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Magpul Formally Announces They Will Leave Colorado If Magazine Ban Becomes Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAGPUL INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES IT WILL LEAVE COLORADO IF GUN BILL PASSES

MOVE WOULD COST STATE 600 JOBS, $85 MILLION

Denver, Colorado – February 15th, 2013 – Magpul Industries, an Erie, Colorado, based manufacturer of firearms accessories, announced today that it will be forced to leave the state if House Bill 1224, which would ban standard capacity magazines, becomes law. The announcement was made to Governor Hickenlooper, state legislators, members of the media, and in a full-page advertisement to appear in the Denver Post on Sunday.

Richard Fitzpatrick, Founder, President, and CEO of Magpul Industries, said that regardless of any amendments that may be worked into the bill, he will no longer be able to continue to do business in Colorado if his core product is made illegal.

“Our company could not, in good conscience, continue to manufacture our products in a state where law-abiding citizens are prohibited from purchasing and owning them. ” Fitzpatrick said. “The passage of this bill will do nothing to enhance public safety, but will force us to immediately begin taking our business to another state.”

A proponent of the bill argued that with the amendment language, the choice to stay or leave was up to Magpul. Fitzpatrick responded, “Our relationship with our customers across the country would be severely damaged if this bill passes and we stay. We’ve already heard word of potential boycotts if that happens. They (legislators) really need to understand that our customer base is as passionate about freedoms as we are, and staying here if this bill passes would cripple the company. Make no doubt about it…we have no choice, and would be forced to leave in order to save the business.”

Magpul cited the example of the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show, which was canceled earlier this year after the organizers announced that it would not permit a popular category of firearm, like the ones Magpul makes accessories for, in the show. Public outcry from the customer base forced exhibitors to withdraw from participation, causing the cancellation of the show, and an estimated loss of $70 million of show revenue for hotels, restaurants, merchants, and other businesses in Pennsylvania, where the show was to be held.

Magpul Industries directly employs 200 people, supports another 400 supply-chain jobs, and contributes over $85 million annually to Colorado’s economy. Doug Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Magpul, says that it is a difficult position to be in. “We could choose to stay in a state that wants our jobs and revenue, but not our products, and lose half the jobs we are fighting to save, or potentially the entire business, when our customers stop buying. Or, we can take the company and those 600 jobs out of Colorado to continue our growth and the growth of American manufacturing in a state that shares our values. This is not really a choice. It’s an unfortunate and inevitable result of the actions of the Legislature if this bill passes.”

Magpul was started over a decade ago by Fitzpatrick, a former U.S. Marine. It has become one of Colorado’s fastest growing businesses, successfully marketing its products to American and allied military forces, police departments, sporting goods stores, and thousands of responsible private citizens. Fitzpatrick says that the rich western culture and strong values of individual freedom and responsibility, traditionally found in Colorado, were one of the reasons the company chose to remain in the state.

“It is heartbreaking to me, my employees, and their families, to think that we will be forced to leave,” Fitzpatrick said. “But if HB13-1224 passes, we will simply have no choice.”

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60 Responses to “Magpul Formally Announces They Will Leave Colorado If Magazine Ban Becomes Law”

  1. Eric B says:

    Come to Utah and be welcomed with open arms! However, for Magpul and the people of Colorado, I hope no move will be necessitated by the passage of this misguided bill.

  2. getbackjoejoe says:

    As a Colorado resident I stand behind Magpul’s decision. I’ll hate to see Magpul go, but the Colorado Representatives can’t have it both ways.

  3. Michael Rock says:

    Magpul Industries, should consider moving to Idaho. The state lawmakers are backing two state measures meant to bolster gun rights.

    The bills come in response to President Barack Obama’s calls for more background checks on gun buyers and bans on high-capacity magazines.

