Cabela's does not like CC/OC

[J.W.]

Went to Cabela's today to return a sleeping bag (found my old one a day after i got a new one) and i wanted to find a retention holster for my Taurus PT95. I was CC as i just got out of work. After returning the bag, i hit up the holsters but was unable to find one specifically for the Taurus. I knew that a Taurus pt95 was similar to the Beretta 92-95 and they had retention devices for them but i didnt want to spend the money on a chance that it would fit. Took the holster to the gun counter and asked the woman there if it would fit the Taurus. She got her keys out and said let me see if we have one and we can try it out. Just then i got an idea. When the lady came back to tell me they didnt have one in stock i let her know that i was carrying it and that i was lisenced. I asked if it would be an issue if i would give it to her, have her take it into the back, clear it, and then check the fitment of the holster. She got this wide eyed, sheep in the headlights look and spoke...sir, you cannot carry a loaded firearm in this store, i suggest you go out into your car and leave it there if you plan on making a purchase. Honestly i thought she was fooling with me so i looked at the Cabela's employee next to her who had been heard her and i asked him if she was being serious. He said that he was not sure of the exact policies regarding customer carrying firearms with a permit. Then i made the comment of "Well, i bet they would flip $hit if i OC'ed in here then huh?" he laughed a bit and then he said that he had never seen anyone OC in the store and then added that he found it strange that one of the biggest firearms stores in the state would have a policy against carrying. Then the woman spoke up, told us a horror story about a young man coming in to sell a shotgun. I guess the guy didnt know much about guns and niether did the greeter who escorted it ,with a round in the chamber, back to the gun library. When they got to the library, i guess the manager had some choice words for the young man and the employee involved. The woman i was dealing with claimed that the librarian passed a rule banning anyone from carrying a gun unless it had a trigger guard on it and was being handled by an employee. The guy chimed in that he would walk me out and that if i wanted to, i could clear the gun in my car and bring it back in to check the fitment of the holster but that i had to get a trigger lock and be escorted back to the gun section again. Of course i opted for the negative but i thanked the gentleman for taking care of the situation. I plan on writting a nice email to Cabela's, asking for some clarification. I also plan on including the fact that i spend at least 100-150 there a month and frequently take my kids there to see the fish. I dont see how a store whose customer base is made up of gunowners does not allow CC/OC. I was probably wrong for making the suggestion to check the holster but i honestly did not see it turning into the desecration of one of my favorite stores. Someone give me a nice positive reply cuz this kinda has me depressed....

[natewal4430]

That's very strange to me. I often go there, at least once a week, always either OC or CC and have never had any issue. I also recall a thread of someone telling a story of being in there OC, at the gun counter, with two LEO's right next to him. And I believe that story went that the younger of the two LEO's asked the older if OC was allowed and the older said that there was no problem there and that he was completely legal to OC.

And as far as store policy...(I may be wrong) But i believe that the clearing/trigger locking only applies if you are there to sell or service the firearm you have with you.

[CoyoteJack]

Can't help you because I've never been to a Cabela's store, I've only shopped them online. I do shop at Gander Mountain here in Erie and they've never balked at me carrying concealed. I went there after buying a new 1911 and wanted to try out some holsters. I took several option to the gun sale counter told the salesman I wanted to try them out and could either use one of their or my own. Not an eye was batted as I tried on several holsters and the 3 or 4 people at the counter even offered opinions on which ones concealed the best. No one asked if I was licensed, or if the firearm was loaded (though I'm fairly sure the salesmen could see that the hammer was back).

[gnbrotz]

I just attempted to call (I have the store manage'rs direct number), and it will not take any new messages (voice mailbox is full). I then called back and got the operator who informed me that he will be away until Saturday. I also got his schedule for next week, so if I miss him Saturday, or need to follow-up again, I should be able to reach him.

I personally spoke to Mr. Biedenharn (the manager) about a year ago, and thought we had things cleared up. I hope to make contact and request something directly from him, in writing, stating store policy. I will keep you posted.

[knighthawk06699]

There is a sign on he front door that says carrying is welcomed. That lady needs to learn to read the signage that is on the front doors of her work place. On a side not there is no reason to remove your side arm, keep it in the holster, a guaranteed way to avoid any accidents.

[fingers80002]

Originally Posted by knighthawk06699

There is a sign on he front door that says carrying is welcomed. That lady needs to learn to read the signage that is on the front doors of her work place. On a side not there is no reason to remove your side arm, keep it in the holster, a guaranteed way to avoid any accidents.

Kinda hard to try holster fit if it is in a holster...

[Jailkeeper]

I wonder if your offer of giving it to her and having her clear it was the issue. Perhaps she had no clue how to clear a pistol?

[knighthawk06699]

Originally Posted by fingers80002

Kinda hard to try holster fit if it is in a holster...

Imagine if you will that you have 10 people who want to fit holsters and are currently carrying. That is 10 possible accidents, now if those same 10 people bring their firearm unloaded with them to try out holsters then that takes it down to zero chances for an accident. Carry a different gun and bring the one you looking to clothe with you, empty and ready to be fit.

[Bersa45]

It sounds to me that it was her opinion and not fact. She needs to grow a pair and deal with the general public when it comes to firearms...the sheep never learn Next time go in there OCing and see what the reaction is

[cadence2arms]

I think I might have to take a ride there this week and see for myself. Thats like lowes not letting you bring in your measuring tape!