Ithica Gun Co. closes doors

[Brett]

SAD DAY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK . . . For some it was an opportunity to buy parts. For others it was a chance to bid farewell. The occasion was the Nov. 29 going-out-of-business liquidation auction of Ithaca Gun Co. The company, founded in 1880, had moved to Auburn, N.Y., last April, in anticipation of a sale to a Rhode Island investor, reports The Citizen, but when that arrangement fell through around Memorial Day, the company closed its doors.

[Nightrain52]

It's getting harder and harder for American gun manufacturers to stay in business. In order to compete so many of them have had to cheapen their products. Sad to say but within the next 5 years I look for several others to go under too. I look for Winchester and Remington to be next. :cry:

[powderman]

WOW, thats bad news. I really like my mod # 37, a great shotgun. POWDERMAN.            

[clodbuster]

Why can't American business compete in what has to be the largest market in the world for sporting firearms?  My uncle uncle just had a nice old Savage/Stevens 311 20 gauge stolen.  He just picked up a replacement at BassPro in Council Bluffs for $360.  You guessed it, made in Brazil.  A very nice little shooter with walnut stocks, cut checkering and choke tubes, decent fit and finish.  Our arms makers can't touch that for quality at the price.   Too bad but they better get busy or they'll all be out.

[williamlayton]

We are a broke nation living on credit. Why can't folks see the results from the USSR?
Blessings

[Brett]

Why can't American business compete in what has to be the largest market in the world for sporting firearms?  My uncle uncle just had a nice old Savage/Stevens 311 20 gauge stolen.  He just picked up a replacement at BassPro in Council Bluffs for $360.  You guessed it, made in Brazil.  A very nice little shooter with walnut stocks, cut checkering and choke tubes, decent fit and finish.  Our arms makers can't touch that for quality at the price.   Too bad but they better get busy or they'll all be out.

For part of the answer to that question see the thread about unions under the Pot-Bellied Stove Forum.  

[Savage .250]

Another old line gun company bites the bullet due to changing times.
   Cheaper Competition, Federal Regs, lack of a buyer base, Not making enough money, poor management ?
  Not sure what the demise of  The Ithaca Gun Co can be attributed to
   but i`m lucky to have one of their fine Model 37`s in 12ga in my collection.  
  As i`m a lefty, i really got full benefit from it`s ejection design.  
   If you own one they may well end up in the classic category down the
     road.
   
 " The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

[stimpylu32]

As long as the American government continues to allow these foreign gun makers to import their products at little or no cost .

And as long as they can continue to pay next to nothing in labor costs we will see more of our fine craftsmen loosing their livelihoods .

Its about time that the American People stop buying these foreign products and BUY AMERICAN

[Brett]

Its about time that the American People stop buying these foreign products and BUY AMERICAN

That's a lot easier said than done.  My 1990 Chevy truck was assembled in Canada.  My wifes 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser was assembled in Mexico.  Browning and H&R/NEF import guns made in China, Mossberg imports a line of double barrel shotguns made in Turkey.  My Philips TV set was assembled in Mexico with Japanese or Chinese parts, Even Caterpillar tractor transmissions are made in France as are the transmissions in some Ford trucks.  Half or more of the produce at my local grocery store is imported from South America even. What can you buy today that was not either assembled in or made from parts or materials imported from another country?

[stimpylu32]

It has taken US 200 years ,To get this country screwed up this bad, But if WE look hard enough WE can find products made in america .

It may cost more to get a gun made in the US but it can be done . If WE stop buying the imports from CHINA and the rest of the World , They will get the point .

This can not be done over night and will thke an effort on ALL our parts .

[Brett]

The trouble is many of us don't have more money to spend on the few American made products so are in a sense forced to buy the less expensive imported alternative or go without.   Together with the fact that there are no alternatives in many instances.  Find me an American made TV or stereo or even a compact car for that matter that is not made with foreign parts or assembled in a foreign country and I'll buy it.   :cry:

[stimpylu32]

Brett

I do understand what you are saying , I too have to buy these things , But when ever possible i BUY AMERICAN . Even it means waiting to save more money or going without .

Just try to buy a pair of jeans made in the states , The only ones that i buy are Carhart , Yes they cost more , But it is worth it to me to get an american made product .

Even Craftsman tools are mostly made over seas any more so i buy klein . Made right here in the midwest .

I'm not saying that everything we buy has to be made in the us , But whenever WE can BUY AMERICAN

[armory414]

Yeah!  Let your next gun be a Hi-Point, made right here in the U.S. of A.  Forget those Portuguese-made Winchesters!

[msorenso]

Nightrain52
  NOT TRYING TO BE SMART BUT PLEASE PROVIDE PROOF WHY REM OR WIN ARE NEXT??? I KNOW REM BOUGHT BAKKIAL, BUT ITS STILL NO PROOF BECAUSE THEY OWN A FOREG. BUISNESS. WHAT OTHER HOLDINGS DOES THE OWNER OF REMINGTON HAVE.

[Graybeard]

What is the basis for you saying Remington bought them? Just because they are importing a line of guns made by them? That hardly constitutes buying a company these days as most of the various "brand" names are importing guns made over seas these days but they didn't necessarily buy the companies.

Not saying they didn't, just that I've not heard that until now.

[Nightrain52]

There is no proof that Remington and Winchester are about to go out of business. My claims were made on the litigation all gun companies are fighting. Look at some of the new products Remington has come up with. Their E-Tronics ignition system is no longer being offered. What about people that purchased one of these rifles. They brought out their Short Action Ultra Magnum about the same time Winchester brought out ther WSM and WSSM cartridges. Winchesters took off and Remingtons didn't. This track record goes back to the 5MM rimfire Remington made for 3 or 4 years and then abanded leaving people stuck with a boat anchor rather than keep making ammo for it. Remington has a history of leaving the costomer holding the bag. According to the Remington website they just agreed to be an importer for the Baikel.