Christmas shopping for the outdoorsman may be a little different this year.
Dick's Sporting Goods has suspended sales of semi-automatic weapons at its stores following the , according to a report from CNN.
The chain includes 511 stores in 44 states, and posted this message to its web site:
We are extremely saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, CT, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and to the entire community.
Out of respect for the victims and their families, during this time of national mourning we have removed all guns from sale and from display in our store nearest to Newtown and suspended the sale of modern sporting rifles in all of our stores chainwide.
We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible tragedy.
A search of the Dick's Sporting Goods web site for “semi-automatic rifles” produced a handful of paintball guns, but no lethal weapons. A search for “modern sporting rifles” turned up no results.
According to the company’s web site, the chain has 511 stores in 44 states. It’s unclear how long the suspension will last.
Patch left a message with the communications department, but did not receive a reply as of press time.
WalMart
Walmart pulled a Bushmaster rifle from its shelves, according to the Nation.
It’s unclear if the chain suspended sales of any other sporting rifles. Searches for “modern sporting rifle,” semi-automatic rifle,” and “bushmaster” displayed guns for sale in stores only. But when checked for availability, all showed as "out of stock."
Patch also left a message with Walmart’s media, but did not receive a comment as of press time.
Big Five Sporting Goods
A search for “modern sporting rifles” turned up two results for single gauge shot guns; a search for “semi-automatic rifles” produces half a dozen results for, but notes that the guns will only be sold to buys 18-years-of-age, or older.
Patch left a message with a spokesperson at Big Five, but did not receive a comment as of press time.
Do you think the suspension of gun sales at national chains will help prevent future tragedies?
You have got to be kidding? Repeal the 2nd Amendment. That is simply a stupid Statement. That comment {question} is not even thoughtful or responsible. Great Americans built this country and protect our Bill of Rights and the US Constitution Amendments.
If all of the posts were of the "Smaller King County Road Crews May Mean Slower Snow/Ice Response" type (just picking one at random from the front page of the Woodinville Patch), it would be hard to get people coming back to launch more insults at each other (and, hopefully, click on an add now and then). We can at least be honest about that, right? In my opinion, debates about politics, religion, gun control, abortion and other hot-topic issues on public forums like this aren't part of the solution -- they are part of the problem. They mainly serve to further polarize already inflamed passions, and nobody is convinced by the "charming" rhetorical strategies generally employed here (and on other, similar, forums). But they do keep us coming back for more...
Hats off to you Dexterjibs, you have achieved a new "low".
Its up to responsible citizens to fight for restictions on semi-auto assault weapons and extended mags. Its up to responsible citizens for close loopholes for immediate purchase of any firearms. Its up to us collectively to make sure that mental health funding is not cut to the extentent that states have allowed recently. Dexterjibs, what will you do to help?
Give me a suggestion that might make it stop.
We don't make money directly off comments. However, we do try to brand ourselves as a community forum, and comments from active and engaged persons as yourself to tend to help bolster that reputation. Advertisers aren't necessarily interested in that, they tend to be more interested in the volume of visitors to the site — which is a typical metric used to set online ad rates. But lots of comments doesn't necessarily hurt that, either.
Find a permanent new home away from the United States. 4 hours north Kathleen, Canada welcomes your liberal views.
Somebody help Gary back to his home please.
HOW does anybody think "gun collection" will go down? I spent $3000 on my tool for defending my home and I am going to "GIVE" it back to you for free all on my own? We're asking for a civil war here folks...and frankly...I'm pretty frickin glad I am on the side with all the guns and ammo and large capacity military-grade magazines!!!! :) 'Merica!
On Dick's website it says - GUNS & AMMUNITION - SOLD IN-STORE ONLY. That's why your search came up with no results. Not because Dick's has stopped selling "semi-automatic rifles" or "modern sporting rifles".
There needs to be better gun education in this country. All people should at least have a passing familiarity with the basic workings of guns. We also need much, much better regulation that needs to be the same in every state. We also need much more focus on our mental health system to make sure that the people that need help have access to it and can get it. None of the above will ultimately solve the problems that made Newton possible, but it will go along way to bringing each side closer to an understanding instead of just yelling at each other and name calling and we can hopefully cut down on the incidents like we've had in the past few months. If we continue to polarize each side the conversation dies and more people die in the end.