Newbie Question :)

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LisaJ

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Howdy folks,

With the Marlborough gun show coming up this weekend, I have a question I hope you can help with. One of the things I want to look for at the show is a holster. What is the etiquette on carrying at gun shows? I have to bring the gun so I can see what fits, but I'm not sure if it's okay to just be whipping out a firearm all over the show. [grin] Should I bring the gun in its locked case, or carry it?
 
If you carry it, it can't be loaded.

It's easier if you just keep it in a case when you bring it into the show. You'll just have to clear it at the table before you walk into the show.

Nice to have another person from my neck of the woods. And when you're at the show, be sure to stop by the GOAL table and say hi to Len, one of the mods here. And the Powder Keg table to say hi to me.
 
Oh, and there's a great Holster guy that's there. Len can tell you what the name is, as I always forget. But they are really good and have a lot of stuff.

You can't miss them. It's a HUGE rectangle kiosk looking thing that's almost always over by the food booth.
 
Welcome to the crew, Lisa. Definately carry the gun in a locked case, and let the vendor know you want to try the holster before you take it out. [smile]
 
Yeah good luck.... Unfortunately, at these shows, they will zip tie the action on your gun. That means there will be a big long zip tie going into the muzzle, and out of the ejection port on a semi-auto. If you are looking for a form fitted leather holster, or kydex good luck getting the gun into the holster to try for PROPER fit.

Not saying what you should or shouldn't do, however I carry my gun into every show, and do not surrender it to be cleared and zip tied open. I clear the weapon in my truck, and insert an empty mag. Back in my holster it goes, and then I am free to try any accessory to make sure it fits.

But that's just me.

Adam
 
Thanks for the welcome and the tip on the holster guy C-pher and Nickle, and I'll definitely check out the Powder Keg and GOAL tables!

Lynne - thanks for the welcome also, and I think I will go ahead and just bring my gun in the case, especially with this being the first gun show for me. [wink]

Hey Adam, I wouldn't have thought they'd jam the action like that...I wonder if a trigger lock would suffice...?
 
Anybody ever tries inserting a zip tie into the muzzle of any of my guns is going to discover what it's like to have one run up his ass and out his left nostril, then tightened up as far as it'll go. If they don't know how to do it properly, maybe they should get a job working security for some Mary Kay convention instead of a gun show.

If you want to keep your gun in good condition, put your own zip tie on it before your hit the door, through the mag well and out the ejection port.

Ken
 
LisaJ said:
Hmm, this gun is a revolver. [smile]
Click to expand...

I believe that the way a revolver is usually zip-tied is through the back of the trigger guard and around the back of the hammer.

Now, if it's a hammerless model.....[smile]

I second the suggestion of putting your own trigger lock on.
 
KMaurer said:
Anybody ever tries inserting a zip tie into the muzzle of any of my guns is going to discover what it's like to have one run up his ass and out his left nostril, then tightened up as far as it'll go.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more...Do it yourself. Also, welcome to the forum!
 
Welcome to the forum.

The Marlboro show might be a good place to get an idea of some of what's out there, but unless you are interested in a nylon or kydex holster, you won't find what you want.

Most high end holster makers sell most often thru the web or by mail order.
 
Cross-X said:
Welcome to the forum.

The Marlboro show might be a good place to get an idea of some of what's out there, but unless you are interested in a nylon or kydex holster, you won't find what you want.

Most high end holster makers sell most often thru the web or by mail order.
Click to expand...

Actually there should be some good leather holsters. I got a Don Hume IWB there last show, and IIRC the same dealer also had some DeSantis.
 
FPrice said:
Actually there should be some good leather holsters. I got a Don Hume IWB there last show, and IIRC the same dealer also had some DeSantis.
Click to expand...

Don Hume -- so-so quality. Decent value for price.

DeSantis -- great pocket holsters for snub revolvers. I haven't handled their leather holsters so I can't comment about them.
 
Cross-X said:
Don Hume -- so-so quality. Decent value for price.

