Originally Posted by
Phil_H
Yep, you should have said something. If it upset the shop owner, then he needed the facts of life addressed to him as well. The shop is not a public place in that it is private property and yet it is open to the public to just walk in form the street, in fact it is encouraged. Making a firearm safe and demonstrating that fact is something that should be carried out anywhere, regardless of whether it is private property or not.
I make a point of carrying my firearms pointing up whenever I take it to a shop, persons property, armourer or even on to a farm and when I meet someone there I make a point of demonstrating to them that it is inoperable; with the bolt action the bolt is always removed and magazine removed, with the semi it is action open and no magazine and with the single shots it is always broken. Sorry, I lie. The single shots I often carry broken and facing down when outside but I still make a point of carrying them one had, broken and facing upward when entering a premises. This way, anyone there is reassured at a glance that it is inoperable and carrying it one hand slightly in front of you I feel is the least threatening.
Anyone feel free to disagree or correct me, I am more than happy to adopt anyway that is safer.
With regard to addressing errant fellow Firearm Owners, I do understand the reticence. How many times do other people really tell another Kiwi what they think of their driving? Not as often as we should. I think the same goes for the carrying and use of firearms.
Ready for the Flames.....
Cheers
Phil