The
FBI investigation was initiated on January 31,
1955, when the Bureau was requested to investigate
manufacturing of rifle scopes and mounts by sportsmen's
shops. Several of the sellers of these items advertised
them in sports magazines at cut rate prices below
fair market violating the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Also, the sellers and magazines violated open
market standards by only advertising and selling
of their own products. As a result of the investigation,
seven individuals and magazine companies were
charged with price fixing. The National Rifle
Association was required to register as a lobbing
group with the House of Representatives.
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