As we have seen in the recent opposition of PROGUN to House Bill No. 6776, the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) took a contrary stance and actually supported the Bill. If we all share a common interest in preserving and supporting the shooting sports, why did the AFAD represent their own interests instead of siding with the greater interests of the shooting community? Upon reading the AFAD position paper on the matter, it was stated that they were against the proliferation of illegal and smuggled firearms. Clearly, AFAD cast its vote in favor of their own business interests since all other provisions of the bills which were anti-gun, were graciously accepted by them.

Another answer given by a dealer which opts to remain anonymous is: “we have our businesses and livelihood to protect and we cannot afford to antagonize the police which gives out our licenses to operate our businesses.” Fair enough. However, if that is the case, then why don’t we just thrown in the towel and agree to a total gun ban? Certainly, there comes a point that shooters, whether in business of selling firearms, in competition, or just plain sportsmen, should stand up on principle and make a stand. Otherwise, then by such logic,  we should all just simply give up our right to bear arms.

Should the fireams dealers take the cudgels for the shooting community or should they represent only their own interests, i.e., their business?

In my opinion, yes. We, the shooting public, patronize these dealers and buy their products year in and year out. We are their loyal customers. Our business pays for the salaries of their employees and generates income and profits for their business. Absent our patronage, their business would be ZERO. We therefore see that it is in the best interests of the firearms dealers to keep the shooting sport alive and well. Their businesses depend upon it. Now if these dealers feel that we the shooting consumers are not important to their business for them not to represent our interests as shooters, the we the shooting consumers have a clear choice: Do not buy or patronize the businesses of AFAD members or purchase our guns and shooting supplies from other sources, the way it has always been.