Carrying a gun to an adoption - OMG!

[mrpaiste]

I need to get this off my chest, if for no other reason than to make me feel better. It's been almost 2 weeks, but every time I think about it I get a little irritated . . .

On December 18th we had a hearing where I adopted my step-daughter. As in the past, I carried to the courthouse and checked my gun with no problem (Cumberland County Courthouse is totally self-service). However, when we were leaving as I retrieved my gun and was tucking it in, the oldest of the three guards released his thumb break and held his hand in a "ready to present" position. To top it off, I heard the other two making derogatory remarks about bringing a gun to an adoption.

I thought to myself, "why wouldn't I." The general crop of bad guys aren't going to let you slide just because it's adoption day. Like American Express says, I don't leave home without it, and that day was no exception. Not to mention, there was a slight risk that the dirt-bag who had his rights terminated so I could adopt would show up and try who knows what.

It still boggles my mind that so many of the people who should understand the reasons to carry a gun just don't get it. Maybe I should have said something like "It makes about as much sense as YOU having a gun at my daughter's adoption". But, I had a lot of family members waiting to go get breakfast, so I just smiled and said "have a good day."

OK, rant over. I think I feel better now

[ham385]

Don't sweat it, Seriously.

You carried yourself in a polite and professional manner, and he's overreacting, unsnapping his retention simply because someone took a gun out of a gun locker. Who do you think looked like the ass in front of all those other people?

[Adam-12]

as I retrieved my gun and was tucking it in, the oldest of the three guards released his thumb break and held his hand in a "ready to present" position.

Sounds like he was out of uniform: it's improper to wear your ass for a hat while on duty. The only justification for such a move would be if you retrieved your firearm in such a manner that you swept people with your muzzle, or otherwise looked unsafe.

That's not possible in the Allegheny courthouse, because the gun lockers are in a separate room with a sign on the door that says "Sheriffs Only." There's basically nobody in there to sweep with your muzzle.

[mrpaiste]

The only justification for such a move would be if you retrieved your firearm in such a manner that you swept people with your muzzle, or otherwise looked unsafe.

Exactly. The gun was in the holster in the locker, and when I put it on I never grab the grip. I keep it pointed down and insert the gun and holster as one unit into my waistband, especially in public, to prevent any "suspicious" movements.

[Belasarius]

That just makes no sense especially as that is the place you go to GET your LCTF. I would have to write a letter. I'm guessing it's on video. What made that guy decide you were a threat?

[adymond]

I need to get this off my chest, if for no other reason than to make me feel better. It's been almost 2 weeks, but every time I think about it I get a little irritated . . .

On December 18th we had a hearing where I adopted my step-daughter. As in the past, I carried to the courthouse and checked my gun with no problem (Cumberland County Courthouse is totally self-service). However, when we were leaving as I retrieved my gun and was tucking it in, the oldest of the three guards released his thumb break and held his hand in a "ready to present" position. To top it off, I heard the other two making derogatory remarks about bringing a gun to an adoption.

I thought to myself, "why wouldn't I." The general crop of bad guys aren't going to let you slide just because it's adoption day. Like American Express says, I don't leave home without it, and that day was no exception. Not to mention, there was a slight risk that the dirt-bag who had his rights terminated so I could adopt would show up and try who knows what.

It still boggles my mind that so many of the people who should understand the reasons to carry a gun just don't get it. Maybe I should have said something like "It makes about as much sense as YOU having a gun at my daughter's adoption". But, I had a lot of family members waiting to go get breakfast, so I just smiled and said "have a good day."

OK, rant over. I think I feel better now

I am wondering if the actions of the gentleman with craniorectal inversion was behaving according to policy. I might be inclined to have a discussion with his boss. I would take unsnapping a retention device with a hand hovering over the grip as a threat.

[cgbudde]

when we were leaving as I retrieved my gun and was tucking it in, the oldest of the three guards released his thumb break and held his hand in a "ready to present" position. To top it off, I heard the other two making derogatory remarks about bringing a gun to an adoption.

I would complain, his actions were intimidating to me. And so where the other jackasses remarks.

[tes151]

I would chalk it up to another courthouse guard trying to feel important. Or maybe he just gets scared easily. I would complain. That was unprofessional.

[Adam-12]

I would take unsnapping a retention device with a hand hovering over the grip as a threat.

And rotten training. Releasing all retention devices is part of taking your firing grip, step #1 of the draw stroke. You don't release it when you're not even drawing, and then flap your hand over your piece like John Wayne.

[Curmudgeon]

Why don't you find out who his boss is and make out a complaint? His conduct was way beyond merely unprofessional, and rather reckless. Not a good way to represent his department.