Lafayette gun shop manager discusses new concealed carry law
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – A Lafayette gun shop manager anticipates seeing more customers who have never handled a firearm due to new law going into effect on Thursday.
Lafayette Shooters on Ambassador Caffrey has a sign that reads "concealed carry handguns in stock." The general manager, Blake Boudreaux, explained that the message is not about quantity, but quality. Boudreaux assured that his team won't be cutting corners. Their aim isn't to push gun sales. The person who walks through the door is not buying pots and pans; they're purchasing a firearm.
"Yes, it's a gun, but there are big consequences if it's mishandled," Boudreaux added.
Boudreaux emphasizes safety as the top priority at Lafayette Shooters. "Typically, when we hand over a firearm to a customer they immediately put their finger in the trigger guard right on the trigger. That's pretty much a no-no right there."
Boudreaux explains guns have always been available for purchase. The only change is concealed carry without a permit. "At any given time someone walks up to a firearm, you should always think it's loaded."
He anticipates an increase in shoppers who have never shot a firearm. "If this is something new to you, we strongly recommend that you seek training and education because it's a very big duty. It's a responsibility."
Boudreaux says it's also the responsibility of the Lafayette Shooters sales crew to be knowledgeable about the product and safety.
"If you were to walk into a gun shop and you see where it's lax like that, you get out. Don't hang around. If they're going to be lax on regulations and safety like that; and if you've got a customer looking at a gun, and you get shot?" Boudreaux explained. Boudreaux adds the shop will post on its social media and YouTube channel a sit-down discussion with the Bill's legislative author to discuss the details. Boudreaux explains the chat will be information straight from the source.