Goofy Things At Gun Shows

Pahoo · May 28, 2013, 08:24 PM

The thread of; Goofy Things Said At Gun Shops
Got me thinking about the Goofy Things At Gun Shows. I found a recent encounter a bit disturbing, mostly cause it really took me by surprise.

I and two friends were in line waiting to get into a gun show. I was holding bolt action target rifle and as usual, I had good muzzle control with a two hand hold. We were having a nice gun chat and noticed that a guy in front of us, was taking more than casual interest in our conversation. I see him Eye-balling my rifle and that was okay. We were about 50ft. from the front door and casually he reaches for my rifle and opens the bolt. He then tells me that when we I get inside, security will want to inspect and clear the action. Took me all of 3-seconds to figure out what to say. .....

I told him that I knew that, I had muzzle control and the next time he wanted to touch a gun of mine, he better ask permission. Told him if he had any common sense, he would not have done so and it was rude. Then I asked him if he agreed and he just answered; yes and turned around. The guys with me were speechless and later said they thought I might punch the guys. ...

This is my rifle; this is my gun !!
Be Safe !!!

Joe_Pike · May 28, 2013, 08:27 PM

"Goofy Things At Gun Shows"

At the entrance - "That will be $12 please".

SHE3PDOG · May 28, 2013, 08:52 PM

"I just cleared it in front of you, why do you need to check it again?"

UtopiaTexasG19 · May 29, 2013, 07:56 AM

"casually he reaches for my rifle and opens the bolt."

What kind of control do you have over your gun when someone can casually take it out of your hands? I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth.

BPowderkeg · May 29, 2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth.

your next act would be calling for a bail bondsman !!

BPowderkeg · May 29, 2013, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Goofy Things At Gun Shows

not so goofy but in my case a very good deal, on a table i walked up were a small pile (9 to be exact) of silver dollar sized coins, very tarnished and sorta ugly looking, i instantly recognized them as silver "rounds", i picked one up, WITH PERMISSION, asked how much ?
$4.00 each, was the reply (which would have been $36.00)
i'll give you $25 for all of them.., (i collect all types of coins)
humm.., OK

when i got home i dipped them in vinegar........, lo and behold they showed their original appearance, three of them were what we collectors call "proof", right now just them being silver makes them worth about $25.00 each, the one proof was a Wells Fargo commemorative, present value about $50.00 !!!

only GOOFY on the sellers part for being ignorant.

flyguy958 · May 29, 2013, 09:04 AM

I like to see the bolt open too. You may have muzzle control but I don't know you are what you will do when I turn my back. You may be the safest weapons handler in the world, but I don't know that. An open bolt is assurance that there is nothing in the chamber.

I would not have touched your firearm, but I would have ask you to open the bolt. It never hurts to be safe.

geetarman · May 29, 2013, 09:20 AM

Quote:

What kind of control do you have over your gun when someone can casually take it out of your hands? I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth.

Not a good idea. It was not smart of him to touch your firearm without your permission but YOUR reaction would be way over the top. People have been shot for doing things like that.

Skans · May 29, 2013, 09:21 AM

The conspiracy nut always seemed to grab my ear, rambling on and on about FEMA camps, something about Yellowstone, World Order, etc. etc. The ramblings all ran together, none of which made any sense. After a couple of minutes, my eyes just glazed over and was trying to figure out how to politely escape the mad ramblings.

Of course, back in the early 1990's there were the "tax protesters" trying to convince people that you didn't have to pay income tax. Yeah, I don't see those guys around anymore....wonder why???

**Mike Irwin** · May 29, 2013, 09:48 AM

"What kind of control do you have over your gun when someone can casually take it out of your hands? I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth."

What?

You wouldn't immedidately whip out your concealed carry piece and ventilate the bastard?

What kind of cowardly response is that to an over the top assault/insult???

If your FIRST inclination is to resort to ANY kind of physical violence, maybe you really need to rethink your relationship with firearms.

Skans · May 29, 2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

I would not have touched your firearm, but I would have ask you to open the bolt. It never hurts to be safe.

You would have to do that about 500 times to 500 different individuals where I'm at. Are you really prepared to run around and tell this many people to open their bolts? Even when there is no rule or law or requirement about this?

I conceal carry my pistol, up to the time I enter a gun show - yes, it's completely unloaded, but the only person who is going to handle it is the officer at the door checking weapons - in other words, slide is not locked back before having it checked at the door.

I have also brought rifles to gun shows, and never once locked the bolt back on any of them while waiting in line. If someone even reached for my rifle without first asking permission, I would yank it away from him and loudly declare "whadya think you're doing!" What the guy did to the OP was insane. Anyone who hasn't learned that you don't touch other people's stuff, especially guns, without permission, has more than just a screw loose. If someone actually had the fortitude to tell me to lock back the bolt, I'd snap back that this is not a firing range and he isn't an RO, politely stopping short of saying "mind your own 'bleep' business".

