Ever been disarmed?

[gggman]

My wife and I went to a concert at a 10,000 seat auditorium, and as we were entering, there were police patting people down. I was carrying, and they pulled me out of line and confiscated my S&W 342PD. (I got it back after the concert).
These were municipal police officers, not "event security".
The experience was pretty upsetting. It hadn't occured to me that I would be patted down upon entering a concert, and I wasn't breaking any laws. I couldn't just leave, as we had pre-purchased our tickets at over a hundred bucks, and driven over a hundred miles one way for the show. I really felt violated.
Has this ever happened to you, and if so, how did you handle the situation?

 

[4v50 Gary]

You'd think they'd ask whether you're a CCW/CHL & carrying and then ask you to surrender it for the show first. It's called courtesy. I remember taking a sword away from a gal and I explained my purpose first before asking for it (and stood close enough to grab her arms if she wanted to play Red Sonja on me) (and yes, it was returned to her when she finished her lawful business).

 

[Pilgrim]

I guess I would find out whose idea it was to disarm the audience. If it was the show promoter, make it clear to him you will not patronize his shows again. If it was the city PD's, make it clear to the city fathers you will not be spending your money in their town again.

Pilgrim

 

[cool45auto]

We're not allowed to carry to public gatherings like concerts or sporting events so I'd be forced to leave mine home.

 

[Oleg Volk]

And my solution is to have gatherings at home and not to patronize events where arms aren't permitted. Let them get admission fee from someone else.

 

[gggman]

Quote.
"And my solution is to have gatherings at home and not to patronize events where arms aren't permitted. Let them get admission fee from someone else."

Not really a solution, as my wife is a huge Bob Dylan fan, and he's not likely to come to my house for a performance.

 

[Delmar]

gggman
Does Ole Bob still sing through his nose?

I am with Oleg on this one-I don't go anywhere I can't take my kids or my guns unless I have to, like jury duty. Too bad they wouldn't let jurrors pack-would make the the sentencing portion pretty lively!

 

[gggman]

Quote.
"Does Ole Bob still sing through his nose?"


Yes, but he's a couple registers lower than he used to be.

 

[Delmar]

Well, decades ago, Mr Dylan had, shall we say, a nasal quality to his voice...
What the heck-compared to what some of my kids listen to, I now understand why my dad used to come down to the basement and say those immortal words....TURN THAT $%&# DOWN!
Was easy to get him calmed down-"dad-are we goin hunting in the morning?"

 

[Dorrin79]

I lost a knife (a Gerber easy-open folder, confiscated by worthless minimum wage security goons) when attending Game 2 of the NBA finals last season in San Antonio.

I was furious for several days.

It reaffirmed my 1) practice of carrying inexpensive knives and 2) my belief that massive public events are things to be avoided.

 

[labgrade]

"I really felt violated. '

I bet, & ofcourse, you should feel violated - you were.

Beats me as to the "political make-up"of the event center, but many are tax-supported, but still claim the "private entity" bit.

Catch-a 22

" ... there were police patting people down ... "

For your safety, gggman, for your safety.

 

[larry_minn]

Yep it stinks but if just a knife I often stick it in my shoe and carry it in anyway. (like criminals won't think of that) You did get it back and had it for walk to car and drive home so not totally bad. IMO they should be required to have a enterance for CCW holders and lockboxs where YOU alone have key so you can secure it (kinda like at jails) and still keep control of it. \ \\
I dislike large crowds as well.

 

[Valkman]

I've been to one concert here in Vegas since I started carrying, and I figured there'd be metal detectors so I left the Kimber and knife in the truck. I have bad feet and can't afford to go all the way in and then back to the truck, so I make a decision and go with it. There were hand-held detectors so I was glad I'd left it behind. I think you can count on metal detectors or a pat-down or something at most concerts. Here in NV it's illegal to carry somewhere that has metal detectors at each entrance, but I've never seen then except for that concert.

 

[labgrade]

While well-intentioned about the private lock-box, etc., why wasn't a licensed person just allowed to proceed on his way WITH his firearm?

Like he's a threat .... ?

 

[Bob F.]

Last concert I went to, Toby Keith-awesome!, I left my truck gun in the vehicle. Didn't carry my Glock because I knew I'd have to leave it in the truck. Got patted down by "cheap security" i.e. college kid. He felt the Gerber folder in my waistband and said "Go on." Granted- I'm in my 50's gray hair & beard-both short.

