Idaho companies build all-Idaho firearm
Thirteen Idaho recreation-technology companies collaborated to create a complete and functioning firearm from Idaho-made products. The firearm is on display this week in the Idaho Commerce Booth at the 2015 Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas at the Sands Expo Center.
"We were excited to create a firearm created almost entirely from Idaho-made products," said Joe Anderson, president of Tactical Export Strategies, a broker - based in Meridian, according to business documents filed with the Idaho Secretary of State - which organized the effort. "It's important to show the rest of the country what types of products Idaho makes and the level of manufacturing we have here. And we thought that SHOT Show was the perfect place to debut this all-Idaho firearm because of the caliber of audience that the show brings."
The SHOT Show and Conference is the largest annual trade show for professionals involved in the outdoor industry, and is the world's premier exposition of combined hunting, shooting sports, firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, military, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics and related products and services. The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The Idaho Commerce booth is a partnership with six economic development professionals from across the state, along with the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association whose goal is to establish new relationships and create new opportunities for Idaho business and tourism.
Idaho has a rich outdoor and hunting heritage, and according to Idaho Commerce, the state has become an attractive home for companies in the outdoor rec-tech industry.
* The collaborating Idaho companies include:
* Am-Tac Precision, Garden City - Upper receiver and bolt assembly
* ATK Blackhawk!, Lewiston - Stock, pistol grip, bi-pod and sling
* Forward Moving Training Center, Boise - Training donation
* Gem-Tech, Boise - Suppressor
* Hooker Tactical, Arco - Scope camera for training
* Kryptek Outdoor Group, Eagle - Gun case
* Lone Wolf Distributors, Priest River - Trigger kit, custom engraving and miscellaneous parts
* MCM Firearms, Nampa - Custom Kryptek camo skin
* MGM Targets, Caldwell - Switchview scope lever
* Nightforce optics, Orofino - Scope and scope mounts
* Primary weapon systems, Boise - Barrel and enhanced buffer tube
* Seekins Precision, Lewiston - Lower receiver
* Unique AR's, McCall - Hand guard and custom cutting of logo and paint design
Following the SHOT Show, the firearm will be donated to the 2015 Governor's Cup, a 501(c)(3) which provides scholarship money to Idaho students pursuing post-secondary education in the state.
To learn more about Idaho Commerce's involvement in this year's SHOT Show, visit commerce.idaho.gov/events/shot-show-exhibition-2015.
- Idaho Department of Commerce