RedBowTies88 · May 29, 2013, 10:25 AM

What if I brought my saiga? Have me disassemble it because it doesn't have a bolt hold open?

**Tom Servo** · May 29, 2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

What if I brought my saiga? Have me disassemble it because it doesn't have a bolt hold open?

Around here, they provide chamber flags for guns, which are mandatory. They also ban the carry of any loaded firearm.

Thank the folks who can't be troubled to ensure their guns are unloaded, and who have ND's on the show floor. People have died that way.

zincwarrior · May 29, 2013, 01:11 PM

Thats a very strange incident. As Tom Servo noted, I've always seen the entrance guys put straps through the chamber. I've never seen anyone reach over and try to grab someone's firearm.

Lets assume it was accidentally loaded. Trying to grab it seems like an excellent way for that to go off, vs. a "hey they like to see open bolts when you come up and get weird otherwise."

Buzzcook · May 29, 2013, 01:22 PM

Just don't buy any home made jerky from the fat guy in the too short T-shirt.

TailGator · May 29, 2013, 02:50 PM

The last gun show I went to was about 15 or 16 months ago. At one table, I picked up a couple of Beretta 92 mags that were priced pretty decent, said "I'll take these," and held out some bills. The guy behind the table turned his back on me, picked up a cell phone, dialed, and sat down in a chair to chat. So I put them back where I found them on his table and walked away.

An aisle or two away I saw a couple more mags in a glass-topped case with no price visible. I asked the price, and that guy leaned back on the table behind him, unwrapped a sandwich, and started eating without saying a word, just kind of glared at me.

Bought a couple of factory mags from Midway a few days later. I have no idea why people who aren't interested in making a sale rent tables and haul their stuff in.

Pahoo · May 29, 2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

What kind of control do you have over your gun when someone can casually take it out of your hands? I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth.

A little clarification is in order. ...

The guy did not take it out of my hands, it was still secured in mine. He just reached out and opened the bolt while I still had control of it. He was just another gun-show groupie and not associated with the show. We were 50FT. from the front door where security was stationed. In fact, I am good friends with the security guy as well as the promoter. I always clear a weapon in front of security. ....

Now, in preparation to going to a show, I clear and check and in the case. When I get there, I take out of the case, clear and check again. If there is a magazine, I check it and it goes into my pocket. All the time, maintaining muzzle control.....

As far as not thinking fast enough to react, guilty as charged but this guy really took me by surprise. ....

Be Safe !!!

Brian Pfleuger · May 29, 2013, 02:55 PM

I always thought it was standard protocol to have the action open on any gun that's not intentionally loaded, save those that don't lock open.

The goofiest thing I see at gun shows is a lack of guns. I don't go anymore. I'm tired of the countless tables of bayonets and other knives, swords, utensils, the quilting and computers tables and the one table with the 5 boxes of primers that look to be 50 years old.

Pahoo · May 29, 2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

I always thought it was standard protocol to have the action open on any gun that's not intentionally loaded, save those that don't lock open.

That could be debated but I certainly don't want my bolts flopping around. I'd rather take them out as well. ....

Be Safe !!!

Brian Pfleuger · May 29, 2013, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pahoo

...take them out...

Yes, certainly. I guess I should say that the standard is that the action isn't SHUT. Open or removed, or chamber flagged... not "cocked and locked".

Skans · May 29, 2013, 05:00 PM

Quote:

I always thought it was standard protocol to have the action open on any gun that's not intentionally loaded, save those that don't lock open.

No. This is far from "standard". Different rules for different places.

pathdoc · May 29, 2013, 05:18 PM

The only time I've seen this happen was at a range at a shooting meet. The owner went off at the guy who picked up his rifle and pulled the bolt, but the offender in this case was the Range Safety Officer, who'd called ceasefire and clear chambers just a few minutes before.

Skans · May 29, 2013, 05:35 PM

Range rules do differ from folks just mulling around, or standing in line, waiting to get into a gun show.

At the range I shoot at, there is a rule that requires chambers to be open, firearms lying down with muzzles pointing down range when the range is cold. But, there is an overriding rule that NO ONE shall handle ANY FIREARM (other than loading magazines) when the range is cold. While it's not good to violate the former rule, the later rule absolutely takes precedent.

