Responding to a spike in COVID-19 cases, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has once again ordered the closure of all businesses in New Mexico not listed as “essential.” As was the case with her initial order issued in March, shooting ranges and firearm and ammunition retailers and manufacturers are conspicuously missing from this list. 

The Governor stubbornly remains in the minority of her peers throughout the country who refuse this designation to the businesses in their states that facilitate the exercise of the citizens’ fundamental, individual right to arms. This is particularly true in New Mexico, where the Governor successfully advocated a ban on the private transfer of firearms.

The order, effective from November 16 through November 30, does classify “defense and national security-related operations supporting the United States government, a contractor to the United States government, or any federal entity” as “essential.” This could be construed to mean that any firearm manufacturer having contracts with any of these entities may remain operational. 

It also includes “big box” stores and all “large retailers” in the list of “essential” businesses. A firearm retailer meeting this nebulous standard may remain open, subject to the restrictions prescribed in the order.

If you are a firearm-related business in New Mexico and you are ordered to close by law enforcement personnel or other government officials, it is important that we hear from you. Please contact John McNamara, NSSF Director, Retail Services, by email at jmcnamara@nssf.org, or by phone at (203) 426-1320 ext. 209.

NSSF^® urges all members to closely follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and take precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers.