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Dick’s Sporting Goods Settles Allegations Over Illegal Sales of Large-Capacity Magazines to New Jersey
Retailer agrees to $46,000 in penalties and policy reforms to prevent future violations of New Jersey’s firearm laws.
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced a settlement with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc., addressing allegations that the retailer unlawfully sold large-capacity ammunition magazines (LCMs) to New Jersey residents. The alleged sales occurred through its former subsidiary, Field and Stream, in violation of the state's consumer protection laws.
New Jersey prohibits the possession of LCMs, defined as firearm magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Such magazines, which facilitate rapid, sustained gunfire, have been linked to increased fatalities in mass shootings. Undercover investigators with the Division purchased six LCMs via the Field and Stream website in July and August 2022, prompting the investigation.
In a consent order filed today, Dick’s Sporting Goods agreed to pay $46,000 in civil penalties and attorneys’ fees and to comply with injunctive measures to prevent future sales. The settlement also follows the company’s decision to discontinue the sale and shipment of firearms, ammunition, and related products.
“Keeping large capacity magazines out of New Jersey is essential to the work we’re doing to make our communities safer and protect our residents from the threat of mass shootings and other senseless gun violence,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will continue to investigate and hold accountable retailers who undermine our efforts by unlawfully shipping illegal ammunition magazines into our state that are capable of inflicting maximum lethal damage in a minimum period of time.”
Key Settlement Terms
Under the settlement, Dick’s Sporting Goods has committed to the following actions:
- Prohibition on LCM Sales to New Jersey: The retailer will not direct advertisements or ship LCMs to New Jersey if it resumes online sales.
- Clear Consumer Disclosures: Product pages will explicitly warn that New Jersey law prohibits possession of LCMs.
- Employee Training: Employees involved in advertising, reviewing, or fulfilling LCM purchases must be informed of New Jersey's restrictions.
- Record-Keeping Requirements: The company must preserve documents related to any LCM transactions involving New Jersey addresses.
“Our consumer protection laws prohibit businesses from unlawfully advertising and selling products that are illegal to possess in this state,” said Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We are committed to vigorously enforcing these laws, especially when it comes to selling prohibited products like LCMs that threaten the peace and safety of our residents.”
This settlement reinforces New Jersey’s strict stance on LCM possession and underscores the state’s commitment to curbing gun violence through the enforcement of its firearm laws. Dick’s Sporting Goods no longer operates under the Field and Stream brand, having sold the intellectual property associated with the name last year.
