Video: Gun Makers Move South

by
posted on May 13, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Last year NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent shed some light on one of the most compelling topics in the firearm industry today—a decades-long migration pattern of gun makers from the northeast and other regions of the United States to the south. In the article "Firearm Manufacturing Moves South"—which became one of our most-read and shared to date—he indicates that this phenomenon is being “driven by factors such as labor costs, lower taxes and less restrictive regulation, in addition to ever-more-pressing political concerns.” undefined

Now you can see an “NRA All Access” video (above) on the subject, which includes Zent and some other industry heavyweights explaining how “Gun Valley” got its name and how it has evolved into today’s compromised state. Included below is what the gun makers’ map looked like as of April 2014. No doubt it already requires updating.

"NRA All Access" airs on Outdoor Channel. For showtimes and dates, visit outdoorchannel.com

undefined

 

1) Ashbury Precision Ordnance, Ruckersville, VA
2) Sturm, Ruger, Mayodan, NC
3) Para USA, Pineville, NC
4) FNH USA/Winchester, Columbia, SC
5) Ithaca Gun, Aynor, SC
6) PTR, Aynor, SC
7) Daniel Defense, Ridgeland, SC
8) Daniel Defense, Black Creek, GA
9) MasterPiece Arms, Comer, GA
10) Lothar Walthar Precision, Cumming, GA
11) Knight’s Armament, Titusville, FL
12) Kel-Tec, Cocoa, FL
13) Diamondback, Cocoa, FL
14) Taurus/Rossi, Miami, FL
15) Heritage Manf., Miami, FL
16) Doublestar, Winchester, KY
17) Remington/Marlin, Mayfield, KY
18) Beretta, Gallatin, TN
19) Barrett, Murfreesboro, TN
20) Remington, Huntsville, AL
21) Steyr Arms, Bessemer, AL
22) Wilson Combat, Berryville, AR
23) Daisy Manf., Rogers, AR
24) Bond Arms, Granbury, TX
25) American Derringer, Waco, TX
26) STI Int’l, Georgetown, TX
27) High Standard/AMT, Houston, TX
28) Mossberg, Eagle Pass, TX
29) BPI Outdoors, Duluth, GA
30) Walther Arms, Fort Smith, AR
31) Nighthawk Custom, Berryville, AR
32) Surgeon Arms, Prague, OK
33) Shield/Texas Black Rifle, Shiner, TX
34) Alexander Arms, Radford, VA
35) Jarrett Rifles, Jackson, SC
36) American Tactical, Summerville, SC
37) Glock, Smyrna, GA
38) Core Rifle Systems, Ocala, FL
39) SCCY, Daytona Beach, FL
40) Ares Defense, Melbourne, FL
41) Serbu, Tampa, FL
42) Colt Competition, Breckenridge, TX

Latest

Kahr Arms X9
Kahr Arms X9

Review: Kahr Arms X9

When Kahr introduced the 10-round X9, it was first a matter of “about time.” However, after examining the pistol, it’s apparent that the company found a way to catch up with its competitors in a hurry.

Frugal Tactical: Retay USA's RA1522 Line

Largely known for its line of imported shotguns, Retay USA is moving into the tactical rimfire field with its collection of .22 LR-chambered RA1522 guns.

The Armed Citizen® March 9, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Firearm Industry Rebound on the Horizon?

Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt. Here's what that means for consumers.

Preview: Adapteur & Silencieux Silencer Adapter

Cleverly designed and precisely made in France by Adaptateur & Silencieux, the Ruger Mark IV, III and II Silencer Adapter allows those classic models to accept suppressors.

Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.