Interesting gun/cop situation

[left field]

A friend was sighting in a gun in his property shooting safely into a berm and a neighbour - in the opposite direction of where he was shooting - called the cops to say that she heard bullets whizzing by. He finished and put the gun back inside when a cop showed up. The guy is black and an ex marine.

He still had his shooting vest on with the spent cartridges in a pocket and showed the cop what he was shooting and where. The cop asked if he could see the gun or go inside and look at it and my friend politely declined, saying the he wasn't going to let the cop into his house and that he really didn't want to walk out with a rifle making everyone nervous. The cop said he understood and was satisfied and left to speak with the neighbour.

So, my question is, would you bring the gun out to show a cop in that situation? 

[nywaw]

7 hours ago, left field said:

A friend was sighting in a gun in his property shooting safely into a berm and a neighbour - in the opposite direction of where he was shooting - called the cops to say that she heard bullets whizzing by. He finished and put the gun back inside when a cop showed up. The guy is black and an ex marine.

He still had his shooting vest on with the spent cartridges in a pocket and showed the cop what he was shooting and where. The cop asked if he could see the gun or go inside and look at it and my friend politely declined, saying the he wasn't going to let the cop into his house and that he really didn't want to walk out with a rifle making everyone nervous. The cop said he understood and was satisfied and left to speak with the neighbour.

So, my question is, would you bring the gun out to show a cop in that situation? 

I don't understand why the cop is asking to see any firearm or enter the home.  IMO it's crossing a line of the resident's rights and trying to catch him in something by getting him to volunteer something the cop has no legal basis of asking for or about.  JMHO.

[Skillet]

No. No warrant, no entry. Period..

[Teamhoyt]

Agreed. 

[mowin]

I'm conflicted.  I've got nothing to hide and if asked it probably let the LEO in. 

But I also get everyone's point that they have no rights to do so. 

[Splitear]

I’d like to say I wouldn’t, but if I’m honest, I would probably have at least shown him the firearm in the moment. I guess I’m just programmed to do what is requested by those in authority, and if I have nothing to hide, then I’m pretty sure I’d oblige. That may not be the best course of action, but knowing myself, it’s probably what would happen. 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Wouldn’t let him in but i can show him a gun if it pleases him. 

[left field]

That's where I was. No entry, but sure I'll show the gun.

I was surprised the cop took it well. My buddy is a charming SOB.

[The Back 40]

Absolutely Not!

No warrant No entry.

There is nothing to be gained by them "looking" at the firearm outside, except them potentially confiscating or "holding" it. This is just a way to get you to voluntarily bring evidence outside of your house which is constitutionally protected.

If you were 100% sure that you were legal, you could show them where you were firing from and at. If you were far enough away from any other houses and you have a solid backstop, then it comes down to one person's statement about bullets supposedly "whizzing by".

 

[Bucndoe]

No. Zero need.

[betastorm]

I'd never get myself in that situation in the 1st place not shooting anything  When I know  There are people around   should have target shot when he knew they were at work or whatever not home if there that close to him this guy and  I would go over there and tell them  Hey doing a little target shooting  dont get scared and explaim that   its in the other  direction you are  shooting  .

 

[crappyice]

2 minutes ago, betastorm said:

I'd never get myself in that situation in the 1st place not shooting anything  When I know  There are people around   should have target shot when he knew they were at work or whatever not home if there that close to him this guy and  I would go over there and tell them  Hey doing a little target shooting  dont get scared and explaim that   its in the other  direction you are  shooting  .

 

Welcome back Stormy...same stunning grammar and lack of punctuation from years gone by.

 

[betastorm]

8 minutes ago, crappyice said:

Welcome back Stormy...same stunning grammar and lack of punctuation from years gone by.

 

You sure about  that?  I guess i should play along .

Edited November 18, 2022 by betastorm

[Splitear]

1 hour ago, crappyice said:

Welcome back Stormy...same stunning grammar and lack of punctuation from years gone by.

 

Wait, I thought Phantom was Stormy, and now you accuse the new guy? 

[left field]

Not unusual to have a few usernames. On the other site, I'm leftfield, grouse, airedale and four seasons.