    Rep. Judy Moyle of Midvale says one bill could strengthen the power of local law enforcement to resist federal gun confiscations, while another bill would create a new category for a concealed weapons permit requiring more training.

    http://www.670kboi.com/common/page.php?pt=Gun+bill+to+be+introduced+Monday&id=771&is_corp=0

    http://www.eastidahonews.com/2013/02/lawmakers-seek-bill-to-limit-gun-control/

    http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/idaho_lawmakers_to_debate_gun.html

  4. Jorge says:

    Good call MagPul
    I’d like to suggest Bend, Oregon….it’s like Colorado, but not in a bad way…..

    • Luke says:

      that’d be sweet! that would be driving distance for me.

    • bigjet says:

      Oregon NOT!
      NO way it’s a blue state. Blue states don’t deserve anything that is constitutional until they become red and severely red. They don’t call it the left coast for nothing.
      Please go to a real founding father state and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

      • Earl says:

        founding father state?

        13 original colonies: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

        Only NC, SC and Georgia voted Red in the 2012 presidential; and NC was a toss up state.

    • I guarantee if Colorado passes these bills, Oregon wouldn’t be far behind.

  5. MT says:

    Voting for Montana

  6. Eric B says:

    Today, the Colorado House is also debating 3 other gun-related bills. Banning concealed weapons from college campuses, mandatory background checks for private gun sales in Colorado, and a bill requiring payment for background checks.

    The legislators who “amended” the bill so manufacturers could stay, just not sell in Colorado, just don’t understand. I’m sure they can make up all the lost jobs and profits in the new marijuana business. Sorry, let’s not start that thread, just a rambling gripe.

  7. A.J. says:

    As a Colorado resident I’m really hoping that the impact of Magpul potentially leaving CO if this bill passes helps sway law makers in the responsible direction. Mostly for selfish reasons though as I don’t want to see my rights stripped like they are in my former residence of Chicago. I like Colorado and don’t want to move but it seems that this state it heading in the wrong direction.

    • J.B. says:

      Unfortunately A.J. I don’t think Magpul moving out of the state will do anything to sway liberal lawmakers in a responsible direction. All you have to do is look at super liberal California who continues to elect liberal who pass law after law that cripples their economy and takes away individual liberty to see what is going to happen to Colorado. I have enjoyed living in this state for the past 15 years but now I will take my guns and move to Utah where it won’t be illegal to own them.

  8. gattic smith says:

    I applaud their choice.

  9. majrod says:

    Way to go Magpul!

  10. vmanjoker says:

    Magpul:
    I really feel bad for the situation you find yourselves in. I think I speak for many when I say, we will follow you and support you. We will be loyal customers. If you need a helping hand, we will stand together for you.

  11. Gear Guy says:

    Not confirmed, but apparently the CO House passed this bill. I am looking for confirmation and will post my findings.

  12. Brian says:

    Texas sounds like a suitable place to relocate! 😉

    • Kisstoy says:

      If y’all need some space Texas and Texans will welcome y’all with open Arms.
      We also Honor Our fallen Hero’s.

      • John says:

        When Magpul leaves I will most likely be right behind them. Looks like my 35 acres in the middle of Colorado may be coming up for sale in the near future. I can’t live in a state where liberal law makers lead people blindly off a cliff. Going home to Texas with Magpul might be in the plan.
        Will support you 100% Magpul!

  13. getbackjoejoe says:

    The bill passed by unrecorded voice vote so no one will be held accountable.
    The unrecorded voice vote sets up final action on the measure Monday. Magpul, it was great while it lasted.

  14. james says:

    Come to Texas. Low buisness taxes and incentives for buisness. Besides, we value freedom and the bill of rights here.

  15. ML Roak says:

    Come to Iowa, I’m sure Brownells could help you guys get your feet in the door.

  16. jmcboots says:

    Come to South Carolina!

    We love our Palmetto State Armory! I am sure they would love to have you as neighbors (But I would seriously consider the Low Country first!)

