Ejected from Cabela's for open-carrying

[Scutter01]

Spasmo and I took a trip up to Cabela's in Hammond this afternoon. It was warm outside, so I took off my cover, exposing my XD worn IWB but oustide my tucked-in shirt.

We shopped in the store for maybe 30 minutes, acquiring maybe $150 in prospective purchases. We weren't bothering anybody, and in fact prior to entering the store had a friendly conversation with a couple from Michigan who had inquired about my pistol.

Eventually, a store employee came up to me and asked me if I was a police officer. I said no, and she told me that her "AP" (whatever that is) said that I have to leave. When I asked her why, I was told "Because we shouldn't have to look at that" pointing at my pistol. Apparently, unless I'm a LEO, having a visible pistol is highly offensive. I told her that Cabela's stated corporate policy was to follow the laws of Indiana and she insisted again that "we shouldn't have to look at that and my AP says you need to leave". I'll also note that they had a sign posted similar to Gander Mountain's sign, regarding checking any firearms, but LTCH holders were exempted. After the exchange, I said "Fine. We're leaving." I put my selections down and we walked out.

Now, I'm not complaining about being asked to leave for carrying a firearm (although I feel I have every right to complain about that). No, what I'm really upset about is that not only is Cabela's staff just not getting the message from their corporate officers, but that they decided to treat me like a second-class citizen. "We shouldn't have to look at that". Really, Cabela's? You sell firearms but you shouldn't have to look at someone actually carrying one? What kind of ridiculous goddamn hypocrites are you?

They've had plenty of chances to change their attitude, but it seems repeated complaints to the corporate office have resulted in little or no action. Cabela's publicly-stated corporate policy is crystal clear but the local store management continues to completely disregard it. They won't see another dime of my money and I urge the rest of you to boycott them as well. It's clear that they aren't interested in our business anyway.

[tgent]

I really hate to hear this. I was really looking forward to visiting Cabela's one day. From what I've heard and seen it looks like a pretty cool place to shop.

[mikea46996]

Scutter you were in my neck of the woods today.... Cool..

Several members have experienced this problem with Cabela's in Hammond.

There was an OC event at Gander Mountain in Merrillville for this same reason. NWI because of it's relative location to Coomicago seems to have a hard time understanding not only Indiana law but Also Corporate Policy.

We can organize another OC gathering there hell if we would have known there were at least a dozen of us at a group shoot today we could have gone in to replenish our ammo.

Bass Pro has figured out the law finally and Gander Mountain has not had another event since, we as a group provide a great deal of income for these places we need to make a stand.

[mettle]

Well....let us learn the lesson and STOP patronizing the place then...... duh. Sorry, I've had my fill of people complaining about things and not actually standing for anything lately. Let's just boycott Cabela's, online and store-front. No open carry? We won'y patronize you... plaing and simple. I'll never order online or go to the store again now. Period.

[Bigum1969]

What the hell does it mean that they shouldn't have to look at "that"? What about the entire firearms section in the store? All those guns -- should they not have to look at those either?

You know things are askew when the very store that profits from selling firearms and other firearms related stuff can't stand to see those same firearms where they belong -- on your person as you exercise your 2nd Ammendment Right.

I don't have a Cabela's near me here in Evansville, but I do shop from their catalog. I think this is a good reason to take the catalog and add it to my burn pile.

[Bill of Rights]

Scutter,

I could be mistaken, but I'd guess that "AP" either stands for Assistant (or possibly ACORN) Pissant.

I will not be shopping there.

That is all.

Blessings,
Bill

[Scutter01]

Originally Posted by mikea46996

Several members have experienced this problem with Cabela's in Hammond.

We can organize another OC gathering there hell if we would have known there were at least a dozen of us at a group shoot today we could have gone in to replenish our ammo.

I know a lot of us have had problems with Cabela's and there's always an OC gathering there shortly after that goes just fine. It hasn't made a damn bit of difference. In my opinion, they've had plenty of opportunities and they still haven't learned. I think it's time we stop patronizing them. I don't know about you, but I'm voting with my dollars. It's nice to know that they're doing so well in this economy that they can afford to piss of one (and possibly up to 4000) customers.

Oh, and a registered letter will be going out to each one of their Board of Directors (or equivalent) demanding an apology.

[tskin]

Sounds like it could be a helluva place to have an open carry event. Nothing like 25+ or so folks wandering around - seperated from one another to give the Assistant Pissants something to worry about.....Especially if someone could get something from the corporate office as to their official policy on customers openly carrying firearms on their person.

[mikea46996]

Originally Posted by Scutter01

I know a lot of us have had problems with Cabela's and there's always an OC gathering there shortly after that goes just fine. It hasn't made a damn bit of difference. In my opinion, they've had plenty of opportunities and they still haven't learned. I think it's time we stop patronizing them. I don't know about you, but I'm voting with my dollars. It's nice to know that they're doing so well in this economy that they can afford to piss of one (and possibly up to 4000) customers.

Oh, and a registered letter will be going out to each one of their Board of Directors (or equivalent) demanding an apology.

I grant you full permission to add my name to the list of people who will not be using there store again until the problem is resolved.

Michael Andrews

If you need more PM me I will be proud to stand with you sir!!

[tv1217]

AP is probably "Asset Protection". Same thing as Loss Prevention or "Our rent-a-cop security".


I personally would have asked for a Store or Operations Manager, but that's just me.