Kahr Firearms Gives Up On New York, Prefers Pennsylvania

Kahr Firearms Group of Pearl River is moving out of New York and relocating to Pennsylvania.

Kahr is the first gunmaker to announce its leaving because of the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act. This is the first law in the nation prompted by the killing of 20 first-graders and six educators in Newtown, Connecticut in December last year.

Frank Harris, Kahr’s vice president for sales and marketing, said, ‘We’re looking for a more friendly environment for our business… maybe we could have stayed here and built a plant, but the way the bill was passed left us feeling there were a lot of uncertainties going forward.”

He added, “Why take a chance when we can be in a state where they’re not looking to cause us any problems?”

Harris also said Pennsylvania’s enthusiasm also fueled the decision to leave New York. Kahr has purchased 620 acres in Pike County, Pennsylvania and will move its corporate staff next year,

Kahr also expects to build a new factory there — with 80 to 100 jobs — within five years.

New York’s law expands a ban on military-style weapons. It also requires mental health professionals to report threats, restricts magazines to seven bullets, taxes bullets, and creates a registry.

It’s been widely attacked by gun rights advocates.

Harris has said, “We’re all for stopping criminals, but this act is not going to do that… this will only hurt the responsible law-abiding citizens.”

Commenting on Kahr Fireams move from New York, he said, “The Safe Act has unintended consequences and this is one of them.”