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Group of Second Amendment-Supporting Gun Makers Now Refusing to Sell Arms to Law Enforcement in New York (And Other Gun-Restricting States)

Feb. 15, 2013 3:17pm Mike Opelka

This story has been updated to add two additional gun makers and sellers to the list of those no longer patronizing law enforcement in states that do not support the Second Amendment.

Since New York State enacted its restrictive new gun laws, many manufacturers have sent that state (and others) a message: If local governments are going to severely restrict the ability of citizens to own guns, then these companies will not be selling to law enforcement in those areas.

Among the gun manufacturers sending that message:

Olympic Arms posted a press release on the company’s Facebook page earlier this week. Their intentions were quite clear.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Olympic Arms is a staunch believer in and defender of the Constitution of the United States, and with special attention paid to the Bill of Rights that succinctly enumerates the security of our Divinely given Rights. One of those Rights is that to Keep and Bear Arms.

Legislation recently passed in the State of New York outlaws the AR15 and many other firearms, and will make it illegal for the good and free citizens of New York to own a large selection of legal and safe firearms and magazines. We feel as though the passage of this legislation exceeds the authority granted to the government of New York by its citizens, and violates the Constitution of the United States, ignoring such SCOTUS rulings as District of Columbia v. Heller – 554, U.S. 570 of 2008, McDonald v. Chicago – 561 U.S. 3025 of 2010, and specifically the case of United States v. Miller – 307 U.S. 174 of 1939.

Due (to) the passing of this legislation, Olympic Arms would like to announce that the State of New York, any Law Enforcement Departments, Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders within the State of New York, or any New York State government entity or employee of such an entity – will no longer be served as customers.

EFI, LLC has a long-standing policy of not selling to law enforcement in states that restrict private gun ownership. TheBlaze interviewed EFI’s President Melinda Meador on the subject. Her statement was quite succinct:

“We refuse to recognize law enforcement exemptions on gun control. If a product that we manufacture is not legal for a private citizen to own in a jurisdiction, we will not sell that product to a law-enforcement agency in that jurisdiction.”

The company’s policy supports a broad market strategy for sales. Meador reminded us that “law enforcement sales don’t make up a significant portion of the market.”

The York Arms website is one that did not mince words on the company’s policy as it relates to gun sales for New York.

Based on the recent legislation in New York, we are prohibited from selling rifles and receivers to residents of New York. We have chosen to extend that prohibition to all governmental agencies associated with or located within New York. As a result we have halted sales of rifles, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, machine guns, and silencers to New York governmental agencies.

For “civilian” customers residing in New York:  At your choice, we will:

complete your order and ship to a dealer of your choice outside of NY

refund your payment in full

hold your items here for up to 6 months, at no charge – if you are in the process of leaving NY and taking residence in another state.

For LE/Govt customers in New York:

Your orders have been cancelled.

Texas-based La Rue Tactical also posted their new policy on Facebook on February 8th:

Effective today, in an effort to see that no legal mistakes are made by LaRue Tactical and/or its employees, we will apply all current State and Local Laws (as applied to civilians) to state and local law enforcement / government agencies. In other words, LaRue Tactical will limit all sales to what law-abiding citizens residing in their districts can purchase or possess.

Templar Custom of North Carolina is a North Carolina-based maker of precision rifles. CEO Bob Reynolds spoke with TheBlaze on Friday and reinforced the company’s position as posted on Facebook.

We will not sell arms to agents of the state of New York that hold themselves to be “more equal” than their citizens.

As long as the legislators of New York think they have the power to limit the rights of their citizens, in defiance of the Constitution, we at Templar will not sell them firearms to enforce their edicts.

Online retailer Cheaper Than Dirt stepped up with a supportive statement on their Facebook page on Friday the 15th.

Recently, companies such as LaRue Tactical and Olympic Arms have announced that they will no longer sell prohibited items to government agencies and personnel in states that deny the right to own those items to civilians. It has been and will continue to be Cheaper Than Dirt’s policy to not to sell prohibited items to government agencies and/or agents in states, counties, cities, and municipalities that have enacted restrictive gun control laws against their citizens. We support and encourage other companies that share in this policy.

In addition to these very public statements, gun-owner groups have been promoting these statements while also asking members and fans to contact three other manufacturers with significant sales to law enforcement in New York. One such group, Guns Save Lives, is actively asking people to write letters / emails to Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Glock and pressure them to stop selling to police in New York. Those three companies happen to be the trio of manufacturers recommended by the NYPD for use by their officers.

Calls and email inquires about any changes to their law enforcement sales policies have not been returned by Glock, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson. If there is any additional information available, we will update this story.

(H/T: NC Gun Blog)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (553)

busterpuddles
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:40pm
I love it! That’s a really big “f u” to O’S**t-For-Brains. As soon as I read that, I just giggled my butt off.

