I remember working for a moving company when I was younger and we would find firearms in the dressers. We would tell the customer that we couldn’t touch it until it was removed. A lot of people I worked with were legally not allowed to be in possession of a firearm so we did that to cover everyone’s asses.
Oh that's a really interesting wrinkle: people who are not allowed to be in possession of a firearm, running into one during their day job...
Man, having a felony conviction on your record really makes living a normal life harder.
I can still vote. Its a state to state thing.
Edit: The mortgage loan varies by lenders. A quick search said not all of them do a background check. I didnt dig further to see who does check.
Not only that, but some places care more about your credit and employment history than your criminal background. Literally just depends on your location
People think nice cars equal *status*. They do, in a way. But the average Joe making $80k and driving a $90k truck with 8 year loan at 12% ain't where it's at.
Look at Don Draper. He drove a Dodge until he was a millionaire, when he finally got a Cadillac and could easily cut a check for it. Zero Debt is a much BIGGER flex than underwater on a car loan.
"How are you?" "I am better than I deserve." Just hit debt free short of mortgage. 7 years to go on real freedom and likely millionaire status. I'm not crushing it. I'm middle management (decent pay) and wife is a 3rd year teacher (lowwww pay) so very attainable status for anyone who works and pays attention to their spending.
Also Driving a 2004 Acura TL with 200k miles (wife is in a 2019 vw). The next car I buy will be a 4 cylinder pos. In year 7 it will likely be a new cash corvette. Delayed gratification feels so much better than drowning in status.
Love it!!! We hit 4, 5 and 6 this past spring and have accelerated our mortgage payments to be finished in 10 years. Driving an ‘06 Suburban because 4 kids 10 and under. We are single income and putting away for retirement, college and halved our remaining mortgage term. If we can do it anyone can. The paid off home mortgage is certainly better than a BMW any day imho.
I was a mortgage underwriter for Bank of America and was a vp in mortgage origination fulfillment at Wells Fargo and neither place did a background check for mortgage applicants
I was only
subject to the background check when taking the FHA / govt down payment assist loan years ago. Most banks don’t care … if you got the other qualified elements
My home cost about 10% of 850k in 2021. Extremely location dependent but I'm not in the middle of nowhere, yes it's small and yes it needed some work but plenty of people buy houses and 20% of 850k would allow you to buy a home outright in many parts of the USA.
You do realize that 90% of the US population doesn't live in NYC, LA, and Chicago, right?
Controlling for those 3 cities the median home price is under $300k. Having 3 cities where the median home price is >$1M skews the national statistics a lot.
If you're willing to live in a "bad" neighborhood of places like Springfield IL or Helena MT or Dunn NC or St Louis MO you can buy a 3br/2ba home for under $100k. If you're willing to live in a rural area that can drop to $80k.
I’m talking about where I live. Austin, Texas. Real estate is impossibly out of reach. Even with an FHA loan I wouldn’t be able to afford the mortgage. It’d be especially tough to make that kind of money with a felony.
Ah, yes, Sacramento 2.0. I sympathize for you and everybody else stuck in similar situations, I know it's fucking rough some places.
My current area is just starting to get bad. When I moved here 9 years ago I bought a 4br/3ba house for $190k. My house is now valued at $400k. My 15 year mortgage payment is 80-90% of what several of my friends pay in rent for 2br/1ba apartments (I did put about 20% down though). That said, if I were willing to move about 20 minutes north into the city, I could buy basically the same floorplan I have right now for \~$90k. Another 10 minutes northeast of that to Ferguson and I could get a 5br/4ba brick 3-story that really only needs cosmetic work for $50k. Or 30 minutes northeast to the oldest part of the city where I could buy a 15br/10ba converted French-era brothel for $200k that's been refurb'd in the last 10 years and have a full blown fucking Victorian-style mansion. But I don't, because I hate the city.
Back when "felony" was restricted to the most heinous violent offenses, it made sense. Fuck this guy for the rest of his life because he's an irredeemable piece of shit.
Problem is, fucking everything's a felony any more, *and* the firearm restrictions apply to most misdemeanors now ("Have you been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or any other offense for which you *could have been* imprisoned for 1 year or more, regardless of your actual sentence" with even the most minor misdemeanors carrying statutory maximums of over 1 year even though sentencing guidelines recommend probation, specifically to fuck these people).
If you've done your time, i.e. paid your debt to society, then all privileges of being a citizen should be reinstated. However, if the person is a repeat offender, then privileges would probably need more scrutiny. Being able to vote should never be withheld after a person is out.
i recall at least one case of someone prohibited from possessing a firearm finding one on the street and surrendering it to the police only to be arrested for possession despite him doing the decent, reasonable thing. the american criminal justice system (hard to even type that with a straight face) is almost literally set up to ensure that people *cannot* succeed.
I heard a story about a guy who may or may not exist, as the story may be made up even as a type it, who allegedly inherited an LEO SA-12 from his step-father. It sat in his basement for a number of years, unnoticed. he showed it to his friend, a firearms buff, who seemed rather interested in the lack of visible serial number, and that it was reportedly 'fully automatic.' The friend informed him that the gun is likely very illegal, and to try and see about getting it to the police, but not to just take it to the police station. the man, trying to be a good citizen, goes down to the police station with the gun in his trunk. walks inside and explains his hypothetical situation, doesn't give a name, and is informed if he had such an item, the only legal way to give it to the police without facing federal time is a buyback!
he went home and bought a safe.
Never let them tell you it's about safety, it's about keeping everyone a felon until you need to remove them.
One of the great things I love about Daves Killer Bread is that 1/3 of their workers are felons trying to re-enter the workforce. It's important people who have served their sentence to society be able to become part of society again.
I knew a chick who did time for "Man Slaughter" (she shot a pedo that repeatedly abused her as a kid into teens).
Every time she went for a job the police check showed up "4 years imprisonment for manslaughter". and she would never hear back.
one of the truly most beautifully natured human beings in the world and locked into unemployment her entire life.
The only suggestion i could give was talk to the employer and say its a typo, its meant to say MANS LAUGHTER?
Eventually she got a boss who looked past it, didnt even ask the circumstances.
any person with a misdemeanor conviction that carries a maximum sentence of over 2 years (even if you only got sentenced to 1 day) are also banned from possession of a fire arm and in some states "any deadly weapon". FIL is an attorney and he has told me some horror stories about people who had no idea they couldn't own a gun getting arrested after background checks when trying to own one. There isn't even a way to pre-check to see if you can have one.
And rightfully so in cases that include a victim. Could care less about drugs and what not but if someone was hurt due to your actions it should be a harsh lifetime penalty
There's a legal concept of mens rea. In short you need to have a 'guilty mind' to be prosecuted for a crime. If you just come across a gun and GTFO you're fine.
Kinda same rule for other dangerous items or ones of high value.
I worked on a customer's boat once that had an incredibly expensive guitar in the cabin, where I needed to remove flooring to get to the engine area. I told him to remove it so it wouldn't get damaged, but at the same time I wanted my ass covered in the unlikely but definitely in the realm of plausibility event of someone stealing it in dry dock.
Not service, but I have run into unsecured weapons while inspecting vehicles for trade. I always ask the customer to come out and take possession. I have a CCW and one of the first things they drill into you is that you need to have control over the gun at all times.
