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No Open Carry at Shooters Sports Center on 6 mile

Jason in WI

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Got off early today and figured I'd stop at the range. After I took a shower I put on some normal street cloths and my holster, I carry everywhere so my holster is usually on all day. Got to Shooters and was planning on shooting a revolver that I had in a case and since we were going out after I had my XDm that I carry in the truck also.

I grabbed the case with the revolver and since I didn't plan to shoot the XD and I also didn't want to leave it in the truck or drag the case around I just loaded it and holstered it like usual.

I went in and asked for a lane, the older gentlemen Joe I believe said nicely that next time he'd prefer if I didn't carry in the store. I actually forgot I had it on, I'm so use to it now. So I said no problem and and told him I was under the imprecision that their shop was open carry friendly. He explained that why they are for our rights and all that and he carries hunting and what not, that for customer safety and stuff along those lines they don't allow open carry in the store. This was all casual conversation as he was getting my change and targets. Then I think the owner steeped out and expressed the same thing. He was concerned that he wouldn't know if it was a bad guy coming in or not. He also had concerns that new shooters might be frightened, etc. So I told him that I wasn't aware of their policy and if that's their policy its cool. I told him I was a member of OpenCarry.org and Wisconsin carry and that a bunch of members recommended Shooters because they are open carry friendly and nobody had issues here, I think that is the first he heard of that! He told me the only loaded guns they want are the ones in the range, he continued with the safety stuff and what not for a bit. I listened intently but you guys all know the drill so I won't post all his concerns.

They were nice the whole time and I believe they wanted me to know that they do support our rights, they just don't want us (well me anyway) to carry in the store.

I do appreciate the fact they didn't kick me out or tell me to go put it in a case. With almost a full month of open carrying this is the first time anyone really even acknowledged the fact I even had a side arm. The owner(?) was really adamant about explaining his position without just saying because we say so. I thought that was pretty cool.

This was my second time there and I kinda like the place, the fact that it's close to me helps also. I did have fun shooting my old mans detective special but I'm very glad I have a semi-auto with more then 2" of barrel. While I didn't intend to shoot my sidearm, I figured since they must have thought I was going to shoot it I might as well. Luckily I had some half full boxes of ammo and extra mag in my range bag. I dropped my carry mag and shot a bit. Felt really good after putting a hundred rounds through that little wheel gun!

Just figured I post this as some of you have said you carried there before. Sorry if it was me that did something to change their policy :uhoh:.


Edited to add:
When I left I did stuff both weapons into the single pistol case.
 

BROKENSPROKET

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Jason in WI wrote:
Got off early today and figured I'd stop at the range. After I took a shower I put on some normal street cloths and my holster, I carry everywhere so my holster is usually on all day. Got to Shooters and was planning on shooting a revolver that I had in a case and since we were going out after I had my XDm that I carry in the truck also.

I grabbed the case with the revolver and since I didn't plan to shoot the XD and I also didn't want to leave it in the truck or drag the case around I just loaded it and holstered it like usual.

I went in and asked for a lane, the older gentlemen Joe I believe said nicely that next time he'd prefer if I didn't carry in the store. I actually forgot I had it on, I'm so use to it now. So I said no problem and and told him I was under the imprecision that their shop was open carry friendly. He explained that why they are for our rights and all that and he carries hunting and what not, that for customer safety and stuff along those lines they don't allow open carry in the store. This was all casual conversation as he was getting my change and targets. Then I think the owner steeped out and expressed the same thing. He was concerned that he wouldn't know if it was a bad guy coming in or not. He also had concerns that new shooters might be frightened, etc. So I told him if that I wasn't aware of their policy and if that's their policy its cool. I told him I was a member of OpenCarry.org and Wisconsin carry and that a bunch of members recommended Shooters because they are open carry friendly and nobody had issues here, I think that is the first he heard of that! He told me the only loaded guns they want are the ones in the range, he continued with the safety stuff and what not for a bit. I listened intently but you guys all know the drill so I won't post all his concerns.

