Who Owns Springfield Armory?
Springfield Armory is a well-known American firearms manufacturer that has been producing high-quality handguns, rifles, and other firearms for over 200 years. With a rich history dating back to 1777, the company has undergone several changes in ownership throughout the years. In this article, we will explore who owns Springfield Armory and provide an overview of its history, products, and current status.
Early History and Founding
Springfield Armory was founded in 1777 by General George Washington and the Continental Congress to provide firearms to the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The armory was located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and its primary function was to produce muskets and other firearms for the military.
Civil War and the Golden Age
During the American Civil War, Springfield Armory played a crucial role in producing rifles for the Union Army. The armory’s production capabilities increased significantly during this period, and it became one of the largest and most important arms manufacturers in the country.
Government Ownership
From 1794 to 1968, Springfield Armory was owned and operated by the United States government. During this period, the armory produced a wide range of firearms, including rifles, pistols, and machine guns. In 1968, the government decided to close the armory and transfer its assets to the General Services Administration (GSA).
Private Ownership
In 1974, the GSA auctioned off the Springfield Armory’s assets, including its name, trademarks, and intellectual property, to a private company called Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson continued to produce firearms under the Springfield Armory brand until 2001.
Current Ownership
In 2001, Smith & Wesson sold Springfield Armory to a new company called Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. (TEL). TEL was a publicly traded company that had previously acquired several other firearms manufacturers, including Thompson/Center Arms.
Reorganization and Expansion
In 2006, TEL filed for bankruptcy and reorganized as a new company called Freedom Group, Inc. Freedom Group was a holding company that owned several firearms manufacturers, including Bushmaster Firearms, Remington Arms, and Marlin Firearms, in addition to Springfield Armory.
Private Equity Ownership
In 2010, Freedom Group was acquired by Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm. Cerberus took the company private and renamed it FNH USA, LLC.
Current Status
Today, Springfield Armory is a subsidiary of FNH USA, LLC, a leading manufacturer of firearms and accessories. The company continues to produce a wide range of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns, and is known for its high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Product Line
Springfield Armory offers a diverse range of products, including:
- Pistols: Springfield Armory produces a variety of pistols, including semi-automatic and revolvers, in calibers such as 9mm,.40 S&W, and.45 ACP.
- Rifles: The company offers a range of rifles, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, and lever-action models, in calibers such as.223 Rem,.308 Win, and.30-06 Springfield.
- Shotguns: Springfield Armory produces a variety of shotguns, including pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action models, in gauges such as 12, 20, and 410.
Awards and Recognition
Springfield Armory has received numerous awards and accolades for its products, including:
- Best of Show: Springfield Armory’s XD(M) pistol won the "Best of Show" award at the 2013 SHOT Show.
- Golden Bullseye: The company’s SA-10 pistol won the "Golden Bullseye" award for "Best New Pistol" at the 2014 SHOT Show.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Springfield Armory has a rich history dating back to 1777, and has undergone several changes in ownership throughout the years. Today, the company is a subsidiary of FNH USA, LLC, a leading manufacturer of firearms and accessories. With a wide range of products and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Springfield Armory continues to be a major player in the firearms industry.
Table: Springfield Armory’s Product Line
| Product | Description | Caliber |
|---|---|---|
| Pistols | Semi-automatic and revolvers | 9mm,.40 S&W,.45 ACP |
| Rifles | Bolt-action, semi-automatic, and lever-action | .223 Rem,.308 Win,.30-06 Springfield |
| Shotguns | Pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action | 12, 20, 410 |
Bullet Points:
- Springfield Armory was founded in 1777 by General George Washington and the Continental Congress.
- The armory was owned and operated by the United States government from 1794 to 1968.
- Springfield Armory was auctioned off to Smith & Wesson in 1974.
- The company was sold to Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. (TEL) in 2001.
- TEL reorganized as Freedom Group, Inc. in 2006.
- Freedom Group was acquired by Cerberus Capital Management in 2010.
- Springfield Armory is currently a subsidiary of FNH USA, LLC.
