It might amuse you to learn that organizations such as Dick’s Sporting Goods are really feeling the burn as dedicated hunters and gun proponents are choosing to make purchases at other retailers. People are taking their business elsewhere in droves — to the tune of a nearly 5% decrease in gun sales at Dick’s — caused by the disastrous decision by Dick’s leadership to place excessive limitations on gun sales in their store.
It’s good to know that while these large companies can step into the limelight and create a wave with their left-wing policies that Americans still have the right to fight back in a way that shareholders will understand. Gun manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson are watching closely to make sure they don’t make the same mistake as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart and other mainstream retailers.
Smith & Wesson executives are speaking out, sharing that they are cautious of pushing for tighter gun control due to the backlash that can be expected from many U.S. gun owners and buyers. Firearms manufacturers are being particularly cautious with how they’re phrasing any support for gun limitations. It seems there is little core support for gun reform from the people, even though it’s difficult to turn on or read the news without finding yet another lawmaker attempting to push through legislation that limits or retracts the Second Amendment rights of Americans.
Regardless of their personal beliefs, gun manufacturers realize that people have a lot of choices in the marketplace, and still have the vast majority of the power as they can “vote with their wallets” and purchase only from organizations that promote and support Second Amendment rights. While shareholders continue to put pressure on American Outdoors Brand Corp, the parent of Smith & Wesson, to reduce the possibilities of gun violence through additional safety measures, business leaders fear that these so-called smart guns will cause their price to far outstrip the competition and leave them without a marketable product line.
With the intense political landscape and the eagle eyes of gun advocates watching every move, gun manufacturers have to be particularly cautious as they move into the future. Democrats and even some Republicans are pro-gun control, and the continued obsession over mass shootings are causing continual media coverage that adds greater pressure to gun manufacturers and retailers to make changes. While an actual ban of assault-style weapons is unlikely at a national level, it’s still possible for gun retailers and manufacturers to be influenced into making it more difficult to make these purchases.
Keeping the gun industry on an even keel is not going to be easy, and will require the continued pressure from gun advocates. Boycotting retailers who attempt to make a moral stand about one of their products is one way that individuals can help retain their rights and access to weapons in the future.
~ Firearm Daily
