Gun Store Nut

[freonr22]

Sounds like they were unloading or loading firearms, in a very vulnerable position, and then a strange van pulls up. The possibility that firearm would be drawn and fired from the open window probably crossed his mind and he probably did fear for his life. Sounds like he quickly assessed the threat and acted accordingly.

I bet an armored truck guard would behave in the same way when an unknown vehicle approaches when they are in a very vulnerable position. Running up to a returning guard to ask directions is probably not a good idea.

The other day I had to rescue my wife from the freeway. She was feeling ill and could not drive. As I pulled up a CHP officer was already out of his vehicle. As I exited my vehicle he started taking a defensive position, which I immediately recognized and made it clear what my intentions were.

I think the lesson is to be cognizant of the situations that one may be putting themselves into, and how you might be perceived.

Why would they put themselves in a vulnerable position?

[keenkeen]

Sounds like they were unloading or loading firearms, in a very vulnerable position, and then a strange van pulls up. The possibility that firearm would be drawn and fired from the open window probably crossed his mind and he probably did fear for his life. Sounds like he quickly assessed the threat and acted accordingly.

Seems LEGIT....

[spencerhut]

Sounds like they were unloading or loading firearms, in a very vulnerable position, and then a strange van pulls up. The possibility that firearm would be drawn and fired from the open window probably crossed his mind and he probably did fear for his life. Sounds like he quickly assessed the threat and acted accordingly.

That pretty much sums it up.

Time was ~9:30 to 9:45, we close at 5:00 on Saturdays, I understand he did not know our hours. No other cars were in the parking lot. My truck was parked sideways in front of the store, running with lights on to cover the store exit while we loaded money and guns to leave. A vehicle I've never seen pulls up at a rate I feel was a little fast. This is exactly the kind of nightmare we prepare for and I was absolutely in fear not only for my life but my wife and every person that would be harmed if my store full of guns and ammo falls into the wrong hands.

My gun was never pointed at anyone, it was at low ready.

I spoke to the person in the SUV and told them we were closed hours ago.

I assume the person that started this post is the one who sent us an e-mail last night ~10:45 with his phone number. I called that person this morning and apologized for any hurt feelings and explained my perspective and reason for my actions.

We are sincerely sorry for any misunderstandings, but our safety and the safety of others who may be harmed if we were to be robbed must come first.

[Baconator]

Probably had lowers for a steal at $1,000 each.

[welchy]

Why don't you just PM him? You do know he is a member here, right?

This should get interesting if he shows up.

[X231]

I was in that store once before. I don't know if it was the owner and his wife working at the time or not. All I do know is that outside of glaring at me as I walked in they never otherwise acknowledged my presence. I looked around for about 5 minutes and never got a "we'll be right with you", "hi" or anything else. Not even a nod .. just the glare. I added them to my list of gun stores that I'll never go back to.

Note to gun store owners .. The guy that just walked into your store just may have a pocket full of cash looking to buy. You might at least want to be polite to them.

[keenkeen]

This should get interesting if he shows up.

Shhhhhhh....

Don't look 2 posts before yours...

[Madera]

Yes, it was me that you chatted with this morning! Again, me and my family still feel this was inappropriate. No, we didn't drive up in a van looking like some dangerous bunch. We drove up in an FJ Cruiser, parked in a parking stall 30' or so away. We did not even get out of the vehicle, just rolled the window down and asked if they were still open. Obvious, the owner was very fidgety and I understand he's been robbed before. I don't think that give's him the right to just assume every Tom, Dick, and Harry is out to get him. I don't think a weapon should be exposed until you actually feel like your under a threat, NOT because you feel like to need to show someone your gun. I don't answer my front door with my weapon ready and exposed, like we discussed. But apparently you do! Just a different train of thought.

Remember that this is Christmas season, and many stores are open later than usual. Best Buy is open until 11 p.m. now. When we were driving by and saw all the lights on, the gate open, and the truck sitting out front we just assumed you were open for business. It was only around 9 p.m. which we didn't consider to late!

Again, like I suggested on the phone, maybe you should keep your gate closed until your actually ready to leave! That would have avoided this whole situation in the first place!

[Oceanbob]

I was in that store once before. I don't know if it was the owner and his wife working at the time or not. All I do know is that outside of glaring at me as I walked in they never otherwise acknowledged my presence. I looked around for about 5 minutes and never got a "we'll be right with you", "hi" or anything else. Not even a nod .. just the glare. I added them to my list of gun stores that I'll never go back to.