  17. Jason B says:

    Virginia is the most gun friendly state in the union. Why do you thing the NRA HQ reside here.

  18. getbackjoejoe says:

    Magpul! Please flood the Colorado market with the evil “hi-cap” mags before you leave.

  19. Rocketman says:

    Magpul makes some of the best products out there it’s unbelievable Colarado has considered the same path a few other States in our country are doing Texas is like a country of it’s own we have everything here and would welcome you gladly Remember the Alamo

  20. Joe says:

    Magpul can move to Ga , plenty of open buildings , Strong work force and would help all involved in it ,

  21. Tom says:

    As a life long Coloradoan, it really hurts to see the absolute stupidity of our current democrat legislature, especially in their emotional, knee jerk, and completely ineffective response to gun violence. Please follow through with your threat to move to a more gun friendly, freedom loving state and take all $85 million and 600 lost jobs from our local economy with you. I suggest Utah, Arizona, or Wyoming. With the left leaning inclination of my beautiful mountain state, I might be right behind you.

    • J.B. says:

      Right on Tom. I’m afraid that Colorado has turned a liberal corner that it won’t come back from.

  22. Dan Dickey says:

    Magpul I would like to un-offically like to ask you to come to Middle Tennessee. Our pro business enviournment, no income tax great transportation hub. In Middle Tennessee your products will less than 24 hours by truck to 75% of the US and by air only 90 minutes flight time from 85% of the country.

  23. bulldog 76 says:

    come to tennessee we’ll welcome yall with open arms and open bottles !

  24. jason says:

    It’s good to see companies like Magpul and Larue taking a stance on this issue. Louisiana would be an excellent choice for relocation.

  25. jay says:

    Screw all, come to Arizona where the men are.

  26. Jeff says:

    Well, California could use the jobs, but no sane company will move here to make widgets of any kind, much less for the sporting industry. Good luck, A loyal customer.

  27. erowid says:

    It is time people(libs) start seeing how business should be helped, not punished; how business are there for them and their families. Too many people(libs) despise business as nothing but greedy and self fulfilling monsters. But in-fact they are the complete opposite. They are the life givers to this nation. We should praise business for giving us so many great opportunities. Too bad the Media has them brainwashed…

  28. Matthew110 says:

    Come to Wichita Kansas. Enough laid off, screwed over, aircraft machinists and shops to provide ample support for production. And damn we love our guns in kansas.

  29. getbackjoejoe says:

    This is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause.

  30. tizwicky says:

    I’m glad to see that Magpul is taking a principled stand in support of the 2nd amendment rights of all Americans! Bravo Richard Fitzpatrick, Founder, President, and CEO of Magpul Industries! I hope that you will relocate to either Texas or Virginia!

  31. Andy I. says:

    It totally sucks that I am moving to CO in June, and this stupid legislation goes into effect in July!

  32. Q says:

    Come to Virginia where even the Democrats get A NRA ratings…….

    • SSD says:

      I can attest to this. While other states are enacting more restrictive firearms legislation, the Commonwealth of Virgina is doing the exact opposite. Just avoid Northern Virginia. Traffic and the proximity to DC are less than ideal.

  33. Ipkiss says:

    Move to the Netherlands, we welcome ANYBODY if we can make any money from it.
    And then, ofcourse we’d have to restrict anything magpul makes under the same disgusting ITAR restrictions but now to the US.

  34. Josh says:

    Come to Southwestern Indiana. Beautiful rolling hills, solid infrastructure and an eager workforce. Historically we’ve been a very conservative state as well.

    • Airborne fister says:

      Didn’t we just pass a law saying that if it is a high cap mag made here it can stay a high cap mag regardless if the federal lay changes? That would be a huge plus magpul mags staying high cap

  35. Thanx go to Magpul for standing firm in their beliefs – rest assured countless thousands support you in your fight including myself

  36. Eric says:

    Magpul we will miss you here in Colorado. I just wish my family and I were in a position that we could follow you out. This state and this entire country have lost their minds.
    Welcome to beautiful Colorado…..Marijuana is a constitutional right, but the right to bear arms is being repealed.

