Colt on Gun Control: 4 Quotes From Heated Debate

Colt, the iconic firearm company that manufactures handguns, military weapons and AR-15 rifles, has been at the center of the gun-control debate many times as it fought against legislation from its manufacturing base of operations in Connecticut, most notably in 2013.

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Lawmakers in that state expanded the state’s assault weapons ban, making large ammunition magazines illegal. Colt was adamantly opposed, even going as far as suggesting the company might consider relocating to another state after 200 years of business in Connecticut. It subsequently did move manufacture of its Colt AR-15 rifles to a plant in Texas.

Here are four quotes from the heated debate on gun control.

1. "This product is used every day by responsible citizens," Colt Chief Executive Officer Dennis Vellieux told WFSB-Eyewitness News in Hartford, Conn., about the firearms his company manufactures. "We would be taking our product away for no reason."

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2. "We actually have a system that works. We need to build on that. We need to take that system, hold people accountable to use it and build on it," Veilleux said to CNN, stating that the legislative focus should be on improving the criminal background check system, and giving gun dealers better access to records.

3. Vellieux defended the gun manufacturing industry to CNN, saying that those who misuse guns “don't represent a gun owner any more than a drunk driver who kills someone represents a car manufacturer."

4. Michael Guerra, Colt's product marketing manager, told CNN that loaded guns with the safety on, are “not going to get up and shoot anybody. These guns don't just go out and shoot people. …There's safe and responsible gun ownership and that's what we really need to focus on."

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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