Note to gun store owners .. The guy that just walked into your store just may have a pocket full of cash looking to buy. You might at least want to be polite to them.

Sadly...some of these mom and pop gunstores are staffed by socially inexperienced and lethargic owners. Sure, they know something about guns but they lack social skills to run a business. JMO.

[audihenry]

Sounds like they were unloading or loading firearms, in a very vulnerable position, and then a strange van pulls up. The possibility that firearm would be drawn and fired from the open window probably crossed his mind and he probably did fear for his life. Sounds like he quickly assessed the threat and acted accordingly.

I love how you weren't there and yet you side completely with the gun store owner and find a way of justifying his actions. This is just plain sad, call the owner what he is.

[NoNOS67]

Just imagine if it was a lost liberal, looking for directions! Not the kind of incident we need right now.

[audihenry]

That pretty much sums it up.

Time was ~9:30 to 9:45, we close at 5:00 on Saturdays, I understand he did not know our hours. No other cars were in the parking lot. My truck was parked sideways in front of the store, running with lights on to cover the store exit while we loaded money and guns to leave. A vehicle I've never seen pulls up at a rate I feel was a little fast. This is exactly the kind of nightmare we prepare for and I was absolutely in fear not only for my life but my wife and every person that would be harmed if my store full of guns and ammo falls into the wrong hands.

My gun was never pointed at anyone, it was at low ready.

I spoke to the person in the SUV and told them we were closed hours ago.

I assume the person that started this post is the one who sent us an e-mail last night ~10:45 with his phone number. I called that person this morning and apologized for any hurt feelings and explained my perspective and reason for my actions.

We are sincerely sorry for any misunderstandings, but our safety and the safety of others who may be harmed if we were to be robbed must come first.

Buddy, you're not doing anyone favors by pulling a gun because you think a car coming in after hours is a threat, especially when you have your lights on, as the OP claims. If anyone was to rob a gun store, they'd show up in more than an FJ Cruiser and not with a family. Also, they wouldn't do it with the guy standing in front with a freaking gun.

This is the kind of act that gives gun owners and gun shops a bad reputation. Imagine if this had hit national news, think about what would have happened and how this one act would have caused everyone a lot of grief. You need to seriously re-evaluate how you assess what you deem to be threats.

[skyscraper]

Yes, it was me that you chatted with this morning! Again, me and my family still feel this was inappropriate. No, we didn't drive up in a van looking like some dangerous bunch. We drove up in an FJ Cruiser, parked in a parking stall 30' or so away. We did not even get out of the vehicle, just rolled the window down and asked if they were still open. Obvious, the owner was very fidgety and I understand he's been robbed before. I don't think that give's him the right to just assume every Tom, Dick, and Harry is out to get him. I don't think a weapon should be exposed until you actually feel like your under a threat, NOT because you feel like to need to show someone your gun. I don't answer my front door with my weapon ready and exposed, like we discussed. But apparently you do! Just a different train of thought.

Remember that this is Christmas season, and many stores are open later than usual. Best Buy is open until 11 p.m. now. When we were driving by and saw all the lights on, the gate open, and the truck sitting out front we just assumed you were open for business. It was only around 9 p.m. which we didn't consider to late!

Again, like I suggested on the phone, maybe you should keep your gate closed until your actually ready to leave! That would have avoided this whole situation in the first place!

He was unloading FIREARMS. You drove up way past closing time. I dont blame him one bit.

[Oceanbob]

He was unloading FIREARMS. You drove up way past closing time. I dont blame him one bit.

Imagine for a minute that the owner of Spencer Firearms had assessed the situation correctly and invited the family inside for a look see. Make a friend and a life long customer only takes a couple of minutes.

JMO

[Guntech]

Don't know if any of y'all have been to the Fresno/Madera area, but I have and my cousin lives there. Let me tell you there are some shady Mfers and a boatload of gangbangers so I wouldn't be surprised if someone was jumpy having a car roll up on them in an empty parking lot at 9:45 PM, especially at a gun shop. Also I have never been to a gun shop that was open past 6:00pm. I have been in a situation like that and let me tell you, until you have been there you don't know how you react. Wasn't there so I can't say whether he was justified or wasn't.