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This may be the only true "stupid" question in the whole wide world, so my apologies for having to ask it, but...

Can I carry/concealed at a Gun Store+Range?

There's a store+range here in town I frequent and NOW THAT I HAVE MY CHL PLASTIC on me, I am apt to just walk in carrying/concealed..

But I'm wondering if there is some law against this (didn't find one) or if gun ranges/stores usually post some kind of gunbuster or 30.06 sign??

Please note I will be waltzing in with my assault rifle, bags, case, ammo, etc, but don't know if I should pull out and unload my carry or if I can carry/concealed in there no problem??

Thanks in advance!!

It's not illegal unless they have a 30.06 signs.

Quite the opposite, under Texas law, carrying to and from a range or gun store is one of the few ironclad exceptions to unlawful carry of a handgun.

Many ranges have a rule against carrying any loaded weapon except on the firing line, and they will toss you out on your ear if they catch you.

- Jim

The range/store I frequent (Bullet Trap in Plano) says if you are going to carry concealed, it stays concealed in the store. If you are going to shoot your carry weapon, then you draw it ONLY when you get to the line on the range. You lay it out on the table and shoot like any other gun you are using. You do not put it back on your person until you have finished and then you do it at the line and cover it back up.

I would suggest you ask the store what their policy is. Unfortunately, if they tell you they don't want you to carry concealed in the store, then you have just been given verbal notice and you will not be able to carry. If you don't ask, then unless they are 30.06 posted, you would be legal until verbally advised otherwise.

For the record, if you were to draw a loaded weapon from concealment at the Texas City range, you would need your ear protection when the range master spotted you.

I suspect most gun store personnel practice "don't ask, don't tell" when it comes to CHLs. Many have signs on the door that say no loaded weapons. That is their policy, but it does not create a criminal offense for a CHL holder.

- Jim

OK yes I know you can carry to/from a range/sporting event, but this is kind of different as it is a store. But thanks for the comments. I bet you're right they are all probably like don't ask don't tell. They like THIER privacy just as much as I like mine.

If they do tell me (say they made me somehow, who knows how being I pocket carry) do I disarm in the store right there or go back to my car?

Everything else said makes sense.. Thanks all.

I think if someone "makes" you, fast retreat while saying Sorry and looking embarrassed is far and away the best option. I wouldn't go back there, either.

Drawing a weapon in a gun store after you have been identified would very likely get you shot. (I'm not kidding about that.)

- Jim

seamusTX wrote:Drawing a weapon in a gun store after you have been identified would very likely get you shot. (I'm not kidding about that.)

Ok, that was kind of where I was going with this. Just wanted to make sure. It *IS* a gun store though so you never know.

I know for a fact that the people who run gun stores do not want anyone handling loaded weapons. Some of them can show you the bullet holes from accidental discharges.

- Jim

I've actually asked that question at every range I've been to (Quail Creek excepted), and the answer was always "keep it concealed until you're at the firing line and need to shoot it." I don't bother asking at gun stores. If it's not posted, I don't worry about it. The reason Quail Creek is excepted is that I did not yet have my CHL the last time I went there, and I ever a goin' back there again. The ROs there are rude, foolish men.

At Cheaper than Dirt, they have made it clear that you can carry, but if you want advice or accessories for your CCW, you need to go to your vehicle, unholster it, unload it, and then return inside with it. You cannot remove your concealed firearm in public. I've never carried inside a range, but I know at Bass Pro Shop you wouldn't be allowed to shoot with the CCW since anything you're going to use at the range needs to be declared and locked at the front door.

At Delmark in Denton, you'll only be seen by appointment, so it's not as big of a deal if you discuss your CCW.

I am always annoyed that the gun shows at Will Rogers post 30.06 signs.

Ive walked in carrying nothing but a box of shells and asked for a lane. They just sign me up and off I go. Pull my earplugs out of my pocket and slide my glasses down. Pull my handgun out and go to town. They've never said anything to me.

fickman wrote:...but I know at Bass Pro Shop you wouldn't be allowed to shoot with the CCW since anything you're going to use at the range needs to be declared and locked at the front door.

Not the one in Grapevine. They do NOT want you to declare and lock your CCW at the front counter. They want you to keep it concealed until you're on the firing line and ready to shoot. I called and asked before I went, and have been there several times since...No problems, but the RO will always give you a smile when he realizes you don't need him/her to unlock your weapon.

The range where I shoot doesn't care as long as you practice good safety. Your gun can be in a bag or holstered on your hip. It can't be in your hand when not in the shooting area.

dawgfishboy wrote:

fickman wrote:...but I know at Bass Pro Shop you wouldn't be allowed to shoot with the CCW since anything you're going to use at the range needs to be declared and locked at the front door.

Not the one in Grapevine. They do NOT want you to declare and lock your CCW at the front counter. They want you to keep it concealed until you're on the firing line and ready to shoot. I called and asked before I went, and have been there several times since...No problems, but the RO will always give you a smile when he realizes you don't need him/her to unlock your weapon.

Ditto. I just unholster once I get to my lane. For "modesty's" sake, I try to turn my gun side away from the window, and draw when I think that the attention of those near the cashier is elsewhere.

dawgfishboy wrote:

fickman wrote:...but I know at Bass Pro Shop you wouldn't be allowed to shoot with the CCW since anything you're going to use at the range needs to be declared and locked at the front door.

Not the one in Grapevine. They do NOT want you to declare and lock your CCW at the front counter. They want you to keep it concealed until you're on the firing line and ready to shoot. I called and asked before I went, and have been there several times since...No problems, but the RO will always give you a smile when he realizes you don't need him/her to unlock your weapon.

I was meaning that you would have to unholster and unload your CCW in your car or at home, then carry it in open with action locked back like every other gun. When I was there, they told me that you can keep a CCW on you, but it can't be used at the range, it had to stay concealed.

I guess allowing you to draw your CCW once you get to the range and use it for target practice is something they've allowed since I was there last. . . which has been a few years. I know that the "rules" tend to change a little based on who's working.

Do they allow silhouettes yet?