Discussion on Official Carrying your blaster in public thread within the Boba Fett Costume forum, part of the Star Wars Original Trilogy Bounty Hunters category; just wondering if any fetts out there have encountered any
just wondering if any fetts out there have encountered any problems with your rifle in public.have you ever been stopped or warned by law enforcement/mall security about your rifle?
im planning to have my fett ready for this years halloween parade in NYC.i think it would be a wonderfull place to debut mt fett.the parade will be within walking distance from my apartment.im positive after september 11th law enforcement isnt going to care for my ESB rifle in public...
It is a hit or miss depending on the event staff and your local police department. At Dragon Con we were told REPEATEDLY that we could not have our blasters out during the parade. That the police would beat us with canes if we did.
What happened 2 seconds into the parade? Every blaster was out, the crowds were chearing, the police were running up for pictures with us, the staff loved us. Go fig.
Rewind to Atlanta Comic Con. Cop practically flew through the air to get to me about a replica weapon. When he found out it was fake he just found something else to nail me on, my helmet. Something about an adults with masks rule. It took the con organizer to get him to back down.
All I can say is to check with the organizers. Just remember if you say "Can I carry my gun?" they will always say no. I always word it as, "I have a toy ray pistol as a part of my costume, is that ok?" Seems to hit the PC nerve much softer.
The Empire City Garrison marches in the NYC Halloween parade every year. I BELIEVE they carry their guns.
It's really hit or miss. As jedireject said we were told for weeks that there would be very strict rules about weapons at Dragon Con but just as in years past we carried them throughout the weekend with no problems. I've been to a few malls that wouldn't allow you to wear helmets inside(sucked) so I didn't even try to take the rifle. You really have to use your own best judgement.
Me and friends were stopped once when we were playing with toy guns in a parking lot, they were purple flint lock plastic suction cup guns from the stupid dollar store. Then there was the time I went to the Wizards world comic con, I had my real Webley with me, no one said a thing about it. I would think that if it is a holiday or a well known event, that it would be accepted that you are carrying around part of a costume. Now, if you decided to get dressed up one day for a parade of your own in the middle of January
East Lansing police rolled up next to me and Mr Fett when we were walking down the street for a local event.
The police woman told him to put the gun away or, and I quote,
"If someone calls and complains, I'll have to draw my gun on you and I don't want to have to shoot you."
A friend got it all on video.
lol @ sandgirl
I've been to Michigan . . . I've had a police escort out of Detroit actually . . . those cops were probably serious! hehehe
Bottom line is, I think a little common sense goes a long way as said above. If you're at a con or a halloween party, you're probably going to be okay. But, don't go driving down to DragonCon with your webley sitting on the seat next to you and just don't go brandishing it anywhere where it's out of place. You have to remember, that there are people that won't have a clue who you are, and they'll be scared. I mean, all of us would just EXPECT to see a stormtrooper with a gun. Seeing one without is just wrong. But, if you've never seen one before AND this person/thing is coming at you with a gun, there's probably going to be trouble!hehe
Jer
sweet!!! maybe ill run into them this year
webchief wrote:
The Empire City Garrison marches in the NYC Halloween parade every year. I BELIEVE they carry their guns.
Dig the sig Boba Freekk, right to the point
I've never had a problem here in Vegas with the gun either. Just use common sense. And it's best if you're with a group of other costumers, sort of becomes a big package and guns are part of it. If you're by yourself and you need to take it from point A to point B it's best to cover it with something.
At SDCC02 I carried it to and from the con in a large con bag. They peace-tied the guns to our costumes there but that was another heightened security deal. The sec. officer that grabbed me was nice and allowed me to tell him how I'd like it tied so that I could still carry it at the waist properly. Kim wasn't so lucky with her Zam rifle though.
