Western Mass EDC

Western Massachusetts has dominated firearms production for over 245 years. When George Washington selected Springfield as the site of the nation's first arsenal in 1777, he set the region on a path to become the global center of gun manufacturing.

Smith & Wesson operates the region's largest firearms facility with over 800 full-time employees. Their Springfield headquarters manufactures handguns for law enforcement agencies nationwide. The Smith & Wesson Academy trains law enforcement from every U.S. state and 50+ countries. The Smith & Wesson Shooting Center offers range time, licensing, and instruction.

Savage Arms (Westfield) has manufactured rifles since 1894, including the world's first smokeless muzzleloader and the SNAIL shooting range system now used by major manufacturers, military, and police worldwide.

Colt Manufacturing (Hartford, founded 1847) produced the iconic Walker Colt, Colt .45 revolver, and M16 rifles. Colt Defense (established 2002) serves law enforcement, military, and private security markets.

Mossberg (founded 1919) was the first U.S. long-gun manufacturer to achieve ISO 9001 certification and leads in firearm design innovation.

Marlin Firearms and its subsidiary H&R 1871 manufacture rifles, shotguns, and derringers. H&R is the world's largest single-shot shotgun and rifle manufacturer, employing over 200 in Gardner.

The region's complete supply chain includes: - Westfield Electroplating (since 1946): 50+ high-quality plating finishes with National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation - Fountain Plating (West Springfield): Custom and production plating with advanced metals testing - The Mosher Company (Chicopee, 60+ years): Finishing compounds and equipment - Camfour Inc. (Westfield): Distributor of firearms, ammunition, and accessories to retail dealers - Lanber USA (Westfield): Spanish shotgun manufacturer for hunting and competition - U.S.F.A. (Hartford): Only remaining gun company manufacturing in Hartford; produces historically accurate Remington brand firearms using CNC technology - Peerless Handcuff Company (Springfield, since 1914): Industry standard swing-through handcuffs used by law enforcement and military worldwide

The region supports its manufacturing base through: - Five high school Machine Tool Technology Programs - Community college Manufacturing Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology degrees - Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College programs - Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (60+ member companies)

In 2005 alone, local manufacturers produced 1.8 million firearms, powered by a highly skilled workforce steeped in the region's tradition as a manufacturing and hunting sports hub.