The gun-control debate still thrives for companies like Remington Arms, gaining speed in the wake of mass shootings like the one that claimed 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
Ensuing legislation prompted Remington Arms to relocate its nearly 200-year-old headquarters in Ilion, N.Y., to more arms-friendly Huntsville, Ala. The move riled legislators, employees, and pundits, and evoked criticism of the New York Safe Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act, a lengthy piece of legislation that includes among its provisions. banning assault weapons sales within the state.
Here's what some had to say in defense of America's oldest gun maker.
"This full and real picture leaves me lamenting not just the downsizing and perhaps slow death of another historic factory – casualties from competition are overall a healthy thing – but makes me sick that the cause isn't competition but is dishonest and political."
–
Frank Miniter, on Forbes.com. Miniter is the author of "The Future of the Gun," discussing his research of American gun culture, which included a tour of the Remington's Ilion plant before it relocated.
"I don't think Remington was even given the courtesy of a phone call or a discussion when the whole (gun legislation) discussions were going on."
–
New York Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, to the New York Daily News
VOTE NOW: Do You Support a Ban on All Fully Automatic Rifles?
"Gun manufacturers, unfortunately, must counter unconstitutional boundaries mandated by the SAFE Act, as well as consider market fluctuations."
–
New York Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R.-Newport), to BearingArms.com, reflecting on Remington's decision to relocate
"The SAFE Act has been a terrible thing from the beginning. You'd think New York would be doing everything to keep us. Instead, it passes a law that cripples us."
– Fran Madore, president of United Mine Workers Local 717, which represents 1,180 of the 1,300 Remington employees in Ilion,
speaking to Syracuse.com
"We are all heartbroken by Newtown. Over 1,100 union employees express their deepest sorrows. But, we don't build guns for that purpose. What we do for a living is build firearms for a company in upstate New York that is very successful and growing."
– Frank Brown, a Remington Arms employee,
in Bizjournals.com
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.