Pay Attention

As is common knowledge, I work part time in a local gun store. When you're in a low profile situation such as retail sales, customers mostly look through you. They see you only when they want something and then they promptly forget you. I find it refreshing. So, I wear a t-shirt with the company logo and my name on it.  But I get to wear jeans or shorts so there's a plus. Yes, we wear handguns in an open and fully exposed manner. All the employees of the gun shop must also qualify with their carry guns. Some employees are exempt from training if they're an instructor or receive their training from other accredited sources.

I find myself getting to know some of the local constabulary in the surrounding jurisdictions. Some know me from back in the day and there are many of the newcomers who stop in for law enforcement equipment. Sometimes, they're in town temporarily for one reason or another, and need to stop by for a set of cuffs, a holster, some ammo...anything they might need in a hurry.

Being close to Federal training centers, airports and Air Force Bases, it's not uncommon for federal agents to stop by to browse or buy something.
Recently, I experienced something that just threw me....

As I mentioned, we wear uniform shirts with our names and sometimes our credentials printed on them. For example; "Gunsmith", "Armorer", "Firearms or rifle instructor", etc.
One recent day, I was assisting a customer with a holster and, as I often do, I explain that having the firearm at hand is the best way to determine if the holster is a good fit. This black male customer said he had a Sig Sauer.
I asked if he had it with him. He said he was wearing it and it was 'hot.' I mentioned that I sincerely hoped he was a law enforcement officer or a concealed weapons permit holder. He said law enforcement officer and promptly showed his credentials. US Customs. I stifled a laugh.
His cell phone rings and before he answers it, he hands me his loaded duty weapon. Oh yes, at least he handed it to me butt first.
Stunned, but not totally surprised, I proceed to drop the mag and clear the one from the chamber. I let the chambered round fall on the floor. While he's chatting away on his cell, I was quite certain he picked up on the fact that one round was on the floor. He cuts his phone call short and he tries the holster. Meanwhile, I've casually covered the live round with my foot. He takes the holster and we head to the register. I hand him his loaded mag and his Sig with the slide back.  He suddenly stops and asks if I loaded his magazine with the one round. I open my hand as I reply, "you mean this one?"

Nothing like being aware of your surroundings and multi tasking. Think this guy can drive and talk on the radio at the same time? He does not know who I am or what I do. My shirt has my first name and indicates I'm a firearms instructor. We now have a new level of stupidity.  He just arbitrarily handed over his loaded duty weapon to some employee at a gun store. Brilliant.

I have to say that I'm all for equal opportunity but it's often misconstrued. "Equal" means everyone does the same thing equally. Don't ask for special favors. If you can't do the job like everyone else, you shouldn't be there. I'll give credit where credit is due.

So if you're a law enforcement officer who just can't get a grasp on basic firearms safety, you shouldn't be in law enforcement....and you shouldn't have any kind of gun!

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On another note: I have often fielded questions such as; "Do you sell guns and ammo?" "Do you have rifle ammo in stock?" "Do you sell accessories for your guns?" "If I use the gun range, do I have to bring my own ammo?"