Who Owns Marlin Guns?
Marlin firearms have been a staple in the shooting industry for over 150 years, producing a wide range of firearms, including rifles, handguns, and shotguns. With such a long and storied history, many people are curious about who owns Marlin guns today. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Marlin firearms, its ownership changes over the years, and provide an update on who currently owns the Marlin brand.
Early History and Founding
Marlin Firearms was founded in 1870 by John M. Marlin in Madison, Connecticut. Initially, the company produced rifle barrels and eventually began manufacturing complete firearms in the late 1800s. Marlin became known for its high-quality rifles, particularly the lever-action rifle, which gained popularity among hunters and law enforcement agencies.
Family Ownership (1870-1946)
The Marlin family owned the company for over 70 years, with John M. Marlin’s nephew, William Marlin, taking over as president in 1895. The company continued to grow and innovate, introducing new firearms designs and manufacturing processes.
Remington Arms (1946-2007)
In 1946, Marlin Firearms was acquired by Remington Arms, a well-known firearms manufacturer. During this period, Marlin continued to produce a range of firearms, including the famous Model 336 rifle, which became a iconic hunting rifle.
Bushmaster Firearms (2007-2010)
In 2007, Remington Arms sold Marlin Firearms to Bushmaster Firearms, a company specializing in AR-15-style rifles. Bushmaster invested in modernizing Marlin’s manufacturing facilities and expanded the product line to include new firearms designs.
New Haven Arms (2010-2011)
In 2010, Bushmaster Firearms sold Marlin Firearms to New Haven Arms, a company formed by a group of investors to acquire and revitalize Marlin. Unfortunately, this ownership period was marked by financial struggles and operational challenges, ultimately leading to the company’s bankruptcy filing in 2011.
Sturm, Ruger & Co. (2011-Present)
In 2011, Sturm, Ruger & Co., another well-established firearms manufacturer, acquired Marlin Firearms’ assets and intellectual property in a bankruptcy auction. Ruger has since invested in modernizing Marlin’s manufacturing facilities and expanding the product line to include new firearms designs.
Current Ownership and Operations
Under Ruger’s ownership, Marlin Firearms has resumed production and is now one of the largest employers in the firearms industry. Marlin’s product lineup includes a range of rifles, handguns, and shotguns, catering to various markets, including hunting, recreational shooting, and law enforcement.
Production Facilities and Employment
Marlin Firearms operates manufacturing facilities in Olympia, Washington, and Montezuma, Georgia. The company employs over 1,500 people, making it a significant employer in the region.
Conclusion
The ownership of Marlin firearms has undergone significant changes over the years, from the founding family to various ownership groups and ultimately, to Sturm, Ruger & Co. today. Through it all, Marlin has maintained its reputation for producing high-quality firearms that cater to a wide range of markets. With its current ownership and operations, Marlin is poised for continued success and growth in the firearms industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Marlin Firearms was founded in 1870 by John M. Marlin in Madison, Connecticut.
- The company has had several ownership changes over the years, including family ownership, Remington Arms, Bushmaster Firearms, and New Haven Arms.
- In 2011, Sturm, Ruger & Co. acquired Marlin Firearms’ assets and intellectual property in a bankruptcy auction.
- Marlin’s product lineup includes a range of rifles, handguns, and shotguns catering to various markets.
- Marlin operates manufacturing facilities in Olympia, Washington, and Montezuma, Georgia, employing over 1,500 people.
Table: Marlin’s Ownership History
| Period | Owner |
|---|---|
| 1870-1946 | Marlin Family |
| 1946-2007 | Remington Arms |
| 2007-2010 | Bushmaster Firearms |
| 2010-2011 | New Haven Arms |
| 2011-Present | Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
Table: Marlin’s Product Lineup
| Product Line | Description |
|---|---|
| Rifles | Hunting and recreational rifles, including lever-action and bolt-action designs |
| Handguns | Pistols and revolvers for hunting, self-defense, and recreational shooting |
| Shotguns | Sporting and hunting shotguns for clay target shooting and wildfowl hunting |
By understanding the history and ownership changes of Marlin Firearms, we can appreciate the rich heritage and commitment to producing high-quality firearms that this iconic brand has maintained for over 150 years.