Personally I would go with the suggestion of noting to the organizers or officials that you have a ray gun and that it's part of your costume. Emphasize that it's plastic and could never work. Doesn't matter that it looks lethal, it's still the truth
Bottom line, use common sense. If you're by yourself and carrying a large menacing rifle, especially with a scope!, be prepared to raise some eyebrows.
Phil
Just thought I'd post this for any UK Fetts
Holding of replica guns in public to be banned
9:23pm Wednesday, 08th January 2003
The Home Secretary has announced the carrying of replica guns and air weapons in public will be banned.
David Blunkett says legislation will be introduced to ban anyone carrying a replica or air weapon "in a public place without a good reason".
The age limit for acquiring and using an air weapon without adult supervision will be increased from 14 to 17, Mr Blunkett said.
The Home Office said the ban would cover anything that looked like a firearm, not just those capable of conversion to live ammunition.
In theory that could see people being arrested for carrying a child's toy or a gun-shaped cigarette lighter if they did not have a "reasonable excuse".
A Home Office spokeswoman said arrests would be down to police officers using their discretion.
The spokeswoman said: "It's about anything that can be mistaken for a firearm. It would come down to the proper use of police officer or judicial discretion and the laws will have to be implemented sensibly by police.
"If someone is waving a cigarette lighter shaped like a firearm at police officers then that is very different from it being used to light a cigarette in a pub."
The Home Office is also looking at a ban on the sale, manufacture and import of weapons, including certain models of Brocock, which can be readily converted to fire live ammunition.
In London, 75% of guns seized are converted imitations or converted blank firers.
Senior officers say many offences recorded as gun crime are carried out with replicas.
So where do we stand with a ROTJ Rifle
Fett-UK
Sounds like if you carry a Fett rifle in England, a bobby will beat you down!
I'm amazed they haven't made us paint the end of our Fett rifles ORANGE like toys guns sold in stores. I'm sure it's coming though...
I left the orange plastic tips on my Jango Blasters and still Mall security made me put them away. I never pulled them out of the holsters in the first place. I had to hide them in my younger sons baby stroller and cover them up with a blanket. Thats what it exactly took to get them off my back! I guess a Fett really does look menacing and Bada$$ because 3 guards approached me like I was going to cause trouble or something.
I've always felt on this to treat
your prop as if it was a real gun.
If I'm in costume and out in public , I carry it by its handle.
When transporting it by car I keep it in the trunk.
If I'm in my normal clothes I carry it by its barrel or stock.
Either way it is less provocative and less likely to be perceived that I'm ready to use it or that it is a real gun.
I have been lucky that any time I have worn it out in public
I have NEVER been hassled by police for carring it .
We of the So. Calif . Garrison have been out trooping
at the HUGE West Hollywood Halloween carnival
quite a few times and always been treated by the local PD
with open arms , and most of the time THEY would come up to us wanting to get pics of & with us.
A highlight for me was getting to be up on a motorcycle PD's bike IN FULL FETT !! I had my blaster out in one hand firing up over the front windshield .
Luckily for me a friend had his camera
and I got pics from the event
WHAT A RUSH !!
But remember non fans might think what your carrying is real.
If it is an organized outdoors event ask the organizer if its OK to bring your blasters.
Each year we do the city of hope children's cancer ward picnic
in Griffith park here in Los Angeles.
The leaders of the event ask us NOT to bring out blasters
because the event is held in a public park.
Besides the kids don't seem to care , and seeing them smile and laugh for one day to forget what they have to fight every other day is whats it all about.
Max
True story...
I wore my Fett costume for the first time to the premiere of Episode I - TPM (the day AFTER the midnight showings). I got to the theater early in the afternoon, before the night crowds got there. A friend took pictures of me in front of the theater in different poses.
Then a security guard walked over (looked like Scatman Crothers) and told me that just to be safe, I should probably put the rifle back in the car. I understood, and hid the rifle away.
A couple hours later, right before the doors opened, after havind dozens of people take pictures, mock-fight, etc, the guard came back and smiled,
"You know, go ahead and get the gun again. It IS pretty cool..."