May 28, 2013, 08:24 PM	#1
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Goofy Things At Gun Shows The thread of; Goofy Things Said At Gun Shops Got me thinking about the Goofy Things At Gun Shows. I found a recent encounter a bit disturbing, mostly cause it really took me by surprise. I and two friends were in line waiting to get into a gun show. I was holding bolt action target rifle and as usual, I had good muzzle control with a two hand hold. We were having a nice gun chat and noticed that a guy in front of us, was taking more than casual interest in our conversation. I see him Eye-balling my rifle and that was okay. We were about 50ft. from the front door and casually he reaches for my rifle and opens the bolt. He then tells me that when we I get inside, security will want to inspect and clear the action. Took me all of 3-seconds to figure out what to say. ..... I told him that I knew that, I had muzzle control and the next time he wanted to touch a gun of mine, he better ask permission. Told him if he had any common sense, he would not have done so and it was rude. Then I asked him if he agreed and he just answered; yes and turned around. The guys with me were speechless and later said they thought I might punch the guys. ... This is my rifle; this is my gun !! Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

May 28, 2013, 08:27 PM	#2
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,583	"Goofy Things At Gun Shows" At the entrance - "That will be $12 please". __________________ Stay Groovy

May 29, 2013, 09:04 AM	#7
flyguy958 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2009 Location: SC Posts: 200	I like to see the bolt open too. You may have muzzle control but I don't know you are what you will do when I turn my back. You may be the safest weapons handler in the world, but I don't know that. An open bolt is assurance that there is nothing in the chamber. I would not have touched your firearm, but I would have ask you to open the bolt. It never hurts to be safe. __________________ You can have your own opinion but you can't make up your own facts !

May 29, 2013, 09:48 AM	#10
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	"What kind of control do you have over your gun when someone can casually take it out of your hands? I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth." What? You wouldn't immedidately whip out your concealed carry piece and ventilate the bastard? What kind of cowardly response is that to an over the top assault/insult??? If your FIRST inclination is to resort to ANY kind of physical violence, maybe you really need to rethink your relationship with firearms. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

May 29, 2013, 02:55 PM	#18
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,694	I always thought it was standard protocol to have the action open on any gun that's not intentionally loaded, save those that don't lock open. The goofiest thing I see at gun shows is a lack of guns. I don't go anymore. I'm tired of the countless tables of bayonets and other knives, swords, utensils, the quilting and computers tables and the one table with the 5 boxes of primers that look to be 50 years old. __________________ https://ecommercearms.com I am the owner/operator! Ask me for custom prices! No sales tax outside CO!

May 28, 2013, 08:52 PM	#3
SHE3PDOG Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 988	"I just cleared it in front of you, why do you need to check it again?"

May 29, 2013, 07:56 AM	#4
UtopiaTexasG19 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 743	"casually he reaches for my rifle and opens the bolt." What kind of control do you have over your gun when someone can casually take it out of your hands? I would have had the fellow on the floor missing a few front teeth.

May 29, 2013, 09:21 AM	#9
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,332	The conspiracy nut always seemed to grab my ear, rambling on and on about FEMA camps, something about Yellowstone, World Order, etc. etc. The ramblings all ran together, none of which made any sense. After a couple of minutes, my eyes just glazed over and was trying to figure out how to politely escape the mad ramblings. Of course, back in the early 1990's there were the "tax protesters" trying to convince people that you didn't have to pay income tax. Yeah, I don't see those guys around anymore....wonder why???

May 29, 2013, 10:25 AM	#12
RedBowTies88 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2011 Location: 609 NJ Posts: 705	What if I brought my saiga? Have me disassemble it because it doesn't have a bolt hold open?

May 29, 2013, 01:11 PM	#14
zincwarrior Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Texas, land of Tex-Mex Posts: 2,261	Thats a very strange incident. As Tom Servo noted, I've always seen the entrance guys put straps through the chamber. I've never seen anyone reach over and try to grab someone's firearm. Lets assume it was accidentally loaded. Trying to grab it seems like an excellent way for that to go off, vs. a "hey they like to see open bolts when you come up and get weird otherwise."

May 29, 2013, 01:22 PM	#15
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	Just don't buy any home made jerky from the fat guy in the too short T-shirt.

May 29, 2013, 02:50 PM	#16
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,809	The last gun show I went to was about 15 or 16 months ago. At one table, I picked up a couple of Beretta 92 mags that were priced pretty decent, said "I'll take these," and held out some bills. The guy behind the table turned his back on me, picked up a cell phone, dialed, and sat down in a chair to chat. So I put them back where I found them on his table and walked away. An aisle or two away I saw a couple more mags in a glass-topped case with no price visible. I asked the price, and that guy leaned back on the table behind him, unwrapped a sandwich, and started eating without saying a word, just kind of glared at me. Bought a couple of factory mags from Midway a few days later. I have no idea why people who aren't interested in making a sale rent tables and haul their stuff in.

May 29, 2013, 05:18 PM	#22
pathdoc Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2013 Posts: 669	The only time I've seen this happen was at a range at a shooting meet. The owner went off at the guy who picked up his rifle and pulled the bolt, but the offender in this case was the Range Safety Officer, who'd called ceasefire and clear chambers just a few minutes before.

May 29, 2013, 05:35 PM	#23
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,332	Range rules do differ from folks just mulling around, or standing in line, waiting to get into a gun show. At the range I shoot at, there is a rule that requires chambers to be open, firearms lying down with muzzles pointing down range when the range is cold. But, there is an overriding rule that NO ONE shall handle ANY FIREARM (other than loading magazines) when the range is cold. While it's not good to violate the former rule, the later rule absolutely takes precedent.