NC Signage: Carry the weight of law?

[Maverick223]

I recently dropped by a LGS (one that I hadn't been to before, and happened to be closed when I arrived) and noticed a odd sign posted on the door stating that "all firearms carried inside must be unloaded"...does this sign carry the weight of law here in NC?

I can somewhat understand the proprietor's concerns (though the person who shoots a hole in the gunshop wall probably wouldn't read the sign either) but I have no intentions of disarming or unloading my carry firearm to enter a dang gunshop of all places.

Forgive me if this is a redundant topic, I couldn't manage a search...I get too depressed every time I visit this sub-forum. I just finished reading about some poor guy worrying about what color stock is legal for his dag blame rifle...I feel like shooting my 'puter now.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd guess it's store policy and not enforceable by any law...IMO, if you choose not to obey the policy, you shouldn't go it. Kinda like the rules at your house. You set 'em. If I don't like 'em I won't visit you.

 

[Maverick223]

Normally i'd agree with you, but they are rumored to have a decent gunsmith, which I am in the market for and seems to be a rare find in my area (my old one moved to AK a few years back and I have been searching for a good'un ever since).

 

[Carter]

This wouldn't happen to be Hyatts would it?

They have two signs. One thats says CCW permit holders and leos are exempt from checking in their guns and what not, and another that says ALL firearms must be unloaded beyond a certain point. It was contradictory to me so I followed the first sign that was on the door saying CCW holders were exempt.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Any premises where the carrying of a concealed handgun is prohibited by the posting of a statement by the controller of the premises

To the best of my knowledge, you simply need to post a sign saying "no weapons."

http://www.grnc.org/firearms.htm

I've dealt with a gun store that had a sign like that posted. I didn't complain, but I mentioned it. They took it down. Now it reads "No loaded weapons to be brought in for service. CHP's are welcome, but keep it in your holster." I was shocked. When I rode by and noticed, I felt obligated to walk in and buy something.

 

[Maverick223]

This wouldn't happen to be Hyatts would it?

Not hardly, that is not a place that I patronize (I don't care for their generally condescending attitude). Their signage not making me feel any better about 'em.

...but here is the good news: I went to the store today and the folks there seemed to be nice folks. The weren't of much assistance with my gunsmithing needs (the smith specializes in pistols and wasn't in when I arrived) and didn't have much in stock (most, if not all, of their long guns were on consignment, but they have reasonable rates for transfer fees and said they are willing to place a custom order for firearms not in stock.

I didn't bring up the sign, but next visit I probably will, as they had at least one patron (not employed by them) open carrying in the store. I believe the advice to modify the sign to read something like the above would probably be well received.

If you're in their neck of the woods, i'd recommend stopping by and checking the place out. The name of the place is Lake Norman Firearms (not to be confused with Lake Norman Sporting Arms) and is located beside Carolina Cones in Cornelius, NC.

Thank you all for your commentary, advice, and shared experience.

 

[ForumSurfer]

I didn't bring up the sign, but next visit I probably will, as they had at least one patron (not employed by them) open carrying in the store. I believe the advice to modify the sign to read something like the above would probably be well received.

PM me and I'll send you the polite and respectful email that I sent the owner. Lol, I felt pretty good knowing I convinced him to take it down. I bought something from the shop the very next day, but I never revealed I was the one.

I understand why so many gunshops put up the "no loaded weapons" signs when they have a range or 'smith on-site. There's always some yahoo who pulls his piece out and clears it on the sales floor to show it to the smith or try a new model in his holster. I've been swept by a guy doing that before. I understand, but I don't like it. I like the "no loaded weapons, concealed carry welcome, but keep it in your pants" approach.

Going off topic, I also liked the sign above the urinal at the range where I took my concealed carry class: "Stand closer, your barrel is shorter than you think."

 

[Carter]

Stand closer, your barrel is shorter than you think

Classic.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Classic.

"No long range practice" was good, too. I forget the rest...

 

[Maverick223]

Hehehe, PM incoming.

 

[rromeo]

does this sign carry the weight of law here in NC?

If you are carrying, and an employee asks you to leave, you are probably only guilty of tresspassing.

Gander Mountain up here says no loaded guns if they're being sold or brought in for repairs. Legally carried handguns are okay.

 

[Maverick223]

If you are carrying, and an employee asks you to leave, you are probably only guilty of tresspassing.

That was my thoughts as well...in which case it is best to just pack up and leave (otherwise there may be legal implications). Fortunately the folks at this location seem to be good folks and don't seem to mind customers that responsibly carry in their store (that was the impression I got anyway). In fact I doubt that they realize how poorly their sign is worded...but I plan to politely let they know for their benefit and mine.

Gander Mtn's policy, on the other hand, makes perfect sense because nobody wants some yahoo coming in brandishing a loaded firearm and flagging the patrons, or worse, having an AD.