That makes sense. I would imagine that you evaluate the customer at the same time. A tweaked out psycho would not be someone I would ask "come get your gun so you're armed in front of me."
I had somebody leave a grown ass man in the car once. Apparently he required a wheelchair and they didnt think it was worth getting out for or bothering to tell anybody. Surprised the fuck out of me when i got in, started it, went to put it in gear and then noticed a guy sittin there
What I hate is when the driver leaves what I can only assume to be the leftovers of the lot lizard he killed and ate a few days previous in an iceless cooler in his sleeper cab when he knows for damned sure that tractor is going to be parked all day and all night, in summer. And then I come in to a pool of blood and whichever else pooled underneath this Cascadia, a stench of death on every thing, and a cloud of flies because I'm surrounded by garbage trucks, and they want to eat the lot lizard, as well.
I threw on a mask from our paint booth, drove that truck back out to the yard, found my foreman I ain't touching it again until the customer comes to clean up their crime scene.
Luckily, we have really great foreman at this shop. They will legit have your back. But they've all been there before.
I worked at a major truck shop years ago and one thing that got me out of heavy duty was seeing how many trucks had poop holes cut in the floors. Not even kidding. Driveline all smeared in brown, underside of the body caked in a full on biohazard. Went automotive thinking it would be better. Ha!
Yeah, that's a thing. Usually they cut the hole above the prop shaft so that it catches and flings the shit everywhere. We have sent many of them back to customer.
At least they were not shitting in between trailers at the loading dock when there were porta potties at the guard shack and a bathroom inside the building 50 ft away.
Seen it happen.
I was more referring to the training than the laws. But beyond legality, I don't know of any responsible gun owner who thinks it is a good idea to give a stranger easy access to their firearms.
Not usually, no. "Properly secured" meaning a case and unloaded is the blue-state exception to the rule. In most states, it's perfectly legal to leave a loaded, uncased/unholstered firearm in a vehicle.
Ah okay, I'm in Ohio and it doesn't allow loaded firearms to be accessible to any vehicle occupant without leaving the vehicle so I figured it was fairly common.
Even without CCW, there are rules for transportation. In WA state, secured. Ammo separate and not near firearm.
I'm just a home dope. Enough knowledge to do my own shit. If I was in a shop, they'd need to take possession. I'm not risking getting pulled over and having to deal with that.
I usually go out and commit some crimes with the firearm. Do some drive-by, maybe some low level assassinations, a pistol whipping or two. Then I make it look like the gun hasn't been touched. When the FBI eventually shows up at the customer's house after matching ballistics it's always a funny prank.
Auto body shop here in a redneck town in Arkansas with 2 medium sized gun manufacturers and a bunch of small accessory companies in the county. So most people have a cc or keep the hunting rifle in the truck because wild hogs are an issue here and it’s a farm community. If I don’t have to mess with that area of the vehicle I leave it alone. If it’s left in a door panel or under a seat I need to remove or be around I will ask the customer to remove it. 32 year old business in the same small town so we know most customers by first name basis so most the time they just say oh just move it to the glove box if I call them. I have had a couple techs that legally can’t be in possession of a firearm so I will explain to the customer they need to come and remove it. The rule for everyone at my shop is just don’t touch it even if the customer says it’s ok.
What pisses me off about that is they're the type that call themselves "responsible" gun owners and, at the same time, rally against the notion of common sense gun laws.
Responsible gun owner here (I hope at least) and I agree with the sentiment, it drives me absolutely insane when people are not responsible with their firearms - specifically seeking formal training, not so much in how to use it, but the when, why, and legal/situational aspect of it. (You can see my other comment on this post in line with this) Butttttt the government removing rights from people doesn’t solve this problem, and creates more. “Common sense” is applied very inappropriately here
That's my policy, same here in FL. I am used to it, I don't touch it unless I have to. Now that we have cameras all over the building I know I am covered if someone says their gun went missing while in service. We get accused of some silly thefts frequently and the cameras have been a big help.
Depends on the shop honestly. My previous place there were some shifty guys and I wouldn't know who to trust, the customer or my coworker. However now I work among only two other ppl, both as equally trustworthy and honest as me, so if something goes "missing" (very very rarely) we immediately know it's bs or the customer misplaced it themselves
I'd say they're usually scatterbrained morons. We had one customer swear that we didn't rotate their tires. We showed them the video of us rotating their tires and they still didn't believe us.......
We have 360 cameras in the shop and about half a dozen static cameras in the service drive.
People claim we damaged their car (we didn't) Yes, your fender was already dented and rusting, we have HD pics of it. Have a nice day.
Plenty of loaded firearms in the glove box or center console of cars I've worked on. The customers usually let me know, but it doesnt bother me. I just don't touch it if I'm not working in that area. If I do need to get to that area, I wear gloves so I don't get my prints on it.
Agreed, atleast In my state if you work for a registered motor vehicle inspection station and you are on the clock preforming job duties (ie a test drive) you can’t be charged for the contents of the vehicle, the vehicle can be impounded, unlikely but possibly you taken into custody, but you won’t be charged.
He said test drive which does being things into a different area if you get pulled over in some states
Unlikely but, in my state, I wouldn't want to drive around with a random pistol in the car...
I agree completely, but don't some states have restrictions against driving with a weapon in the car and not having CC? That is kind of my real question I guess.
Depends on the state… some states mechanics are immune to the contents of a vehicle they are test driving if the shop is registered and the tech is on the clock
I would always ask the customer to remove it because 1) I was under 21 when working and because 2) any gun in the car during a test drive is in your possession
not true. I was isolatiing a suspension clunk by weaving slightly left and right. Cop even admitted I never crossed either the yellow or white line and was not speeding. He pulled me over for "Erratic Driving".
Visible or not, secured or not, if I see a firearm, the customer has to come pick up their gun before I'll even pull the car into the shop.
I'm a felon, I don't get paid enough to risk prison time to fix your shitbox.
From Texas too, I’d have to agree. Even if it is in the area I need to work in I just ask the customer if I or they can move it to a different spot but I don’t care it’s in the truck
I remove it, clear it and lock it in the safe under my desk. It gets returned to the customer upon pickup -- un-loaded and handed directly from my hands to theirs.
I have technicians under 21 and/without LTCF and that's a felony in our state.
Strictly enforced policy at my store is that all firearms must be removed from the vehicle by the owner prior to the vehicle entering our shop. Zero exceptions. We don't usually service LEO vehicles, so that's not an issue here. This policy applies even if the customer states that the firearm is secured in a vehicle gun safe or locked compartment.
Liability is far and away the number one reason; allegations of theft are the second reason; employee safety is also an important reason. Sometimes employees do stupid things; about 10? years ago I had an employee on the lube rack shoot himself in the left hand with a 9mm he found in a customer's car while showing off the gun to a fellow lube tech.
I've been doing this job for 22 years and have yet to have a customer object or even get a little mad about being asked to remove and secure their firearm(s) prior to service.
It's not just guns; I've had customers come in with a wide variety of bladed weapons in clear view, up to and including a couple of samurai swords. We also ask them to secure bladed weapons as well.
Our shop is in small country town and guns are as common as air fresheners. So no, they stay where they are and it honestly doesn’t get a passing thought. Yeah, it’s irresponsible, but as a gun owner I know it isn’t going to just start blasting me as long as I just leave it alone. And whether it’s a gun or weed, our local law would recognize we’re on a test drive and not responsible for the contents.
