Tactical rifles will not be part of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show Feb. 2-10 at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
Reed Exhibitions, organizer of the show, has decided "not to include certain products that in the current climate may attract negative attention that would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing," according to a post on the show's website at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Ed Several, general manager of the show, said the decision will impact five exhibitors out of the more than 1200 registered for the 2013 show, and speculated that two of the five likely will not be exhibiting because of the decision.
Although Reed had planned to feature the growing tactical area of the show in a news release in advance of the show this year, Several said, "it really wasn't a big part of the show."
"We're not making any statement," he explained. "We're just simply saying let's not create a distraction this year. We didn't want this to be a distraction. We wanted to address it and move on."
The full statement from Reed Exhibitions reads as follows: "The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show is a unique celebration of the authentic hunting and fishing traditions that are cherished by millions of Americans and their families.
"We are proud to celebrate these pastimes by featuring 1,200 exhibitors offering a diverse range of products from outfitters to fishing boats and RVs, from archery to art and from clothes to cabins.
"As a hunting-focused event, we welcome exhibitors who wish to showcase products and firearms that serve the traditional needs of the sport.
"Clearly, we strongly support the Second Amendment.
"However, this year we have made the decision not to include certain products that in the current climate may attract negative attention that would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing at this family-oriented event and possibly disrupt the broader positive experience of our guests.
"ESS is proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of the rich hunting and fishing tradition passed from generation to generation by American families."
Several said the decision covers "just this year. Take a break for a year."
He noted that the discussion that led to the decision was internal to the Reed organization and "was not driven by any external groups."