Letter: Take AK-47 replica out of Gr. Barrington store

Posted Wednesday, August 14, 2019 5:21 pm

To the editor:

Just before the most recent massacres in Texas and Ohio, I sent the following letter to the Tractor Supply Co. corporate office (it responded with a meaningless form letter):

"I was initially pleased to see the opening of your Great Barrington store and went in to have a look around. Within a few feet of the front door, an AK-47 assault weapon replica pellet gun was for sale.

Many weapons have multiple purposes, including hunting. AK-47 assault guns have a single purpose — killing people, many people, in a war zone. Berkshire County is not a war zone, and I take exception to the introduction of a replica of this weapon into our community.

I spoke with a receptive and courteous store manager, who assured me he would report my concerns 'up the ladder' to people with the authority to take this weapon off the shelves. A week later I returned, and the gun was still for sale. A friend who happens to manage a local theater was checking out. When he, too, voiced his concern, the store employees treated us as unwelcome zealots.

I am writing with the hope that Tractor Supply reconsiders the message it is giving to the public. I don't know if the Pittsfield store sells this weapon, but clearly no community needs guns that look like assault weapons on its streets. I do not intend to buy any of your merchandise until you have removed this weapon."

Michael Glasser,

West Stockbridge