At least two popular firearms periodicals have been reportedly pulled from the shelves and magazine racks of several retail stores by what appears to have been a decision by “anti-gun retail store management.”
Randy Molde, president of FMG Publications at Publisher’s Development Corp., reported that at least a half-dozen store chains and their affiliates are involved, and the “magazine ban” apparently includes other gun titles. FMG publishes American Handgunner and GUNS magazines.
“The gun industry is once again under attack by left-leaning corporations who refuse to support real solutions to reducing violence. Millions of law-abiding gun owners know change will begin with education, enforcing current laws and full engagement of mental health challenges,” Molde said in a notice published Friday.
He said the decision is apparently a response “to tragic events involving unlawful use of firearms.” The action involves Kroger and other retailers who “have decided to censor the First Amendment rights of their customers by not selling popular gun-focused magazine titles.”
In addition to Kroger and all its affiliates, including Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Smith’s and Fred Meyer, other stores include Raley’s, Save On Foods, Tops, Walgreens and Wegmans. The mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y. last month occurred at a Tops supermarket.
“Gun enthusiasts are encouraged to speak with their wallets by avoiding anti-gun retailers,” Molde’s announcement stated. “Shop at stores that continue to support free speech and gun rights. If your local retailer has a newsstand but does not carry gun titles, ask the manager to carry your favorite magazines.”
