I was disappointed by Walmart’s response to pressure from the anti-gun crowd to stop selling handgun ammunition and ammunition for “military style weapons” - .223/5.56 ammo. Disappointment was quickly followed by resolve – Gretchen and I will no longer shop at Walmart. Companies that don’t support us – and the freedoms of this great nation – don’t receive any contributions from us.

After a mass shooting in El Paso at a Walmart the company decided to stop sales of all handgun ammunition, and the .223/5.56 round – which is used in AR’s but also a ton of bolt action hunting rifles. According to CEO Doug McMillion – who said he owns a gun – Walmart is still a supporter of “responsible hunters and sportsmen and women.” I guess if you own handguns or AR’s in .223/5.56 you’re irresponsible.

Plus, I’m guessing they’re completely ignoring the fact that there are AR’s in .308 – the most popular hunting caliber – and a host of other “responsible” rounds. Or, the fact that some pistols shoot rifle rounds and some rifles that fire pistol calibers.

I’m sure the anti-gun crowd is pleased. Any time they can force a retailer to bend to their will is a great win. At the same time, you can guarantee they’re plotting their next attack; they won’t be satisfied until every retailer stops selling every type of firearm, ammunition and related gear. They know it’s going to be a series of small victories, until reaching the ultimate goal. And what victims of violence don’t realize when they scream for gun control is that they are being used and manipulated by the anti-gunners.

Gretchen and I discussed this, and decided it’s “Goodbye, Walmart.” Yes, it’s going to cost us more time, and things are probably going to be a little more expensive. We’ll have to visit several different stores to fill our needs. At the same time, we’ll be supporting local small businesses. Luckily there are great supermarkets to buy groceries. Same for hardware and feed stores. And the best gun shop in the world – Scottsboro Gun & Pawn is right downtown, only twenty minutes from home.

What Walmart and most people don’t realize is that freedom is chaotic. Any time people have the freedom and ability to choose there will be some who refuse to play by the rules. A lot of the public believe that giving up freedoms in exchange for more government control will create more security.

One of my favorite quotes is from Helen Keller: “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

What people need to realize is that there is no such thing as total “security.” And there’s never been a government that can provide it. In fact, when governments attempt to create security through strict regulation of our God given rights things usually end up worse. Remember, only good guys follow the “law.” Regulation and control limit our rights while doing nothing to solve the problem.

Security and personal protection are an individual responsibility. If you want to increase your safety you’d better get ready to do it yourself. Gun owners, regardless of what Walmart and the rest of the world think are actually the most responsible citizens, and do more to protect us from danger than any regulations ever will. Keep in mind, today may be the day you’re forced to defend against a violent attack. Are you ready?

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.