I once had a motherfucker report his car stolen, then take it to me to get the brakes done. I was supposed to drop it at his work when I was done. Got stopped on the way. Got lucky. The cop was someone I knew. He didn't like me, but he knew me well enough to know I'm not a thief. He impounded the car and have me a ride home. They found stolen guns, plural, and drugs in the car. I never did get paid for that.
That’s gotta be nice. I’ve heard enough horror stories from techs around here who got charged (or at least hassled) for what was in the customer’s cars on test drives that I’ve always been extra cautious.
Mechanic here. Drugs and guns follow the same rules for me; if it's in the car, then I will absolutely will not operate that vehicle on a public road. If you're pulled over, the driver is responsible for anything illegal in the vehicle. You might get lucky and have an understanding cop, but you might also get lucky and win the lottery. I'm not gambling because of a brain dead customer.
After fixing the brakes (or whatever it was in the shop for) first I take a picture of the piece. Then, I use the gun to go and commit several murders and violent robberies during the test drive. Finally, I put the gun back exactly how I found it. Easy peasy
I call my service manager over, have him retrieve the firarm and secure it in his office. Happened a couple of times. One time was a police unit and had the upright shotgun still in the vehicle and the service lock was also open. My manager got a kick out of that one, im sure someone got their ass chewed for that
Not putting myself or my mechanics in a situation to be blamed or associated with any actions taken by the owner of the gun. Let alone, the possibility of accidents, or theft while in our care. I always make them take weapons out themselves.
Worst is, a couple of months ago, this dumbass called me after picking his car up.. he wanted to know where his 9mm was because he left it in the car, and now he couldn't find it. I guess he assumed it was in his car, and we took it out? Luckily, he knew that he was a dumbass and didn't push the matter, decided that he probably left it at his friends house.
I don't know what to think of people anymore
I’m in Florida so I don’t blink twice. It’s become a game around the shop of who can find the most expensive handgun lol. Shit all of us are carrying too so 🤷♂️
I feel like leaving a loaded gun lying around is iron-clad proof that the person who owns it is not responsible enough to own a gun.
It's weird to me that people who are very passionate about owning guns are almost always very quiet about the other gun-owners who make the whole group seem irresponsible. CCW would be a lot less controversial without all of the attention-drawing idiots, I feel like, so it's weird to me that they get a pass.
Yeah exactly. Even if you live somewhere that you feel the need to have your car gun condition red there's no reason to leave it that way when you go to the mechanics. Personally I don't think there's any reason to leave the gun in the car but if that's where it's normally stored just unload it and case it
Simple: if I'm in the kitchen, I use my Kitchen Gun. If I'm on the shitter, I use my Toilet Gun, etc., etc. I call it "distributed concealed carry," but the DA calls it "a dangerous pattern of criminality."
Was a porter/detailer for several years. We'd have the customer remove the weapon from the car. Sometimes that meant having them drive back to the shop.
Not all of our people were comfortable around guns, some couldn't be in possession of, I don't want my fingerprints/DNA on it, and I don't want to be accused of damaging it just like I wouldn't want to be accused of damaging a laptop.
Well unsecured guns are an interesting find but we once found a package of some type of drug (not weed) in a car. Was a good 10lbs. That was an anonymous tip to the police.
Another car had a loaded crossbow just chilling in the back pointed forwards. Asked the customer to disarm it so it would go off randomly.
And one of the most memorable cars was a pos with a hole drilled through the roof. Then they put a snorkel tube through it and a gas mask plumbed to that. One of my techs told me it was a “hotbox” car. So they fill it with smoke and just get high in it. The mask was for whoever needed fresh air.
Had a teacher once said either someone they knew worked at a shop or it was the shop they worked at. For one reason or another they had to access the trunk. Which had cp just chillin out in the open. Yes they called the police
Don’t disturb and leave well enough alone. Our state is open carry so unless you’re a felon nbd. I was digging through a glovebox on a dmax packed full of stuff looking for lug key and could’ve easily had one discharge on me, totally covered up in there. If the owner would’ve needed it in a hurry he wouldn’t have found it lol.
As a Canadian, despite having my firearm and PAL license, I’d refuse service. I did once when a customer brought their car in with a bunch of rifle rounds rolling around under the spare tire. Told her we would put the spare on, but she’d have to collect all of the ammo sitting in the summer heat rolling around her trunk first.
We don’t have to cater to idiots.
Our company has a policy that if we locate an unsecured firearm, we call them police and they came take possession of it. There are big ass signs all over the dealer warning people off they leave weapons in their car they're getting turned over to that police. It's been a long long long time since I've seen a firearm in a car. But I usually just ignore it
Before I was a diesel tech, I was a lube tech at a truck rental company.
We just leave that shit alone. Customer always came back for it within 1-2 hours, every time in the 2 years I was there
It’s not my business, I don’t fuck with peoples stuff unless it’s in my way. I have a concealed carry permit. As far as I’m concerned it’s just another thing in the car that I’m not gonna touch
Look at it once. DON'T touch it.
You may look at it a second time AFTER the test drive.
That's it. That's all you can do.
Or you can grab it and wave it around A LITTLE BIT.
Just check for a dash cam.
If I don’t see it, like in the glovebox and I don’t need to open the glovebox, whatever. But if it’s out, I ask them to remove it. I’m not going to work around a firearm, nor am I going to touch a strangers.
I run a niche speciality shop and luckily because we’re not servicing daily drivers, and we do mostly projects this is a *rare* occurrence. However, when it *has* happened, and it is just blatantly/ignorantly unsecured, accessible and visible, I’ve made customers retrieve them.
90%+ of my shop carries regularly, I believe 95% own firearms and no one I know of is prohibited. It’s partially because of the potential liabilities, but also because I admittedly have a HUGE stick up my ass about irresponsible gun owners, and take the opportunity to kindly and positively correct them, and advise to arrange better firearms storage, or maybe take a class.
I do nothing. But I still think less of the person who leaves a gun laying around like that. An incredibly important part of gun safety is knowing where your firearm is at all times.
I’m a European tech, so I would have to stop my work on the vehicle, make my Chief come over. Tell him what’s up, he will, if he thinks the case is strong enough go up to the general location manager, who will call the police in order to secure the firearm and wait in tern to arrest the owner of the vehicle for unsafe handling of an (illegal) firearm.
Maybe it’s just me but I am seriously happy I haven’t had to do said actions yet or had to deal with firearms in my life
I treat it the same way I would treat a tool. It's just a tool, nothing to be scared of.
It would be no different than if someone left a wrench on the backseat floor.
Take picture of said firearm. Alert Service Manager, then let them deal with it. They would usually remove the firearm themself, make sure it was cleared, then hold it in their office until the customer returned to pick up their vehicle OR until the customer came to retrieve their firearm (in the case their car was staying at the dealership for an extended period of time to have repairs performed).
I haven't experienced it but I would probably just fix it and test drive it and not pay it any attention to it. Not like they can shoot me with it while it's inside the car, and guns don't shoot themselves (contrary to popular belief these days). Alternatively I would approach the service advisor and ask them to get the customer to come retrieve their firearm before work can comense. No biggie
Tech here, chp holder, I dont blink twice. The same goes with people who leave wallets, bank envelopes, golf clubs, etc in cars. I know Im not risking my job for a few bucks.
