Brownells and Merchant Category Codes (MCC)

[Chief Rick]

Received an e-mail from Brownells today, concerning banking codes, quoted below:

 

I’m sure you’ve heard a lot in the news recently about major credit companies coming together to create a new merchant category code (MCC) for firearm and ammunition retailers. We’ve received a lot of inquiries about what this means, how it could impact customers and how Brownells is classified today and in the future.

 

Therefore, I wanted to reach out to you – a valued customer and friend – to clarify a few things regarding this issue.

 

Brownells Classification Now & Going Forward

First and foremost, I want you to know that Brownells has long been classified as a “sporting goods retailer” by credit card companies. After conversation with our banking partners, we have confirmed that we will continue to be classified as a SPORTING GOODS RETAILER.

 

To be clear, we WILL NOT be changing to the new MCC dedicated to firearm and ammunition retailers.  This is mainly due to the types of products we predominately sell.

 

Industry Impacts

 

Throughout Brownells’ 83-year-history in the firearm industry, we’ve proudly taken a stand for our industry, gun owners in general and the 2nd Amendment – irrespective of whether legislation, regulatory actions or other anti-2A measures have impacted us directly.

 

Put simply, we’re all in the fight for freedom and privacy together. Are we happy that our MCC code isn’t changing? Yes. However, we are deeply concerned with the impact this new classification may have on firearm owners or prospective firearm owners, local gun stores and even our competitors.

 

Therefore, you have my word that we will join in any effort to make our voices heard and to educate all parties involved in this matter.

 

Our Position on Your Privacy

 

We love offering you firearms, firearm accessories, parts, tools, ammunition, reloading products and all of the accoutrements to outfit your next firearm-related adventure. As shooters, hunters, firearm do-it-yourselfers, and gunsmiths ourselves, nothing brings us more pleasure than to see and hear from you about how our products, content and services help you pursue your passions.

 

However, I can assure you – our NUMBER ONE priority is the safety, security and privacy of your data. Our promise to you is that we will continue to vehemently guard your personal data and order information, always.

 

Sincerely,

 

Chad Martin

CEO, Brownells, Inc.

[Dusty Devil Dale]

Fast forward 15 years.

 

"Hello, Mr. Dusty.  We are Officers Jones and Smith from the FBI.  Your merchant purchase codes show that you purchased food last week at a supermarket.  But our records show that you are registered as a Republican.  We're you aware that persons not in the Party in power are prohibited from purchasing or possessing food?  Such posession is a felony. We have a warrant here to search your facility to confiscate any contraband food, firearms, books or other prohibited materials.  You have the right to remain silent . . ."

 

People who disbelieve that these kinds of things really can and do happen have not studied world history.  (Think Josef Stalin/Ukraine)

Routine surveillance of the general population can lead nowhere except tyranny.  

 

Thanks to Brownells for realizing and addressing the issue.  

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

If you want to see a classic example of excessive, intrusive government, with an agenda, look to your North.