© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Apple's latest iOS (17.4) is preventing our livestreams from playing. We suggest you download the free Boise State Public Radio app & stream us there while we work to troubleshoot the issue.
There are at least 180 firearms and ammunition makers in Idaho, and the state is looking for more.After all: Idaho is a gun-friendly state. Why not encourage gun manufacturers to come in and set up shop?

Idaho Shoppers Approve Of Dick's Move To Ban Assault-Style Weapons

Matt Guilhem
/
Boise State Public Radio

Dick’s Sporting Goods announced Wednesday morning it was pulling assault-style rifles off its shelves.

The move comes as the debate over firearms seems to be shifting after a school shooting in Florida claimed 17 lives. Matt Guilhem went to the retailer’s Boise location and spoke to customers about the change.

Along with no longer selling assault-style rifles, the retailer also says it will only sell firearms to those 21 or older.

“I can see older being better,” Robert Thompson said. “You know, the more experience you have, I think the more responsible you’re going to be.”

Thompson was heading into the Dick's Sporting Goods in Boise to pick up some camping gear. A gun owner himself, he thought the new restrictions at Dick’s made sense.

“Yeah, I think that we need to do more for gun control,” says Thompson. “I don’t know exactly what all the answers are; I think something like that is definitely necessary.”

Thompson’s approval for the changes was shared by another customer, Christina Revier.

“I grew up in Montana, so, you know, I grew up around guns and my family has guns,” she says. “But I definitely don’t think anyone needs an assault rifle. So, I think it’s a good thing.”

Dick's implemented a similar ban on assault-style rifles at some of its stores after the 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, but eventually lifted it. This time, the company says the change is permanent.

For more local news, follow the KBSX newsroom on Twitter @KBSX915

Copyright 2017 Boise State Public Radio

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.