A California gun shop tried to get in the Christmas spirit, but some residents appear determined to play Scrooge.
Chico, California’s Down Range offers local gun-enthusiasts everything from gun training to custom manufacturing. They bought a holiday billboard above the highway depicting Santa Claus wielding an AR rifle, with the tag line, “We build AR’s for Santa.”
In an interview with Action News Now, shop owner Will Clark noted that Santa is even promoting safe gun practices (unlike, say, this horribly misguided anti-gun PSA.) “Santa has got his eye protection on, his fingers off the trigger, the gun’s pointed in a safe direction.”
But some residents have complained about the sign, with one declaring that “The idea of this symbol of joy and giving holding an assault rifle, it’s just so contradictory.”
“I just don’t think I would like my son to see Santa holding a gun and having to explain to him that’s usually not what’s Santa’s holding,” said another.
“This is not meant to be offensive in any way. If you need help, if Santa needs help, we’re here to help,” said co-owner Steve Dyke.
Watch Action News Now’s report below:
