As Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) signed the state’s sweeping new gun control law, firerams maker Magpul announced that it would abandon Colorado. Now HiViz Shooting Systems, which makes gun sights, scopes and accessories, says that it is leaving Colorado as well.
According to a press release, HiViz is looking to relocate to a state neighboring Colorado which will be friendlier to its industry.
HiViz President and CEO, Phillip Howe, states that talks are currently under way with officials of a neighboring stater egarding the move.
Mr. Howe comments, “I make this announcement with mixed emotions. Colorado is a beautiful state with great people, but we cannot in clear conscience support with our taxes a state that has proven through recent legislation a willingness to infringe upon the constitutional rights of our customer base.” Mr. Howe notes that prior to the changes in law in Colorado, he made several attempts to persuade state officials via emails and telephone calls to proceed slowly with gun control legislation that would impact individual shooters and the shooting industry as a whole.
Although the relocation will be expensive and time consuming, he adds, “It is in the best interest of our company and our customers.”
Most of the company’s employees will move with HiViz’s corporate operations.
Firearms giant Beretta has also threatened to leave Maryland if that state were to pass its strict new gun law. Maryland’s senate has passed that law, but so far Beretta has not announced plans to relocate. Arkansas is reportedly trying to convince Beretta and Magpul to make that state their home.
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