12-12-2015, 07:27 PM
Rainman Wrote:I make it a point to know whether "Gun Free Zones/No Firearms" are backed by law or merely some companies internal policy. I generally avoid patronage of both but where that is not possible I usually ignore the policy postings and make a conscious decision about those backed by law. I have no reason to go onto school properties so that is not an issue for me but I do use U. S. Postal services. If a long wait at the Post Office cannot be avoided I usually disarm, if it looks like a five minute or less in and out I don't. Most medical facilities have gun free policies posted. I ignore them if I'm visiting someone and obey them if I'm there for some or other personal medical issue.
Depending on which state you are in, doing as you describe obviously will jeopardize one's conceal carry permit. Here in NM, any hospital is considered an automatic no-go zone, ostensibly because a hospital is likely to have a mental health care unit. (This does not include a Dr's practice, if it is not within a hospital). Agree or not, bringing a weapon into an area where mentally unstable people are likely to be sounds like a bad idea. Further, the force of law is behind any and every owner of private property that posts a "No Guns Allowed" notice or verbally informs you of the same.
I suppose it comes down to what you consider to be acceptable risks where it applies to you possibly losing your permit. I have told all my friends before, "I have the luck of the Irish ... All of it bad.". In other words, I know that on the day where my shirt or vest rides up and reveals my firearm, it would be while in a prohibited area and the hard-cased DPS weeny is going to be there to see it.
My vehicle contains a secure locking gun compartment, should I need to enter such an establishment. These can be bought at any LGS or online for under $50. Sure, it's sometimes a pain, but it simplifies the choices when I find myself needing to visit a hospital or pickup my grandkids from school.