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Anti-gun activists would have you believe the venerable ArmaLite Model 15 Rifle is EVERYWHERE (thanks to the NRA) and single-handedly responsible for every incidence of gun violence in our nation.

Presidential hopeful and former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke proclaimed just days ago during the most recent Democrat debate that “Hell yes we’re going to take your AR-15,” proposing a mandatory buy-back confiscation of the rifles universally reviled by the left.

In what would appear to be an answer to their dreams, Colt, owner of the AR-15 trademark, announced it would stop production of semi-automatic rifles, including the AR-15, for civilian use.

But the reason the CEO gave for the decision — at least publicly — won’t make anti-gun activists like Beto very happy.

Colt President and CEO Dennis Veilleux said in a statement that the company’s contracts with law enforcement and the military are basically using up its total manufacturing capability.

On the other hand, demand for modern sporting rifles in the consumer market is saturated relatively, and they’d rather use the manufacturing capacity to better use — at least for now.

Veilleux made a point of stressing the company’s commitment to the Second Amendment, and that it will continue to produce handguns.

Here’s the full text of the statement:

There have been numerous articles recently published about Colt’s participation in the commercial rifle market. Some of these articles have incorrectly stated or implied that Colt is not committed to the consumer market. We want to assure you that Colt is committed to the Second Amendment, highly values its customers and continues to manufacture the world’s finest quality firearms for the consumer market.

The fact of the matter is that over the last few years, the market for modern sporting rifles has experienced significant excess manufacturing capacity. Given this level of manufacturing capacity, we believe there is adequate supply for modern sporting rifles for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, our warfighters and law enforcement personnel continue to demand Colt rifles and we are fortunate enough to have been awarded significant military and law enforcement contracts. Currently, these high-volume contracts are absorbing all of Colt’s manufacturing capacity for rifles. Colt’s commitment to the consumer markets, however, is unwavering. We continue to expand our network of dealers across the country and to supply them with expanding lines of the finest quality 1911s and revolvers.

At the end of the day, we believe it is good sense to follow consumer demand and to adjust as market dynamics change. Colt has been a stout supporter of the Second Amendment for over 180 years, remains so, and will continue to provide its customers with the finest quality firearms in the world.

So what do y’all think? Is it a massive cave, couched in business terms, or is it really about better serving law enforcement and the military?

Nine Line is an American Clothing Company with American made Apparel and Accessories- Veteran Owned and Operated