  37. Flamingo9 says:

    I was thinking if Magpul would move. They should consider states that have a great way to distribute the product 365 days a year. Both choices have average temperatures that is above freezing for air travel, as well as easier truck travel.

    Nashville is on the I-40/I-65 hub. So the trucks can go within a day to Mobile,AL which is on the I-10 and hit every southern state, from FL to CA. On the North end of the I-65, you can hit Gary, IN or Chicago,IL in a day trucking. If you use the I-40, You can hit Dallas, TX in a day which is a great distribution point for international customers.

    My second choice for a Magpul is Dallas, since it has a great airport to ship to international cities. I-35 has the same reach as the I-65 on the North/South routes, and the east/west of the I-20 can reasonably reach every southern state as good as the I-10

  38. OC Tactical says:

    If you’re in CO don’t give up even if this does pass. There are some things to be learned from the guys in CA. We have gotten very good at finding ways around new laws and fighting them in court. One thing that popped up here was the Calguns Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that not only fights these new laws in court, but also helps defend CA citizens who are wrongly arrested on firearms charges. If you guys don’t have something similar it’s time get something rolling.

  39. John A says:

    (WHNT) – State legislatures across the country have been diligently working to pass gun control measures that they believe will minimize firearms related accidents and crimes. But as tighter restrictions are proposed, gun manufacturers are looking to move their business out of states that approve what they see as hostile legislation, and Alabama state leaders are hoping to benefit.

    Earlier this week, the Colorado State House of Representatives approved a bill that would ban high-capacity magazines of 15 rounds or more. Magazine manufacturer Magpul Industries has already expressed their desire to leave the state if the bill becomes law.

    Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, John McMillan, reached out to the company, inviting them to consider Alabama as their new home.

    “I think it’s the perfect fit,” said McMillan. “We certainly have the skilled labor force, the available labor force, and the facilities as well.”

    McMillan even went so far as to promise Alabama would not seriously consider similar legislation in the future.

    “Frankly, the only threat I would be concerned with would be what happens with our leadership in Washington,” said McMillan.

    McMillan hasn’t heard back from the company yet. In the meantime, he plans to reach out to similar companies in New York and Connecticut.

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  41. Une says:

    I hope magpul follows through with their threats. I have Aleta’s bout my ar accessories from them and will continue to buy from them. That is unless they wimp out and stay. Freedom isn’t free so it’s time for magpul to show them that unlike the rest of liberal Colorado we the gun loving free people vote with our money.

    Please leave I would hate to start buying other brands I enjoy your products

  42. WV says:

    Come to West Virginia we have a lot to offer and we could almost bet that WV would give you incentives, WV already getting ready to bring beretta from Maryland due to that state laws. I know its a far ways to move but I believe it would go well for you all. but whatever you all decide just to let you know there is a lot of supports for you all. Thanks

  43. Quince Kreb says:

    As a retired military veteran who is a Colorado resident & a Second Ammendment supporter, I fully support Magpul’s position to move out of state if Colorado does pass House Bill 1224. Colorado has many retired military members that enjoy guns & shooting as a sport. I don’t see a reason why we can’t still shoot the weapon we were instructed on in the military & carried in combat- the M-16 or M 4 models.

    I have greatly enjoyed serving in the military in & for the state of Colorado for 11 1/2 years before retiring, but because of all the Liberals in office I’m considering moving when I can sell my house in the next couple years!

    Magpul is a great company with great products who is veteran owned, so why not try to keep them in the state they started in? Stop all of the non-sense Liberal politics of the magazine & gun bans! It really only effects law abiding citizen, as criminals will always find ways to get guns & supplies any how!