Feb 28, 2018 3 min read

Dick’s Sporting Goods announced Wednesday it will no longer sell assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines and ban sale of all guns to anyone under 21 years old.

Dick’s had already cut off sales of assault-style weapons at its namesake stores following the Sandy Hook shooting, but this decision will also go into effect at their Field & Stream stores – including the location at the Old Mill in South Strabane Township.

After the announcement was made, the Observer-Reporter reached out to readers on Facebook to give their opinions on the decision and received comments on both sides.

“They no longer have my business. Cancelled my credit card this morning,” Heather Carolla Flanegan of Avella wrote. On the contrary, Canonsburg resident Josh Trainum claimed he was “headed over there this afternoon to open up a credit card.”

David Orbin of Bridgeville was in favor of Dick’s decision, claiming, “It’s about time a company finally took a stand against gun violence. No one needs those anyway.” Jeff Cadman of Beallsville wrote, “I applaud their decision.”

Many commenters considered the decision would not effect Dick’s business.

“Don’t think they carried many of these anyway so no financial impact,” Janet Golonka wrote. “It’s easy to make a decision that has no impact on your livelihood. Cowards.”

“All this is for Dick’s is a PR move to draw more business,” Ryan Demchak of Pittsburgh wrote. “Nobody buys their overpriced guns so it’s not really hurting them.”

Commenters also noted that Ace Sporting Goods, on Route 19 near the Field & Stream location in South Strabane, would provide an alternative.

Terry Wagner of Washington wrote, “Gee I can think of another firearms dealer within a mile of Dick’s” and Anthony J. Lewandowski said this would lead to “more business” for Ace.

“Welcome to the age of the internet,” Patrick McCormick wrote. “People are going to buy at a local (small) business and get good service or get the absolute best price they can. No one wants to go to a large box store and overpay while being underserved.”

Both Joe Sedar of Pittsburgh and Ehren Reddick of Washington wondered if Dick’s would also suspend sales of Airsoft guns that are marketed toward children and are designed to look like assault-style rifles. Reddick included a link to Dick’s online store, where several Airsoft replicas were listed for sale.