Online Gun Retailer 'Cheaper Than Dirt' Suspends Firearm Sales (UPDATED)

UPDATE III: Dec. 19, 8:00 p.m. EST: After announcing that it would soon resume online sales of firearms, Cheaper Than Dirt released the following press release:

Cheaper Than Dirt! recently announced that it was temporarily suspending online sales of firearms pending a review of its order processing and procedures. Well-known for its ability to process and ship orders within 24 hours, online sales have skyrocketed to a point where it may take up to 72 hours for firearms and other items to ship.

"In light of recent events, we believe it is prudent to review our policies and procedures to ensure we can continue to provide the products and firearms our customers demand," said Chief Operations Officer Roberta Wilson. "We will resume online sales once we update our process and continue as we have always done by shipping firearms only to FFL dealers."

Ms. Wilson closed with, “As a long-time supporter of the Second Amendment, we will continue to serve the needs of the firearms community while ensuring our unsurpassed level of quality and customer service.”

Cheaper Than Dirt! prides itself on being America’s Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter since 1993. Cheaper Than Dirt! boasts over 100,000 items available for purchase through their Web site and catalog. Articles, photos and videos appear daily on the Shooter's Log at www.CheaperThanDirt.com/blog.

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​UPDATE II  ​Dec 19, 2:37 EST: Cheaper Than Dirt has changed the statement on its Facebook page. The new one notes the company has received an "overwhelming number of orders," but still leaves in language about evaluating its process:

Cheaper Than Dirt Facebook page.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m. EST: Cheaper Than Dirt posted the following statement to its Facebook page at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday:

Cheaper Than Dirt! has temporarily suspended online sales of firearms.

As a long time supporter of the Second Amendment, Cheaper Than Dirt! will continue to promote the safe and responsible use of firearms by law abiding customers. During this temporary suspension, we will review our policies and promotions.

No further information was provided.

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Online gun retailer Cheaper Than Dirt announced Tuesday that it will be suspending certain firearm sales "effective immediately" pending an internal policy review.  ​What exactly they are reviewing remains unclear, but the announcement has prompted swift reaction on the site's Facebook page.

Their Facebook message reads:

"Cheaper Than Dirt! is suspending online sales of firearms effective immediately. We are reviewing our policy internally, and will continue to be the leader in the outdoor industry with our full line of gear and accessories."

In less than 45 minutes, the message already had thousands of comments:

(Photo: Facebook/Cheaper Than Dirt!)

There are now over 8,000 comments in the two hours since the message was first put up.  And because the post comes amid the fierce gun control battle after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary last Friday-- where 20 students and 6 adults were fatally shot-- many are accusing the retailer of "selling out" to the gun control crowd:

(Photo: Facebook/Cheaper Than Dirt!)

It should be noted, though, that the company's language does not specifically reference Sandy Hook or the current gun control controversy.

Dick's Sporting Goods, however, has made it clear that it is taking action specifically because of the shooting.  The retail giant announced Tuesday that it would be suspending the sale of modern rifles nationwide in light of the tragedy, declining to say exactly how long the suspension would last, or which guns would be pulled.

TheBlaze reached out to Cheaper Than Dirt for comment, but did not receive one.

​Full disclosure: Cheaper Than Dirt does advertise with TheBlaze.

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