Eastern WA OC Report

[mnrobitaille]

Earlier today, walked into Pasco City Hall with no issues. Also went into Arby's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, & Chase with no issues.

Currently at Kadlec Regional Medical Center with my wife in the Emergency Department & so far no issues.

Had no issues last night being at Kadlec Regional Medical Center while OCing. Today went to one of the Money Tree locations & no one batted an eye. Same can be said of the Yoke's Fresh Market in Pasco.

 

[mnrobitaille]

Currently at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, & the 2 security personnel currently on duty do not know Washington State regulations involving carrying of firearms.

They both thought it was illegal to open carry in Washington & offered me a lockbox for safekeeping, but the one guard didn't want the hassle of the paperwork, so instead took out to car.

All I did was walk into the Emergency Department lobby with holstered sidearm on hip (no warranting alarm) & both seemed threatened.

 

[o2ryan]

What did you expect? You were on private property and medical centers are notorious for being anti.

I'm all about your efforts to educate the community, but you have to go into this expecting push back from time to time, especially in areas like malls and hospitals who are famous for hiring cheep security labor. Always be as polite and respectful as possible in these cases (I'm not suggesting you weren't), but don't expect them to just take your word for it and change their mind right there on the spot.

 

[Liberty-or-Death]

... the 2 security personnel currently on duty do not know Washington State regulations involving carrying of firearms. ...

It would seem a firm letter and phone call to the security company's head office would be in order.

 

[Bill45]

It would seem a firm letter and phone call to the security company's head office would be in order.

That would be an absolute exercise in futility. The security guards do not need to know state firearms laws to enforce private property firearms policy. The rules are quite simple. No weapons allowed. No discussion, no need to educate. Take the weapon off the property (they can not search your vehicle so ignorance is bliss) or be trespassed.

It would give the Post Office some income so not a complete waste of time.

 

[Liberty-or-Death]

They were ignorant of the law and need training. Waste of time to educate on the law? That's ridiculous. Let me repeat myself ... Ridiculous.

 

[Bill45]

And I am saying they don't care what the law says.
I work with a large medical system and they know the law is on their side as far as their actions are concerned. You might as well try to teach your cat to quote Shakespeare.
Educate until you are blue in the face and if you do so in person often enough you will be trespassed and banned from the property unless you need medical care personally.

A fellow employee carried in a small hatchet to sharpen on the grinder in the maintenance shop and was nearly fired, sent home w/o pay for 3 days. These people (management level) are hard core anti weapons of any kind.

But if it make you feel good go ahead and spin your wheels.

 

[mnrobitaille]

1 of the 2 security personnel was like a new hire &/or not well versed on the rules concerning Washington State & Carrying of firearms, as he seemed to be 20-21. The other, which was a supervisor, apologized for his comrades actions later in the evening & actually coached the other guy on the regulations about the carrying of firearms. He also found the "No Firearms" regulation in place there at the hospital & brought me a copy. He even dislikes the policy as he has a CPL himself & can understand my reasoning for open carrying.

What did you expect? You were on private property and medical centers are notorious for being anti.

I'm all about your efforts to educate the community, but you have to go into this expecting push back from time to time, especially in areas like malls and hospitals who are famous for hiring cheep security labor. Always be as polite and respectful as possible in these cases (I'm not suggesting you weren't), but don't expect them to just take your word for it and change their mind right there on the spot.

 

[BobR]

Started in Oak Harbor @ the Safeway, Starbucks and the Arco gas station. A nice lady and I chatted about OC and carry in general while waiting in line at SB. She fully agreed with the carry of weapons and didn't care if it was OC or CC as long as everyone carries. It was actually quite a nice conversation and surprise, in a SB on the west side. Before you know it mnrobitaille's cat will be doing the lead in Hamlet.

Then it was Leavenworth for lunch. No problems at Andreas Keller or walking the streets for a few minutes after lunch. Had to endure a some time in Kris Kringle with SWMBO, but no one said a thing about the gun.

Finally home, no problems at all there, the cats were happy to see us after being gone for 5 days and they didn't mention a thing about the gun.

bob

 

[mnrobitaille]

Ran into Tri-Cities to run some errands, first in Kennewick, had no issues at the Sprint Store, nor at Target. Did a quick gas up at Costco & no one batted an eye. Over in Pasco, stopped at Yoke's Fresh Market, just a few looks, but nothing said. Same thing could be said for Walmart & Maverik.

 

[mnrobitaille]

2 days in a row, I went to Spokane & Airway Heights. On Friday (August 14) stopped at Love's Travel Center in Ritzville on the way up to Spokane & Airway Heights. No one noticed/cared there. Stopped at the Walmart in Airway Heights & on the way in, a gentleman looked over & just nodded in appreciation & smiled. Off to Golden Corral in Spokane for dinner & even being very busy, all I got was a few looks but nothing else. Back to Airway Heights to do some gambling at Northern Quest Casino, where I kept firearm locked & secured in car (in accordance with Kalispell Tribal Regulations), & on way home, stopped back at the Airway Heights Walmart where I rearmed myself, this time no one noticed. Made a quick stop at the Circle K in Ritzville & no one noticed, then back home.

