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

Weatherby New Magnums 01
Weatherby New Magnums 01

Enough Gun: Weatherby's New Mark V Frontier & Dangerous Game Rifle

Weatherby's new Mark V Frontier and Dangerous Game Rifle (DRG) are ultra-reliable, accurate and devastatingly powerful rifles designed to go after the nastiest creatures on four legs the world has to offer.

Preview: Safariland Pro Impulse Bluetooth

One of several new additions to Safariland’s Impulse line of hearing-protection solutions, the Pro Impulse Bluetooth is a set of Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs that is equally easy on your ears and your pocketbook.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 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.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.