EXCLUSIVE: 51 Upcoming Gun Shows Ban Loaded Weapons To Promote ‘A Safe Environment’

By Scott Keyes on Jan 11, 2013 at 1:02 pm

If “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” as the NRA proclaimed in its post-Newtown press conference, why do so many gun shows prohibit attendees from carrying loaded firearms?

According to a ThinkProgress analysis, 51 gun shows in January ban attendees from bringing loaded guns onto the premises. In addition, ThinkProgress was unable to identify a single gun show this month that explicitly allowed people, even those with concealed-carry permits, to bring a loaded weapon with them.

For every event, their stated rationale for not permitting loaded weapons in the gun show was simple: safety. Crossroads Gun Show, a touring event across the western United States, explained on their website:

Q: Can I carry a loaded gun in the gun show? I have a Concealed Carry Permit.

A: We respectfully request that you do not bring any loaded firearm into the gun show. Safety is our Number One Priority, and a safe environment in the show can only be maintained if there are no loaded guns in the show.

At most shows, if an attendee brings a personal firearm, he or she must check it at the door and use a tie “so that they cannot be operated, be breached or loaded.”

Some events, like Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows across Ohio and Tennessee, even threaten prosecution for those who try to enter with a loaded weapon. “Patrons who bring loaded magazines or weapons into the show will be refused entry and may be subject to prosecution,” their website reads.

The widespread prohibition undermines the backbone of the NRA’s case against stronger gun safety laws. The powerful gun lobby argues that the best way to prevent more gun violence is for more people to have guns, supposedly deterring would-be criminals. The organization has succeeded in convincing every state but Illinois to enact laws allowing people to carry concealed weapons and conservative lawmakers are passing legislation to eliminate gun-free zones around schools and hospitals.

A full list of the 51 gun shows that explicitly ban people from carrying loaded firearms is below:

Anyone want me to copy that list here?

You carry a loaded concealed weapon where they are banned?

Hell yes.

Remind me to never piss you off again.

Blitzen,

LMFAO, what does that say? OMG.

Maintain a safe environment in a gun show but put loaded guns in schools, way to funny.

I'll tell you some truths, though I know you'll have a field day using it against me.
I have in my lifetime witness many accidental discharges, including three I did myself.
So what.
I have knowledge of many more.
I know a couple of people killed while using a chain saw cutting trees also.
Beside all the billions of accidents that happen everyday all over the world with ever conceivable implement and tool.
The numbers involving cars is more than the numbers can even keep up with.
That's why they are called accidents.
Ladies in the kitchen cut themselves preparing food.
Why should an accident at a gun show be any different.

GSD, you have loaded guns all around you everyday.

Blitzen,
being pissed off does not allow for the taking of a life.
The only moral and legal reason is to protect human life, and the Constitution.
On my license it says for the protection of human life and the state of Indiana actually.

Your safe even if we argue...lol

You aren't getting it Moons, gun shows ban loaded guns but people want to put loaded guns in schools how ludicrous is that irony? Really lmfao.

No,
your not getting it, they already do.
Besides they don't have show and tell for police or security anywhere I know of, nothing changes hands.
You've got armed guards and law enforcement everywhere GSD.
They have accidents too, you wanna disarm law enforcement and security guards now?