Fear & Loading: Financial Strife at a Pair of Industry Firms

by
posted on March 22, 2019
** 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. **
hudson.jpg

Hudson Manufacturing, which introduced the 9 mm H9 semi-auto pistol in January 2018, filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 14, citing between $10 million and $50 million in liabilities and less than $50,000 in assets. If the court grants the motion, the company’s inventory, machinery and everything it owns of value would be liquidated to pay creditors.

The firm’s financial challenges became public during the late summer of 2018, when Cambridge Valley Machining filed a lawsuit alleging it failed to make complete payment for ordered parts. The response filed by Hudson Manufacturing claimed the amount paid reflects the supplied components return rate due to inadequate machining and quality-control issues in the product.

Hudson Manufacturing reserved space at the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nev., although the booth remained empty throughout the event. Cy and Lauren Hudson began working on the H9 concept—a striker-fired 9 mm with a 1911-style trigger—in 2013, bringing it to market five years later.

More Magazines Disappearing
On March 10, F+W Media, once a powerhouse in print publishing with a large stable of magazines covering a variety of enthusiast pursuits, “…filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code, citing in various documents a perfect storm of industry decline, poor investments, and even mismanagement,” according to Forbes magazine. The company was founded in 1913 and grew to include a number of popular firearm and hunting periodicals on the newsstand, although its current outdoor offerings have dwindled to only Deer & Deer Hunting and Trapper & Predator Caller.

Documents filed with the court indicate the company has a $105.2 million debt and $2.5 million in cash. Its book division produces more than 100 titles a year, and its other properties include websites, on-line retail sites, subscription video services and more.

Latest

Henry Spd Hush Gotw 1
Henry Spd Hush Gotw 1

Gun Of The Week: Henry SPD HUSH

For its first design, Henry Repeating Arms' Special Products Division developed the HUSH, or the Henry Ultimate Suppressor Host. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 19, 2025

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

TriStar Arms Protégé X: A Pocket-Size Punch

Inspired by successful designs of the past, the TriStar Arms Protégé X is a pocket-size, M1911-style handgun chambered for the popular 9 mm cartridge.

Hornady Family Honored with Legacy Award

In October, the Hornady family was recognized by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation for its contribution to the city that Hornady calls home.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

One of the most revolutionary shoulder arms of the American Civil War, the Model 1860 Spencer carbine went from being an experimental design at the war's beginning to ultimately becoming the official issue arm of the U.S. Cavalry by war's end.

New For 2025: Tippmann Arms Integrally Suppressed M4-22s

In anticipation of the upcoming $0 NFA tax stamp enactment, Tippmann Arms is now offering integrally suppressed versions of its M4-22 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.