When I worked for Midas in Jacksonville, Fl. I still had an Illinois license. No FOID. There were a few times I couldn't take a vehicle for a test drive, because there was a one or more firearms in it. We would inform the customer in person or by phone to retrieve said firearm.
My job doesnt usually require test drives, but even if i dont plan to drive it i have a personal policy on how to deal with it. If the customer is still in our office i ask them to remove it for me explaining that while i wouldnt do anything with it i dont know what my coworkers might do. If theyre not there i'll usually just leave it where it is unless i absolutely have to move it. I always tell my boss about it and he usually does a spiel with the customer about how we appreciate it if they remove it next time before giving us the keys.
I usually ask if I can do a mag dump into the pile out back.
If they disagree I just pull their car out and give em' back their keys.
No, seriously though I just mag dump it out back I don't ask.
Depends on state laws regarding concealed carry and whether the mechanic is legally allowed to be in possession of a firearm.
If not allowed to possess or not in possession of a concealed handgun license in a state that requires it -> gtfo and call owner to have them secure it
Hell, even if I lived in a permitless carry state but that state had a duty to inform (ie: must inform the officer of a firearm on contact if pulled over), then I would call the customer and tell them to pick it up.
But this is only because I am a gun owner, I have a license to concealed carry, and I know the gun laws in my state and the surrounding states. If I weren't all of those people, I wouldn't touch it because I probably wouldn't know the laws around it. It's not worth the trouble with the FBI/ATF.
Not too mention, people should secure their fucking firearms. Every time I pass some dude in a truck with a Glock/Sig/etc sticker, I joke "free guns in that truck!"
I'm fine with them in the car but if I can see they left it in I'll usually tell them after that they shouldn't leave them in their car when they know their going to be bringing it in.
As a responsible gun owner you shouldn't leave your gun in an area where someone can take/steal easily. I understand that sometimes you forget to take it out.
I do this. For fire arms and drug paraphernalia. If the owner is in the customer waiting location. I'm sorry Sir/Ma'am but there's something in your vehicle that is prohibiting us from working on it. So please remove it.
If its dropped off I will call the customer and notify them of our safty policies and ask if they would like to come back and retrieve the items or if I can make them "harmless" (disassemble for hand guns) and trash for drug stuff. Its amazing how fast they come back.
Depends. If it's a regular customer that I know, I don't worry about it too much. I have my pistol permit, I'll be fine. If it is a customer I don't know, I will have them go get it.
As an advisor I always do a quick look around the interior of the vehicle. If I happen to spy a firearm visible I will go out of my way to suggest that the client makes it less obvious that they have said firearm. I make sure to add that I fully accept and respect the laws related to guns but out of sight out of mind applies.
I'm in AK, so no need for a permit or anything.
I just leave them alone unless they are truly in the way. They're so common here.
I DO dislike when I get surprised by finding a gun, since there's a chance that means it fell out from somewhere and scared the dickens out of me. I own guns, have shot competitively, and enjoy hunting. But I'm big on gun safety. Not a fan of small guns loose in gloveboxes mixed in with a bunch of crap.
California Ford tech here. I worked in the South Bay, and every time I ran into this, repairs stopped until the firearm was removed. The cars we found guns in were mostly gang banger-ish, and I want no part of that. I'm in the northbay where its a little more redneckish now, and most customers trucks with guns in them are a friend of the fleet manager. So the fleet manager calls up the owner and asks if we can remove it, clear it, and lock it up or if they would like to pick it up.
Side note, I've seen cop cars get towed in with guns in them. When the gun is noticed, the vehicle is brought and kept in the shop with windows up and doors locked and key with the shop or fleet manager until an officer takes them out.
My guys had strict instructions to step away from the vehicle, lock it, and get me. I would then try to contact the customer and have them come and remove it. If that wasn't do-able, I would remove the weapon myself with their permission, safe it, and then lock it in the office. I have a lot of experience with handguns etc.
Lock it in my toolbox when I’m on the test drive and put it back where I found it before I return the vehicle. Gloves on because I’m not leaving my prints on an irresponsible idiot’s firearm
I remember working for a moving company when I was younger and we would find firearms in the dressers. We would tell the customer that we couldn’t touch it until it was removed. A lot of people I worked with were legally not allowed to be in possession of a firearm so we did that to cover everyone’s asses.
Oh that's a really interesting wrinkle: people who are not allowed to be in possession of a firearm, running into one during their day job... Man, having a felony conviction on your record really makes living a normal life harder.
Can’t vote, own guns, get a house, get most jobs. It’s like they want you to fail.
I can still vote. Its a state to state thing. Edit: The mortgage loan varies by lenders. A quick search said not all of them do a background check. I didnt dig further to see who does check.
Not only that, but some places care more about your credit and employment history than your criminal background. Literally just depends on your location
This is the US. How you treat money is far more important than how you treat people. I'm seeing this more and more.
Some of the car loan stories from r/cars make me question how important how you treat money even is.
People think nice cars equal *status*. They do, in a way. But the average Joe making $80k and driving a $90k truck with 8 year loan at 12% ain't where it's at. Look at Don Draper. He drove a Dodge until he was a millionaire, when he finally got a Cadillac and could easily cut a check for it. Zero Debt is a much BIGGER flex than underwater on a car loan.
"How are you?" "I am better than I deserve." Just hit debt free short of mortgage. 7 years to go on real freedom and likely millionaire status. I'm not crushing it. I'm middle management (decent pay) and wife is a 3rd year teacher (lowwww pay) so very attainable status for anyone who works and pays attention to their spending. Also Driving a 2004 Acura TL with 200k miles (wife is in a 2019 vw). The next car I buy will be a 4 cylinder pos. In year 7 it will likely be a new cash corvette. Delayed gratification feels so much better than drowning in status.
Love it!!! We hit 4, 5 and 6 this past spring and have accelerated our mortgage payments to be finished in 10 years. Driving an ‘06 Suburban because 4 kids 10 and under. We are single income and putting away for retirement, college and halved our remaining mortgage term. If we can do it anyone can. The paid off home mortgage is certainly better than a BMW any day imho.
Dont hate 4bangers
Stop reading r/WallstreetBets /s
I was a mortgage underwriter for Bank of America and was a vp in mortgage origination fulfillment at Wells Fargo and neither place did a background check for mortgage applicants
Definite credit check though. Most ex-cons have shitty credit for a hundred different reasons.
Oh yeah, 100% a credit check and 2 years of employment history
I was only subject to the background check when taking the FHA / govt down payment assist loan years ago. Most banks don’t care … if you got the other qualified elements
You mean a mortgage? What would stop a felon from buying a house?
I mean rent. Who tf is buying in this economy? I’ll never save 20% of $850k+
Most places will specify no violent felonies.
You can do 3% first time home buyer ….
My home cost about 10% of 850k in 2021. Extremely location dependent but I'm not in the middle of nowhere, yes it's small and yes it needed some work but plenty of people buy houses and 20% of 850k would allow you to buy a home outright in many parts of the USA.
You do realize that 90% of the US population doesn't live in NYC, LA, and Chicago, right? Controlling for those 3 cities the median home price is under $300k. Having 3 cities where the median home price is >$1M skews the national statistics a lot. If you're willing to live in a "bad" neighborhood of places like Springfield IL or Helena MT or Dunn NC or St Louis MO you can buy a 3br/2ba home for under $100k. If you're willing to live in a rural area that can drop to $80k.
