Local Gun Retailer Decries Attorney General’s Ban on Copycat Guns

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey stepped up gun control in the state Wednesday, sidestepping legislation and issuing a notice to gun shop owners banning the sale of so-called copycat assault rifles. The ban applies to firearms that have been modified to look like AR-15s and AK-47s, but are still legal weapons by Massachusetts standards.

John Leonard is the owner of J&S Guns and Ammo in Acushnet, and says the surprise ban caused quite a stir. "It has caused such a panic that the rush on gun sales has been just phenomenal. I'll tell you right out, we did the north side of $50,000 in sales yesterday out of my little shop," said Leonard.

John Leonard says while he may have had a strong day Wednesday, he can no longer purchase those guns to resell because of the mandate. "With a sweep of a pen and the sound of a voice, they've shut all of our gun sales down for us to buy to resell. So, that really puts a squash on us."

Leonard says the ban is unfounded and is based on appearance only, saying the copycat guns are semi-automatic, and are in no way assault rifles.