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Does Your Coin Dealer Carry a Gun?

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  • YES. Obvious. Front buckle. Could split a 1/2 disme on egde. Nice man image

    Eruic
  • richardshipprichardshipp Posts: 5,647 ✭✭✭
    I don't know if they do, but I do know at least one of their customers does.
  • jdimmickjdimmick Posts: 9,784 ✭✭✭✭✭
    One other comment Ill make, on occasions we get folks who come who have no reason to come in. I beleive some are casing the place, but quickly see the security measures we have in place and leave.
  • topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was robbed WHILE wearing a gun. They get the drop on you and you're toast.

    I learned not to trust a buzzer door. Stupid thing.

    I relocated the bars to behind the counter and let people come and go as they pleased into the shop.
    Presto. No more problems.
    Crooks HATE a ...customer... coming in behind them.

    A buzzer door GUARANTEES they have the coin dealer at their mercy .....and isolated.

  • mozinmozin Posts: 8,755 ✭✭✭
    I think shotguns hidden around the shop are better than carrying a handgun. Shotguns are much more intimidating, and one does not need to aim, just need to point.
    I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
  • jfoot13jfoot13 Posts: 2,677 ✭✭✭


    << <i>My dealer wears a pistol on his hip and has an automatic weapon in the back. >>



    Back in the 80s I had a shop on Penn Ave in Pittsburgh and carried a 44 mag in a shoulder holster for all to see and a 9mm in the small of my back. ( It's always the one you don't see that gets you )
    If you can't swim you better stay in the boat.......
  • MilesWaitsMilesWaits Posts: 5,437 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I hope you get your CCWP, Jerry; it's a beautiful thing! It provides much comfort to me.

    Thank you to those that have been there, the front lines of criminal behavior, and have sacrificed themselves to share here on the forum!

    I listen most carefully to experience and humility rather than rhetoric and empty incendiary oration.
    Now riding the swell in PM's and surf.
  • ScarsdaleCoinScarsdaleCoin Posts: 5,341 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Not only do we carry but we keep a shotgun ready and waiting as well
    Jon Lerner - Scarsdale Coin - www.CoinHelp.com
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Best Situation:

    A concealed weapon loaded with appropriate ammuntion, carried by someone who shoots it regularly and has an honest understanding of what they can and cannot do with it in a stressful situation under imperfect conditions. This individual is also keenly aware of their surroundings.

    Good Case:

    An unarmed individual who is paying attention.

    Worst Case:

    An armed individual who hasn't been to the range in months (or years), has fired the weapon once or twice, is overconfident in their abilities, and who is clueless about the world around them.

    I agree with the assessment that if things really get ugly, the people you want to have around are the people who know plenty, are always prepared, but don't blab their mouths too much.
  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,495 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I grew up around guns so am comfortable using them, and wholeheartedly believe in my right to own/carry weapons. When I first started attending coin shows and hauling my inventory around, my husband and I both felt it was prudent that I have personal protection should I ever need it, so I jumped through all the numerous hoops required by my local county sheriff (in California), and received my CCW (and later acquired CCW's in several states) and continue to go through all the same hoops every two years to keep it active. I have to say, that when I have my inventory in tow, my little .38 special does give me some added comfort.

    Also, I personally feel that, although it is is concealed, I don't think it is a bad thing that people know I carry a weapon. It is my opinion (and I understand some will disagree) that perhaps it will be a bit of an extra deterrent, that if the bad guy happens to know I carry, he may leave me alone. However, all that being said, I know that carrying a loaded weapon isn't going to necessarily help, if as has been said, they "get the drop on me." In that case, you can bet that the pathetic thief can have whatever valuables they want.
    Charmy Harker
    The Penny Lady®
  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • GrumpyEdGrumpyEd Posts: 4,749 ✭✭✭
    Some of them do carry guns, it doesn't bother me.

    Ed
  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The following is not directed towards those who've seen combat or are trained police officers. For them, and in appreciation, I will repeat this George Orwell quote, which I regularly use to outrage my even more effete Northeastern liberal friends.

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf".

    On the other hand:

    A local dealer whose shop I visit every month or two has two handguns mounted behind front counters, a shotgun immediately behind the divider to the back room, another handgun in a drawer of his desk, and yet another handgun in the safe.