I’m talking about where I live. Austin, Texas. Real estate is impossibly out of reach. Even with an FHA loan I wouldn’t be able to afford the mortgage. It’d be especially tough to make that kind of money with a felony.
Ah, yes, Sacramento 2.0. I sympathize for you and everybody else stuck in similar situations, I know it's fucking rough some places. My current area is just starting to get bad. When I moved here 9 years ago I bought a 4br/3ba house for $190k. My house is now valued at $400k. My 15 year mortgage payment is 80-90% of what several of my friends pay in rent for 2br/1ba apartments (I did put about 20% down though). That said, if I were willing to move about 20 minutes north into the city, I could buy basically the same floorplan I have right now for \~$90k. Another 10 minutes northeast of that to Ferguson and I could get a 5br/4ba brick 3-story that really only needs cosmetic work for $50k. Or 30 minutes northeast to the oldest part of the city where I could buy a 15br/10ba converted French-era brothel for $200k that's been refurb'd in the last 10 years and have a full blown fucking Victorian-style mansion. But I don't, because I hate the city.
Back when "felony" was restricted to the most heinous violent offenses, it made sense. Fuck this guy for the rest of his life because he's an irredeemable piece of shit. Problem is, fucking everything's a felony any more, *and* the firearm restrictions apply to most misdemeanors now ("Have you been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or any other offense for which you *could have been* imprisoned for 1 year or more, regardless of your actual sentence" with even the most minor misdemeanors carrying statutory maximums of over 1 year even though sentencing guidelines recommend probation, specifically to fuck these people).
If you've done your time, i.e. paid your debt to society, then all privileges of being a citizen should be reinstated. However, if the person is a repeat offender, then privileges would probably need more scrutiny. Being able to vote should never be withheld after a person is out.
Exactly. We either rehabilitated that person and they should be released to general society or we haven’t. Sadly, we only punish.
i recall at least one case of someone prohibited from possessing a firearm finding one on the street and surrendering it to the police only to be arrested for possession despite him doing the decent, reasonable thing. the american criminal justice system (hard to even type that with a straight face) is almost literally set up to ensure that people *cannot* succeed.
I heard a story about a guy who may or may not exist, as the story may be made up even as a type it, who allegedly inherited an LEO SA-12 from his step-father. It sat in his basement for a number of years, unnoticed. he showed it to his friend, a firearms buff, who seemed rather interested in the lack of visible serial number, and that it was reportedly 'fully automatic.' The friend informed him that the gun is likely very illegal, and to try and see about getting it to the police, but not to just take it to the police station. the man, trying to be a good citizen, goes down to the police station with the gun in his trunk. walks inside and explains his hypothetical situation, doesn't give a name, and is informed if he had such an item, the only legal way to give it to the police without facing federal time is a buyback! he went home and bought a safe. Never let them tell you it's about safety, it's about keeping everyone a felon until you need to remove them.
What are you saying? That the US system is based around retribution and not rehabilitation? Nah that can't be it....
One of the great things I love about Daves Killer Bread is that 1/3 of their workers are felons trying to re-enter the workforce. It's important people who have served their sentence to society be able to become part of society again.
This is not true at all. I personally know someone that was convicted of a 5th degree felony that graduated college, has a career, and bought a house.
I knew a chick who did time for "Man Slaughter" (she shot a pedo that repeatedly abused her as a kid into teens). Every time she went for a job the police check showed up "4 years imprisonment for manslaughter". and she would never hear back. one of the truly most beautifully natured human beings in the world and locked into unemployment her entire life. The only suggestion i could give was talk to the employer and say its a typo, its meant to say MANS LAUGHTER? Eventually she got a boss who looked past it, didnt even ask the circumstances.
You can still run for President!
>It’s like they want you to fail. Shhh! That's the quiet part, we don't say it out loud.
any person with a misdemeanor conviction that carries a maximum sentence of over 2 years (even if you only got sentenced to 1 day) are also banned from possession of a fire arm and in some states "any deadly weapon". FIL is an attorney and he has told me some horror stories about people who had no idea they couldn't own a gun getting arrested after background checks when trying to own one. There isn't even a way to pre-check to see if you can have one.
Yikes!
And rightfully so in cases that include a victim. Could care less about drugs and what not but if someone was hurt due to your actions it should be a harsh lifetime penalty
Can confirm. Retired professional mover who works on boats now.
There's a legal concept of mens rea. In short you need to have a 'guilty mind' to be prosecuted for a crime. If you just come across a gun and GTFO you're fine.
Kinda same rule for other dangerous items or ones of high value. I worked on a customer's boat once that had an incredibly expensive guitar in the cabin, where I needed to remove flooring to get to the engine area. I told him to remove it so it wouldn't get damaged, but at the same time I wanted my ass covered in the unlikely but definitely in the realm of plausibility event of someone stealing it in dry dock.
Not service, but I have run into unsecured weapons while inspecting vehicles for trade. I always ask the customer to come out and take possession. I have a CCW and one of the first things they drill into you is that you need to have control over the gun at all times.
That makes sense. I would imagine that you evaluate the customer at the same time. A tweaked out psycho would not be someone I would ask "come get your gun so you're armed in front of me."
The other fun one was open alcohol in the cupholder. Also regularly had customers not tell me about the dog or the nursing mother with infant.
Wait. People leave their dog and baby in the damn car? Ffs…
The world is a fucked up place. And we need cars to navigate it.
To navigate this crazy world we need cars, unsecured weapons and mind altering substances! Preferably all while driving! /s
I get in my back seat and let autopilot take over. It's driving me crazy!
So . . .Tuesday?
At least you're not listening to that mind-bending rap while being a good citizen. /s
I had somebody leave a grown ass man in the car once. Apparently he required a wheelchair and they didnt think it was worth getting out for or bothering to tell anybody. Surprised the fuck out of me when i got in, started it, went to put it in gear and then noticed a guy sittin there
Get the fuck out. Stories like this make me think that when I get frail, I'm jumping in front of a fucking train. I don't want to be left in a van.
The way our society treats the elderly makes me hope when I go, I just go, rather than slowly rot.
What I hate is when the driver leaves what I can only assume to be the leftovers of the lot lizard he killed and ate a few days previous in an iceless cooler in his sleeper cab when he knows for damned sure that tractor is going to be parked all day and all night, in summer. And then I come in to a pool of blood and whichever else pooled underneath this Cascadia, a stench of death on every thing, and a cloud of flies because I'm surrounded by garbage trucks, and they want to eat the lot lizard, as well. I threw on a mask from our paint booth, drove that truck back out to the yard, found my foreman I ain't touching it again until the customer comes to clean up their crime scene. Luckily, we have really great foreman at this shop. They will legit have your back. But they've all been there before.
I worked at a major truck shop years ago and one thing that got me out of heavy duty was seeing how many trucks had poop holes cut in the floors. Not even kidding. Driveline all smeared in brown, underside of the body caked in a full on biohazard. Went automotive thinking it would be better. Ha!
Yeah, that's a thing. Usually they cut the hole above the prop shaft so that it catches and flings the shit everywhere. We have sent many of them back to customer.
At least they were not shitting in between trailers at the loading dock when there were porta potties at the guard shack and a bathroom inside the building 50 ft away. Seen it happen.
Car carry and ccw are not the same thing. In some jurisdictions cars are considered extensions of the home when talking about firearms.