They were nice the whole time and I believe they wanted me to know that they do support our rights, they just don't want us (well me anyway) to carry in the store.

I do appreciate the fact they didn't kick me out or tell me to go put it in a case. With almost a full month of open carrying this is the first time anyone really even acknowledged the fact I even had a side arm. The owner(?) was really adamant about explaining his position without just saying because we say so. I thought that was pretty cool.

This was my second time there and I kinda like the place, the fact that it's close to me helps also. I did have fun shooting my old mans detective special but I'm very glad I have a semi-auto with more then 2" of barrel. While I didn't intend to shoot my sidearm, I figured since they must have thought I was going to shoot it I might as well. Luckily I had some half full boxes of ammo and extra mag in my range bag. I dropped my carry mag and shot a bit. Felt really good after putting a hundred rounds through that little wheel gun!

Just figured I post this as some of you have said you carried there before. Sorry if it was me that did something to change their policy :uhoh:.

I realize that you cannot keyboard everything they said. IF I ever make it that way. I will ask them myself. I have gone into MANY gunstores that do not have shooting ranges and all of them support open carry in thier stores. Hell, even Scheels and Gander Mountian allow open carry in thier stores. Why would Shooters not allow it.

I think Shooters may have the least to worry about. Who would try to rob a gunstore that also has a shooting range. Roba stores where clients/customers have loaded firearms sounds like a suicide mission to me. :what:
 

rcawdor57

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I was there a few days before the guy shot himself...what was that? Last week? Anyway, I had not been there in almost 2 years but decided to give them a try and took a few handguns with me. I met Bill and a few customers at the counter and got a lane. Lane number 6 to be exact. I open carried in the store in and out and no one said anything to me about it. I too thought they were "open carry friendly" as had been indicated on this forum. If they don't support open carry they should put a sign on the front door stating so.
 

scorpio_vette

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where you alone???



reason i ask is because EVERYTIME i've gone there, i've open carried. i carry in the store, the little room with the tables, and in and out of the range. i unholster in the range, lay my gun on the firing table and get everything ready to shoot and then shoot. if i need to leave the range, i holster it again and walk into the store to buy more targets or whatever.

BUT.......i have never gone alone.

the reason i'm wondering if you were alone or not, is that it "seems" that the suicide shootings that happen at ranges are usually people that go there by themselves. and with the suicide they just had only a couple days ago, they may be a bit on edge.

they have pretty much all seen me open carry, and i'm definitely one to stand out with all my tattoos and piercings and all, but i usually bring anywhere from 1-4 people with me, and we drop quite a bit of money with them at the range.
 

Wisconsin Carry Inc. - Chairman

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Hmm... Not good...

A couple thoughts.

First.. IF a person already has a gun, they don't need to go to a range to commit suicide. The "suicide with rented gun thing" is how people who don't own a gun kill themselves.

I hate to think how they would do it if they couldn't go rent a gun and do it... People that intent on suicide could be capable of anything... eesh...

Having said that... You already had a gun on your hip. No need to rent anything if you had suicidal desires... That argument makes no sense.

Second... If someone wanted to rob the place... WHY in the world would they open-carry in there to do so? Any criminal would just conceal to be as discreet as possible and whip it out the moment they wanted to commit a crime.

Again... No reason to bar the law-abiding customers from open-carrying.

Lastly... Every bank, grocery store, electronics store, walmart, home depot, joann fabrics, jewelery store etc probably has more money in the till or more valuable merchandise in "smash and grab" distance than a Gun-range... If ALL those stores allow open-carry by company policy why do we accept the "lame excuses" from a gun-range? If anyone should live "above" the paranoia and ILLOGICAL thought that prohibiting open-carry will prevent crime... A gun store should.

I will cut shooters a LITTLE bit of slack because they had a suicide there last week, but to be honest, their policy makes NO sense. NONE.

