Wal-Mart, Nation’s Largest Gun Retailer, Will No Longer Sell ARs

Those hoping to “Save Money” and “Live Better” through the purchase of a new modern sporting rifle will soon be out of luck. According to Kory Lundberg, senior director for corporate communications at Wal-Mart, the retailer is ceasing sales of AR-15-style rifles and semi-automatic shotguns with magazine capacities of seven or more rounds.

Lundberg claims that the decision was made of the company’s own accord and is “not political,” citing sales that have lagged far behind those of lower-ticket guns. The roughly 1,700 stores that carry firearms are now offering steep discounts on the rifles in order to clear inventory in time for the fall hunting season, when the MSRs will be replaced with economical bolt-action rifles and lever-action and pump-action shotguns.

Interestingly, a quick look at Wal-Mart’s website shows a wide selection of AR grips, rails, buttstocks and handguards offered at full price—suggesting these items may continue to be available.