    I heard him remark that, if doubling up on Viagra didn't do the trick, he would buy a fully automatic assault rifle.

    Does George Zimmerman post here?

    image

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • georgiacop50georgiacop50 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Shotguns ... need to aim, just need to point. >>



    That is a fallacy. At in-the-shop firing distances, the spread of the load is much tighter than you might believe.
  • bestclser1bestclser1 Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>It bothers me most when the one who has a gun thinks they're invincible because they are carrying a gun. Gun or no gun nobody is immune to an ambush and no weapon can guarantee safety. >>

    Words of wisdom!
    Great coins are not cheap,and cheap coins are not great!
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Shotguns ... need to aim, just need to point. >>

    That is a fallacy. At in-the-shop firing distances, the spread of the load is much tighter than you might believe. >>



    Agreed. Actually, it is not significantly different than a rifle at short distances. Go with something more manoueverable, reloadable, and holds more ammunition. I recommend the Sig P226. --Jerry
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Best Situation: A concealed weapon loaded with appropriate ammuntion, carried by someone who shoots it regularly and has an honest understanding of what they can and cannot do with it in a stressful situation under imperfect conditions. This individual is also keenly aware of their surroundings. Good Case: An unarmed individual who is paying attention. Worst Case: An armed individual who hasn't been to the range in months (or years), has fired the weapon once or twice, is overconfident in their abilities, and who is clueless about the world around them. I agree with the assessment that if things really get ugly, the people you want to have around are the people who know plenty, are always prepared, but don't blab their mouths too much. >>



    Your worst case scenario seems to occur frequently but I only read about it. Maybe I'm just lucky to walk in educated circles.

    I see the 4th case much more often. Unarmed, uninformed. "Won't happen to me."

    Then there is the 5th case:

    Armed, Aware. Unencumbered by gun laws because laws don't matter to him. He is willing to take chances, has nothing to lose, and seeks out places where honest people don't carry or aren't allowed to carry...

    ...er wait...that's the bad guy that Scenario 1 is prepared for and scenario 4 thinks doesn't exist. Scenario 2 is leaning a little toward Scenario 4 if you ask me.

    --Jerry
  • It should be part of every shop owners list to know and prepare for protection of his property and the people who work or shop in his store . This is a hard time we are in . Coin shops are easy quick money for most bad guys . I think it's dumb to work hard make some money then lose it or your life in a robery . You big guys maybe should have a armed guard + your self
    Spend some time & money , think,train, and make sure you are as safe as you can make your shop .
    The best thing i did turned out to be a well trained German Shepherd behind the counter . Worked well for 20+ years.
    Ron
    Viet Nam Vet 66/67.
    Retired Coin Shop Owner .
    Still Collecting
    Love my Grandkids and my German Shepherd Dogs . Kind of like my wifes Cat.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Shotguns ... need to aim, just need to point. >>



    That is a fallacy. At in-the-shop firing distances, the spread of the load is much tighter than you might believe. >>



    ...but if we're talkin' sawed off.........................
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,623 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My dealers usually carry superior product knowledge. That hurts more than a gun. :$ ching ching $
    ... that's not the sound of a gun "C_C-ing".
  • our shop has bars and video .some of the regulars know there are
    handguns in the shop . do not care to have them visible , as I dont
    need to be accosted after closing in the parking lot . (for the gun , not the coins)
    I agree with coinshop.com
    and Tradecoin . glad to have it , dont want to use it .
    P.S. to Tradecoin . Also vet july69 to july 70 . Doesn't mean I know combat
    or tactics , or self control or panic . However a Kahr 9 MM hollow , and dad's
    Colt 357 does give one a bit of confidence
    Home of quality widgets
  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    In the unarmed but dangerous category, I suggest a sign on the front door saying: "Security cameras in operation. Owner is armed and licensed" and whatever variety of weaponry you chose, immediately visible or not.

    You want to carry? My vote or my ideology have nothing to do with your sense of practicality.

    Nevertheless, let me know what different levels of liability coverage for collateral damage you have (based on local weapons-licensing laws) before I walk through that door.

    On the other hand, I buy at auctions and use overnight shipping a lot, so WTF do I know?
    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    One dealer I frequent has a nice pump shotgun next to his desk in his back office, which is behind glass so he can see out front.

