Gun businesses in Massachusetts are caught in a back-and-forth about whether they are essential or non-essential during a time of public emergency in which non-essential businesses have been ordered to close.
The latest guidance from the state is that firearm manufacturers, importers and distributors can continue to operate; media reports indicate an online list of essential businesses also included shooting ranges and retailers on Tuesday, but by Wednesday, those two had been removed.
Hyannis-based Cape Gun Works, a firearms range, training center and retail shop, had said earlier this week it believed it qualified as an essential business.
But as of today, its website says the retail store and shooting range are open to public safety personnel only, and that it is taking online and phone orders from the general public.
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