*Clarification 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18: Walmart sells ammunition but not guns in California; Dick's Sporting Goods in Murrieta does not sell guns; Big 5 in Murrieta sells handguns and some rifles. Further, a pdf of California's gun laws—by which many semi-automatic rifles are illegal—has been attached to this article.
Christmas shopping for the outdoorsman in many parts of the country may be a little different this year.
Dick's Sporting Goods has suspended sales of semi-automatic weapons at its stores following , according to a report from CNN.
The chain, which has 511 stores in 44 states, including one in Murrieta*, posted this message to its website:
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.
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 that's in the same group of guns as the one reportedly used by Lanza from its web store, 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 department, but did not receive a comment as of press time.
Big 5 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 5*, but did not receive a comment as of press time.