Saturday (August 15), stopped at the Sprague Lake Eastbound Rest Area & no one there batted an eye. Then stopped at Golden Corral in Spokane for lunch & no one noticed/cared. After lunch, went to Cabela's in Post Falls, ID & as I was wanting to check out holsters, checked in my sidearm (& found out they have a company policy that only apparently LEOs are supposed to be carrying loaded in store) & was escorted back to the Hunting department by a Gun Runner. As I had other shopping in store to do, I left my sidearm with the Hunting Department where they secured it. As I was leaving, I was escorted to the front of the store by a Gun Runner who rechecked my firearm & handed me my sidearm outside the front doors. Went to do some gambling at Northern Quest Casino (where like Friday) I secured my firearm in my car. From Northern Quest Casino I went back home with no other stops.

 

[golddigger14s]

I can't speak for other stores, but I work in the Lacey one. If you are just carrying OC/CC that is fine. If you want to size up a holster, and remove your gun from the holster then you need to have it checked in. I OC in the Lacey one all the time when I'm not working.

 

[Bill45]

I OC at the Lacy store frequently and have never been given a second look by anyone staff or customer.

 

[golddigger14s]

There have been a few customers that have misinterpreted the sign about checking in their guns that had empty holsters. So I always give them a hard time about an empty holster, and let them know that OC/CC is welcome. It's funny that I applied to work at all the gun stores in Olympia, and Cabelas is the only place I can't carry while working.
The only time you need to check your gun in is if you want to to take your gun out to size up a holster.

 

[solus]

snip...

Saturday (August 15)...snip: went to Cabela's in Post Falls, ID & as I was wanting to check out holsters, checked in my sidearm (& found out they have a company policy that only apparently LEOs are supposed to be carrying loaded in store) & was escorted back to the Hunting department by a Gun Runner. As I had other shopping in store to do, I left my sidearm with the Hunting Department where they secured it. As I was leaving, I was escorted to the front of the store by a Gun Runner who rechecked my firearm & handed me my sidearm outside the front doors. snip...

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?56594-Cabella-s-Gun-Policy

(caveat...highlite is mine for emphasis but '09 post has got garbage characters in it but it is quoted exactly as shown on OC forum)

post #1 XD-GEM quote...
Originally Posted by mikey

Print this out for your future use!!

I just got this in an e-mail concerning concerning Cabelas corporate policy on firearms. ENJOY!!

Mike,
Here’s the statement:

Customer Open-Carry and Concealed-Carry of Pistols and Revolvers in Cabela’s Retail Stores

Cabela’s company policies are intended to be aligned with applicable federal, state and local laws. Accordingly, each store location has adopted policies to comply with the laws governing the state, county and city in which the store is located.

With respect to the issue of open-carry and concealed-carry of firearms by customers – it is Cabela’s general policy to allow customers to carry a pistol or revolver within Cabela’s stores if the customer is permitted to do so in accordance with applicable law; provided such firearm remains safely holstered while the customer is on Cabela’s property, and the activities of the customer do not raise safety concerns or otherwise interfere with Cabela’s business activities.

If a customer brings a firearm on Cabela’s property for purposes of repair, appraisal, evaluation, sale or any other purpose that will require the customer or someone else to handle the firearm or remove the firearm from a holster, the firearm must be checked in with store personnel, safely unloaded and fitted with a trigger lock.

Cabela’s supports responsible gun ownership and is committed to providing a safe family shopping environment. Accordingly, Cabela’s reserves the right to implement firearm safety procedures within its stores as Cabela’s deems appropriate.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Joe Arterburn
Corporate Communications Manager
Cabela's Inc.
One Cabela Drive
Sidney, NE 69160

joe.arterburn@cabelas.com
308-255-1204

so unless it is an ID state issue the manager might be exceeding their authority.

ipse

 

[mnrobitaille]

I can't speak for other stores, but I work in the Lacey one. If you are just carrying OC/CC that is fine. If you want to size up a holster, and remove your gun from the holster then you need to have it checked in. I OC in the Lacey one all the time when I'm not working.

So far, both times I've been to the Post Falls Cabela's, I've been doing holster fittings. Both times, after done with the holster fittings, I had other shopping/browsing to do, so the firearm was left secured in the Hunting Department until I was ready to leave.

Cabelas is the only place I can't carry while working.
The only time you need to check your gun in is if you want to to take your gun out to size up a holster.

In Tri-Cities (Solus can verify this information) there's only one store I know which sells firearms that allows the employees to carry, & that's Hole in the Wall in Kennewick.

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?56594-Cabella-s-Gun-Policy

(caveat...highlite is mine for emphasis but '09 post has got garbage characters in it but it is quoted exactly as shown on OC forum)

post #1 XD-GEM quote...
Originally Posted by mikey

Print this out for your future use!!

