The power of biz journalism: Maine police drop guns after CNBC story

Here is the power of a good business journalism story: David Hench of the Portland Press Herald in Maine reports Thursday that the city’s police department has stopped using a Remington rifle after a CNBC story called its effectiveness into question.

Hench writes, “A program on CNBC last week highlighted several reports that Remington 700 rifles — a mainstay for the U.S. military, law enforcement and gun enthusiasts — had fired when the trigger had not been pulled.

“The program’s findings were bolstered by a video taken at a Portland police training exercise. One of the rifles was shown firing when the trigger was not being pulled.

“‘I don’t want to run the risk of having an accidental discharge like this where it puts an officer’s or community member’s life in danger,’ Police Chief James Craig said Wednesday.

“Remington denies the allegations and, supported by gun rights advocates, criticizes the network’s reporting of the story.”

Read more here. The show is re-airing tonight at 8 p.m. EST.