imported post
Local gun shop looks to rebound
Arrest of owner left business's future in doubtBy ERIC RUTH, The News Journal
PostedThursday, November 29, 2007
The new co-owners of X-Ring Supply, Pam Rhoades (left) and Nancy Macknett (center), wait on customers Heather and Frank Cassidy as veteran store employee Dave Johnson looks on. They're currently selling accessories and ammunition
People inclined to sentiment could say that the story of X-Ring Supply is a tale of resurrection and resilience. Maybe it is. But it's also more than that. This shooters' supply store on the outskirts of Newark is busy getting back on its feet these days, trying to preserve some long-time jobs and fill a steady market demand, almost four months after its owner was arrested on drug charges, losing his entire inventory of firearms and ammunition -- and his freedom -- in the process.
In the days since then, two of former owner James Cheeseman's sisters have stepped in and bought the business, believing that X-Ring's potential is too valuable to simply let die. In the bargain, they've inherited a bit of a legal headache over the confiscated guns, along with a rare entrepreneurial opportunity to "start" a business that is already started. "We've got the husbands in here painting," said Pam Rhoades, co-owner with sister Nancy Macknett. "We definitely have the family support and family involvement."
The story of X-Ring's crisis and uncertain situation -- a topic that's still freshly painful for the folks involved -- began Aug. 5, when police say Cheeseman was caught with 10.5 grams of crack cocaine and charged with possession with intent to distribute.
Soon, agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were in Cheeseman's store, removing his stock of 700 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition. A weapons seizure is fairly routine in cases involving suspected drug felons, but in this instance it raised some questions of fairness and property rights, especially when it was reported that ATF agents used a front-end loader to haul out some of the firearms. "I know the long guns were damaged," said Bob Henry Jr., X-Ring's manager. "They kind of just chucked them in one giant box."
"It's somewhat consistent with their attitude and their tactics in the past," said John J. Thompson, president of the Delaware State Sportsmen's Association. "From their point of view, the store's possession of those firearms after his arrest was illegal. ... Typically, they've been able to get away with this type of approach."
Ultimately, a man who remains innocent in the eyes of the law -- Cheeseman has yet to be tried -- was denied his right to own and sell firearms without due process, his attorney told a federal judge at Cheeseman's arraignment. Regardless, Cheeseman, who remains incarcerated, has sold all of his stake in the business and will no longer be involved in X-Ring, the sisters said.
The fate of the guns remains uncertain -- ATF representatives could not be reached for comment on the disposition of the weapons if Cheeseman is ultimately found not guilty. Through their attorney, the sisters have filed papers with the ATF that they hope will clear the way for the guns to be returned to X-Ring. "We really haven't been given a feel as to whether we'll get them back or not," Rhoades said. "We're certainly hoping, but my gut thought is it will probably wait until Jimmy's case is settled." In the meantime, they're forging ahead with the help of Henry and sales veteran Dave Johnson. "I think word's getting around that the store's open," Rhoades said. "It's great to see them come back," said longtime customer Bill Derry of Hockessin. "They're a good source, and I don't really go anywhere else."
For now, the shelves at X-Ring are bare of the many guns they once held, but sales of accessories and ammo -- along with the support of longtime customers -- are keeping the outlook upbeat. "Fortunately, it's running up on Christmas and hunting season," Henry said. "We get a lot of calls from manufacturers, 'You guys up and running yet?' " The sisters expect to obtain their federal license to buy and sell guns within weeks, and will tap the X-Ring's existing lines of supply to replenish inventory at the store. Over the years, X-Ring had carved a niche as a place to buy the military-style gear favored by "tactical" firearm enthusiasts -- including such equipment as semi-automatic assault rifles, laser sighting systems and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
In the meantime, the sisters have spruced up the place a bit, but promise that they'll not chip away too much macho from this mostly male world. "No flowers," Macknett said. "It's not girly-looking at all."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
X-Ring Supply LLC
2201 Ogletown Road, Newark; 737-6575
Contact Eric Ruth at 324-2428 or
eruth@delawareonline.com.