By: Richard L. Smith
In a recent move to uphold public safety laws, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has filed civil lawsuits against two firearms retailers in New Jersey, accusing them of repeatedly selling ammunition and gun-related items without verifying that buyers were legally permitted to possess a firearm.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the targeted retailers are Butch’s Gun World in Vineland and Point Blank Guns and Ammo LLC in East Hanover.
Both stores allegedly sold large quantities of ammunition, including a 1,000-round case of AR-15 rifle ammunition, to undercover investigators without requiring proof of legal eligibility.
The lawsuits, as outlined by the Attorney General’s office, seek to deter such sales practices in the future, emphasizing the importance of compliance with New Jersey’s firearm regulations.
These laws are designed to prevent individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, such as those with felony convictions or subject to domestic violence restraining orders, from acquiring gun-related products.
“Keeping guns out of the wrong hands is a critical public safety priority,” stated Attorney General Platkin.
He emphasized the legislative intent behind the state’s firearms laws, which mandate that gun sellers take proactive steps to avoid sales to individuals who cannot legally possess a gun.
The Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office (SAFE) conducted undercover operations at these locations earlier in the year.
According to Ravi Ramanathan, Director of SAFE, these visits highlighted troubling instances of non-compliance. "Almost a year ago, we put the gun industry on notice with our first actions under the 2022 legislation," he explained. "We were disappointed to find not one, but two, gun shops selling cases of AR-15 ammunition for cash without first verifying that the buyers may possess firearms."
Specific incidents cited in the lawsuits describe multiple transactions in which the stores sold ammunition to undercover investigators without verifying identity or legal status.
In March 2024, an investigator purchased a 20-round box of .223 caliber ammunition, commonly used in AR-15-style rifles, and a handgun magazine at Butch’s Gun World, while other investigators reportedly bought a 1,000-round case of the same ammunition from both stores.
Each transaction was completed with cash, and none of the sales included any request for identification or a permit.
Through these lawsuits, New Jersey officials aim to reinforce the requirement that firearm retailers uphold rigorous standards when selling gun-related products.
The Attorney General underscored that these compliance measures are essential for public safety, aligning them with similar demands placed on other industries that pose a risk to human health.