Good encounter at the Adams County Courthouse.

[djturnz]

I went to the Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg Yesterday (1/8/07). The club I belong to had donated the gun lockers to them to comply with the law a few years ago. There was a rumor that when the new security chief took over, that he wasn't allowing LTCF holders to check their weapons. The lawyer for our club had sent two registered letter, basically restating the law and explaining the rumors that were heard. Both letters were received but no reply was ever given. I had some business in the Sherrif's office so I decided to see for my self.

I walk up to the security desk and handed the guard my DL as well as My PA LTCF and stated that I needed to "check my weapon".
He asked "do you have your weapon on you now?"
I said "yes"
He said "are you a cop?"
"no"
"Is it a personal weapon?"
"YES"
He said "ok, you will need to check it" "Walk around the gate (metal detector)"

I pulled off my paddle holster with the gun still in it. and handed it to the second guard. He placed it in the locker and told me which number it was. I also handed him my spare mag. He placed the key in a small envelope which he had written the manufacturer, caliber on, along with the pocket knife he was going to hold until I came back.

Other than a few of what I thought were silly questions, it went well. They were both professional and courteous.

Retreiving my weapon was just as easy. An overall good experience. I forgot to get the officers names though, incase the club wanted to send a letter.

[cznut]

What club do you belong to? I wonder if that helped you a bit. I would be nervous doing that at the court house.

[djturnz]

No, not one bit. I didn't mention it.

My club is in my sig. The local LEO use my club's range for qualification, borough, township, probation, correctional. The only ones that don't are the PSP.

But like I said I didn't mention the club at all.

I was a little nervous, however, the law is on your side. All courthouses are required by PA Law to provide lockers. Even the State Capital, because it is considered to be a courthouse, has one entrance that has lockers for you to use while visiting your congressman.

[budney]

Originally Posted by djturnz

Other than a few of what I thought were silly questions, it went well. They were both professional and courteous.

Sounds good. The questions they asked don't sound too unreasonable; I think they were just hoping you'd say, "Yes, I'm a criminal; no, the gun is stolen; no, I don't have a license."

--Len.

[djturnz]

Well there were a few more questions I didn't add. One of which was "Do you have the weapon on you now?"

But no, not unreasonable, just sort of "Here's your sign" material.

[Peddler]

Originally Posted by djturnz

I went to the Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg

I checked my firearm in today as well.

Walked in and handed the guard my LTCF, and told him I had to check in my firearm (Before someone decides to get their drillies in an uproar, I realize I wasn't obligated to do so.)

Guard: Oh crap
Me: Is there a problem
G: I'm the only one here, the other fellow is at lunch
M: That's quite alright. I can come back. I have other business in town
G: Are you sure? I can call him up from lunch
M: No, I'll come back in 30 minutes or so, it's no inconvenience

I went to Redding's Hardware and returned to the court house.

Everything went smoothly. No cop questions. Just asked the make and model of the firearm. Filled out a receipt and I went down to the Sheriff's office. My LTCF had a letter missing in my last name. They printed another (no charge).

The guards were very nice and talkative about nothing important. In case you're wondering, a guard will lead you back to a stairwell where the lockers are at. YOU place the firearm, loaded and holstered in a lock box. The same in reverse upon leaving. At no time did the guards touch my revolver.

[Paradigm]

Originally Posted by djturnz

Well there were a few more questions I didn't add. One of which was "Do you have the weapon on you now?"

But no, not unreasonable, just sort of "Here's your sign" material.

"No. It lives here. I just stop by now and then to visit it. Heeeeere's your sign."



Glad it all went well for you. Apparently (at least for you) the rumors were unfounded.

[ROCK-IT3]

Originally Posted by Peddler

snip

Walked in and handed the guard my LTCF, and told him I had to check in my firearm (Before someone decides to get their drillies in an uproar, I realize I wasn't obligated to do so.)

snip

Clarify please what you weren't obligated to do.

[fingers80002]

Originally Posted by ROCK-IT3

Clarify please what you weren't obligated to do.

I am going to go out on a limb here,

If he was OC'ing, he had no obligation to hand them his LTCF.
If he was CC'ing, he did have the obligation to hand it over.

[ROCK-IT3]

Originally Posted by fingers80002

I am going to go out on a limb here,

If he was OC'ing, he had no obligation to hand them his LTCF.
If he was CC'ing, he did have the obligation to hand it over.

I was at that limb, just not going out on it yet. Anyway, waiting for Peddler.