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February 3, 2022

SHOT TV QUICK HITS: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon


By Matt Manda

Wyoming has long been a safe haven for the firearm industry. Businesses understand a strong belief in the Second Amendment is in the DNA of Wyoming residents and has been so since before the state’s founding.

Republican Gov. Mark Gordon attended SHOT Show® 2022 to ensure firearm industry businesses understand that as well. Several already call the Cowboy State home, but Gov. Gordon’s goal was to make sure businesses in less-firearm friendly states know they’re welcome in Wyoming too.

“Wyoming is just a great place…there’s lots of great hunting. There’s so many great locations for target shooting. It’s a family kind of tradition,” Gov. Gordon said. “People recognize that and obviously we’ve had some great leadership… People saw the business-friendly environment we have and said, ‘This is the way we ought to do business.’”

Wyoming is already home to nearly 1,500 firearm and ammunition industry jobs with an economic impact north of $300 million in 2021. That includes some industry heavy hitters. Magpul Industries left Boulder, Colo., and moved production to Laramie, Wyo. Weatherby Inc.’s Adam Weatherby announced at SHOT Show® 2018 he was moving the company from California to Sheridan, Wyo., a move that is now complete. Accessories maker HiViz announced in 2013 they were leaving Fort Collins, Colo., to Laramie as well. Stag Arms announced in 2019 they were opening their new facility in Cheyenne, Wyo. Those are great victories but for Gov. Gordon the work isn’t done.

Under Gov. Gordon’s leadership, Wyoming was included in the top 10 states in 2021 for firearm industry job growth per capita, as well as top 10 states for growth in economic output. For Gov. Gordon, that’s the Wyoming Way.

“I think it’s important that businesses and people recognize that we’re always going to be able to let people use personal responsibility, let people use their own judgement. We’re not going to try and regulate things out of business or existence,” Gov. Gordon said. “You know, firearms are something – and this is for my wife, my kids – everyone should know how to use a firearm.”

Regarding hunting and shooting sports traditions, Gov. Gordon doesn’t hold punches.

“I will say, with Wyoming I’ll put us up against anybody, in terms of opportunities for big game hunting. Anywhere you go in the state, it’s just fabulous,” the governor remarked. “One of the greatest things about Wyoming is just the accessibility. The ability to get out there and find that great hunt, find those great opportunities.”

His message to firearm industry businesses considering a move to friendlier skies, or Second Amendment-loving Americans thinking of moving into a state that loves the Second Amendment as much as they do, Gov. Gordon was unequivocal.

“We’re going to keep standing and protecting those Second Amendment rights. That’s fundamental. And we’ll keep pushing that right until the end of my days.”

Watch the full SHOT TV Quick Hit interview with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon here.

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