    Another I know keeps what looks to me to be an AK-47 in plain sight.
  • kruegerkrueger Posts: 905 ✭✭✭✭

    One dealer told me he has a guy with a shotgun behind his oneway glass window with view from office to the shop.

    Large window centered on back wall.

    He likes to scare everyone.


    krueger

  • Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 8,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't advertise it but am armed at all times. At shows I have a 45 loaded pistol in my briefcase, along with mace, and knife (or brass knucks) in my pocket. Nobody at a show is going to attack me without a fight which they will most assuredly will lose. At home I have a number of weapons and would kill any intruder.

    In over 20 years I have had only one incident where someone did something to rattle me. I was driving a ford escort going to work at a financial job at a Chemical plant about 18-20yr ago and had a briefcase of coins on the front seat on the passenger side to take into the office, put under my desk and take to a bank box later in the day. No-one in that area or at work knew I did shows. I had done a show that weekend and was at a stoplight a block away. A guy quickly walked up Hispanic looking and tried to open the front passenger door. It was locked and after trying a couple of times it looked bewildered and walked away noticing my mean look. It was like he was trying to bum a ride. The area was known for having a number of illegals and these people will do things one would not expect. Even if he saw the bc he could not have known it was packed with slabbed coins. Except for mace and knife, I did not have a weapon on me. From then on I had a firearm in the car with me ready to go.

    I won't go into show security but the best security is being aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activity. Whaterver you do, when traveling with coins, don't stop to eat, just go thru a drive thru that serves food you can easily eat while driving. You are most vulnerable when stopped at a light. One dealer I know carries a special gun that can penetrate metal and disable a car engine. I am sure it would not be to pleasant on a human either as I would probably be aiming for the driver.

    As far as someone being offended at me carrying a weapon, I could care less. If I am going to have to fight my way out of a situation, well I fight to win and have no problem using a weapon.
    Investor
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,960 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The main B&M I go to is McBride's here in Austin. The coin shop is half of the business. The other half is a gun store. I feel very safe.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • LochNESSLochNESS Posts: 4,829 ✭✭✭
    The method of protection you choose should reflect your merchandise and real estate location. Guns are the cheapest option, but not the best. Here are some others:

    - put your store in a better neighborhood
    - put your store inside a mall with its own professional security
    - hire your own in-store professional security guard
    - do like the diamond dealers and get a metal cage and buzz people in
    - install closed-circuit TV and cameras and post signs advertising them in your windows

    For the rarest items and highest-value merchandise, use the best security of all - which costs absolutely nothing:
    - don't distribute your address
    - No signs over your door
    - Inconspicuous, boring entry with no windows
    - only give your address to known clients whom you've already met or were referred by trusted associates

    Nobody will suspect anything valuable is inside. This is what all the professional recording studios do (to protect the millions of dollars of gear inside, trust me I'm a professional musician I know).

    Sometimes the most valuable goods are in the trunk of the junky clunker parked on the corner, or the slummy-looking storefront downtown with boarded-up windows. No guns necessary.
    ANA LM • WBCC 429

    Amat Colligendo Focum

    Top 10FOR SALE

    image


  • << <i>And if so, does it bother you? >>



    Does not bother me a bit. One of the larger dealers here in town (Denver) has armed guards (off duty policeman I would guess). I am sure others are armed but have never thought to really look.


  • << <i>Ex military, special ops trained.
    ALWAYS armed. Concealed, and keep it to ourselves.
    1911-45cal

    Hope I never need it, and it goes on the mantle when I retire.
    But if we, or somebody else ever needs the help, will be glad to have it. >>



    That's a lot of gun to keep concealedimage My favorite lady dealer packs, and I understand the appeal of a firearm for safety, but I don't think I would ever carry one.

    By the by, there was a time when the Marine Corps issued .45's to flyers and flight crew members, they would almost always try and trade or sell it (lost in combatimage ) for a .38, much easier to wear with a flight suit.
  • Yes....he is a retired Sergeant Major and combat vet....I dare you to try to rob him image
    "There are two types of people in the world. Those that do the work and those that take the credit. Try to be in the first group, there is less competition there" - Ghandi
  • RaufusRaufus Posts: 6,950 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Always. I think he's smart to do so.
    Land of the Free because of the Brave!

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