Hurt and dissapointed... but very proud. Cabelas open carry.

[DaveB]

Nobody here is against the right to carry any gun openly. It does need to be done in a way to not alarm the masses, otherwise they will not accept it as a right and will take it more as a threat. Open carry rallies and positive open productions would do more good where it is known to the people that someone carrying guns is a planned event and the reason for it is known to the public. It wouldn't matter if they were carrying a pocket 380 or a bazooka as long as it isn't in a place that is a threat to the public. They need to be shown that it is a normal thing rather than just to get attention.

[skydve76]

Got it.  Dont exercise a right until others are comfortable with it.  Thanks for clearing that.

I'm not comfortable with conceal carry, please dont it ok?

Nobody here is against the right to carry any gun openly. It does need to be done in a way to not alarm the masses, otherwise they will not accept it as a right and will take it more as a threat. Open carry rallies and positive open productions would do more good where it is known to the people that someone carrying guns is a planned event and the reason for it is known to the public. It wouldn't matter if they were carrying a pocket 380 or a bazooka as long as it isn't in a place that is a threat to the public. They need to be shown that it is a normal thing rather than just to get attention.

[unfy]

Skipping the flame bait for a moment -

Cabela's does have it posted that firearms are to be cased when entering (except for concealed carry).  If I'm not mistaken, it's the HUGE brass plaque that's hard to miss ?  It might be a large sign on the door, not sure.  I know I see the sign every time I walk into the store.  And if you have a problem with the way the business does things - you're welcome to not shop there rather than trying to force your views upon them. It's their property, not yours.


If you want to check out holsters with your firearm, it'll need to be cased and they'll gladly have someone baby sit you / escort you around while you try out the holsters.


Regarding the OC vs not and how to go about it - there is a lot to be said for tact, dignity, and respect (i suppose an umbrella term would be 'attitude'). Being aggressive with management on the spot isn't going to help your case.

[ILoveCats]

Got it.  Dont exercise a right until others are comfortable with it.  Thanks for clearing that.

I'm not comfortable with conceal carry, please dont it ok?

It's not about catering to the lowest common denominator's comfort level because, of course, the lowest common denominator will be a gun-fearing hoplophobe. It's about understanding that the constitutional rights we're passionate about are not just some random laws but rather they are - we believe - God-given human rights for specific reasons. When people end up on the news carrying a long arm in a mall "jus becuz I can" it cheapens and dumbs down the purpose of that right.

I think I've mentioned here before that I've had the opportunity to spend some years working in developing countries where the "rights" are whatever the current military dictator feels like granting on that particular day. I've had many a friend dragged out of his home at night by the president's goons and beaten to a pulp for being an independent journalist or lawyer fighting for freedoms we take for granted. A couple were murdered. THAT sort of thing is why we have the right to posses long arms; not just because we want to make a statement at the mall. We have them because the only thing more terrible than letting people have the power to kill with the press of a trigger is NOT letting them have that power. So, that power and constitutional right are things that we must treat with the utmost respect and reverence.

That's why "I'm doing it because I can" is an undignified and ignorant reason to do something. If that's all the thought we - the politically-minded gun owners - put into a God-given right, then less intelligent people certainly aren't going to put any more thought into it, and will be inclined to vote in ways that infringe the right.

[justsomeguy]

It's not about catering to the lowest common denominator's comfort level because, of course, the lowest common denominator will be a gun-fearing hoplophobe. It's about understanding that the constitutional rights we're passionate about are not just some random laws but rather they are - we believe - God-given human rights for specific reasons. When people end up on the news carrying a long arm in a mall "jus becuz I can" it cheapens and dumbs down the purpose of that right. 


I think I've mentioned here before that I've had the opportunity to spend some years working in developing countries where the "rights" are whatever the current military dictator feels like granting on that particular day. I've had many a friend dragged out of his home at night by the president's goons and beaten to a pulp for being an independent journalist or lawyer fighting for freedoms we take for granted. A couple were murdered. THAT sort of thing is why we have the right to posses long arms; not just because we want to make a statement at the mall. We have them because the only thing more terrible than letting people have the power to kill with the press of a trigger is NOT letting them have that power. So, that power and constitutional right are things that we must treat with the utmost respect and reverence.

