[papertyger]

It is unfathomable in my mind it was not posted “No Loaded Firearms”.

I'm not saying it wasn't, but is it unfathomable that the person could be funneled into the entrance area BEFORE any such posting could be seen, and thus "forced" into the challenge from a guard?

[Jack Hydrazine]

Here is a pic of sign you will see at many gun shows. This one is at a CT gun show.



It doesn't get any more plain and simple as this.

[BipolarBob]

thus "forced" into the challenge from a guard?

Yes, you are correct. You've never been to a gun show. Everyone is "forced" into a challenge from a guard. All firearms are shown to be empty. And as an added precaution most are wire tying (plastic) actions open or hammers back.