Did my eyes deceive me or was he wearing a side arm in his shop and in the limo afterwards ?? I know the 2nd amendment and all that but I didn't think they could wear them openly ? Don't matter to me one way or t'other, maybe one of our American friends could enlighten me ?

He certainly had a gun.
If I was Phillip I certainly wouldn't hug my dad if he kept a gun in his pocket, and if I had to I'd at least be wearing a cup at all times.

Only in America.

He runs a pawn shop so there's probably a risk of theft, explaining why he needs to pack a shooter that would grace John Wayne.