Gun Maker Leaving Massachusetts For Pro-Gun Tennessee

SPRINGFIELD, MA —Troy industries, which has been making guns and accessories in Massachusetts since 2003, said it will move its headquarters, manufacturing and 75 jobs to Tennessee.

The move will cost the company $7.2 million and will begin next month.

"While Troy has enjoyed a very successful period of growth in Massachusetts, the changing climate for firearms manufacturers in the state determined the need for our relocation to Tennessee to ensure the continued success of the company," founder Steve Troy told Guns.com, an online trade publication. "We are excited to begin this new venture and appreciate all the support we have already received...the state of Tennessee in making this relocation possible."

Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S. In April, state lawmakers introduced a bill that would prohibit Massachusetts companies from manufacturing weapons and devices covered under an existing ban on the purchase of assault weapons in the state. No action has been taken on the bill since it was introduced.

Smith & Wesson, which was founded in Springfield, cited the climate on guns in Massachusetts when it began moving production and distribution to Missouri in 2019. Other states, including Colorado, New York and California, have seen gun makers move after passing anti-gun legislation.