Half way through a drunk kid behind me spilled his beer all over me and turned his back acting innocent. I snatched his collar and told him to chill with the suds. He apologized after his buddy told him it was in fact his beer I was now wearing.

He didn't quit drinking, maybe slowed down a little. After the concert he got a little beligerent telling me he didn't appreciate my grabbing him. Then, to show how drunk and stupid he really was, proceeded to tell me he was Trooper Whazhizname from the Pikeville, KY detachment and I could complain if I wanted to. I said I just hoped he had a designated driver. This was in WV. I didn't bother complaining, figure after he sobered up he's still waiting for a call from HQ, requesting his presence, pronto.
No damage, the beer dried before I went out into the cold!LOL

 

[davidtdm]

Being disarmed does suck. I also think that those who are permited to carry should be able to. A question. I don't go to concerts much. Is this a common practice for all concerts or just particular types of bands or even only at certain venues? I don't recall being patted down the last time I went to a play, musical, or even the circus.

To answer the question, have I ever been disarmed? Yes. I had a bit more excitement than most of the folks who have posted here.

When two large SUV's block you in and federal agents get out and announce themselves with their guns drawn, order me out of my vehicle... I think it was safe to say that I was about to be disarmed. That was a long night......

...Dave

 

[gggman]

I don't know if this is common practice or not. I rarely go to concerts, or any other events where large crowds of people gather. I'm used to being able to carry wherever I go without anyone "patting me down".
I do think that had it been prior to 9/11, the incident never would have happened. A lot of things have changed since then, and one of them is beefed up security at events where people congregate.
I know that if I ever attend another event at that arena, I will be wearing an ankle holster. They were not patting people below the waist.

 

[labgrade]

" ... and one of them is beefed up security... "

I take your post as said & no disrespect intended - just wanted to segue off it.

We don't have beefed up security. What we have is beefed up violations of your rights & personal violations of our bodies, space & liberties.

Someone wants to "jack up" thousands - kill 'em all, it doesn't take much thought to "breach" the rediculous "security" to make all the sheep feel fuzzy.

There is no security.

Back to my previous query, "If a licensed CCWer, why wasn't he allowed to still caryy & go one about his legal activity?"

Like he's a threat?

Well 'n good that we've some turn around regards CCW laws, et al, but when one has to be disarmed for merely going to a concert, a ballgame, a play, picking up your child from school ....

damn! Roadrage is supposed to be all the rage (NPI), but we can drive with a gun. Why not when going to a frickin' concert?

/rant - no strike that. I've still got plenty rants left in me ....

 

[TheOtherOne]

Did they actually pat you down and find the weapon, or did you give up the information assuming they would find it?

I've been patted down going to car shows before and a few times I bet I could of got through two full size 1911's tucked right in the front of my pants.


As to the question, I was disarmed once by a Highway Patrol Officer. My gun was in the glovebox (where I keep my registration) and he took it back to the car with him while he ran my whatevers. By law we have to give up the fact that we are carrying to LEO and of course I told him where it was before opening the glove box but thinking back, I doubt he would have taken it if it was concealed on my person like it should of been.

 

[labgrade]

Funny.

Coming back from RMGO's .50 shoot couple years back, I was pulled over for "crossing the double line" ... picking up directional sign to the shoot. (I can let that all slip, but ... )

When pulled over, I told the Smokey Bear that I had a CCW, was exercising that option & had "other firearms in the vehicle." He got all the pertinent "papers please," BS up front = all good-natured enough - a very simple traffic stop, but with guns in evidense - again, totally, up-front. We went about the process of removing "all the firearms in the vehicle."

Well, I was beat, being a coordinator for the voluntary folks for the 3-day show & was really about on my last legs - picking up directonal signs on the way home .... busy weekend.

"Oops! here's another in my daypack, there's one on the floor, there's another in that bag there ... ."

You git the drift.

&

"Oh! & sorry, spaced it, I've a shotty, and a rifle, no! 4 rifles, damn .... I've got guns all over this car .... !"

The Smokey-type just looked at me sorta funny-like & asked if I was coming from the .50 cal shoot. "'Course," was the answer.

Really didn't see, like he could deal with all the (perfectly legal) guns in evidence - somehow a bit overloaded.

He pulled all my handguns, unloaded all of them, but never touched a single long gun. BTW, I'd just taken second place in the "charity sniper-shoot." & that with a .22-250 against a .300 Win Mag w/a 30 MPH cross-wind - at 400 yards.

