Christmas shopping for the outdoorsman may be a little different this year.

Dick's Sporting Goods has suspended sales of semi-automatic weapons at its stores following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT, according to a report from CNN.

The chain includes 511 stores in 44 states, and posted this message to its web site:

We are extremely saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, CT, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and to the entire community.

Out of respect for the victims and their families, during this time of national mourning we have removed all guns from sale and from display in our store nearest to Newtown and suspended the sale of modern sporting rifles in all of our stores chainwide.

We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible tragedy.

A search of the Dick's Sporting Goods web site for “semi-automatic rifles” produced a handful of paintball guns, but no lethal weapons. A search for “modern sporting rifles” turned up no results. 

According to the company’s web site, the chain has 511 stores in 44 states. It’s unclear how long the suspension will last.

Patch left a message with the communications department, but did not receive a reply as of press time.

WalMart

Walmart pulled a Bushmaster rifle that's in the same group of guns as the one reportedly used by Lanza from its web store, according to the Nation.

It’s unclear if the chain suspended sales of any other sporting rifles. Searches for “modern sporting rifle,” semi-automatic rifle,” and “bushmaster” displayed guns for sale in stores only. But when checked for availability, all showed as "out of stock."

Patch left a message with Walmart’s media, but did not receive a comment as of press time.

Do you think the suspension of gun sales at national chains will help prevent future tragedies?