I ended up being 'usher' for the evening premiere, rifle and all.
True story.
I made my massive BF blaster so that I can remove the barrel for transport, just to help keep it hidden until I felt that it would be acceptable to reveal it.
I was once doing an appearance for a blockbuster right after Ep 2 came out on video and I was with a Vader and 3 stormtroopers. When we walked over to the McDonalds next door for some food, someone must have thought we had reall guns because a cop came and just told us to be careful. Turns out one of his fellow officers is with the 501st and wears his stormtrooper armor to the station on Halloween, so he didnt really give us a hard time or anything.
The 501st is creeping up on the Freemasons... Soon they will hold the secrets of the universe.
crisisfilms wrote:
Turns out one of his fellow officers is with the 501st and wears his stormtrooper armor to the station on Halloween, so he didnt really give us a hard time or anything.
Regards,
OK
===
Carrying a blaster (or for that matter any weapon look-a-like) is common sense.
As already posted here in the UK carrying anything that looks like a weapon could land you in the local nick or surrounded by armed police so you just have to be smart.
DON'T draw a blaster and point it at people.
DO check your ticket, often events print restrictions regarding weapons on the back.
IF you have to walk any real distance from your car/hotel to the event carry your weapons in a bag. DON'T go running around the streets with weapons drawn.
DO go up to security at the event and say "Just thought I'd let you know. I've got this toy gun, it isn't real and I can't hurt anyone with it" (You might think it's obvious but there's always one old woman that thinks its real!)
IF security want to peace-bond it to its holster, let them. At least you still get to carry it. Much better then having an empty holster!
That should about cover it.
Oh! And on a similar vein always remember to take your helmet off when going into a shop! Fett/Mandalore armour (and other such costumes) are intimidating and whilst many people are familiar with Star Wars, few shop owners would expect to see a character come through the door!
That is good advice, although I do not agree with the helmet one, you should not have to show your face to anyone you dont want to, they can ask you to leave, and thats fine. but I draw the line when people tell me how to dress, unless its the police or something.
Many shops in the UK will not serve people who have helmets on. This is due to thieves wearing motorcycle helmets during robberies to hide their faces. Add to this the possability that your carrying a prop weapon and... listen out for the police sirens! It might not happen but I for one am not going to take the risk! People will see the gun and helmet before they realise it's a costume.Originally Posted by cal196
We did a pediatrics ward visit at Walter Reed Army Medical Center last weekend. The hospital is located inside a secure Army base in Washington D.C. Besides the concern of getting 10 civilians through the gate with their vehicles, I was really worried about weapons. It turned out that we had absolutely no problems. The gate guards and the hospital military staff were all very enthusiastic about the whole thing. Go figure.
Not exactly Star Wars related, but last Halloween me and the wife went out as Freddy vs Jason. I was Jason. I had a full costume on, made kids cry and all. The cops in my town KNEW it was me, and I even had a cop pull up and chit chat with us. He never said a word about the machete replica I had, nor my wife's (as Freddy Krueger) finger blades. They know me well enough in town to know I'm not going to be chopping up teenagers.... or do they? heh heh heh.
But I can see all your points. Just use common sense, is all. Granted, I went out on Halloween night, me, my wife, and our youngest daughter. If I walked around the town at night fully dressed as Jason say, in the middle of April, I might be stopped.
Here in Australia,we have some VERY strict gun laws since some loser shot up a bunch of ppl in Tasmania,so my ee-3 rotj barrel slides off the gun,and I cut off the trigger(makes my finger fit it there with the gloves on pretty well too).
If a cop seems like he's going to hassle me,I just hold out the gun in both hands in front of me,like I'm offering it up for inspection.That seems to chill 'em out.....and Aussie coppers are a trigger-happy bunch of lads and lasses,too.......
I use a home-made "orange blaze" plug sometimes,also.
