Founded in 1871 by Iver Johnson, a Norwegian immigrant and skilled gunsmith, Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works established itself as one of the most influential American firearms manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specializing in affordable and dependable firearms, the company quickly gained a reputation for quality, safety, and innovation, particularly...
Category: Companies
Firearm manufacturers have played a critical role in the trajectory of world history, influencing the outcomes of wars, the pace of industrialization, and the nature of socio-political change.
The impact of firearm manufacturers extends beyond war and conflict. They have also contributed significantly to sport and recreation, with shooting sports being part of the Olympic Games since its inception in 1896. Hunting, another activity closely associated with firearms, has shaped conservation efforts and local economies, particularly in North America.
Moreover, the firearm industry has influenced socio-political landscapes. In countries like the United States, the right to bear arms is a cornerstone of the nation’s constitution, stirring profound political debates around gun control and the preservation of individual liberties. Firearm manufacturers are not only suppliers of the hardware in these debates but often influential lobbyists in the political arena.
Read about their history, influence, and innovations here.
Taurus Armas S.A.: The Complete Guide to the History, Firearms, and Global Impact of a Leading Brazilian Manufacturer
Founded in 1939 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Taurus Armas S.A. began as a precision tool and metal forging company under the name Forjas Taurus S.A. While its initial focus was on industrial metalworking, the company quickly expanded into firearms manufacturing, producing its first revolver in 1942. This pivotal shift set the stage for Taurus to...
A History of the Browning Arms Company
The Browning Arms Company stands as one of the most significant names in the history of firearms, deeply intertwined with the groundbreaking work of John Moses Browning, one of the most prolific and influential firearm designers of all time. With a portfolio of legendary weapons spanning military, sporting, and personal defense firearms, Browning’s legacy has...
Martin Meylin's Gunshop: The Legacy of an Early American Gunsmith
The history of firearms in America is deeply interwoven with the pioneering gunsmiths who established the foundation of American riflemaking. Among these early craftsmen, Martin Meylin stands as a key figure in the evolution of gunsmithing in Pennsylvania. While often associated with the development of the Pennsylvania long rifle (also known as the Kentucky rifle),...