A Firearm Scenario

[bobbybutler.rb]

Was thinking about this today and wondered how others thought.



Scenario:



You are out hunting, fishing or otherwise legally carrying your sidearm. You come across a LEO or game warden and exchange hellos. The officer is friendly and strikes up a friendly conversation. You're not being detained or questioned, it just seems like he wanted to shoot the poop. At one point he says he likes your firearm and was thinking of getting one himself, then asks "Can I take a look at it?"



Do you let him take a look or decline? And why...Go!

I've been there: I first unloaded my rifle and with bolt open let him have it. To my amazement he turned my iron sight Remington 700 over a couple times and then handed back saying "nice gun". Of course that was almost 50 years ago, and today I don't know what I would do. Initial blush would be to never let firearm out of my hands, even though I never keep a live round in chamber. I'm really interested in what others would do. [emoji848]

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[rugershooter]

In CA, no, I wouldn't let them handle it. It may be overly cautious, but given the climate of gun control in CA, as well as the generally anti gun sentiment I've experienced among cops, I would assume that the only reason a cop would want to see my firearms is to fish for a reason to arrest me. A polite "I don't feel comfortable handing my firearms to someone I don't know" would suffice.

[OCEquestrian]

You might as well... if he is going to be a jerk he will force the issue anyway.

[Sam Hainn]

You got spit on my hand son.... wipe it off.

[Divernhunter]

I have done it. Polite he was and polite I am. They find it hard not to want to check out(or shoot) one of my 50BMG rifles. Same goes for my FN57 pistol. I have invited them to come to dinner when camping.
When I was able to dive our club would have a big ab feed and pot luck each night up north near Fort Bragg. Usually the wardens would check us and others out for compliance. We would invite them to the dinner and ask if they would come by to answer questions and such at our big campfire . A few did over the years.

If they want to check out your firearms they can so why be a jerk just to make them act like one also.

[IrishJoe3]

People ask if they can look at my firearms at the range all the time and I have no problem showing off. I don't see how this is any different.

Besides, a little good will and positive interaction between lawful gun owners and LEOs goes a very long way. And sadly a lot of gun owners represent the group quite poorly.

[TurboChrisB]

Ask if you can see his.. if he says yes then sure hand it over

Interesting. Because THAT would never happen. I was already thinking, "Sure, why not..." till I read that.

[Spyder]

Interesting. Because THAT would never happen. I was already thinking, "Sure, why not..." till I read that.

Eh. I've seen non-LEO at various BLM shooting spots, ask an officer who happened to be there if they could and be allowed to shoot department owned rifles dozens of times.

[TurboS600]

I wont even let a random person at the range handle my firearms, even if they ask.

Why so stuffy? I like it when people at the range admire my guns. When they ask to see them and fire them then that means that I get to play with one of their toys too. Also, when I take out my S&W .460 Magnum I'll let the line know that I'm about to fire it. It really takes people by surprise and it's shocking with the huge ball of fire from the muzzle and the concussion in your chest. So I'll offer anyone who wants to try a cylinder a chance to shoot it. Most people will take me up on my offer but they usually will only fire off one shot, not the whole 5 shots.

If they want to check out your firearms they can so why be a jerk just to make them act like one also.

^This. If he wants to look at your weapon in an official capacity he is going to whether you consent or not. As others have suggested them maybe he'd be willing to let you check his out as well. May as well keep it friendly since in that scenario you're in the boonies anyway.

[L84CABO]

If the officer lets YOU take out the gun, he's probably legit and just wants to check it out. If he says that he'll remove it from your holster, then it's all business.

And if he's been cool, I'd let him see it. He can do it anyway if he wants.