First friendly encounter with concealed carry

[wittmeba]

We provide Dealer Exchange Service DX (driving to/from dealers to exchange vehicles) for a local Ford dealer.

On 12/13/2014 we went to Lumberton, NC - returning - me in one car and my wife in another. I concealed carry under my Va CWP. Returning I missed an off-ramp in a construction zone and ended up going into Ft. Bragg. There was nowhere to turn around to exit.

I stopped my vehicle and went to the office and noticed the sign "No Guns Allowed". I stopped, stuck my head in the door and motioned the head security guard to come over - he did.

I told him we do DX for Ford and needed to turn around. I also told him I could not come inside as I was carrying. I had my CWP in hand. No problem. He asked where my car was and I took him to it. On the way he asked me if I was a judge. I'm not. He asked if my gun was loaded and I stated "Yes" but not in the chamber. He said to put the ammo in the trunk so I removed the magazine and racked it 3-4 times. The funny part was I'm in a car I'm not familiar with. I didn't know how to open the trunk. Turns out the electric latch is in the door panel near the floor.

We were told to get in line behind a service truck, provide our Drivers License to the driver (Airborne Ranger SP4), turn on our flashers and follow him to another exit. There were about 7-8 vehicles in line and this guy runs all day just escorting people off the base. We did and our DL was returned.

I gotta say I was a bit nervous. Not for any specific reason as I hadn't done anything wrong or questionable but it was my first experience like this.

Moral of the story. Practice, practice, practice and be careful. Loading/Unloading, removing and inserting your magazine, putting your gun in the holster even if it is done by role playing with someone else. Let them surprise you by making the request sometime when you don't expect it.

The Security Guard was very nice and there were no problems.

[dusterdude]

Good deal

[allingeneral]

Why carry without a round chambered? Kind of defeats the purpose in my humble opinion.

[wittmeba]

Why carry without a round chambered? Kind of defeats the purpose in my humble opinion.

It's a very heavy gun. If I throw it hard enough it will knock them on their aZZ!

[Quigley]

Why carry without a round chambered? Kind of defeats the purpose in my humble opinion.

I agree

[ProShooter]

Why carry without a round chambered? Kind of defeats the purpose in my humble opinion.

I agree

I agree also. You must have a round chambered.