DeSantis -- great pocket holsters for snub revolvers. I haven't handled their leather holsters so I can't comment about them.
Click to expand...

I have both. And recommend both as good buys for the money.
 
Hi Lisa! [wave] As far as a zip tie, just make sure you're also carrying a knife of some sort... cut the thing off. Not like they're going to follow you around to make sure you keep it on, right?
 
Hi Lisa,

There is usually only one good holster dealer there and that is Lance Walton (and Family). Lance owns Walton Gun Supply out of NH. He sells the ballistic nylon, leather, pocketbook holsters, belly bags, etc. Lance is a really nice guy and he's more than fair with his customers.

Problem is that there is another show in Concord NH this weekend and Lance usually works both promoter's shows. But since his business is a family deal, he'll likely be at only 1 show. No idea which one, but I'll try to find out.

Stop by the GOAL table, introduce yourself to me (and my Wife) and I'll introduce you to Lance if he is there. I'll be at the GOAL table from 1PM to 5PM and wandering around the show floor wearing a GOAL hat the rest of the time.

The real top-notch leather products are only available mail-order. The downside of that is that you can't try them on for comfort first before laying out serious money. Women have a harder time as your body shape (viva la difference) can make the butt of the gun dig into your ribs for many holsters that would fit a man perfectly. One option (depending on how you dress) may be Thunderwear and he'll probably be at the show. I found it damn uncomfortable, but this is a case where women may have an easier time wearing this than men.
 
LenS said:
Lisa,

Lance can take care of any zip-ties if needed! [smile]
Click to expand...

Or you can look for the guy wearing this shirt and I'll take care of it. I carry a pair of diagonal cutters all week long for work, so it's no problem to just slip my dikes in my pocket for the show.

DSCF0072.jpg


BTW, welcome to NES!
 
Thanks for all the warm welcomes everyone. [smile]

I will definitely zip-tie it myself Frosty...and SiameseRat that's a good idea to remove it once I'm in, hehe. I'm looking forward to meeting you folks at the show! Derek told me last week that there will be a little get-together at the hotel bar. Is that still on also?

Hey Len - thanks for offering to introduce me to Lance and the holster tips. I have looked a lot on the Web but this gun has an uncommon barrel length (3-1/8") so I really need to see the fit. There seems to be a gap in holster sizes between 1-1/2" and 4". [hmmm]
 
dwarven1 said:
Or you can look for the guy wearing this shirt and I'll take care of it. I carry a pair of diagonal cutters all week long for work, so it's no problem to just slip my dikes in my pocket for the show.

DSCF0072.jpg


BTW, welcome to NES!
Click to expand...

Will do Dwarven!!
 
Lisa,

Probably everyone here will be carrying something that will make short work of that tie-wrap! [wink]

Best to try out a holster for sure. Also if you get one made for a gun a bit longer barreled it definitely will handle the slightly shorter gun.

I just bought a holster for the Glock 17/22 because that one holster will also handle a Glock 23 (shorter barrel) that I expect to buy in the near future. I currently own the G22 and my Wife owns the G17, so one holster will do for 3 guns.

What model gun are you trying to accommodate with a holster?

If we don't connect beforehand, I guess we'll meet up at the bar! [grin]
 
All you bar denizens be aware it is criminal in MA to carry a firearm while intoxicated. I find most cops believe there is a much lesser standard of intoxication required than the one for drunk driving.
 
Darius, is it legal to carry in a bar in Mass? Just checked at packing.org, yes, not off-limits. But then, you already, obviously knew the answer.

VT is OK, and PA is OK. I checked both already.
 
Last edited:
Nickle said:
Darius, is it legal to carry in a bar in Mass? Just checked at packing.org, yes, not off-limits. But then, you already, obviously knew the answer.

VT is OK, and PA is OK. I checked both already?
Click to expand...

It is not illegal to carry a gun in a bar, but it sure is not advisable, even if you are stone cold sober. Someone who carries in a bar could lose his LTC based on lack of suitability due to poor judgment.
 

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