Keith B wrote:LOL, sounds like the event center security guard was a mall cop wanna-be and over zealous on his duties to be concerned about the LEO's or ATF being there. I talked to one of the ATF guys for almost half an hour, and even helped them pack their stuff up for the day on Saturday. One of them is an ex Dallas LEO and really into guns himself. I asked him if he had been around in the show and he said they don't normally 'shop' due to the ATF on the shirt making the vendors nervous and they wanted to present a good presence and let folks know they were not there to confiscate all the guns. I told him to put a piece of duck-tape over the ATF and write 'Gun Nut' on it and then he could go shopping. All three of the agents liked that idea. The one I talked to for quite awhile was more the one that helped folks with admin questions. He was talking to one guy as I came up to the table and advising he go the trust route vs. a CLEO sign-off on an SBR. He even gave the guy his card and said for him to call him and he would help with any questions and paperwork. Really nice folks (yeah yeah, I know, they is da Feds and can't be any good), but that is why they said they are at the show, to try and improve the image that a lot of pro-gun folks have of them.NTexas_V-Star wrote:To the OP:
I was also at the Allen gunshow on Sunday. My boss, a friend of his, and myself all carpooled down there. We are all CHL'd, and all unloaded prior to entry.
I reconcealed up until we walked in, and then tucked my shirt in behind the pistol. The "suit" at the entrance almost had a fit! I had to calmly tell/show him that it was completely unloaded, and I was carrying it to check out holsters. Same with the two guys with me.
After he calmed down, he let us know that there were ATF and local law enforcement all over the place, and we had best be careful.
I chose not to dwell on it, but it sounds like your encounter was a little more stressful and unproffessional than mine.
To be honest then, it seems to me that someone needed to reeducate the staff about the purpose of the ATF's presence. I wasn't in the least bit concerned about the ATF being there. I knew I wasn't breaking any laws or doing anything to attract unwanted attention. The "suit" at the door, who I assume was staff security, sure did act frantic about it.