by Joseph P. Tartaro|Executive Editor
A Connecticut gun-maker is planning to leave the state following passage there of some of the toughest gun control legislation in the country. Two other manufacturers are considering relocation offers as well, according to Fox News.
The Bristol-based PTR Industries Inc. said it has not decided where its new home will be, but Fox News and other news outlets reported that most of its 40 employees have agreed to relocate.
Company Vice President John McNamara said PTR, which produces G3/HK roller lock rifles as well as products for other firearm brands, would make a formal announcement within six weeks.
According to a company statement, the legislation signed into law by Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on April 4 means “our worst fears were confirmed.” The company said the bill is “fraught with ambiguous definitions, insufficient considerations for the trade, conflicting mandates, and disastrous consequences for the fundamental rights of the people of Connecticut.” While the new law allows current owners of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds to keep them if they are registered, it requires those people to register the magazines with the state and forbids owners from loading them with more than 10 rounds outside their homes or while at a gun range.
“At any given time, we own 100,000 or more 20-round magazines,” PTR Industries CEO Josh Fiorini told CNN affiliate WFSB. “How are we supposed to individually register all of those magazines?” Meanwhile, New Britain-based Stag Arms President Mark Malkowski said he and other manufacturers plan to lobby Connecticut’s congressional delegation as the gun-control debate ramps into high gear on Capitol Hill, according to Newsmax.com. Stag manufactures complete AR 15 semiautomatic rifles and component parts for other manufacturers.
The new Connecticut law adds more than 100 firearms to the state’s assault weapons ban. It also creates the nation’s first dangerous weapon-offender registry and sets eligibility rules for buying ammunition. (For more details, see related story on Page 2.) Several states without confusing and restrictive laws have already rolled out welcome mats to entice manufacturers that plan to relocate.
Reacting to the anger expressed by state gun manufacturers, a spokesman for the governor said the intent of the law was not to kill jobs but to make people safer and more secure following the tragic shooting deaths of 20 schoolchildren and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown last December.
But Colorado politicians have already discovered that there are economic consequences to legislation as at least two firms have announced plans to leave the state, others are considering relocation, and a boycott by out-of-state hunters threatens one of the most lucrative industries in the state: hunting.
New York, which rushed to pass a its own highly confusing and problematic gun law as the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) was opening in Las Vegas, is also waiting to see what kind of business decisions its state-based gun manufacturers will take.
Acquisition
Broadsword Group of Glenrock, WY, has added to its already stellar brand portfolio with the acquisition of the legendary Sharps Rifle Company.
Originally founded in 1851, Sharps Rifle Company contributed military rifles to the Civil War and hunting rifles for Western pioneers. Broadsword Group’s purchase of this historic manufacturer means an introduction of fresh capital, a new management team and a rededication to the spirit of innovation. Today, Sharps is helmed by individuals with years of hands-on experience with the company who bring the utmost in passion and integrity to their work.
Broadsword Group is by no means a newcomer to the firearms industry.
Prior to the purchase of Sharps Rifle Company, the company already owned Spencer Rifles, SRC Arms and ASquare.
Among the revolutionary new products conceived by Broadsword Group’s designers is the Relia-Bolt, a drop-in bolt assembly that prevents jamming in the bolt to barrel extension.
In addition, SRC Arms has developed the powerful and reliable 25-45 Sharps cartridge, which was designed with the modern sporting rifle platform in mind.
“Innovation has always been part of the culture at Sharps Rifle Company,” said Jay Johnston, CEO of Broadsword Group, in a press release. “From its inception, the company produced high-tech, multi-purpose rifles that spearheaded an entire industry. We plan to continue and expand upon that tradition.
The 25-45 Sharps cartridge is just one example of how Broadsword Group plans to leverage cutting-edge technology and precision engineering to return Sharps Rifle Company to its former glory.” Broadsword Group’s leadership has ambitions of positioning the company as a leading supplier of rifles, ammunition and accessories. To that end, the company brings together substantial private capital and a team of in-house engineers constantly testing new ideas.
