Concealed carry to gun shop for repair

[Treo]

If I need to take a firearm to a gunshop for servicing or to purchase an accessory it goes in the original box unloaded period.

[Fitch]

I think it makes exactly zero sense to walk into a store with a loaded gun in the holster that you have to take out, unload and clear, in order to hand it to the guy for repair. I'm sorry, but that's just dumb.

If you don't have another gun, tough, learn to live naked while your only gun is in for repair. Unload and clear the gun at home, put it in a suitable case and go naked till it's fixed. If you don't want to go naked, get another carry gun to have for situations like this.

Can you imagine the responses to a post about how a guy had an ND in the middle of a gun store unloading the carry gun he brought in for repair? Boy would that be ugly.

Fitch

[jtg452]

Speaking as someone that's worked behind the counter at a gunshop before, I'd REALLY prefer that you'd carry it in unloaded in a case, box, bag, .... and before you start pulling it out, TELL ME what is going on. (Like, "Hey, I've got a XYZ pistol I need somebody to look at for a repair.") Yes, I work around guns all day. BUT, that doesn't mean I want complete strangers pulling a gun in front of me for no apparent reason. (I, for one, get the urge to pull MY gun what folks start drawing theirs for no apparent reason.) Carrying it in a box, case rug, grocery sack (don't laugh, I've seen it done), wrapped up in a blanket (seen that one, too) or whatever and TELLING THE GUY BEHIND THE COUNTER WHAT'S GOING ON before starting to pull it out is the best way to handle it.

[stngray713]

That's funny, I took one of mine to a gun shop for repair and was a little unsure so I just did what came to mind. I unloaded it, put it in a holster and put the holster in a plastic grocery bag because I didn't hat the case for it. I then went in and told the guy at the shop what I needed and asked him if I could get my pistol and show him.

[Phillip Gain]

TELLING THE GUY BEHIND THE COUNTER WHAT'S GOING ON before starting to pull it out is the best way to handle it.

Agreed.

For example - I love diving into the used/cheap holster bin, and if I'm out and about I'll often stop by a gunshop on the spur of the moment to do so. It only takes a moment to say hi to the guy or girl behind the counter, chat for a few minutes, and say something like, "Is it ok if I unholster and unload here, to try out some stuff from the holster bin?" Most shops I've been to are ok with it, although a few ask that I go outside to my car and unload there.

Just be communicative, and be cool.

[Caribou]

If you intend to draw a firearm in a gun store always unload it before you enter. Better yet open the slide/cylinder. Just as it is proper range etiquette to keep your action open when not actively shooting it is certainly appreciated at any gun store. If you bring your pistol in its box and when the guy behind the counter opens the box the slide is locked back he might mistake you for someone with experience.

Good move coming here for advice. Sure beats being remembered in the gun store as the guy who brought in a loaded gun for repair.

[agrippakc]

If a firearm needs to be serviced it should be considered "out of service" and unloaded in a carrying case is where it belongs.

[cch35]

That is the specific reason why bought another carry gun, so if my primary needs service, I'm not without a ccw. Think I need to buy another 9mm, though. The P3AT I bought is nice, but I prefer the P-11, or a Ruger
LC9.