Dick’s Sporting Goods to Stop Selling Assault-Style Weapons

The kids from the Florida school shooting heads back to school without 17 of their classmates. Another school tragedy dominates the headlines and the fight for stricter gun laws.

Dick's Sporting Goods has taken a major step toward eliminating the sale of assault-style weapons by refusing to sell them anymore. This is the first major call from a major retailer of guns. We've seen businesses cut relationships with the N.R.A. (National Rifle Association) but not yet the actual selling of guns.

Dick's Sporting Goods has also announced that it would no longer sell high-capacity magazines and would also stop the sale of guns to under 21 customers. The all in one sports giant announced on Wednesday regardless of local laws.

This is the biggest statement made regarding gun control in the corporate world. This isn't a locally owned mom and pop sporting goods shop. Dick's Sporting Goods spans across 47 states with 610 stores.

What does this mean? Will we see more? It seems that the recent tragedy in Florida has really shaken the country and people are rethinking what guns they REALLY need. I don't think we should go nuts and let each one of us tear the other into pieces. I grew up in Texas where shotguns were an accessory in almost every pick-up truck for everyone to see. I don't see guns being removed from homes or a future revolt coming. Common sense tells me that adding restrictions is something we'll have to get used to. If you're an adult and really want one - you'll be able to buy one.

In the end, Dick's Sporting Goods is a family retailer where you buy all the gear for the kid's sports. This is a strong message from Dick's saying they support families. I doubt it will hurt them but probably gain them more customers. If this was a new Cabellas rule you might have more backlash because the targeted demographics might be different.

This is like any business in the end. If you want a certain type of product and someone stops selling it - you go somewhere else. My gut tells me that Dick's is willing to lose that business.

The whole hunting business is an important part of our business, and we know there is going to be backlash on this,

That's a statement from Edward Stack, Dick's Sporting Goods CEO went on,

If the kids in Parkland are being brave enough to stand up and do this, we can be brave enough to stand up with them.

Dick's currently has two locations (1) Boise off Franklin by the mall (2) Eagle road.