The Electric Factory- Good for carry!

[CommonHighrise]

Went down to Philly tonight to see a concert with the lil' lady at The Electric Factory. She warned me up and down that they do pat-downs, metal detectors, and are super strict on weapons. Knowing how parking gets at that venue, I knew we'd end up a few blocks away in Chinatown and walking it, so I say the hell with it and CC the KelTec and grab a flyer.

Get to the venue, and go to get patted down. I figure honesty is the best policy, and when I lifted my arms, I lifted my shirt and showed him the sidearm. He just nodded, patted me down, and told me to go over to the one ticket window to check my firearm!

Since I highly doubted I would need it inside the venue, I happily checked it, and my pocket knife, got my receipt, and enjoyed the show. On my way out, checked it back out, all was in perfect order, and was on my way.

To find a place doing this is incredibly rare. Hell, its hard enough getting courthouses to check weapons, and they have to do it by law. Add to that this place is in a shithole area for 2A rights. They deserve a big kudos for accomidating to our rights.

(FWIW, they said even the bodyguards of high profile artists are forced to check their weapons. LEOs are the only ones allowed inside with more than a flashlight and nail trimmers)

[jofreder]

So what did they lock it up in, do they have lockers? Did you clear the weapon right there in front of the crowd?

[InfantrymanTemplar]

Sir:

I was there a while back and was also pleasantly surprised. The wife was very pissed off at me beforehand. She thought I'd have to double time it back to the car to secure it (which, in my opinion is not really securing it) at best. She actually thought the police would be called. When the security guy told me to walk up and check it in to the desk, I smiled and thought to myself, "Self, some places really do appreciate the business from people who are concerned about walking around Philadelphia completely defenseless (unless you count my Kate Moss like arms... I need to do more PT). They didn't even ask to see my LTCF. To the other gentleman, my recollection is they are small (12"x8") metal stacked boxes locked with a simple key Masterlock.

The Infantryman Templar
Those who would deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under a just God cannot long retain it. -Abraham Lincoln

[steveforopen]

I'd rather be disarmed at my vehicle than check my firearm with someone I do not know, that is not a law enforcement officer and who has not legally ensured that, if my pistol is lost while in their possession, I would be compensated.

Especially not at a concert venue in Philly.

[ccphilly1984]

that's nice that they have a firearms check in... intresting. gives some people options. philly does get a little crazy with all the drunk idiots... i was at finnigans wake on spring garden and the amount of fights that broke out is crazy... one after another... all night... a perfect example why some people should use birth control...

[CommonHighrise]

Originally Posted by steveforopen

I'd rather be disarmed at my vehicle than check my firearm with someone I do not know, that is not a law enforcement officer and who has not legally ensured that, if my pistol is lost while in their possession, I would be compensated.

Especially not at a concert venue in Philly.

Its either-or, really. Neither is perfect. I wouldnt say youd have nothing to worry about bringing a brand spanking new uber-1911 in a $100 holster. I checked a $200 gun in a $15 holster. Not saying I wouldnt be pissed and seek legal action if it went 'missing', but it wouldnt ruin my life.

As to being secured, they only asked if the safety was on, and was it cocked. Told the guy it had a heavy DAO trigger with fully shrouded hammer and no safety, was fine with it. Didnt need to unload or clear. It was secured in a heavy metal locker with a padlock, and I was given a key. Not Fort Knox, but not just stashed in a drawer either. They also gave me a signed receipt with the gun make/model, holster, and ammo count written on it, so Id assume Id at least have some legal footing. Never signed anything or saw anything stating they decline responsibility for lost or damaged weapons. And yes, when I got it back, I checked the magazine, and peeked the chamber.

[Caspian]

that's very impressive. i'm kind of shocked that they would provide this service. good to know next time i find myself there

[ccphilly1984]

i think we should all patronise the electric factory for a concert and have an oc hangout beforehand maybe walking around penns landing or city hall... anyone up for it? If a couple of our western pa-ers want to stay, i'll drive down some people carpoolwise. I'm right near the pa turnpike and route 1 and there is a strip of hotels yall could stay at inexpensivly and it's away from city riff raff.

[38SnubFan]

Originally Posted by ccphilly1984

i think we should all patronise the electric factory for a concert and have an oc hangout beforehand maybe walking around penns landing or city hall... anyone up for it? If a couple of our western pa-ers want to stay, i'll drive down some people carpoolwise. I'm right near the pa turnpike and route 1 and there is a strip of hotels yall could stay at inexpensivly and it's away from city riff raff.

Not a bad idea when I have the extra money for it. I'm only about a 2 hour drive from Philly.

Glad to see some businesses in Philly are at least semi-Pro-2A. I say "semi" because a fully Pro-2A business would've let you keep it with you.

-38SnubFan

[God's Country]

I called the Electric Factory about a year ago on behalf of a member after some arguing back and forth with another member on how best to bring a gun to a show and they told me exactly what you experienced. The member decided to keep it private so I never posted it, so I'm glad to see the individual I spoke with gave me the straight dope.

It is refreshing.