Their policy would be a GREAT piece of evidence for the Brady bunch and every other anti-gun group. "If a gun store prohibits it, it MUST be dangerous"

I recognize we all want to give them the benefit of the doubt because they are a "gun store" but logic is logic. Fear is Fear. Its clear which alternative "shooters" is operating out of.

Anti-open-carry policies have cost other gun shops in Milwaukee 10's of THOUSANDS of dollars of business. I'd hate to see Shooters suffer the same fate. Fortunately, with the robust gun-business since Obama took reign... er I mean the presidency, its easy to sell guns. Long-term, the places that support freedom and rights will prosper. ESPECIALLY as Wisconsin Carry grows. I did the math today. Wisconsin Carry adds on average 50 members a week. That's a movement I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of (as a gun-store owner)

Lets give Shooters a week or two to digest what happened and put logic over emotion and see where they stand there.

If anyone else has experience with Shooters between now and then, please post up. Otherwise I'll place a call or stop in to visit in a week or two and have a conversation with the owner about the policy.

Carry On!
 

Jason in WI

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scorpio_vette wrote:
where you alone???

Nope, had girlfriend with. I will never go to a gun store alone, I don't trust myself. Too much crap will follow me home :p.


reason i ask is because EVERYTIME i've gone there, i've open carried. i carry in the store, the little room with the tables, and in and out of the range.
The first time I went I didn't open carry because I went straight from the house to there with no intention of going any place else so I left the holster off. I looked around like I normally do and didn't see any signs. I also didn't ask but, I never ask.

i unholster in the range, lay my gun on the firing table and get everything ready to shoot and then shoot. if i need to leave the range, i holster it again and walk into the store to buy more targets or whatever.

I wasn't planning on even taking my sidearm out. I went there with another weapon in a case. I didn't know if there would be a lot of people and I'd rather not un-holster in front of anyone. I set the case on the counter when I came in. I can see if they were worried about someone drawing or what not but nobody brought that up. Funny I seen an earlier thread by you called "no more Fletchers for me" and because of how cool you said this place was is what got me to stop over.


and with the suicide they just had only a couple days ago, they may be a bit on edge.

they have pretty much all seen me open carry, and i'm definitely one to stand out with all my tattoos and piercings and all, but i usually bring anywhere from 1-4 people with me, and we drop quite a bit of money with them at the range.
Yea, the incident might have them on there toes a bit. I also brought up how I was dressed because I normally try and look "decent" when I'm out carrying. Unfortunately as you probably know all to well, narrow minded people stereo-type like crazy. I usually don't dress as casual as I did today, don't know if that had anything to do with it but I just wanted to toss that out there.

I will be bringing more people with me soon. I still need to figure out when there slow time is. A couple of times I drove past and it was packed. I got some new shooters that want to come with but I'd like it to be like today with one or two others shooting.

So far the only thing we've purchased was range time and targets. I think next time were going to rent some stuff and go from there. My girlfriend thinks she wants to carry with me so we need to find her something. I feel bad for not at least buying ammo but I have a big stock that I need to shot first.
 
M

McX

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i was going to patronize shooters for a gift certificate for my kid who will turn 21 this month. if they aren't oc friendly, then NO- i won't go there. where else around here close, and oc friendly can i go, in the gun range who sells gift certificates category?
 

ffemt1079

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Shooter Shop on 84th in west allis does not allow OC. Neither does Badger on 43rd in west milwaukee. I don't remember seeing a sign at badger, but I talked with the owner (I've known the owner for years, grew up togther - school,boy scouts, many camping trips togther, etc).
 