I have a deaf buddie who carries a laminated card on him,when he's in costume,that says "This is a plastic toy,cannot fire,makes no noise,for costuming only"seems to work ok.
<<< FROM New Zealand...
Hi I work with firearms on occasion for films etc wether they are Deactivated props, or firing blank ammunition etc we ALWAYS make a point to ring our local Police headquarters and tell them exactly what we are doing and most importantly ask for an "EVENT NUMBER" which will reference you, your activites, your location and any other pertinant details
such as Firearms or drivers licences...
So if a freaky kook sees you and cries TERRORIST!!!!
to the police the police already know whats up and whos where doing what and why....
Always make a note of who you talked to at the police station: The officers name, Badge number, date and time and of course most important : the event number.
This will help if an officer just approaches you randomly and not from a call out.
You can quickly produce credentials and look like a proffesional thoughtfull individual and avoid lots of silly sounding explanations.
Any call made from said freaked out kook to police will be duly noted and filed against this event number.
The individual caller will be placated and an officer will only be sent out if the occasion calls for it.
Procedure will differ in your own nations so investigate ahead of time so u know what the catch is.
This procedure i have described will be particularly pertinant in U.K for this new bill regarding carrying fake weapons (and therin certain exceptions)
And most certainly in the U.S (kick a towelhead for George dubya)
Remember... in any nation the average joe is irrationally terrified of guns and cant distinguish between a slide action or a revolver or for that matter a Blastech EE-3.
They see a black tube (like on a vacum cleaner) and s*** their pants.
Man fears what he does not understand, it is natural so it is in everybodies interest to inform and educate and show them all that we are not the kooks.
I hope i have been of help.
the only way you can carry a gun in the UK...is if ur a drug dealer or a bank robber etc.........but if your a kid with a toy gun or walking to the pub with your pool Q in its case the police will take you down hard.......................
I went my local Burger King, Taco Bell and Wal-Mart with my weapons, of corse the retarded BK people wouldnt talk to me,etc. They all came to the front to see me and why evryone stopped doing their jobs, but not one said "cool costume,nice guns,etc."
But anyway I get suited up in BK's parking lot, and walk in, stand in line for a while, get up to the counter and put my rifle on the counter and ask "For a BK chicken sadnwich with extra a extra ranch and bacon." Needless to say, I dount think they knew what they had coming when they didnt give me my ranches.....
So then I was off to Taco Bell, as soon as I walk in, the teenage frat boys hassle me and I keep walking so then Im titled " Deaf man walking" So I get up to the counter and the lady freak out, and it actualy frightened me, and it ends up her boyfriend likes Star Wars and she wanted a picture.
So I walked across the parking lot to the mall, it was opening day for ROTS and I told the manager I was an aspiring 501st member, so I thought Id try my first event so he was realy excited, as was his distrect manger, who actualy traveled 45 miles just to come and see me.
But before it was time for me to come, I went down and walked by all the shops, and finaly went in to the shoe store "Looking for a pair of Pf-229 Mandalore war boots" into which the guy helpinging me started yelling "ITS A MANDALORIAN, A REALY MANDO!" so he wanted a picture, and I went by the Rent-A-Center looking to rent a T-29 A Class Skyhopper, and the guy started a converstaion with me asking about my Jango Fett (Jodo Kast) costume, if he could buy one, etc and finaly getting down to the movie theater, only to find a ton of obese guys with Star Trek hats on.
So the moral of the story is, dont aim at people with your gun.
When i was 9, I had an Orange Han Solo toy gun. i was outside playing with it and an officer happened to be out there (gee, what are the odds?) and he knew it was only a toy. probably cuz it was orange
For going out, I painted the tip of mine orange. Once I put it all back on the mannequin, or in the china cabinet, I will paint it black again. Wow. My 500th post.