That's why "I'm doing it because I can" is an undignified and ignorant reason to do something. If that's all the thought we - the politically-minded gun owners - put into a God-given right, then less intelligent people certainly aren't going to put any more thought into it, and will be inclined to vote in ways that infringe the right.

This, my friends, is the post of the year.

[Lorimor]

Sorry to say but with recent events, if I'm in a public place and I see an uncased rifle, the first thought through my mind will be "TROUBLE!!!".  I'm going to Orange and getting out of there if possible.

I'm not waiting around to see if it's a maniac or a merely an ardent 2A guy carrying it.  Better safe than sorry.

And if I, an ardent 2A supporter feel that way, imagine how the sheep feel.

[NE Bull]

Did you happen to see by chance if they had any 22LR in stock when you were there!?

Well???

While I do believe in Total Firearm Rights, unfortunately OC is a touchy subject (as obvious here) and must be approached in a careful manner.  Politely leaving when asked and not letting the situation proceed to the point the police are called is the best outcome you could have had this time. 

I will however, go on record as saying I DO NOT wish to hold any sort of "protest" on Cabela's grounds.  The NFOA has worked in the past to establish a "partnership" with Nebraska based corporations and that effort is to be  renewed.  An event like that would hurt the effort immensely.

[NENick]

How can we work with people like the original poster in a way that doesn't send them running? He'll probably never come back here. I think taking Long arms to Cabela's was an unsophisticated approach to a sophisticated issue. Perhaps if we could give people like this the knowledge necessary to make more informed decisions, we'd solve many future problems?

He's clearly motivated enough to take action. We should have helped him figure out how to get a higher return on the investment he's willing to make.

[NE Bull]

I am interested in hearing more ideas, but we have to be careful not to burn any bridges, we need all the help we can get.

I have contemplated more OC myself, but the sad fect is we have to be selective and careful in that approach.

[Mntnman]

How can we work with people like the original poster in a way that doesn't send them running? He'll probably never come back here. I think taking Long arms to Cabela's was an unsophisticated approach to a sophisticated issue. Perhaps if we could give people like this the knowledge necessary to make more informed decisions, we'd solve many future problems?

He's clearly motivated enough to take action. We should have helped him figure out how to get a higher return on the investment he's willing to make.

I agree with this.

[USAFgoober]

The anti-gun sentiments we fight every day are the simple result of fear. People fearing what they don't understand.

When a pro-gun individual walks into a crowded store with an AK-47 on his shoulder, he is doing absolutely nothing to help those people understand. He is simply creating more fear.

If the OP and other ardent OC supporters want to truly help the cause of gun rights in this country, the best thing they can do is find two or three of the most anti-gun people they know (at work, in their families, in their neighborhood, etc.) and offer to take them to the range. Show them that firearms do not need to be feared when they're in the hands of responsible citizens. There are tens of millions of responsible gun owners in this country. If every one of us took the time/effort to let ignorant anti-gunners get to know us...those tens of millions could become hundreds of millions. I've personally changed the views of several people I've known. Its not easy, and it requires you to step out of your comfort zone a bit. But in the end it truly helps our cause.

It seems that today, too many gun owners have taken the "I don't give a s*** what other people think. This is my right." approach. Unfortunately, the bottom line is that simply demonstrating a right is NOT the best way to preserve it. Its a lazy approach, and it does not work. OC in California is a prime example.

The reality is that the mass media works 24/7 to fuel irrational fears in ignorant people. When you OC in a crowded business, you are only helping to fuel that irrational fear. It furthers the liberal narrative that gun owners are just crazies who think they're living in the Wild West. The best way to preserve these rights is to get to know people, and tell them your story.

[RLMoeller]

I don't want to step into this debate, but wanted to respond to one comment about Nebraska.

A lot of people view Nebraska as very conservative.  That's true in many ways.  Politically, in the legislature today, that is not so true.  I have heard from several legislators that we have the most liberal legislature we have ever had.  Just something to think about, as what we see everyday going about business is not necessarily a reflection of our legislators.