“I’ve been involved in this project since 2007 and I’m pleased to see it turning into the productive manufacturer it was conceived to be,” said Broadsword Group President Jay Lesser. “I’d like to thank the many who contributed to bringing this to fruition; the Wyoming Business Council office; state legislators representing Converse County; McMurry Construction; and the Glenrock town clerk, planning and community directors, town council members (past and present), and Glenrock mayors (past and present).”
Firearms Super Center
Spring is an exciting time in Minnesota and outdoor enthusiasts in the Land of 10,000 Lakes will soon have a new place to shop for the best assortment of firearms and ammunition.
Minnesota’s own publicly owned Gander Mountain, the nation’s leading firearms retailer and operator of the largest network of stores specializing in hunting, fishing, camping, marine, outdoor lifestyle and active performance products, announced recently the 12th store in Minnesota, and the state’s first dedicated Gander Mtn.
Firearms Super Center will open in Rogers, MN, in the late April.
Remodeling and construction activity is underway on an existing 30,000- square-foot facility at 20870 Rogers Drive, near the intersection of I-94 and State Highway 101. The Gander Mtn. Firearms Super Center is a new concept which will provide a specialty retail outlet focused specifically on fulfilling the needs of firearms enthusiasts, featuring thousands of new and used firearms of all kinds, and the industry’s best selection of firearms accessories, specialty apparel, ammunition and security.
Gander Mtn. Firearms Super Center will buy and sell a huge selection of used firearms and is staffed by firearms specialists on duty to give shoppers more one-on-one service.
“Gander Mountain is already recognized as the firearms experts, but with our latest Gander Mtn. Firearms Super Center we are taking the experience of shopping for firearms and accessories to an entirely new level of selection and service,” said David Pratt, CEO of Gander Mountain, “We are excited to bring this new retail experience and opportunity to the people of Minnesota and we’re confident that our unmatched selection and the expertise of our specialists will make this a premiere destination for those with an interest in firearms.” The new store will provide the largest assortment and selection of firearms solutions for hunting, self-defense, recreation, competition and training, while at the same time upholding the highest level of compliance in accordance with all local, state and federal laws. Highly knowledgeable, professional and customer-focused store personnel are ready to assist you to in becoming a satisfied, prepared and well-informed firearms owner and user.
The Rogers store will have all levels of products to fit the needs and interests from beginners to the true firearms enthusiast, and will offer rare and hard-to- find firearms and ammunition. In addition, the store will feature a huge selection of used firearms, and top-level expertise from associates who will walk customers all the way through the selection, purchase and compliance process. Gander Mtn. Firearms Super Center also offers a wide selection of hunting clothing and gear designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind.
Families Afield donation
Sports South, the Shreveport, LA-based distributor of firearms and ammunition, has stepped up to make a generous donation of $100,000 to the Families Afield program, which works with states to lower barriers and create opportunities for youth hunting.
Families Afield is a partnership program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and National Rifle Association.
Thanks to Families Afield efforts in 33 states, more than 800,000 apprentice hunting licenses have been purchased, allowing newcomers to have a supervised introduction to hunting with an adult licensed mentor.
Skipper Dickson, chairman and CEO, was delighted to make the announcement of Sports South’s $100,000 donation. “As our industry enjoys a period of growth, we at Sports South have taken a step back to recognize those who make it prosper. An industry friend and big help to us over the years, the National Shooting Sports Foundation represents those fundamental values of longevity. In particular, Sports South is proud to support the Families Afield program, targeting youth development and fostering life-changing opportunities in the outdoors. From personal experience, I cherish the bond created by hunting with my children and now witness that influence in their strong character.
We must always help protect and promote the fundamental building blocks of our industry, and the Families Afield initiative is a great way to do just that.” Sports South, LLC are the country’s oldest and largest single source distributor of firearms and ammunition. They’ve been in business since 1841.