I'm wearing mine to Sixth Street in Austin on Halloween this year. It's always a cop-heavy event, but we've been doing it since 1999 with no problems; however, I've made an ESB blaster and it looks a bit...I don't know. What they do is check "weapons" and put a colored sticker on the barrel. I had a friend who went as Padme (in arena clothes with the droid blaster) and they took her blaster away!!! Her freaking plastic droid blaster! So it's always hit and miss, and their attitude seems to vary from year to year.
All I can say is hope for the best and plan for the worst carrying a blaster in public.
As a quickie to this thread, and being my first, sorry if my reply is outdated or otherwise covered. In Finland where I live, carrying any item (however unlikely) that would be considered as a weapon is illegal. This includes airsoft guns, baseball bats, swords and to the extreme, broomhandles, if they are carried in 'ready to use' form. This legistlation has propably been forced a bit harder in here, as about a year ago, some idiot with serious problems attacked a totally innocent bystander, in the subway, using conceiled axe. The victim died on route to the E.R. Otherwise the legistlation regarding to firearms is pretty strick here, and all firearms must be cleared with the police. The airsoft market has arrived here, about ten years ago or so, and as they are made as close to the original, they do cause problems with the local authorities, and thus (after some trouble with airsoft weapons, involving death) carrying them in public is illegal, even if they are not lethal. A friend of mine, a senior police officer told that after the legistlation was passed, they had confiscated a number of semi and full automatic weapons that were carried in the open. All of these, of course, were airsoft weapons. Nevertheless, it was lucky that the people carrying these 'toy' weapons had half a brain, and no incident was caused. The local police was serious enough, they ordered the group to the ground at gunpoint, with realdeal weapons, cocked and ready to use. And please note that the police in here are not paranoid, gunhappy idiots. Even if this sounds too impossible to be true, read between the lines. This was true. And coming to the point I'm trying to make, please, please! ALLWAYS take the time to call the local authorities, and ask them if there would be any objections on you carrying a non-working toy weapon with you in public. As I'm just finishing my rotj ee-3 blaster, I am going to be VERY carefull in handling and carrying it, in public or otherwise. The point in this being that it is fully functional airsoft weapon that should ALLWAYS be treated as dangerous weapon. I am not letting even my closest friends touch it if I'm not absolutely sure it is unloaded and has no gas inside. AND even then, the safety is on. I'm not even gonna tell anyone where the safety is, for that matter. This may seem as over precaution, but hey, tell me, do you REALLY want to risk losing your weapon for some silly pointless incident. I do not, so I plan to deal the weapon as a REAL weapon, with every conceivable safety issues involved. Thanks for the articles, by the way. I doubt I could have completed my blaster without this site.
i no that in britain u still shouldnt even carry a rifle or gun concealed in a bag as a few years ago the police were caled when some dude was seen carrying a table/chair leg in a bin bag. The armed police arrived and shot the dude when he raised it....
I've always noticed that if you're a Stormtrooper with a blaster, you're okay, but if you're Fett with your huge rifle, people are a little worried about you. Now if you're Fett with a bunch of Stormtroopers, you've got nothing to worry about.
That seems reasonable, Fett is more intimidating than a regular stormtrooper (well, that's easy to explain, how many times Fett missed a shot? Compare with stormtroopers. No, do not consider prosents [% how's that spelled]) As I have Aikido in my life, carrying concealed practice weapons to training and home seems a bit difficult. If the weapon's bag reveals it's content, is it illegal. The best that my fellow trainers with sharp Iaido swords have found is floorball or other small hockey bags where no-one can see what you are carrying. You still have to ansver to questions regarding broken blades on your floorboard and hockey stricks, somehow people are capable of detecting this. But, to the point again, DO contact your local police authorities regarding your purpose, and point out that is is a toy replica you are carrying. A while ago, a friend of mine, told that they were stopped by police for carrying a weapon in their car. This open topped jeep carried my friends, and their paintball weapons. The weapons were thrown on the backseat (the guys had a huge hangover, and did not think any better). Well, after they explained things to the police officers, they could go. Some old lady had spotted their paintball weapons and got frightened as she mistook them as real weapons and called the police. You can get yourself out of trouble by talking, but it is best to avoid the troubles in the beginning..
