Amid the current move to curb access to guns and ammunition, one retail outlet is going the opposite direction.
True, it is the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, but even the military retailer had adopted the politically correct position of reducing options for consumers.
That’s common these days, with the negative backlash over school shootings.
For example, Citibank recently announced it was imposing new restrictions on firearms transactions for its customers.
And many retailers have announced policies requiring gun buyers be at least 21 years old, even though it’s not in the law.
The Military Times reports AAFES decided this month to stop offering high-capacity ammunition magazines.
It eliminated products that hold 11 rounds or more.
But it took only days for it to announce it was reversing course.
“Feedback from active-duty, Guard and Reserve soldiers and airmen highlighted the criticality of high-capacity magazines as it relates to readiness and proficiency,” the statement said.
The Times reported that in less than 10 days, AAFES had reversed the decision and began making plans to get the products back on the shelves.
The publication explained: “Troops use these magazines, sold separately from firearms, to supplement the magazines they are issued. In addition, Guard and Reserve members said they need the magazines for training while they are not on active duty.”
The Times said Paul Andersen, a retired Army captain who was a military policeman, on Monday praised AAFES CEO Tom Shull for reversing the policy.”
“AAFES customers are active duty members, reservists and retirees. Thankfully he listened to his customers,” Andersen said.
He called the original decision to pull the products an “ill-conceived, knee-jerk reaction.”
Following the recent Parkland, Florida, school shooting in which 17 people died, Dick’s Sporting Goods said it was halting the sales of many magazines and some rifles. It also will not sell to those under 21, it said. Other retailers have established similar policies.
