Colt Firearms also made gatling guns, a Civil War and Spanish-American War predecessor to machine guns. This 1894 gun stands in front of a vintage photo of the Colt manufacturing complex in Hartford (previously shown here and here).
Connecticut's new gun control legislation poses a real dilemma for the state's remaining firearms manufacturers, including the successors to the Colt firearms businesses. It is still legal to make certain firearms in Connecticut but it is now illegal for the state's residents to buy them. So, if Connecticut customers can't legally buy their products, but customers in most other states can, why should these firearms manufacturers continue to make their products in a high cost state like Connecticut?
A couple of Connecticut companies have already announced relocations of their businesses, and others -- including Colt -- are openly considering moves.
15 comments:
Maybe they should all stop making them in the whole of the US?
They are welcome to move to Alabama.
Yes, a real dilemma re. economics. Yet, our country historically has had an underpinnings of violence. . . gotta change that somehow.
Re your question about Travolta: He's in town occasionally and is seen at movie openings, etc. He also gave the money to set up a new Scientology "center" downtown. I think most of the time he's staying here he's actually in Sarasota...he flies his big jet down there several times a week. But he has been spotted in the middle of the night at Walmart!
It will be interesting to see how things roll out. The whole problem of gun violence is very complex but I'm certain of one thing, more guns is not the answer.
A many sided question and I surely don't have any answers, but this is a terrific shot as always, Jack. Hope you have a great weekend!
A debate that will probably continue for years.
The gun debate should focus more on social intervention and support systems than on hardware, but that's just me. The Gatling Gun is an amazing piece of industrial technology which might have shortened the Civil War had they been available in large numbers. But then "if" never accounts for much.
Jack this is a great series. Are there more?
I didn't know the Gatling Gun was made by Colt.
Good question as to why the manufacturers should stay in CT. It is analogous to trying to get people to quit smoking by levying excessive taxes on tobacco; what would states do if everyone suddenly stopped smoking. They would certainly lose a lot of revenue.
It's an impressive weapon regardless.
I think it's an issue that's going to take generations to really resolve. Unfortunately.
Fascinating bit of Colt history. I too fear the gun debate will rage a long time.
Very cool. Makes me think of the Clint Eastwood westerns.
Sadly, the gun debate is more complicated than most of us realize, so yes, the debate will go on and on and on.
I say bravo Connecticut, may the rest of US follow your lead. It's good to see these ancient monsters Jack and remember the damage they did, well shown here.
The Bubbas in Alabama would all LOVE to be toting one of those machine guns, for protection you understand.
V
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