BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police are trying to track down dozens of firearms that were sold at a Butler County store.

Federal agencies investigated and charged the store’s previous owner for selling guns off the books. An expert said not knowing who he sold them to is a big concern.

Grant Williams used to own the Sportman’s Supply Company in Summit Township Butler County.

State police released a report saying the store has 30 firearms currently missing.

William’s attorney said this new investigation stems from the U.S. Attorney’s case against Williams who pleaded guilty to several firearm charges for not registering five guns.

Authorities said one of those guns was used in a crime last year, but it couldn’t be traced since Williams didn’t document the transaction.

“This is a very serious crime,” said Dr. John Cencich, Penn West Professor and Criminologist.

ATF then conducted an audit of Williams’ records between May and August 2022. The audit revealed that 2,636 firearm acquisitions were neither in William’s possession nor recorded in his disposition records. A local criminologist said this is unusual for our area.

“I don’t think you could forget to record 2,600 gun sales so what’s the motivation for anybody to sell those guns off the book?,” said Dr. Cencich.

Authorities said Williams sold 50,000 firearms each year during the pandemic and authorities said a lot of those guns were sold on gunbroker.com

“The fact there is no record going to this eBay-type online gun dealer,” said Dr. Cencich. “They may not ever find those guns until they are picked up at a crime.”

Grant William’s attorney said they are cooperating with authorities as it’s an ongoing investigation. The gunshop had no comment.

Originally Posted By laxman09:
I remember hearing about this awhile ago.  Wasnt he selling a TON on GunBroker?

Originally Posted By PA452:


He was. I just assumed they were doing it the way they needed to though. Wondered if they were being gone after for some bullshit technicality that was overlooked.

Originally Posted By laxman09:
My wife used to work gun shows way back in the day for another FFL and I recall her saying that particular shop was full of assholes.

Originally Posted By laxman09:
I remember hearing about this awhile ago.  Wasnt he selling a TON on GunBroker?

Originally Posted By JK_Pyre:
Interesting thing about Sportman's Supply; I know they've long since fallen from grace.

When I was in my early to mid twenties, I regarded them one of the best shops in SW PA.

I purchased a ton of stuff from them back in the day. Hell, I bought my first AR from them back in the summer of 98 -- a ban compliant bushmaster

Originally Posted By PA452:


They were certainly one of the more interesting gun shops in the area, as in they usually had inventory that caught my interest.

I think they've recently gotten a little better, but for a long time they had a staff issue in my opinion, whether they knew it or not. Some of the people working there had horrible attitudes, very unprofessional, etc.. I forget what timeframe it was, but I reached a point where I wouldn't spend a dime there just because the staff was so shitty.