Yeah, you're right about Fett being more intimidating. Kids normally stand a little farther back when they see me in Boba, and kids are more likey to hide behind their parents when they see the T-Visor.
TK's are also more well known. When someone sees a stormtrooper they think "look, that Star Wars guy has his space gun". When they see Fett, they might think "that maniac dressed like a power ranger is waving around a gun!"
Hey all, I read most of the replies here. Most were really good.
Having many friends in law enforcement both local and "big time". I feel like putting in my two cents.
The thing we need to remember when we are out in gear is 'Use common sense".
Belive it or not there are some people who have no idea who Star wars characters are. And some who don't care. I know, hard to imagine. I have a friend like that. So one might be walking up to someone who just doesn't get it. Also we are usually around kids. This simple fact can freak parents out, and rightly so. Especailly if it is not at a function. Like walking down the street, in a fast food restaurant.
We need to remember that WE know are intentions are harmless, but no one else does.
When going into places like stores, restaurants etc unanounced it can lead to problems. We are putting the owners/managers of these places at risk. They are responsible for anything that may happen. Its better to clear it with them first. They may not want the attention, it's their right.
And above all else, when approached by law enforcement, don't give them a hassle! They have tough jobs and have to play it safe. Yes some have atthority issues and like to push people around. They are faced with deciding between making the "safe" choice and having something bad happen. Imagine the results if they didn't stop someone with a fett blaster which turned out to be a real gun and they shot someone. They are only doing their job. If WE relax and put them at ease they usually relax. Let them see the prop.
I know when I head out I'm gonna make a removable orange cap for the end of the barrel. That way when I'm at the funtion I can pop it off and putt it back on when I leave.
Always play it safe.
Just my opinion,
D
yeah, I think fett's are more intimidating because they're the two characters that don't really have a face on their helmets.
I agree with this statement. Working for an agency, you would not believe what we run in to. I cannot give too many details, but there are real guns floating out there that are intentially made out of "plastic" and funky colors to look like toys.Hey all, I read most of the replies here. Most were really good.
Having many friends in law enforcement both local and "big time". I feel like putting in my two cents.
The thing we need to remember when we are out in gear is 'Use common sense".
Belive it or not there are some people who have no idea who Star wars characters are. And some who don't care. I know, hard to imagine. I have a friend like that. So one might be walking up to someone who just doesn't get it. Also we are usually around kids. This simple fact can freak parents out, and rightly so. Especailly if it is not at a function. Like walking down the street, in a fast food restaurant.
We need to remember that WE know are intentions are harmless, but no one else does.
When going into places like stores, restaurants etc unanounced it can lead to problems. We are putting the owners/managers of these places at risk. They are responsible for anything that may happen. Its better to clear it with them first. They may not want the attention, it's their right.
And above all else, when approached by law enforcement, don't give them a hassle! They have tough jobs and have to play it safe. Yes some have atthority issues and like to push people around. They are faced with deciding between making the "safe" choice and having something bad happen. Imagine the results if they didn't stop someone with a fett blaster which turned out to be a real gun and they shot someone. They are only doing their job. If WE relax and put them at ease they usually relax. Let them see the prop.
I know when I head out I'm gonna make a removable orange cap for the end of the barrel. That way when I'm at the funtion I can pop it off and putt it back on when I leave.
Always play it safe.
Just my opinion,
D
With heightened security nowdays, everyone is being especially vigilent with masked people in a high profile public place carrying any type of possible "weapons."
I admit, some officers do get alittle too excited at certian situations, but to make things easier on you just go along with the program.
Just my opinion...
