PUNXSUTAWNEY - A gun shop in Jefferson County does not agree with Dick's Sporting Goods' decision to stop selling assault-style rifles and to not sell guns to anyone under the age of 21.
Nick Wehrle is the owner of Mahoning Valley Milling located on Indiana Street in Punxsutawney.
Wehrle said as a local gun shop, he will continue to sell assault rifles unless legally forced to stop.
Wehrle said he has over 25 AR-15s in stock and sells approx. 10 a week.
"Most of our customers purchase assault rifles for hunting, competitive shooting and occasionally self-defense," Wehrle said. "The unique thing about that weapon is that it's used for an array of shooting sports."
Wehrle said stopping the sale of assault-style rifles is a trend in big-box retailers, including Wal-Mart and now Field and Stream.
He said he also doesn't agree with the company's decision to stop selling all types of firearms to anyone under the age of 21.
"You're responsible enough to join the military at the age of 18 and carry an AR-15 or M4 style rifle," Wehrle said.
Representative Charlie Dent (R) of Pennsylvania's 15th District has announced he is supporting legislation that would increase the age requirement for purchasing semiautomatic rifles, like AR-15s.
The bill would increase the purchasing age from 18 to 21.
"If someone is not responsible enough for an AR-15, they're probably not responsible enough for a small caliber weapon either," Wehrle said. "You can do just as much damage with another gun, not just an AR-15."
Dicks' decision leaves Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops as some of the remaining retailers still selling semi-automatic rifles.
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