Caught in the crossfire Caught in the crossfire (February 01, 2002)

Divorce, economy, anti-gun laws claim Eddy's Sport Shop after 52 years in Mountain View

By Amy Goodpaster Strebe

If you're a local shooting enthusiast you'll need to find a new place to purchase your guns and ammo after Eddy's Sport Shop _ located at. El Camino Real and Castro _ closes Feb. 22.

The only gun shop in the area, Eddy's has been a family-run business in Mountain View since 1950. A divorce, the downturn of the economy, and on-going anti-gun legislation are the reasons that have prompted owner Jerry David, to close up shop after 52 years.

Started by Jerry's father Eddy in 1950, the business has been managed for the past five years by Jerry's son Brian. Originally located at 889 Castro St., the business moved to El Camino in 2000. Before 1980 Eddy's Sport Shop sold everything from athletic equipment, clothing and shoes to bicycles and hunting supplies.

"After the Oshman's store moved in down the street on El Camino (it was located where Allison BMW is today), we decided to go to a niche and become a specialty store," said Brian David.

Jerry, a Mountain View reserve police officer, and a shooting enthusiast himself, decided that a gun shop would be a sound business venture. It hasn't always been easy though, said Brian. After laws were passed in 1990 and 2000 requiring the registration of assault-type weapons, the amount of anti-gun legislation has only increased, making it more difficult for people to own firearms, Brian said.

The days and weeks following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th (which also coincided with hunting season) saw increased business for Eddy's, but the holidays were slow, and sales haven't improved much this year, he said. "It's been a roller coaster ride for us," said Brian, who has practically grown up working at his dad's shop.

A member of the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club, and a life member of the NRA, Brian was an Olympic hopeful back in the early '80s in the competitive pistol event when he trained at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs.

"I think if I had been a little more focused I could have probably made it to the Olympics," he said. "What's nice about the sport is that age really isn't a factor."

As Eddy's loyal customers make their way to the shop for going-out-of-business bargains on guns and supplies, they tell Brian how sorry they are to hear that the store is closing. "There's a lot of history here in Mountain View, and we feel that we've been a part of that," said Brian, adding that, although the store won't officially close until Feb. 22, the last day to purchase a gun will be Feb. 12.

"I have enjoyed serving the shooting public for these many years, and I thank everyone for their continued support," he said.