being at "Shooters", I honestly had no fear of armed confrintaion where I felt the need to carry for "Security" I got a lane and they noticed the empty holster on my hip plus I was wearing my new Wisconsin Carry hat :banana:. The clerk (younger guy) leaned over the counter and said that he had noticed my holster and was checking if it had a gun...?? I told him that I am a OC'er but I had left my weapon (XD .40) in the case as I was going to be shooting soon anyway. I also had my other handgun (Taurus Judge) with me and asked about future visits OC as to not to have to carry two cased guns in with me. Basically he said that they like to keep all loaded weapons behind the glass in the range area. By that time a second (older) employee joined the conversation and kinda tried to make a joke that if I had a badge OC would be ok. I asked him so LEO get special treatment and I was sure that he was aware that OC was legal and a constitutional right for any law abing citizen. He again joked about that he was pretty sure a LEO was not going to shoot them...?? So I said that I was 100% certain that I was not going to shoot him either. He then went into the reason (excuse) that if anybody complains too much about their policy that he explains that if you go to any rifle range that none will allow carrying a loaded weapon (I assumed he meant a long gun) until you were on the range ready to shoot. I replined (with a smile) that I was not "complaining" just giving him a hard time... We both chuckled. They younger guy thanked me for not OC'ing without checking first.
I know, I know, do not give any place a chance to say no... OC first and then deal with whatever happens after that.. but I had planned on shooting there again (until I can find another place) and just wanted to ensure a freindly atmosphere next time I was there. I think I accomplished that goal. Now I will be looking a lot hard for a new (and closer) place to shoot. I already have a couple of possibilities.
Finally, although I TOTALLY disagree with the policy and their weak explanations, I realize that Shooters is a private facility open to the public and as much as I have a right to OC, they have the right to set their policies....:banghead:
I have read a report here that conflicts with the above report so I guess it kinda all depends on who's behind the counter and how well they know you...???
Outdoorsma1