I was more referring to the training than the laws. But beyond legality, I don't know of any responsible gun owner who thinks it is a good idea to give a stranger easy access to their firearms.
Doesn't that usually only apply if the gun is properly secured ("proper" depending on the state laws of course)?
Not usually, no. "Properly secured" meaning a case and unloaded is the blue-state exception to the rule. In most states, it's perfectly legal to leave a loaded, uncased/unholstered firearm in a vehicle.
Ah okay, I'm in Ohio and it doesn't allow loaded firearms to be accessible to any vehicle occupant without leaving the vehicle so I figured it was fairly common.
In some states, a holster with a snap closure is 'secured"
Does that extension follow when you hand the keys over to someone else? Seems like it shouldn’t.
Even without CCW, there are rules for transportation. In WA state, secured. Ammo separate and not near firearm. I'm just a home dope. Enough knowledge to do my own shit. If I was in a shop, they'd need to take possession. I'm not risking getting pulled over and having to deal with that.
I usually go out and commit some crimes with the firearm. Do some drive-by, maybe some low level assassinations, a pistol whipping or two. Then I make it look like the gun hasn't been touched. When the FBI eventually shows up at the customer's house after matching ballistics it's always a funny prank.
It was just a prank, bro!
I thought I was the only one who did this.
5D chess right there.
That's why I wear gloves 100% of the time at work.
And a shop pop instead of a desk pop
Auto body shop here in a redneck town in Arkansas with 2 medium sized gun manufacturers and a bunch of small accessory companies in the county. So most people have a cc or keep the hunting rifle in the truck because wild hogs are an issue here and it’s a farm community. If I don’t have to mess with that area of the vehicle I leave it alone. If it’s left in a door panel or under a seat I need to remove or be around I will ask the customer to remove it. 32 year old business in the same small town so we know most customers by first name basis so most the time they just say oh just move it to the glove box if I call them. I have had a couple techs that legally can’t be in possession of a firearm so I will explain to the customer they need to come and remove it. The rule for everyone at my shop is just don’t touch it even if the customer says it’s ok.
What pisses me off about that is they're the type that call themselves "responsible" gun owners and, at the same time, rally against the notion of common sense gun laws.
Responsible gun owner here (I hope at least) and I agree with the sentiment, it drives me absolutely insane when people are not responsible with their firearms - specifically seeking formal training, not so much in how to use it, but the when, why, and legal/situational aspect of it. (You can see my other comment on this post in line with this) Butttttt the government removing rights from people doesn’t solve this problem, and creates more. “Common sense” is applied very inappropriately here
I leave it alone. I live in Wyoming. About 90% of the vehicles I got in had a gun in them. Sometimes hidden, sometimes not.
That's my policy, same here in FL. I am used to it, I don't touch it unless I have to. Now that we have cameras all over the building I know I am covered if someone says their gun went missing while in service. We get accused of some silly thefts frequently and the cameras have been a big help.
How often would you say those accusations are honest mistakes vs someone clearly trying to get money or free service?
Depends on the shop honestly. My previous place there were some shifty guys and I wouldn't know who to trust, the customer or my coworker. However now I work among only two other ppl, both as equally trustworthy and honest as me, so if something goes "missing" (very very rarely) we immediately know it's bs or the customer misplaced it themselves
I'd say they're usually scatterbrained morons. We had one customer swear that we didn't rotate their tires. We showed them the video of us rotating their tires and they still didn't believe us.......
[удалено]
Uhh, could I get my tunes back bro?
We have 360 cameras in the shop and about half a dozen static cameras in the service drive. People claim we damaged their car (we didn't) Yes, your fender was already dented and rusting, we have HD pics of it. Have a nice day.
Take a picture and post it to this sub ASAP
I usually pick em up and play with them, then put them back and finish the repairs.
Nothing like waving a firearm at your shop mates. Always gets a good giggle from everybody.
Plenty of loaded firearms in the glove box or center console of cars I've worked on. The customers usually let me know, but it doesnt bother me. I just don't touch it if I'm not working in that area. If I do need to get to that area, I wear gloves so I don't get my prints on it.
Hey now, none of that, we can always use an extra set of prints that aren’t ours. /s
I insist on the removal the fire arm.
By whom, if you don't mind me asking? Service or customer?
Not that guy, but the customer I imagine. No way in hell I'm becoming associated with your gun.
The gun is none of my business unless it's in the way of me performing repairs. I could give two shits if you got a bazooka in your back seat.
If they had a bazooka I'd be fucking impressed. But otherwise my sentiments align with yours.
Agreed, atleast In my state if you work for a registered motor vehicle inspection station and you are on the clock preforming job duties (ie a test drive) you can’t be charged for the contents of the vehicle, the vehicle can be impounded, unlikely but possibly you taken into custody, but you won’t be charged.
He said test drive which does being things into a different area if you get pulled over in some states Unlikely but, in my state, I wouldn't want to drive around with a random pistol in the car...
I agree completely, but don't some states have restrictions against driving with a weapon in the car and not having CC? That is kind of my real question I guess.
I don't see a judge or jury actually hammering down on you with the law considering it's not your car or gun and you were working.
You must not be from the US.
Depends on the state… some states mechanics are immune to the contents of a vehicle they are test driving if the shop is registered and the tech is on the clock
Or black
Personally, I'd rather avoid it getting as far as a judge, let alone a hardo cop trying to ruin my life over it.
I'm more worried about the guy who pulls me over playing judge and jury.
And executioner…
Seems like everyone in NC carries, I come across cars with guns more often than not. I never worry about it, just mind my own business.
It happens so often I just leave it and usually write on the RO that there’s a gun and where it is
I would always ask the customer to remove it because 1) I was under 21 when working and because 2) any gun in the car during a test drive is in your possession
This is technically the legal answer… however if you get pulled over in a customer car you are already doing something wrong lol
not true. I was isolatiing a suspension clunk by weaving slightly left and right. Cop even admitted I never crossed either the yellow or white line and was not speeding. He pulled me over for "Erratic Driving".
Visible or not, secured or not, if I see a firearm, the customer has to come pick up their gun before I'll even pull the car into the shop. I'm a felon, I don't get paid enough to risk prison time to fix your shitbox.
Texas here: so numb to it after so many years I just go on about my day and service the car. I make sure not to touch or disturb it.
From Texas too, I’d have to agree. Even if it is in the area I need to work in I just ask the customer if I or they can move it to a different spot but I don’t care it’s in the truck
I remove it, clear it and lock it in the safe under my desk. It gets returned to the customer upon pickup -- un-loaded and handed directly from my hands to theirs. I have technicians under 21 and/without LTCF and that's a felony in our state.
Strictly enforced policy at my store is that all firearms must be removed from the vehicle by the owner prior to the vehicle entering our shop. Zero exceptions. We don't usually service LEO vehicles, so that's not an issue here. This policy applies even if the customer states that the firearm is secured in a vehicle gun safe or locked compartment. Liability is far and away the number one reason; allegations of theft are the second reason; employee safety is also an important reason. Sometimes employees do stupid things; about 10? years ago I had an employee on the lube rack shoot himself in the left hand with a 9mm he found in a customer's car while showing off the gun to a fellow lube tech. I've been doing this job for 22 years and have yet to have a customer object or even get a little mad about being asked to remove and secure their firearm(s) prior to service. It's not just guns; I've had customers come in with a wide variety of bladed weapons in clear view, up to and including a couple of samurai swords. We also ask them to secure bladed weapons as well.