[AWick]

He's clearly motivated enough to take action. We should have helped him figure out how to get a higher return on the investment he's willing to make.

Agreed! +++

[HuskerXDM]

How can we work with people like the original poster in a way that doesn't send them running? He'll probably never come back here. I think taking Long arms to Cabela's was an unsophisticated approach to a sophisticated issue. Perhaps if we could give people like this the knowledge necessary to make more informed decisions, we'd solve many future problems?

He's clearly motivated enough to take action. We should have helped him figure out how to get a higher return on the investment he's willing to make.

Well said. 

I read the original post and, while I wouldn't OC long guns myself, my first thought was 'there's a guy willing to further the cause.'  That's the kind of enthusiasm we need in the membership.  I think he's gotten the point that there aren't too many supporters of his actions. 

[JTH]

Here's my question to the OP:  Were the long guns loaded?

(There's a reason for this question.  I would like to know the answer before I comment, though.)

[unfy]

Here's my question to the OP:  Were the long guns loaded?

(There's a reason for this question.  I would like to know the answer before I comment, though.)

That's...

Well.  From a bystander that's rather impossible to tell.


As far as the OP -- I hope he's stuck around, but I believe he might be of the persuasion that had a lot of megaphone/mic time during last year's 2A State Capital Marches that spoke a lot on conspiracy theories and similar. I'm not going to speak to the stuff espoused by them, but these folks tend to be abrasive usually .  It makes their views difficult to get across due to the attitude that comes with it.


As far as any kind of protest or organized thing outside of Cabelas ? That's downright political suicide.

[JTH]

That's...

Well.  From a bystander that's rather impossible to tell.

True.  But not my point.  It has to do with the carriers, actually.  As such, I'm rather hoping the OP is going to answer, because it is actually an important question.

No, it has nothing to do with how people are going to react to the situation, or anything like that.  But it will tell me something important about the people who were carrying, so I'd like to know.   And once I know, I'll say why I'm so curious. 

[Phantom]

yes they can obviously tell us to leave, which we did. As far as how we did it, im fine with how I did it. wouldn't change a thing. thanks. Its private property and they can deny us from entry with an open carried weapon. I have open carried my handgun their close to 20 times with no issue. Thought we would try our hand at the publics and staffs response of rifle open carry. didn't go as planned that is all and I can be disappointed about that. Other thing I personally don't care who opposes me or anyone from open carrying a rifle, shotgun, handgun. It is a gun no matter what shape or caliber and if it is legal to carry it then be my guest. the people fear rifles because the media has taught them to. Its not the gun its the people. I really thought id get a different response from you guys.

If you'd Stop and take a minute to just think about it!.
 
You'd understand exactly why they don't want or allow Open carry of at least of Long guns in side their store.

They Buy, Sell and have Consignment Used Long Guns.

They sit for the most part unattended in a Rack on the floor open for public inspection.
True they are cabled but you might have a way to cut or remove that cable.

It's a Shoplifting / loss prevention Measure....
As their employees have no way of knowing your not trying to steal any long gun your carring around.

Their Hand guns are all inside display cases and you have to get someone to assist you if you want to handle them so those are attended at all times they are not directly under their control and locked away in side some sort of display case. 


This is the Point where you have a "Homer Simson" type moment and have to smack yourself in the head and go---- Doh!

As i see it....it's not about a case of Responsable open carry anyways that just doesn't even apply in this case.
 
Cabela's seems to attempt to meet everyones needs best they can by allowing at least concealed carry in their stores......But in this case it's their needs not your needs being met

[Husker_Fan]

I couldn't believe the negative reaction I got when open carrying. After all, I had all the DD stamps I needed for the explosives I wired onto my vest, and yet everyone looked at me like I was crazy. I don't get it.

[NENick]

jthhapkido - I don't think he's coming back, but I really want to hear what you think! Perhaps you could just give us both sides - if it was vs. if it wasn't loaded. The anticipation is killing me!