Nonetheless, I was "disarmed," checked out & given a ticket. All guns returned, I reloaded up & we both proceeded on our ways.

Everybody "safe" & happy.

But, really, what was the point of him "disarming" me?

He took possession of every handgun I'd admitted to, (I could have had others .... & besides ....) & the long guns, especially the shottys, were of more a "threat," if I'd decided to "be bad," & the "sniper rifle" was certainly a nasty thing to contend with when he drove away .....

If I wanted to be "bad," .....

***!?

 

[TCD]

When two large SUV's block you in and federal agents get out and announce themselves with their guns drawn, order me out of my vehicle... I think it was safe to say that I was about to be disarmed. That was a long night......

come on, share the rest man!

 

[c_yeager]

And here is the story that the "cheap security" told to his buddies at the local worthless minimum wage security goon meeting.

Last concert I went to, Toby Keith-awesome!, I left my truck gun in the vehicle. Didn't carry my Glock because I knew I'd have to leave it in the truck. Got patted down by "cheap security" i.e. college kid. He felt the Gerber folder in my waistband and said "Go on." Granted- I'm in my 50's gray hair & beard-both short.

"Yeah, i was working my lame security side gig the other night when this guy came up to the gate. I patted him down and i felt something in his waistband but, let it slide cause he looked like an allright sort of fellow..."

Half way through a drunk kid behind me spilled his beer all over me and turned his back acting innocent. I snatched his collar and told him to chill with the suds. He apologized after his buddy told him it was in fact his beer I was now wearing.

"Next thing i know this guy is picking a fight with some kid right there in the concert! I swear man, i can just see this guy about to ape**** with this kid who was just having a good time. I saw my whole paycheck flash before my eyes..."

He didn't quit drinking, maybe slowed down a little. After the concert he got a little beligerent telling me he didn't appreciate my grabbing him. Then, to show how drunk and stupid he really was, proceeded to tell me he was Trooper Whazhizname from the Pikeville, KY detachment and I could complain if I wanted to. I said I just hoped he had a designated driver. This was in WV. I didn't bother complaining, figure after he sobered up he's still waiting for a call from HQ, requesting his presence, pronto.

"Then after things cool off for awhile they start at it all over again. I guess the guy had enough and just skurried away before any of our guys could get over there. Turns out the kid was an off duty cop too! Good thing he knew how to keep his cool. I know if some dude just up and grabbed me things would have been messy. So take this as a lesson my fellow security goons, dont EVER let anything slide at the gate. You may THINK the dude is OK but, you can never tell. And lets all take a moment and write our congressmen about renewing the AWB. Can you imagine if guys like that could carry GUNS!"

...

Just looking at the other side of the coin for a few minutes there. Ive worked both sides of front gates like that. you would not believe the crap that people try to bring into concerts and festivals. Nor would you beleive the things that people do with them when they get in there. You may be the most responsible gun owner in the world. And you may pose no threat at all to the good law abiding folks enjoying the show. But, believe me countless other "gun owners" have come before you and given these show promoters a black eye. The standard "no guns at concerts/festivals" rules didnt just come out of thin air. If you dont like them you dont have to go. But, by all means come up to the gate and give the minimum wage security guy a hard time about how he is violating your civil rights. I hear the same speach so many times that i cant help getting a little nauseous when i hear it now, even under circumstances when it makes sense.

Note: Im not picking on your personally Bob, im just sending it out in response to the general theme of this thread.

 

[RikWriter]

Never been disarmed by someone else.
When I attend NFL games or visit courthouses or police stations I leave my gun in the car. Haven't been to a concert at an auditorium since 1986.

 

[labgrade]

Post deleted by moderator.

 

[Bob F.]

c-yeager: not "the real Gen Chuck Yeager" by any chance?
No offense taken, I've been on both side and seen how things can look from different viewpoints. The college kids working security were pretty good, all in all. But ineffective. Ankle holster and a lot of other things could have gotten through. Never even considered using the knife. The trooper, if he even really was one, (looked like one), was so drunk I doubt he could have hit himself in the butt with both hands.He was standing above me in steep grandstands. The guy below me also got a beer shower and the kid's buddies weren't too happy with him. There at the end I probably would have waved for security but they'd all gone to the exits by then.
"Anyway, all's well that ends well."

I've partied with the troops: they work hard and play hard, I understand that, but this kid had poor judgement.