I just got this in an e-mail concerning concerning Cabelas corporate policy on firearms. ENJOY!!

Mike,
Here’s the statement:

Customer Open-Carry and Concealed-Carry of Pistols and Revolvers in Cabela’s Retail Stores

Cabela’s company policies are intended to be aligned with applicable federal, state and local laws. Accordingly, each store location has adopted policies to comply with the laws governing the state, county and city in which the store is located.

With respect to the issue of open-carry and concealed-carry of firearms by customers – it is Cabela’s general policy to allow customers to carry a pistol or revolver within Cabela’s stores if the customer is permitted to do so in accordance with applicable law; provided such firearm remains safely holstered while the customer is on Cabela’s property, and the activities of the customer do not raise safety concerns or otherwise interfere with Cabela’s business activities.

If a customer brings a firearm on Cabela’s property for purposes of repair, appraisal, evaluation, sale or any other purpose that will require the customer or someone else to handle the firearm or remove the firearm from a holster, the firearm must be checked in with store personnel, safely unloaded and fitted with a trigger lock.

Cabela’s supports responsible gun ownership and is committed to providing a safe family shopping environment. Accordingly, Cabela’s reserves the right to implement firearm safety procedures within its stores as Cabela’s deems appropriate.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Joe Arterburn
Corporate Communications Manager
Cabela's Inc.
One Cabela Drive
Sidney, NE 69160

joe.arterburn@cabelas.com
308-255-1204

so unless it is an ID state issue the manager might be exceeding their authority.

ipse

From what I can see, if a customer brings in a firearm for service, accessories/holster fitting, etc. that Company Policy is that the firearm has to be both checked in & checked out, as the Firearm Check In station is monitored via cameras & is apparently scrutinized by corporate if procedures are not followed.

The 1st time I went, I saw a uniformed Kootenai County Deputy there shopping with his service piece locked, loaded, & holstered.

Concerning the safely unloaded part, when I unholstered to do the safety check, I ejected the loaded 8-rd. magazine & that's when it was mentioned about firearms unloaded as policy.

I know Grigg's in Pasco is a bit lax on their firearm safety procedures as the last time I went in there to do a holster fitting, they just put a trigger lock on it & I carried it outside holster (in hand) while going to the back of the store to their Sporting Goods. Sportsman's Warehouse just puts a red wristband on the trigger guard & gives you a slip with date/time of check in & you can reholster until you are at the Gun Counter to do the accessory/holster fitting, servicing, etc. For check out, you just hand the associate the slip you're given.

 

[mnrobitaille]

Cabela's Firearms Policies

I did a bit more investigating & found the following on the Cabela's website:

Bringing a Firearm into Cabela's
Customers may bring their firearm into a Cabela's Retail Store Location for many reasons (i.e. gun appraisal, mounting a scope, bore sighting or fitting the firearm for a specific accessory such as holsters, straps, magazines, scopes, etc.). For whatever reason it may be, all firearms must be brought to the Firearms Inspector Post to ensure the firearm is thoroughly inspected for the safety of our customers and outfitters. (Firearm Inspectors will be wearing an orange vest)

• Please ensure that all firearms are unloaded and any visible magazines are detached before entering the store.

We look forward to assisting you!

Carry Concealed Firearm Policy (Retail Stores)
If you have a concealed carry permit and it is valid within the state where the store is located, Cabela's honors your right to carry as long as it is completely concealed.

• States with open carry provisions will be allowed as long as the firearm remains in the holster.
• Law enforcement officials, state and federal authorized personnel (e.g. FBI officials, armored truck drivers, ATF officials) are permitted to carry weapons openly in the store.

A bit of side note, at the Post Falls Cabela's I have not seen any Firearm Inspectors wearing an orange vest, it was a regular Outfitter that did the safety checks.

 

[Alpine]

So it looks like Cabela's official corporate policy is to ban citizen OC...

 

[Bill45]

So it looks like Cabela's official corporate policy is to ban citizen OC...

I do not see how you came to that conclusion.
It is plainly stated that if the law allows for OC then Cabela's is OK with it as long as the gun stays in the holster. Which is my experience over many visits to the Lacy store.

 

[Alpine]

I do not see how you came to that conclusion.
It is plainly stated that if the law allows for OC then Cabela's is OK with it as long as the gun stays in the holster. Which is my experience over many visits to the Lacy store.

Ah my bad, looks like you are right, however it seems that they require California-style Open Carry, at least to initially walk into the store. If not then they need to fix that wording.

Bringing a Firearm into Cabela's
Customers may bring their firearm into a Cabela's Retail Store Location for many reasons (i.e. gun appraisal, mounting a scope, bore sighting or fitting the firearm for a specific accessory such as holsters, straps, magazines, scopes, etc.). For whatever reason it may be, all firearms must be brought to the Firearms Inspector Post to ensure the firearm is thoroughly inspected for the safety of our customers and outfitters. (Firearm Inspectors will be wearing an orange vest)

Please ensure that all firearms are unloaded and any visible magazines are detached before entering the store.