This is turning into a great little debate about big-box retail vs local guns shops.....
Might I interject:
I can see the importance of buying ammo where ever it is cheapest, and that is how I also shop,
BUT there really is a greater good being served by helping to keep those local gun shops in business. Wal-Mart may sell ammo and a limited assortment of firearms, but in my opinion Wal-Mart is not a friend of gun owners. They have already shown that they are only willing to sell certain firearms, certain ammo, and certain firearm accessories. They have also shown that they are more then willing to get on board with initiatives that compromise our 2nd amendment rights and hinder the firearms industry as a whole.
See past discussions:
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=2008.0http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=2007.0In my opinion, it is vital that we help to keep full service gun shops open and profitable. These places represent something greater then just a place to buy ammo or some hunting/shooting gear. They represent an uncompromising way to exercise our constitutional rights. Not everyone has a big box outfitter like Bass Pro, Cabela's, or Sportsman's Warehouse within driving distance, so we must make sure that our local community gun shop is not priced out of business by big box retailers or internet storefronts.
Wal-Mart has put other mom and pop stores out of business before, and mostly it has proven to be a natural evolution in which consumers benefit. If Wal-Mart prices the mom and pop gun stores out of business, then the consumers lose. All of the Wal-Marts where I live will not sell me a handgun and I dont have a FFL, so if the local gun stores go out of business I would have to drive halfway across my state to buy one at a Sportsman's Warehouse - wouldnt the Democrats consider that disenfranchisement?
We are outraged that Obama wants to tax us out of ammo and handguns, but why are we not as outraged over Wal-Mart doing it by default through buying power and low prices?
Look, I know the importance of saving a buck or two or five, but all that I am saying here is that there is a greater good being served. I think it is becoming harder and harder for gun shops to stay in business and be profitable, and contributing to those who give us a viable and accessible source for guns, ammo, and gear is of the utmost importance. There are other effective ways to use your money to protect our right to bear arms other then just giving it to the NRA.