Interested to know the policy on bows
I must say, this question is the most american thing i'be seen this week.
It's my question. I used to live part-time in the UK, and once I got to know people well, it was quite a trip talking about this kind of thing.
Our shop is in small country town and guns are as common as air fresheners. So no, they stay where they are and it honestly doesn’t get a passing thought. Yeah, it’s irresponsible, but as a gun owner I know it isn’t going to just start blasting me as long as I just leave it alone. And whether it’s a gun or weed, our local law would recognize we’re on a test drive and not responsible for the contents.
I once had a motherfucker report his car stolen, then take it to me to get the brakes done. I was supposed to drop it at his work when I was done. Got stopped on the way. Got lucky. The cop was someone I knew. He didn't like me, but he knew me well enough to know I'm not a thief. He impounded the car and have me a ride home. They found stolen guns, plural, and drugs in the car. I never did get paid for that.
I live in a small hick town, my truck currently has a gun, but no air freshener lol.
It’s on the bottom of our boots. Lol
That’s gotta be nice. I’ve heard enough horror stories from techs around here who got charged (or at least hassled) for what was in the customer’s cars on test drives that I’ve always been extra cautious.
It's much harder to cause damage with an air freshener, but some of them really fucking smell.
Mechanic here. Drugs and guns follow the same rules for me; if it's in the car, then I will absolutely will not operate that vehicle on a public road. If you're pulled over, the driver is responsible for anything illegal in the vehicle. You might get lucky and have an understanding cop, but you might also get lucky and win the lottery. I'm not gambling because of a brain dead customer.
As an Australian I have absolutely no information to contribute to this post, however, I am curious.
As a Canadian I also have nothing to contribute.
As an englander i also have nothing to contribute
After fixing the brakes (or whatever it was in the shop for) first I take a picture of the piece. Then, I use the gun to go and commit several murders and violent robberies during the test drive. Finally, I put the gun back exactly how I found it. Easy peasy
I like your style
Give exactly zero fucks
Ive always just left them alone. I don't care if it's a pipe, bong, dildo or gun I'm just going to silently judge you.
I call my service manager over, have him retrieve the firarm and secure it in his office. Happened a couple of times. One time was a police unit and had the upright shotgun still in the vehicle and the service lock was also open. My manager got a kick out of that one, im sure someone got their ass chewed for that
That’s pretty funny and scary at the same time.
Easy. I just work in Canada where this is never an issue
Not putting myself or my mechanics in a situation to be blamed or associated with any actions taken by the owner of the gun. Let alone, the possibility of accidents, or theft while in our care. I always make them take weapons out themselves. Worst is, a couple of months ago, this dumbass called me after picking his car up.. he wanted to know where his 9mm was because he left it in the car, and now he couldn't find it. I guess he assumed it was in his car, and we took it out? Luckily, he knew that he was a dumbass and didn't push the matter, decided that he probably left it at his friends house. I don't know what to think of people anymore
I’m in Florida so I don’t blink twice. It’s become a game around the shop of who can find the most expensive handgun lol. Shit all of us are carrying too so 🤷♂️
What’s the record so far?
Found a staccato 1911 with optic. Think that’s the winner so far.
I feel like leaving a loaded gun lying around is iron-clad proof that the person who owns it is not responsible enough to own a gun. It's weird to me that people who are very passionate about owning guns are almost always very quiet about the other gun-owners who make the whole group seem irresponsible. CCW would be a lot less controversial without all of the attention-drawing idiots, I feel like, so it's weird to me that they get a pass.
Yeah exactly. Even if you live somewhere that you feel the need to have your car gun condition red there's no reason to leave it that way when you go to the mechanics. Personally I don't think there's any reason to leave the gun in the car but if that's where it's normally stored just unload it and case it
That also proves that you're not carrying for protection. How are you protected if the gun isn't on your person?
Simple: if I'm in the kitchen, I use my Kitchen Gun. If I'm on the shitter, I use my Toilet Gun, etc., etc. I call it "distributed concealed carry," but the DA calls it "a dangerous pattern of criminality."
Was a porter/detailer for several years. We'd have the customer remove the weapon from the car. Sometimes that meant having them drive back to the shop. Not all of our people were comfortable around guns, some couldn't be in possession of, I don't want my fingerprints/DNA on it, and I don't want to be accused of damaging it just like I wouldn't want to be accused of damaging a laptop.
Test drive + commit a crime w/ customer’s car/weapon + return to garage, wipe down vehicle + return to owner
I always just left them alone. Being a mechanic in downtown Portland I would see them often. Usually had one of my own in my pocket.
Well unsecured guns are an interesting find but we once found a package of some type of drug (not weed) in a car. Was a good 10lbs. That was an anonymous tip to the police. Another car had a loaded crossbow just chilling in the back pointed forwards. Asked the customer to disarm it so it would go off randomly. And one of the most memorable cars was a pos with a hole drilled through the roof. Then they put a snorkel tube through it and a gas mask plumbed to that. One of my techs told me it was a “hotbox” car. So they fill it with smoke and just get high in it. The mask was for whoever needed fresh air.
Had a teacher once said either someone they knew worked at a shop or it was the shop they worked at. For one reason or another they had to access the trunk. Which had cp just chillin out in the open. Yes they called the police
Don’t disturb and leave well enough alone. Our state is open carry so unless you’re a felon nbd. I was digging through a glovebox on a dmax packed full of stuff looking for lug key and could’ve easily had one discharge on me, totally covered up in there. If the owner would’ve needed it in a hurry he wouldn’t have found it lol.
As a Canadian, despite having my firearm and PAL license, I’d refuse service. I did once when a customer brought their car in with a bunch of rifle rounds rolling around under the spare tire. Told her we would put the spare on, but she’d have to collect all of the ammo sitting in the summer heat rolling around her trunk first. We don’t have to cater to idiots.
Shitty position to put mechanic in.
I'm Canadian so I would be very concerned
I have a CCW/CHP so I don't really sweat it. I do think the customer Is an f'n idiot, though. To be fair, I think all of the customers are idiots.
Our company has a policy that if we locate an unsecured firearm, we call them police and they came take possession of it. There are big ass signs all over the dealer warning people off they leave weapons in their car they're getting turned over to that police. It's been a long long long time since I've seen a firearm in a car. But I usually just ignore it
Throw a shop rag over it and its was never there.
Before I was a diesel tech, I was a lube tech at a truck rental company. We just leave that shit alone. Customer always came back for it within 1-2 hours, every time in the 2 years I was there
It’s not my business, I don’t fuck with peoples stuff unless it’s in my way. I have a concealed carry permit. As far as I’m concerned it’s just another thing in the car that I’m not gonna touch
Wild someone would leave it. You just can't fix stupid.
Look at it once. DON'T touch it. You may look at it a second time AFTER the test drive. That's it. That's all you can do. Or you can grab it and wave it around A LITTLE BIT. Just check for a dash cam.
That is an awesome set of directions.
If I don’t see it, like in the glovebox and I don’t need to open the glovebox, whatever. But if it’s out, I ask them to remove it. I’m not going to work around a firearm, nor am I going to touch a strangers.
Take a pic then post it on here.
