Unexpected Display of Weapon During Conversation

[RoyGBiv]

I was in a meeting with an acquaintance the other day. Completely off-topic they said "I had something terrific happen the other day". "Really?, What?", I say. And they proceed to draw (from concealment) a (beautiful) stainless single stack, full size, .45.

It was soooooo completely unexpected. I know the person only as a business acquaintance. If they would have shot me, we were in a place where nobody would have known about it for a while.... There was not the slightest hint of any ill-intent, I wasn't in any fear (maybe I should have been, but, the gut said not to worry), they were just happy to show off their new gun.

While I appreciate that they were feeling enough friendship between us to bring me into their confidence and show me the weapon, the experience left me thinking about 1. Does this sort of thing happen frequently? and 2. How to properly respond?

Thoughts?

[karder]

I had something very similar happen to me once. A guy who is a fairly close friend met me in a crowed parking lot to give me back some work tools he had borrowed. As I was collecting everything he goes "hey, you'll like this" and draws a shiny new Sig from a SOB holster. I felt no fear other than the fact he drew a gun in a very public location. I tried to block the view as much as possible and herded him into the cab of the truck for a little more privacy. I was just afraid someone would see it and freak out, but never felt like this guy had any ill intent, just poor judgement.

[Bulldog1911]

First thought: How good was the deal?

Have you guys talked about firearms previously? I think I would have prefaced it with "I got a sweet deal on a 1911 the other day, wanna see it?" or something to that effect. That's a tough spot to be in if there isn't much of a relationship there. I have buddy's that will pull out guns, and uppers, and whatnot all the time without warning(inside their houses btw) to show me, and there is absolutely no fear, but we're close friends. With an acquaintance though, idk.
Better keep an eye on that guy

[johnson0317]

My sister, when she is in town from Tennessee, will often pull out whatever she is carrying...which is most often more than one, and show it to me. Freaks my wife out, but I am used to it.

RJ

[Keith B]

Unfortunately, this is the reason the gun shows are posted. Everyone says they won't pull their gun out of concealment, but we have several first hand accounts of it happening right here. So, multiply that by 5000+ attendees at a gun show, the fact they are wanting to show off their new CCW or try a holster for it, or show it to the guy to maybe trade it and see what happens next.

[Bulldog1911]

My sister, when she is in town from Tennessee, will often pull out whatever she is carrying...which is most often more than one, and show it to me. Freaks my wife out, but I am used to it.

RJ

I think it depends on location, and who it is. I, nor my friends/family would ever pull out a gun to show it off in public. But, in or on each others property, it's fine. We do it all the time (practicing safe gun handling ofcoarse).

[Excaliber]

Unfortunately, this is the reason the gun shows are posted. Everyone says they won't pull their gun out of concealment, but we have several first hand accounts of it happening right here. So, multiply that by 5000+ attendees at a gun show, the fact they are wanting to show off their new CCW or try a holster for it, or show it to the guy to maybe trade it and see what happens next.

Exactly the reason I support requiring carried guns be unloaded at gun shows.

It's about safety, not politics.

[RoyGBiv]

First thought: How good was the deal?

Have you guys talked about firearms previously? I think I would have prefaced it with "I got a sweet deal on a 1911 the other day, wanna see it?" or something to that effect. That's a tough spot to be in if there isn't much of a relationship there. I have buddy's that will pull out guns, and uppers, and whatnot all the time without warning(inside their houses btw) to show me, and there is absolutely no fear, but we're close friends. With an acquaintance though, idk.
Better keep an eye on that guy

I was intentionally vague in order to not make this thread specifically about MY recent experience. It just got me thinking about how often folks have a similar experience, under what circumstances and most importantly, I'm very interested in hearing thoughts about proper response in this type of situation.

In my case, this is a person I meet with for business two or three times a year.
We've had some political discussions (current events stuff) and are of similar opinions (generally) on such things.
We've not discussed anything gun-related before.

But.... Please... Try to keep "general" in this thread.. not specific to my experience if possible.

We are in Soooooooo many social situations in a given week...
Under what circumstances would you (or have you ) think/react negatively (fear, disgust, etc) to being shown a weapon unexpectedly?
Understanding that the response will depend on the situation and the level of concern you have with it.... what is a good way to respond?

Thanks.

[Jusster]

I’ve been in this situation before, I guess for me it would all depend on the persons demeanor at the time as to whether or not I would feel threatened. Also would depend on how they unconcealed the gun. If they pull it out like they are gonna draw down on me I’m sure I’d feel different then if they just leisurely unconcealed there gun. Interesting topic though....


Jusster

[Beiruty]

Was this in private or public place? did the man with a gun had permit, Ah, I mean a CHL?