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RaydocX
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:39pm
I am glad to see this… while LEO are significant purchasers, the PUBLIC are the consumers who purchase throughout the year, and obviously in large quantities as is being demonstrated today.

I am concerned that there is a subversive attempt by government agencies loyal to the wishes of this President to corner the market on ammunition… the lack of supply is hard to reconcile with every person i know having difficulty finding it– the supply reaches none of the consumers.

If government is going to damage these businesses by their unwarranted legislation, there is no reason the same government should benefit from their products. Witness Magpul, which employs 700 people in Colorado, a state actively trying to ban the high capacity plastic and spring shells that are manufactured there.

Any thought by a Dem that the laws in New York, and under consideration in California, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri will address the situation have not done their international homework… there are families cranking out solid versions of the AK47 from mud and adobe huts in the backwaters of Afghanistan…. outlawing guns will not stop even their production. Remember prohibition?

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Rowgue
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:38pm
It sounds good, but it’s rather meaningless. The vast majority of law enforcement purchases are from the three manufacturers listed at the end of the article that haven’t made the same decision. And judging by the fact that they didn’t see fit to even respond to attempted contact would seem to indicate they have no intention of doing so.

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Deepwater
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:38pm
A few years ago the anti-gun crowd in California got their knickers all bunched up over the “eeeevil” 50 caliber rifles, and asked the LAPD to participate in demonstrating the supposed dangers of these weapons to support their move to ban them. The LAPD was happy to oblige and sent a SWAT team member to show off a Barrett 50 cal rifle purchased by the LAPD for tactical use and to talk about how dangerous it was and why it should be banned. Meanwhile, back here in Tennessee, Ronnie Barrett got wind of what those hypocrite cops did, and sent a letter of protest to the Chief of the LAPD, who did not have the courtesy to respond. These actions provoked Mr. Barrett to write an open letter putting all law enforcement agencies in California on notice that he would no longer sell, service, or support any Barrett products in that state (he even told them they would have to come pick up a Barrett rifle they had sent to him for servicing, since he refused to work on it or even ship it back to them). Other gun manufacturers should take a lesson from this straight-shooting Tennessean. God bless Ronnie Barrett, and God bless Tennessee!

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capitalismrocks
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:36pm
Superb move!!! If citizens can’t defend themselves, then neither can State Law Enforcement… sounds good to me. When States have no guns and ammo and only the bad guys do, lets see how fast they repeal their gun laws…

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hades3
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:35pm
I admire those gun manufacturer who would not sell to certain states and cities. However, like other industries who BOW to Obama, other companies like and Smith and Wesson, Glock and Sig Sauer
will see this as an opportunity too increase their market share, which will increase the number of companies who have entered into a deal with the Devil. That Devil, the Ruler of the USA, Obama. That’s exactly what happened with German industries and Hitler, to the exclusion of all others.

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welovetheUSA
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:31pm
This communist take over worked in Hitlers day……..but not today, Obama not today. You can try to take the guns..the 401k’s..close the banks down..and banish congress..and the internet…your a fool to not understand America and a bigger fool to try all this.

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AirtechJr
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:29pm
Bam!

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Xanderson
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:28pm
I love this! So blunt and brief. Nuff said:

“For “civilian” customers residing in New York:  At your choice, we will:
complete your order and ship to a dealer of your choice outside of NY
refund your payment in full
hold your items here for up to 6 months, at no charge – if you are in the process of leaving NY and taking residence in another state.

For LE/Govt customers in New York:
Your orders have been cancelled.” :D

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republic2011
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:28pm
Here’s why we are moving out of CA as fast as possible:
Dear xxxxxx;

Thank you for contacting me to share your opposition to assault weapons legislation. I respect your opinion on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to provide my point of view.
Mass shootings are a serious problem in our country, and I have watched this problem get worse and worse over the 40 years I have been in public life. … . These assault weapons too often fall into the hands of grievance killers, juveniles, gangs, and the deranged.
I recognize that the Second Amendment provides an individual right to bear arms, but I do not believe that right is unlimited or that it precludes taking action to prevent mass shootings. Indeed, in the same Supreme Court decision that recognized the individual right to bear arms, District of Columbia v. Heller, the Court also held that this right, like other constitutional rights, is not unlimited. That is why assault weapons bans have consistently been upheld in the courts, both before and after the Heller decision. I believe regulation of these weapons is appropriate.
Once again, thank you for your letter. Although we may disagree, I appreciate hearing from you and will be mindful of your thoughts as the debate on this issue continues. If you have any additional comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.
Sincerely yours,

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- Tommyk1
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 7:38pm
  Republic2011,
  That is either from Senator Boxer or Senator Fienstien. Same reply I received when I wrote them to lay off the 2nd amendment. I’ll bet all the democrats across the country send the same letter. I would be curious to know if anyone outside of California received a similar response from their democratic senators or congressman. I haven’t received a reply from my newly redistricted republican congressman. I guess I will have to visit the office and find out where he stands. He was a strong 2nd amendment supporter prior to Sandy Hook. I hope he isn’t waivering.
  
