Local gun shop owners like Ron Tetreau of Founding Fathers Tactical and Shooting Supplies in Sutton, Massachusetts, are facing uncertainty about the future of their businesses following the signing of a new firearms law by Gov. Maura Healey. The law, which prohibits the possession, transfer, or sale of “assault-style” firearms or large-capacity feeding devices, has left Tetreau and others in the industry unsure about what they can and cannot sell.
Tetreau, a former police officer, expressed his concerns about the impact of the new law on his business, stating that a significant portion of the firearms they sell in Massachusetts have detachable magazines that are capable of accepting high-capacity magazines. This has made him hesitant to purchase new inventory, as he is unsure of the restrictions imposed by the law.
Despite reaching out to leadership on Beacon Hill for clarification, Tetreau has not received the answers he is seeking. The lack of clarity surrounding the new legislation has left him and other gun shop owners in a state of limbo, unsure of how to proceed with their businesses.
The Healey administration, however, has hailed the new law as the state’s most significant gun safety legislation in a decade. The governor emphasized the importance of the legislation in addressing issues such as 3D-printed guns, ghost guns, and strengthening red flag laws to enhance public safety.
In addition to restrictions on firearms sales, the new law also includes provisions for firearms instructors, such as mandatory discussions on suicide prevention and de-escalation techniques on state-approved ranges. Tetreau highlighted the additional liability placed on instructors as a result of the new requirements, noting that even insurance companies are waiting to see the specifics of the law before determining coverage.
In response to the new legislation, the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) has announced plans to pursue legal action in hopes of repealing the law. Executive director Jim Wallace expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the legislation and emphasized the need for public awareness and engagement in the decision-making process.
Tetreau, too, is considering legal action to challenge the new law, citing concerns about potential infringements on his rights as a business owner. He expressed hope that the public will have the opportunity to vote on the law in the upcoming November election, allowing for a more democratic decision-making process.
As the debate over gun control and Second Amendment rights continues to unfold in Massachusetts, local gun shop owners like Ron Tetreau find themselves caught in the crossfire, grappling with uncertainty about the future of their businesses in the wake of sweeping legislative changes. The outcome of these legal challenges and public debates will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the firearms industry in the state.