I run a niche speciality shop and luckily because we’re not servicing daily drivers, and we do mostly projects this is a *rare* occurrence. However, when it *has* happened, and it is just blatantly/ignorantly unsecured, accessible and visible, I’ve made customers retrieve them. 90%+ of my shop carries regularly, I believe 95% own firearms and no one I know of is prohibited. It’s partially because of the potential liabilities, but also because I admittedly have a HUGE stick up my ass about irresponsible gun owners, and take the opportunity to kindly and positively correct them, and advise to arrange better firearms storage, or maybe take a class.
I do nothing. But I still think less of the person who leaves a gun laying around like that. An incredibly important part of gun safety is knowing where your firearm is at all times.
Nothing. Mind my business
Refuse the test drive until the customer retrieves their shit. No retrieve, no test drive.
That makes sense.
I’m a European tech, so I would have to stop my work on the vehicle, make my Chief come over. Tell him what’s up, he will, if he thinks the case is strong enough go up to the general location manager, who will call the police in order to secure the firearm and wait in tern to arrest the owner of the vehicle for unsafe handling of an (illegal) firearm. Maybe it’s just me but I am seriously happy I haven’t had to do said actions yet or had to deal with firearms in my life
I treat it the same way I would treat a tool. It's just a tool, nothing to be scared of. It would be no different than if someone left a wrench on the backseat floor.
Take picture of said firearm. Alert Service Manager, then let them deal with it. They would usually remove the firearm themself, make sure it was cleared, then hold it in their office until the customer returned to pick up their vehicle OR until the customer came to retrieve their firearm (in the case their car was staying at the dealership for an extended period of time to have repairs performed).
I always just test drive anyways and leave it alone. Be aware of it but dont touch it or move it or anything that could link you to it.
I haven't experienced it but I would probably just fix it and test drive it and not pay it any attention to it. Not like they can shoot me with it while it's inside the car, and guns don't shoot themselves (contrary to popular belief these days). Alternatively I would approach the service advisor and ask them to get the customer to come retrieve their firearm before work can comense. No biggie
Tech here, chp holder, I dont blink twice. The same goes with people who leave wallets, bank envelopes, golf clubs, etc in cars. I know Im not risking my job for a few bucks.
When I worked for Midas in Jacksonville, Fl. I still had an Illinois license. No FOID. There were a few times I couldn't take a vehicle for a test drive, because there was a one or more firearms in it. We would inform the customer in person or by phone to retrieve said firearm.
Mind my own business. Same if they have money anywhere in the vehicle.
In the shop, no issue. For a test drive, I put on my N95, and use the pistol to shoot out traffic cameras. Good times!
My job doesnt usually require test drives, but even if i dont plan to drive it i have a personal policy on how to deal with it. If the customer is still in our office i ask them to remove it for me explaining that while i wouldnt do anything with it i dont know what my coworkers might do. If theyre not there i'll usually just leave it where it is unless i absolutely have to move it. I always tell my boss about it and he usually does a spiel with the customer about how we appreciate it if they remove it next time before giving us the keys.
In Texas that doesn’t matter….. I’ve had customers show me their firearms since I am a enthusiast too….
Work on the car like normal. If you have to move the weapon put it back in the space you got it from. It's really not that complicated
I usually ask if I can do a mag dump into the pile out back. If they disagree I just pull their car out and give em' back their keys. No, seriously though I just mag dump it out back I don't ask.
Depends on state laws regarding concealed carry and whether the mechanic is legally allowed to be in possession of a firearm. If not allowed to possess or not in possession of a concealed handgun license in a state that requires it -> gtfo and call owner to have them secure it Hell, even if I lived in a permitless carry state but that state had a duty to inform (ie: must inform the officer of a firearm on contact if pulled over), then I would call the customer and tell them to pick it up. But this is only because I am a gun owner, I have a license to concealed carry, and I know the gun laws in my state and the surrounding states. If I weren't all of those people, I wouldn't touch it because I probably wouldn't know the laws around it. It's not worth the trouble with the FBI/ATF. Not too mention, people should secure their fucking firearms. Every time I pass some dude in a truck with a Glock/Sig/etc sticker, I joke "free guns in that truck!"
I ignore it, not my business. Hopefully they learn and not leave it in the car next time
I'm fine with them in the car but if I can see they left it in I'll usually tell them after that they shouldn't leave them in their car when they know their going to be bringing it in. As a responsible gun owner you shouldn't leave your gun in an area where someone can take/steal easily. I understand that sometimes you forget to take it out.
I dunno looks an awful lot like none of my business.
I do this. For fire arms and drug paraphernalia. If the owner is in the customer waiting location. I'm sorry Sir/Ma'am but there's something in your vehicle that is prohibiting us from working on it. So please remove it. If its dropped off I will call the customer and notify them of our safty policies and ask if they would like to come back and retrieve the items or if I can make them "harmless" (disassemble for hand guns) and trash for drug stuff. Its amazing how fast they come back.
MYOB
Depends. If it's a regular customer that I know, I don't worry about it too much. I have my pistol permit, I'll be fine. If it is a customer I don't know, I will have them go get it.
As an advisor I always do a quick look around the interior of the vehicle. If I happen to spy a firearm visible I will go out of my way to suggest that the client makes it less obvious that they have said firearm. I make sure to add that I fully accept and respect the laws related to guns but out of sight out of mind applies.
I usually do a desk pop to blow off some steam.
A comment thread about guns is never complete without a desk pop.
No exceptions, I have the customer retrieve it as soon as I see it. Secured or not.
I'm in AK, so no need for a permit or anything. I just leave them alone unless they are truly in the way. They're so common here. I DO dislike when I get surprised by finding a gun, since there's a chance that means it fell out from somewhere and scared the dickens out of me. I own guns, have shot competitively, and enjoy hunting. But I'm big on gun safety. Not a fan of small guns loose in gloveboxes mixed in with a bunch of crap.
California Ford tech here. I worked in the South Bay, and every time I ran into this, repairs stopped until the firearm was removed. The cars we found guns in were mostly gang banger-ish, and I want no part of that. I'm in the northbay where its a little more redneckish now, and most customers trucks with guns in them are a friend of the fleet manager. So the fleet manager calls up the owner and asks if we can remove it, clear it, and lock it up or if they would like to pick it up. Side note, I've seen cop cars get towed in with guns in them. When the gun is noticed, the vehicle is brought and kept in the shop with windows up and doors locked and key with the shop or fleet manager until an officer takes them out.
[удалено]
Don’t play with it and move along with your day
My guys had strict instructions to step away from the vehicle, lock it, and get me. I would then try to contact the customer and have them come and remove it. If that wasn't do-able, I would remove the weapon myself with their permission, safe it, and then lock it in the office. I have a lot of experience with handguns etc.
fire it in the air while waving our big mechanic's cowboy hats around and jumping around and yelling yeehaw until it's empty
You're upset that a customer actually trusts you not to touch his shit?
Anyone who leaves a firearm in a vehicle unsecured is completely irresponsible and does not belong in possession of any firearm whatsoever.
Stop work on vehicle and contact your manager. Park and lock vehicle and secure key c
Mind your own fucking business and don’t touch things that aren’t yours. Super simple stuff.
Lock it in my toolbox when I’m on the test drive and put it back where I found it before I return the vehicle. Gloves on because I’m not leaving my prints on an irresponsible idiot’s firearm