LAYTON, Utah -- There was a slight delay during a tour for state legislators of a local petroleum refinery so four of the lawmakers' concealed guns could be put away for safe keeping.

Tour buses carrying the lawmakers pulled over at the gate of the Chevron refinery so the men could unholster and lock up their guns.

"It was one of those 'only in Utah' experiences," said Rep. Roz McGee, who, along with everyone else, watched from the bus.

Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, and Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, turned their handguns (one from an ankle holster) over to National Rifle Association lobbyist Clark Aposhian, who stored them in his car until the tour was finished. The refinery doesn't allow weapons on the premises.

Oda, who regularly sponsors guns-rights legislation, acknowledged that the prearranged stop to stow their handguns was meant to make a point: "If we have to find ways to carry our guns, we'll find them," he said.

Some lawmakers thought the hand off was inconsiderate, delaying a tour they all knew in advance would stop at sensitive security sites, including Hill Air Force Base.

"Are they paranoid or whatfi" asked Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay.

But the lawmakers were adamant about making their point.

"I didn't want to be without protection all day," said Madsen, a gun rights advocate.

Wimmer, who is also a police officer, said, "I would sooner leave home without my pants than my gun."

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D4.