I've finished the first version of my custom armor, and I've taken to wearing it in public on a daily basis. I haven't had any problems yet, simply because I took the time to go to the police station (and the main sheriff's office) with the armor and weapons in a bin, and met with a senior officer (the police chief, and the guy who reports directly to the head honcho at the sheriff's office, IDK what they're called over there) at both places, and showed them all of my stuff, from the blasters to the armor to the fabric pieces. I now have an actual photo ID that I can show any police officer or sheriff that basically gets them to leave me alone, no questions asked. Between that, and the fact that I'm a common sight riding around town on my repainted motorcycle (that matches the armor that I wear while riding it), I haven't had anyone say anything to me yet.
I don't know how well it would work for some larger cities with multiple police districts, each with their own rules and sanctions regarding this kind of stuff, but it worked fine for me.
how bit a town do you live in? i know in my city we've got so many different police officers that would never work!
Fairly large, but there's only one main police station, and the card is just a type of ID card that they issue. A lot of people here in town like to do Anime costuming, so seeing someone walking around with, say, a claymore isn't a big deal (yeah, that's also me. Same for the Master Sword, Buster Sword, gunblade, etc.)
but really, how hard would it be to find a perp running around as Fett? kinda sticks out, kind of a stupid thing like jurrasic park 2 where they was aking how they were gonna find the T-Rex in Los Angeles, it's kind of obvious
I have never had a problem with my blaster in public. I even walked past an officer one time and he just smiled and nodded. Of course, that may be because we have a good ol' open carry law in Arizona.
At the EpII opening night I had my MR ANH Solo blaster with me to kinda show it off, and I asked the people working at the theater if I could bring it in and they freaked out. I showed them that the barrel was scealed shut but they did not really care. Once I finish my Multicam Fett, Im going to be taking the blaster rifle with me everywhere since its going to be multicam too.
Great thread full of valuable info. I know it's been awhile since anyone has posted, but I just wanted to share a story. Three TKs and myself decided to do a bit of random trooping the other night. By the time we were ready to go, it was about 9:00pm. So the only thing open in the immediate area was a Target department store that is connected to a local mall. (The rest of the mall was closed by this time) We suited up in the parking lot, and got a lot of stares and cheers. Also got a few cars that drove by multiple times. (One of which was playing the imperial march for our enjoyment.) We went in, and got some smiles and requests for pictures. We did a lap around the store and stopped for a quick look in the star wars section of the toys. We were then approached by a member of the staff, kindly asking our intentions for the evening. We replied that we meant no harm, and were just out for a stroll. She thanked us and as she left, said: "It's ok, they come in peace," into her radio. We had no interactions with the staff beyond that. Once we left, some shopping cart handlers (either teens or early 20s) approached us asking for pics. They thanked us, and mentioned something about "cops." Once we asked them to elaborate, they said a concerned patron had called the police shortly after we had entered. The cops arrived outside, and said they, "had received a call about some Star Wars guys... a Darth Vader, or something..." The employees said they told the police, "First off, it's not Darth Vader, and second, they're fine, don't worry." I got a kick out of that. We never did see the cops so I assume the store personel had turned them away. The crazy part was, we all left our blasters in the car. I had decided not to bring mine, and the TKs had followed suit. We were glad we did. So it just goes to show that even without blasters, the general public can still freak out.
Although we were fully aware what we were getting into going into a department store in goofy costumes, unannounced at 9:00 at night.
I too went on some spur of the moment trooping, it was also evening, buit it was walmart instead of target.Myself (fett) and a friend (dark sandal clad jedi) walked in to many stares and some cheers (no guns as I left my blaster and jet pack and even the rocket gauntlet home) We tooled around checking out the SW selection, sporting goods, electronics etc... We got a murderous look from some douche in sporting goods. After about an hour we decided to head out. On the way out, we were approached by the very greeter that we had walked past and waved to and were told that "we couldn't be in the store dressed like that and would have to leave" We were given no reason why. It seems to me it was probably just HER that was weirded out and decided to flaunt her "authority". Either way it seemed retarded to wait for an hour and when we were leaving anyway to boot us. This was the only incident that I wasn't well received on a random night out. I went to the mall the following weekend and EVERYone loved it, got photos, cheers, and hugs from some rather good looking women. The only time we got rejected was when I thought it'd be funny to get a photo of fett next to a Victoria's secret mannequin, the employeee got very uptight and booted us. But everyone else including the security loved it, especially when I went into the arcade and played some shooting games and DDR.
