Various states are starting to put restrictive gun laws in place, either banning assault rifles entirely or putting together rules that will make it tougher to own one. While this may look good for anti-gun advocates, it could spell bad news for the states when it comes to business.
That’s because, according to this report from The Washington Post, at least 20 firearms, ammunitions and gun accessory companies are shifting production, and even their entire headquarters, from Democratic-run states to Republican ones.
Perhaps the most noteworthy of the bunch is Smith & Wesson, who had been operating in Massachusetts since 1860. However, with a bill set to ban the manufacturing of AR-15 style weapons within the state, the company recently announced it would move its headquarters to Nashville.
CEO Mark Smith made it clear why the move was happening, calling the move “extremely difficult,” but “we feel that we have been left with no other alternative.”
What’s more, Massachusetts State Rep. Bud Williams didn’t seem too sore about the company leaving. “I’ve been a big supporter of Smith & Wesson. But there’s too many mass shootings. I’m not going to be silent.”
Here today to talk to us about this shift in business – and what could result from it – is Stephen Willeford. Stephen serves as a spokesman for Gun Owners of America. You may also recall in 2017 how he stopped the Sutherland Springs, Texas mass shooting, acting as the “good guy with a gun.” His expertise is certainly welcome with this particular subject.
Q&A:
- Are some states taking their gun laws too far, instead of considering other alternatives, like concealed-carry, to try and decrease active shooter events?
- How effective would a gun ban be, anyway? Wouldn’t some people still be able to get their hands on certain firearms online or other sources?
- Massachusetts doesn’t seem too sore about losing a company that’s operated within its state for over half a century. Could this callous attitude come back to bite Rep. Bud Williams when it comes to job and financial losses?
- What kind of benefit will Nashville and other states welcoming the headquarters of these manufacturers serve? More jobs? More money? Perhaps something else?
- State governments may not be taking a close look at the economic impact of these companies packing up shop and leaving. Should they be? Could Massachusetts serve as an example of what happens when setting up these laws?
- Where do you see gun business shifting over the next few years? Could they flourish in these new states? Could states possibly ease their gun laws when they realize who they no longer have providing jobs and resources in their cities?
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as the Gun Owners of America?
My official website is http://www.stephenwilleford.com. You can read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
Stephen represents the Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all 2nd Amendment issues, as well as the importance of the Gun Owners of America. You can read more about him at http://www.stephenwilleford.com.
CONTACT: To schedule an interview, contact Jerry McGlothlin of Special Guests PR Agency at 919-437-0001 or jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
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