Oklahoma Continues Effort to Attract Firearms Manufacturers at SHOT Show

A recent ranking by a gun control group gives a timely boost to an effort to attract firearms manufacturers to Oklahoma, according to the lawmaker who initiated the endeavor.

Last Thursday, the Brady Campaign – a group that advocates gun control measures – said Oklahoma was tied with Kentucky having the fewest gun control “points” in a national study. Out of a possible 100 points, the two states scored a two.

An Oklahoma senator who initiated an effort to attract firearms manufacturers to the Sooner State said the anti-gun group has give his state a boost at just the right time.

“I do not agree with the Brady Campaign’s policy initiatives, but they got it right on this study: Oklahoma is the most ‘gun friendly’ state in the Union,” said Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant. “And, this ranking could not have come at a better time as we sharpen our focus on attracting a gun manufacturer to further strengthen our state’s economy.”

Gumm made the comments while attending the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nev., the world’s largest firearms trade show. A delegation including representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, local economic developers and higher education officials made the trip this weekend to spotlight the state’s effort to attract the attention of firearms manufacturers.

“Every firearms manufacturer with whom we visit asks whether Oklahoma law shows respect to the notion of gun ownership and the freedom guaranteed by the Second Amendment,” he said. “This ranking gives us amazing credibility, focuses our strategic advantage, and sends a positive message to manufacturers currently located in states hostile to the notion of gun ownership.

Several gun manufacturers are located in California, Connecticut and Illinois. All three states are in the top 10 states when it comes to restrictions on law-abiding citizens’ right to own firearms.

“That fact gives us a great opportunity, which is behind our long-term commitment to bring a major firearms manufacturer to our state,” Gumm said. “Any firearms manufacturer would be welcomed with open arms in any Oklahoma community.”

Four years ago, Gumm wrote and passed Senate Joint Resolution 54. That measure, which has the force and effect of law, directed the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to partner with Murray State College to spotlight Oklahoma as the new location of choice for firearms manufacturers.

Murray State College, located in the senator’s district, is home to one of the nation’s top gunsmith schools.

“Oklahoma represents the perfect situation for any firearms manufacturer,” Gumm said. “We have some of the nation’s best economic development incentives. We have low taxes and plentiful natural resources. We have a trained workforce and the capacity to provide a steady stream of gunsmiths through the program at Murray State College.

“To put the icing on the cake, Oklahoma law shows the greatest respect to the Second Amendment right ‘to keep and bear arms’ and to those companies producing weapons to protect our families and honor our tremendous sporting heritage.”