A while back i was making my EE-3 blaster and pirchased a toy revolver (as close as i could find to look the part) driving home with toy gun and peice of PVC 12 inch long pipe, stoped at lights i piced up the piping and the very obviusly toy gun but piping over barel imagining my soon to be master peice when aparently a 4wd pulled up next to me and reported man driving whilst loading gun, i might add at this point i live in Australia were there is a zero gun tollerance and a driect trip to jail for having a pistol or semi auto weponor even a replica fire arm . so low and behold a few minutes later i was bailed up by the local sqaud every car in the visinity and guns drawn ,an given the full treatment ,HANDS OUT THE WINDOW COPS PULL ME OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW ABSOLUTLLY DRILL THE S--T OUT OF ME and they did nt care why i had the kmart bought toy 4 hours latter relaesed . And every time a cop is driving behind me and thay run my plates . I get pulled over searched and aparenty its gonna keep happening ( great when my daughter is in the car) any way dont make my mistake
Was that at the Crossroads Mall? Or is there another Target attached to a mall here? Those crazy Nebraska people!
I have a wooden mandalorian sword would anyone have a problem with that?
I was going to post some insight into costuming in Vegas and the sense behind going in groups and carrying your gun in a bag while in transit to the event, but looks like I got ahead of myself...literally. Didn't realize the thread was this old
Phil
Dig the sig Boba Freekk, right to the point
I've never had a problem here in Vegas with the gun either. Just use common sense. And it's best if you're with a group of other costumers, sort of becomes a big package and guns are part of it. If you're by yourself and you need to take it from point A to point B it's best to cover it with something.
At SDCC02 I carried it to and from the con in a large con bag. They peace-tied the guns to our costumes there but that was another heightened security deal. The sec. officer that grabbed me was nice and allowed me to tell him how I'd like it tied so that I could still carry it at the waist properly. Kim wasn't so lucky with her Zam rifle though.
Personally I would go with the suggestion of noting to the organizers or officials that you have a ray gun and that it's part of your costume. Emphasize that it's plastic and could never work. Doesn't matter that it looks lethal, it's still the truth
Bottom line, use common sense. If you're by yourself and carrying a large menacing rifle, especially with a scope!, be prepared to raise some eyebrows.
Phil
I do believe if you put an orange tip on it no one will believe it is real.
Here where i live it is illegal to carry any weapon in public without an orange tip on it you know when it is in the open.
u could just paint some ducktape orange? that way you can pass it off as a toy without ruining its status as an accurate replica
i think that's the same anywhere in the US. i have yet to meet a fett with an orange tip though
yes we do...and yes we do!
BUT i would NOT suggest trooping your fett...it gets roudy and rough and sometimes people get a bit aggressive in there drunkn frenzys. Alot of us dont even troop it in armor anymore cuz it gets too rough and you can end up with damaged or missing pieces from your armor. fett, in my opinion is too detailed, complicted and expensive to risk trooping it at the NYC halloween parade. but the choice is yours!
EDIT...lord i didnt realize this thread was from 2003!LOL
arrrgs
I made a pretty decent steampunk aviatrix and spent a long time painting my Nerf Mavericks so they'd fit the bill... only to be told I had to pay to shelve them in the coat check. Irony: the entire club was decorated with Nerf guns and other similar props for this sci-fi/futures night! gah!!!! Plenty of other people had real-looking weapons too.
It is unfathomable that something looking like a Maverick could ever fire anything malicious. Luckily, the club night I like is at a different location with much cooler doorstaff and, this year, I'll hide my Boba guns on a sling under my cape just for getting in the door
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