Scheels Drops Mrgunsngear—And Proves a Familiar Point About Big Box Gun Retail

For over a decade, the Mrgunsngear channel built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in the firearms community. He gives focused on reviews, training, and yes, defending the Second Amendment. During that time, he partnered with big Midwest sporting goods store Scheels. Now, after roughly 10 years of partnership, that relationship has come to an abrupt end.

Why? According to Mrgunsngear, Scheels cut ties over concerns that his content had become “too political.” This is not just speculation on his part, he showed the email from Scheels itself noting just that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6OoA3oZDM0

“Too Political” = Talking About Your Rights?

Let’s be clear about what this really means. In today’s climate, “too political” often translates to simply defending the Second Amendment. If you criticize any anti-gun legislation or encouraging civic engagement among gun owners you are now “too political”.

We see this far too often, advocating for your rights is now considered a liability. That’s a problem—not just for content creators, but for every gun owner. When it comes to Scheels, a store built on the outdoorsman, you would think they would not go against their customer base. However, as the email shows that is not the case.

A 10-Year Partnership—Gone

This wasn’t a short-term sponsorship or a casual business relationship. This was a decade-long partnership between a major firearms retailer and one of the most recognizable pro-2A voices online. That did not end over misconduct or over poor performance, but over speech.

We’ve Seen This Before

If this feels familiar, it should. Remember when Dick’s Sporting Goods pulled modern sporting rifles from shelves and lobbied for gun control. They very publicly turned on the very customers who built their business. While Scheels isn’t identical—but the pattern is. The trend is big box stores take your money, then lobby against your own interests.

The Big Box Reality

The truth about big box stores as they perceive that they have to walk a tightrope between gun owners, their corporate image, and political pressure. In truth, the should hav company principals and stand behind them no matter what.  However, to expect this from big corporations is not realistic.

We know that when push comes to shove they will always default to protecting the brand—not the community that built them. This is why mom and pop stores, like us here at 2 If By Sea Tactical, are so important.

We have principles and stand on them. We are not bent to the political whims of the times, and we care about each and every customer that walks through our doors. The big corporations continuously try and push us out of existence so they can capture the entire market share. Once that happens though, you will see gun owners left in the dust.  

This is why you should always shop and support those who support you. Whether is is pro-gun rights groups, or shops that fight for your rights every single day. We do see some major brands step up to the plate and fight on our behalf. Unfortunately, this is often far too rare.

Why This Matters

We should understand that this isn’t just about one YouTuber. It’s showcasing something bigger behind the scenes. Voices defending the Second Amendment are being labeled “controversial”. We see businesses are distancing themselves from advocacy. Often those businesses are built on the backs of the very audience of these GunTubers.

These big corporations are trying to shift the culture around gun ownership. We as gun owners need to take not if major retailers won’t stand behind the community. We unfortunately line in a time where we have to take notice and vote with our wallets. We must take a stand if we want these rights to exist for the next generation.

We will say it again here at 2 If By Sea Tactical, pay attention to who stands with gun owners—and who doesn’t. Because every dollar you spend supports a business and amplifies a message. That message will shape the future of the industry one way or another.

Scheels dropping Mrgunsngear isn’t just a business decision, it’s a signal. A signal that even long-standing partnerships can be cut loose when defending your rights becomes “political.” This is a great reminder that not every company in the firearms space is truly in your corner. It is up to us gun owners to choose accordingly.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world.  As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.