American Firearms Other Than Colts

Definition

American firearms is the umbrella term for any manner of firearm designed, manufactured and produced in the United States of America. Generally, when we talk about “American-made firearms,” we’re talking about guns manufactured here in the U.S. And in this case, other than Colts.

Examples

There are many other firearms manufacturers located around the world, but for the purpose of this article, we’ll take a look at both major American firearms manufacturers, as well as some of the most popular American-made guns of all time, other than Colts.

One of the important things to note is that it is more expensive to manufacture firearms here in the U.S., so we like to give credit where credit is due to those American manufacturers that have decided to keep their jobs here, rather than sending them overseas. Some important American firearms manufacturers other than Colt include:

• - Remington- The oldest gunmaker in the U.S., established in 1816 in Ilion, New York
• - Smith & Wesson- The one and only innovator of the very first double-action, auto-loading pistol made in the U.S., the .357 Mag. Revolver
• - Savage Arms
• - Maverick
• - Glock, Inc. (USA)
• - Ruger- The leading producer of American firearms
• - Henry Repeating Arms Company- Legendary for having innovated the original Henry repeating rifle
• - Sig Sauer Inc. (USA)
• - BPI Outdoors
• - FN America- A company that grew out of the original Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre
• - PTR Industries

Then, of course, there are many other companies with specialized functions, also located right here in the U.S., that supply materials for components and other such services. It always takes a collective effort to design a firearm that enjoys widespread adoption. Here’s a short list of some of the most historic American-made guns that made waves upon first arriving on the scene. Each one offers a rich history of its own that is more than worthy of investigating, using this list as a jumping-off point for further research.

• - The American Longrifle
• - 1860 Henry Rifle
• - Remington 870
• - Hall Breechloading Rifle
• - Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
• - Thompson Sub Machine Gun
• - M1 Garand
• - Flintlock Kentucky Rifle
• - Smith & Wesson .38 Special

History

There is a rich history and legacy of important designers and manufacturers of firearms right here in the United States. In fact, many would argue that the finest guns in the world are designed and manufactured in the U.S.

The earliest American gun-maker was the Remington Arms Company. Founded by Eliphalet Remington in 1816, this legendary company manufactured both firearms and ammunition. Perhaps what is most impressive about the Remington legacy is that, even as it was founded over 200 years ago, it remains one of the largest manufacturers of American firearms in the world.

Many other companies would follow the impressive lead of Remington, not the least of which was the Henry Repeating Arms Company and the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. So much of the history of important firearms innovations can be traced back to origins in the United States. With such a long and proud history of firearms design and manufacturing, it is easy to see how historians and sporting enthusiasts always find new facts and interesting facets of history to explore.