Walmart’s Handgun Sales Timeline
Walmart stopped selling handguns in 1993. The company had already scaled back in-store gun departments during the late 1980s and early 1990s. By the mid-1990s, most Walmart locations no longer carried handguns, though some continued to sell long guns for a time.
Why Walmart Stopped
Walmart cited low customer demand, high security costs, and a strategic shift toward general merchandise. The company also faced growing public scrutiny over retail firearms sales. These factors led to a steady reduction in gun offerings across its stores.
Current Walmart Firearms Policy
Today, Walmart does not sell handguns or assault-style rifles. Most locations no longer have a firearm counter. Customers seeking firearms must visit dedicated gun stores or sporting goods retailers. For background on Walmart’s retail history, see Walmart history at Britannica.
