As the gun control debate continues to simmer across the U.S., decisions by local and state governments are having a real impact on some of the industry giants, including Beretta.
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
With the passing of the Maryland Firearm Safety Act in July of 2013, Beretta USA has decided to move manufacturing operations to from Accokeek, Maryland, where it is has been since 1977, according to
an article in the Washington Post. The company plans to move manufacturing activities to Tennessee, which has fewer restrictions on gun ownership. There are currently 160 employee positions associated with manufacturing that will leave the state. Beretta headquarters will remain in Maryland, according to executives to spoke to the Post.
VOTE NOW: Do You Support a Ban on All Fully Automatic Rifles?
The departure of the oldest arms maker in the world from the Old Line State has sparked heated rhetoric about the merits of the stricter gun laws and the loss of the prestige brand’s manufacturing operations.
1. “Beretta is clearly moving out of Maryland because of politics,” states Forbes Law and Regulation
writer Frank Miniter on Forbes.com.
2. “Maryland is the latest to state to face tough consequences for its new harsh and irrational gun control law,”
Katie Pavlich writes at Townhall.com.
3. "We're disappointed with this decision," a spokeswoman for former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley
was quoted in a story by UPI.com. "But the common-sense gun safety law we passed, which includes licenses for handgun purchases, is keeping schools, communities and law enforcement personnel safe."
4. “Governor O’Malley and Lieutenant Governor Brown are responsible for these jobs leaving our state,” said Anne Arundel County Delegate Nic Kipke
to CBS Baltimore. “As a consequence, we’ve lost a major employer here in our state.”
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.