Early 2016 will find a historic firearm company residing in a different state than before—and with good reason.
Beretta USA is moving its factory from Accokeek, Md., where it has operated since the 1970s, to more gun-friendly Gallatin, Tenn. Company officials decided to make the move after Maryland politicians three years ago passed a package of restrictive gun-control measures that were punitive to law-abiding citizens. The laws, championed by former Maryland governor and Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley, banned many semi-automatic rifles and limited magazines to 10 rounds.
James Fenton, executive director of Gallatin’s Economic Development Agency, said O’Malley greatly helped his city by pushing the restrictive anti-gun measures. “I would like to mention that the [former] governor of Maryland is my best friend for passing that legislation, even though we've never met,” Fenton told Money.com.
