Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is asking gun manufacturers in Colorado if they want to relocate to his state following the signing of new firearm restrictions into law by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. Gianforte referred to Colorado’s new measures as “the most restrictive gun bans” in the country in a video campaign posted to his official X account.
“To all gun manufacturers in Colorado, my question for you is simple: Do you want to move back to America?” Gianforte said.
New Colorado law targets semiautomatic firearms
Colorado’s new law, Senate Bill 3, prohibits the “manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms.” The law is scheduled to go into effect in August 2026.
The ban would apply to AR-15 and AK-47 style semiautomatic rifles, tactical shotguns and some handguns. The ban also included “rapid-fire trigger devices,” such as bump stocks and binary triggers, both of which allow the shooter to fire at faster rates but not as fast as a fully automatic weapon.
Supporters and opponents react to gun bill
State Rep. Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed during the Aurora theater shooting in 2012, sponsored the bill.
“My family made the decision that we would not be silent or indivisible. We would speak out and be present for all those who have been impacted by the public health crisis that is gun violence,” Sullivan said.
On the other side, Michael Meier, CEO of Colorado-based M+M Industries, told local outlet MTN News the legislation would have serious consequences for the industry.
“It’s going to be devastating to our industry in general,” Meier said. “It makes no sense to be punishing us, the manufacturers of the products, over the end use of something that somebody was careless on.”
Montana actively reaching out to affected companies
Gianforte has also contacted Phoenix Weaponry, another Colorado-based manufacturer that could be forced to close, according to MTN.
Owner Aaron Cayce told MTN his company is looking for a way out of the state.
“The earliest convenience,” Cayce said when asked when the company would consider moving.
Trend of relocation among gunmakers
Gun manufacturers in other states with restrictive firearm laws are also relocating their operations to more gun-friendly states.
Henry Repeating Arms recently announced its decision to leave New Jersey for Wisconsin.
“This transition allows us to double down on what we do best—making world-class rifles, shotguns, and revolvers right here in the heart of America,” said Andrew Wickstrom, president of Henry Repeating Arms. “Our Wisconsin operations have been essential to our success for a long time, and now it is the cornerstone of our bright future.”
Magpul Industries Corporation, which previously operated in Colorado, moved its headquarters to Austin, Texas, in 2014.
As of now, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has not responded to the initiatives taken by Montana to attract gun manufacturers.
