Walmart, Dick’s Pull Assault Weapons: Is it Enough?

As the cry for tighter gun control laws sounds louder throughout America and right here in Tampa Bay, major retailers are reacting.

Walmart has announced plans to stop selling the Bushmaster Patrolman's Carbine M4A3 Rifle through its online store.

That particular assault rifle is in the same family of guns as the one Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old shooter in the Newtown massacre, reportedly used in the massacre, the Huffington Post reports. 

Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has a number of Tampa Bay area locations, has also announced a shift in its stocking preferences. That store has suspended the sale of some semi-automatic weapons from all stores in the chain.

In a statement, the store said it ordered the move out of respect for the victims and families of Newtown. Friday’s shooting left 20 children, all between the ages of 6 and 7, and six adults, plus the shooter, dead.

“We are extremely saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, CT, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and to the entire community,” a statement on the Dick’s website said.

Locally, to pass a ban on assault weapons immediately. She joins a chorus of others, including President Barack Obama, who say now is the time to act.

The National Rifle Association has even ended its post-Newtown silence, issuing a vague statement that it is ready to make “meaningful contributions.” The Second Amendment rights lobbying group plans a press conference on Friday to elaborate on the statement.

Here’s what we’d like to know Tampa Bay: Do you think the actions of Walmart and Dick’s go far enough? Are politicians just saber rattling or do you think the time for an all-out ban has come? What would you consider a “meaningful contribution” from the NRA? Share your thoughts in the comments section.