Does Dick’s Still Sell Guns?
Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States, has been a topic of controversy in recent years regarding its stance on gun sales. In the wake of several high-profile mass shootings, Dick’s has faced backlash from some customers and criticism from the gun lobby. In this article, we’ll provide a direct answer to the question: Does Dick’s still sell guns?
Background
Dick’s Sporting Goods was founded in 1948 and has since grown to become one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the country, with over 700 stores across the United States. The company has traditionally sold a range of sporting goods, including firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
The Company’s Stance on Gun Sales
In 2018, Dick’s announced that it would no longer sell certain types of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines in response to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The company also implemented a policy requiring customers to be at least 21 years old to purchase a gun, rather than the previous minimum age of 18.
However, Dick’s did not completely ban gun sales from its stores. Instead, the company stated that it would continue to sell hunting rifles and shotguns, as well as firearms and accessories to customers who have undergone a background check.
Does Dick’s Still Sell Guns?
Yes, Dick’s Sporting Goods still sells guns, but with certain restrictions. The company has implemented stricter policies regarding gun sales, including:
- Minimum age requirement: Customers must be at least 21 years old to purchase a gun, rather than the previous minimum age of 18.
- Background checks: Dick’s requires customers to undergo a background check before purchasing a gun.
- Limited sale of certain firearms: The company no longer sells certain types of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
- Focus on hunting and outdoor activities: Dick’s continues to sell hunting rifles and shotguns, as well as firearms and accessories to customers who have undergone a background check.
Types of Guns Still Sold by Dick’s
Dick’s still sells a range of firearms, including:
- Hunting rifles: The company sells a variety of hunting rifles, including bolt-action and lever-action models.
- Shotguns: Dick’s sells a range of shotguns, including semi-automatic and pump-action models.
- Handguns: The company sells a limited selection of handguns, including semi-automatic and revolver models.
- Rimfire firearms: Dick’s sells a range of rimfire firearms, including.22 caliber rifles and pistols.
Comparison to Other Retailers
It’s worth noting that Dick’s is not the only retailer that has implemented stricter policies regarding gun sales. Other retailers, such as:
- Walmart: Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the United States, stopped selling handguns and certain types of ammunition in 2015.
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s, a home improvement retailer, stopped selling firearms and ammunition in 2018.
- Cabela’s: Cabela’s, an outdoor retailer, stopped selling certain types of semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines in 2018.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yes, Dick’s Sporting Goods still sells guns, but with certain restrictions. The company has implemented stricter policies regarding gun sales, including a minimum age requirement, background checks, and limited sale of certain firearms. Dick’s continues to focus on selling firearms and accessories to customers who have undergone a background check, with a focus on hunting and outdoor activities. While the company’s stance on gun sales may not align with all customers’ views, it is important to recognize the impact that gun sales can have on public safety and the importance of responsible gun ownership.