AaronS

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ffemt1079 wrote:
Shooter Shop on 84th in west allis does not allow OC. Neither does Badger on 43rd in west milwaukee. I don't remember seeing a sign at badger, but I talked with the owner (I've known the owner for years, grew up togther - school,boy scouts, many camping trips togther, etc).
Badger has told me twice that I can carry in the store, I just can not remove it from the holster (no range time with it). I have asked that the owner join this forum, so he can clear this up, but so far I guess he has not felt the need... He did ask me for some fliers though...
 

ffemt1079

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AaronS wrote:
ffemt1079 wrote:
Shooter Shop on 84th in west allis does not allow OC. Neither does Badger on 43rd in west milwaukee. I don't remember seeing a sign at badger, but I talked with the owner (I've known the owner for years, grew up togther - school,boy scouts, many camping trips togther, etc).
Badger has told me twice that I can carry in the store, I just can not remove it from the holster (no range time with it). I have asked that the owner join this forum, so he can clear this up, but so far I guess he has not felt the need... He did ask me for some fliers though...

That is one of the bad things. It seems as though theydont have a set policy on paper, more an as needed, depends which employee, type of thing. I know what Adam told me, but hey, if others are able to carry without incident, then - Carry On!

Good job talking it up enough that he asked for fliers!!
 

Lammie

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The hypocracy in the gun business really irritates me. Gun show sponsors, gun shop owners and gun ranges that talk a big story on how they respect our rights and support the second amendment. Gun show sponsors that want us to fight any "gun show loophole" legislation. Gunshops that want us to buy their guns. Shooting ranges that are more than happy to rent us guns and sell us ammo and targets. Then when all is said and done shut their doors to us. The bottom line is the bottom line. Starbucks is fine with open carry. Shooters denies it. Go figure.
 
M

McX

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i hope the 6 mile shooters will be open today. i'll chug on down there for a gift certificae, and to check it out, never been there. if i get a chance i'll talk to someone of substance regarding the open carry issue.
 

protias

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You can carry in Fletcher's for your own safety.

I call BS on the "safety of our customers." What criminal is going to OC? The only time I can see it is if he was wearing full police attire, but you can tell a police officer in uniform and a person impersonating a police officer.
 
M

McX

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stopped down there today, appear to be closed due to the holiday. i'll stop after work on monday. did someone on here say they accepted some of our brochures for display in their shop?
 
M

McX

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ok, was down there, and just returned. nice place, they let me wander around, and check it out, nice staff, friendly. sorry guys, the policy is no open carry other than LEO. you can carry empty gun, slide back, no mag. going from the range to buy more targets, but that's it. i lobbied them a bit, merchant to merchant, but it's an insurance and range safety rule. trainers available for new shooters- cover everything from safe gun handling, range use, open carry, and use of lethal force. alot of nice guns for sale there. partial win; they let me put out opencarry/ wisconsincarry brochures in a prime spot, and i can return and put more out any time. partial win.
 

lockman

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If customer safety is a legitimate reason, then why do they sell guns that they believe make their customers less safe. What does the store owner use to make the customers safer? Hypocrisy.
 
M

McX

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well, the police go there, and if the police go there it must be safe right? :banghead:
 

Lammie

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, Wisconsin, USA
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Are the cops that go there off duty? If so, they had better conceal carry because their open carry rights are basically no different than ours. One exception is that apparently an off duty cop can carry a handgun in a tavern. An off duty cop can not carry a firearm in a public building unless duly authorized by a Chief of Police, Campus Police or County Sheriff. An off duty cop can not carry a loaded, uncased firearm within 1000 feet of a school ground. An off duty cop can carry a loaded, uncased firearm in a vehicle only one their way to and from work.

If Shooters is giving preferential treatment to off duty cops (on duty is a different matter) then it only wants us for our money and could "give a damn" about our constitutional rights and should be boycotted. Allowing Shooters to tromp on our constitutional rights and then put up posters thatmay implyWCI supports thebusiness is a bad move. It's good for them bad for us.

refer. statutes 941.235, 948.605 and 167.31.

My opinion.
 

scorpio_vette

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not sure when i'll get a chance to go back there, but i'll have to see, cuz they've never said anything to me there before. so if "no open carry" is a policy of theirs, then it must have been implemented AFTER this last suicide.
 
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