…and for good reason. They turned their back on the second amendment and even hired an affairs firm that is lobbying for gun control.
Earlier this week, it came to light that Dick’s had hired communications firm Glover Park Group to lobby on Capital Hill in support of further gun control. Glover Park describes their services as “an integrated and complementary suite of services to plan, build and execute all manner of communications tactics, campaigns and programs.” They have worked on such campaigns as the Iran Nuclear Deal and they list legislative and regulatory strategy as one of their “tools in the toolbox”. These moves make it very apparent that Dick’s no longer feels it is enough for them to push gun control policy in their stores, they have their sights set on a much larger prize.
As Dick’s begins their coordinated efforts to influence policy on Capital Hill, firearm brands are taking notice. Last night, Springfield Armory issued a statement that they will no longer supply their products to Dick’s. Below is their official announcement.
“Springfield Armory® Severs Ties with Dick’s Sporting Goods
Springfield Armory announces its decision in response to Dick’s Sporting Goods’ attempts to deny Second Amendment freedoms
GENESEO, IL, (05/03/18) – Springfield Armory is severing ties with Dick’s Sporting Goods and its subsidiary, Field & Stream, in response to their hiring a group for anti-Second Amendment lobbying.
This latest action follows Dick’s Sporting Goods’ decision to remove and destroy all modern sporting rifles (MSR) from their inventory. In addition, they have denied Second Amendment rights to Americans under the age of 21. We at Springfield Armory believe that all law abiding American citizens of adult age are guaranteed this sacred right under our Constitution.
It is clear where Dick’s Sporting Goods and its subsidiary, Field & Stream, stand on the Second Amendment, and we want to be clear about our message in response. Their position runs counter to what we stand for as a company. At Springfield Armory, we believe in the rights and principles fought for and secured by American patriots and our founding forefathers, without question. We will not accept Dick’s Sporting Goods’ continued attempts to deny Second Amendment freedoms to our fellow Americans.”
It should be noted that at…
update: The NSSF has joined in the fun!
Strike 2 for Dicks’s Sporting goods today as NSSF announces that they plan to expel them from their organization. Today does not seem to be a good day to be on the PR team for Dick’s Sporting Goods. Following on the heels of Springfield Armory’s announcement that they will not be supplying Dick’s or Field & Stream with their products, the NSSF has an Announcement of their own.
“NEWTOWN, Conn. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industries, Board of Governors today unanimously voted to expel Dick’s Sporting Goods from membership for conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Foundation.
Dick’s Sporting Goods recently hired a Washington D.C.-based government affairs firm, for “[l]obbying related to gun control.” Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Edward W. Stack announced earlier this year the retail chain would end sales of modern sporting rifles, voluntarily raise the age to 21 to purchase firearms in their stores and called for more restrictive legislation. Dick’s later announced they would destroy the remaining modern sporting rifle inventory. NSSF responded that business decisions should be individually made, but was nonetheless disappointed and the decision does not reflect the reality of the vast majority of law-abiding gun owners.”
The biggest question we…