The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show announced last week that America’s largest outdoor sports show will be banning “certain products” from the show.  This week it is becoming clear that they might be regretting that announcement.
Reed Exhibitions, the British company promoting and organizing the event said in a statement “this year we have made the decision not to include certain products that in the current climate may attract negative attention that would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing at this family-oriented event and possibly disrupt the broader positive experience of our guests.”
The ban on “certain products” includes brochures or documentation that mentions or pictures any “black rifle” or high capacity magazines.  This ban means that the Federation of Pennsylvania Sportsmen will not be allowed to sell already printed raffle tickets for a Bushmaster XM-15E2S A3
at this year’s show.
While the NRA maintained it’s usual sit on the fence attitude saying it, “…strongly disagrees with Reed Exhibitions’ decision to ban Modern Sporting Rifles.” Signaling that they would continue being part of the expo but yet urging “…you to follow the NRA and the outdoor industry’s lead by voicing your displeasure with Reed Exhibitions both before and during the show and encourage them to reconsider their position.”  Interestingly enough, the NRA statement has now been removed from their website