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- 45Cal
  Posted on February 16, 2013 at 6:35pm
  AMAZING!!! I received the exact same letter from Sen Feinstein in CA.
  
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mrsclark
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:26pm
RIGHT on! If Glock doesnt get on board, I will sell mine and get something else.

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WatchingThePuppetShow
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:25pm
Nice move…I like it!

I hope this spreads to other companies as well.

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Charles Curtis
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:22pm
Suggest all manufacturers RECALL the weapons that were sold to the police agencies as a “product safety” issue. Refuse to reissue weapons to the incompetent departments that do not respect the constitution. Its your “responsibility to protect” yourself and the future.

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common cents
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:10pm
Maybe law enforcement can get some guns back from the Mexican Cartels they gave them to, BTW has anyone noticed the Cartels have taken up residency in Chicago? No dots to connect there!

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texasderek
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:01pm
This is so cool… now if we could only get the manufacturers to do the same.

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- Charles Curtis
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 5:31pm
  @TEXAS DEREK – Barrett cannot legally sell any of its products to lawbreakers. Therefore, since California’s passing of AB50, the state is not in compliance with the US Constitution’s 2nd and 14th Amendments, and we will not sell nor service any of our products to any government agency of the State of California.- Ronnie Barrett
  
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ItsAllCrap
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:58pm
All you other gun, ammo and accessory manufacturers take notice. Stand together or fall apart! the private citizens need your help and I believe they have shown you ALL tremendous support. You could make a huge difference if you just stand up to these thugs!

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jeko
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:58pm
Selling firearms is one thing. What would hurt the most is the sale of ammunition.

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COME AND TAKE IT 2121
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:53pm
Outstanding ! That takes guts for those manufactures. I will be purchasing some of there products based on this. Let’s make it a chick filet moment here people!!!!!!! Let’s show our support for these folks and purchase there products!

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heavyduty
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:46pm
Like I’ve been saying! We need to force politicians to follow the same laws as we do! That will stop a lot of this crap!

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willie9797
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:46pm
Since we are planning to go to war with the police, of course they want all the weapons for themselves!

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- DefyTYRANNY
  Posted on February 16, 2013 at 2:18pm
  We arem’t planning to go to war with the police.
  
  The PD’s are full of many freedom loving Americans who will not comply with these Unconstitutional laws.
  
  Should the worst come, and some should choose to move against the normal citizenry, it will not be us declaring war. It will be the other way around, and a sad day to boot.
  
  I hope to find some of the police at our sides, along with military veterans.
  
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- DefyTYRANNY
  Posted on February 16, 2013 at 2:19pm
  > We aren’t <
  
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Tickdog
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:45pm
yeah!! get ya some of that!!!

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Tom K
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:45pm
Now we are getting somewhere. Don’t sell guns to Police Agencies whose Officers and Leaders fail to uphold their Oath of Office. Ammunition Manufacturing Companies should jump on board, cancel their contracts with the Feds and support this Revolutionary Idea to Abide by the Constitution. You can guess what the George Soros owned gun makers will do. Americans could refuse to buy ” Soros’ ” guns and just shut him down. Watch for this story on the Obama News Media – you won’t see it so YOU must circulate this story Yourself. Thanks BLAZE !

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AR154ME
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:45pm
I really want to see Glock, S&W, Sig Sauer and HK which are the biggest suppliers of Police side arms restrict sales to these states. I really want to see them do that. If they do that i will do everything in my financial power to support these companies. As i have said in other post, these companies should pack their bags and move to friendlier states that will more than welcome the needed jobs. I dont understand for the life of me why they insist on staying in such unfriendly enviorments.

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:32pm
Back in 1775 Gov Cuomo would have been caught by now and punished for his crimes against good Citizens of NY. It will take a little longer now

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AleaJactaEst
Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:32pm
DHS are out in front thats why they ordered the 7,000 automatic weapons, wish a boycott of the company filling that order could be created.

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- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:33pm
  hahah send a drone the ammo supply heheeheh thats funny
  
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- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:35pm
  I heard DHS was going to hire illegal Mexicans to shoot us with those auto rifles, cause they cant get a real American to sign on
  
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- AR154ME
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:50pm
  Unfortunately if they cannot sell the guns to us and they don’t sell to the feds and the UN restricts their world wide sales then they go out of business. Don’t boycott the company, boycott the federal overlords in D.C. There is only one solution and that is to secede from the union. We all know that president Lincoln…er i mean Obama will not let us do that ever.
  
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