It’s that time of year when pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month seem to be on almost every product, from jewelry, to clothing, to dairy products — even guns.

Critics complain companies are using the ribbons to promote their products, but one local gun store said it’s about support. 

Spike’s Tactical in Apopka, the company that made headlines for creating a so-called anti-Muslim terrorist gun called the Crusader rifle, is stirring up the conversation again. The business is now offering a free 30-round pink ribbon magazine with the purchase of a new pure estrogen rifle. The head of research and development for the store said the promotion isn’t about sales, but about awareness.

“We had an employee whose mother went through a battle with breast cancer and unfortunately lost," said Wayne Warrensford at Spike's Tactical. "And as soon as we had the availability to be able to do these designs on magazines, we offered the magazines.”

However, some people we spoke with are wondering if this method of awareness is going too far.

We attended a breast cancer fundraising event for the Winter Park mammography scholarship fund Friday night and asked people about the promotion. 

“I think that some of it, really they just capitalize on the pink ribbon, which is a little bit disappointing to me," said Michelle Hartog, breast cancer survivor.

“You know they say, "Oh, it’s for the cure.' It’s for breast cancer awareness, you don’t really know," said breast cancer survivor Karen Iafratto. "You don’t really know where the money is going, so at least with this event you know that it’s going locally. It’s going to Winter Park mammograms for women who really need it.”

Spike’s Tactical said the proceeds from the gun sales will not fund research. However, employees said the magazines show support for survivors of the disease. 

“We don’t just get involved in breast cancer, we have a lot of memorial patches, blue line patches for officers who have been killed in duty. Spike, the owner, has been involved in a lot of wounded warrior, in a lot of charities,” said Warrensford.  

Spike’s Tactical sells the pink ribbon magazines throughout the year. The store is promoting the giveaway during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.