Going great guns

Firearms firms expanding local manufacturing in Kalispell

Manufacturers across the country have been struggling, but some firearms manufacturers are doing fine right here in Kalispell.

In 2007, McGowan Precision Barrels and the American Gun Co. quietly moved into a building behind Kalispell Lumber Co. Making semi-custom gun barrels and guns, the operation has been growing ever since.

Ron Duplessis, the president of both companies, expects that trend to continue, with plans to move from the current 3,200-square-foot facility to a 7,200-square-foot facility near Fun Beverage on U.S. 93 south of Kalispell.

The manufacturing operation started with four employees. Now it has a dozen and Duplessis said he expects eventually to expand to a work force of 100.

"We're a precision barrel-maker first," Duplessis said. "Just about any kind of barrel you can think of, we make."

That includes multiple calibers for long rifles and handguns, as well as a shotgun barrel. Duplessis showed off a fancy, Winchester 1885 falling block rifle with a 12-sided barrel. It's his favorite and it is the product of both the barrel-making and gun-manufacturing sides of the operation.

The McGowan barrel making business actually has a long history preceding Duplessis. He bought the name from Harry McGowan, a Chicago manufacturer who had been in the business since the 1950s.

The purchase included a variety of lathes, drills and other equipment dating from 1905 to 1955, all hauled on flatbed trailers from Chicago to Kalispell two years ago.

While the manufacturing end of the business depends on the highly reliable old equipment, the sales end of the business is high-tech and worldwide. And because the businesses produce customized guns and barrels, the variety of products is enormous.

Duplessis said a customer could submit drawings for a stock on a cocktail napkin if they want, or they can develop specifications and designs for what they want through a detailed online ordering process.

"This customer sent his wood in," Duplessis, showing off a rough block of California English walnut for a gun stock. "Wood is kind of like bourbon … it all depends on your tastes."

Business has been booming, with the operation producing about 12,000 barrels and selling about 2,500 guns a year at starting prices $1,250 on up to $6,000, depending on custom features. After expansion, Duplessis said barrel manufacturing capacity will reach about 35,000 a year but the optimum for quality, turnaround time and prices will be about 25,000 a year.

Duplessis was lured to the Flathead by a core of skilled people he has known for several years who were looking for a business leader. He owns three car dealerships and has other business interests in Louisiana, but has for years been involved with guns and other manufacturing design endeavors.

"I've just got a knack for it," he said. "I'm good with design."

Two years ago, Duplessis and his crew started designing actions, the section of a gun that includes bolts, triggers and receivers.

The business currently manufactures three types of actions and within a year it will be producing eight types, a diversity that is highly unusual for manufacturers, Duplessis said.

The expansion potential for the business is good because of the strong demand for firearms, partly driven by concerns about the potential for expanded federal gun regulation, Duplessis said.

"People want to get what they want while they can," he said.

But the growth potential also depends on a reliable pool of skilled artisans and metal workers.

Kellie Danielson, director of Community and Economic Development for the city of Kalispell, said American Gun Co. and McGowan Precision Barrels will increase the skilled manufacturing work force, with the help of Flathead Valley Community College.

The arrival of the two businesses "adds to the industry cluster that's already here in metals and manufacturing," she said. "With the company expanding, it creates a lot of opportunity for artisans that are out there looking for stable, consistent jobs."

Danielson noted that FVCC started a computer and numeric control machining curriculum this semester, and Duplessis has been working with the college to develop a partnership.

"Ron has visited FVCC on several occasions and is working on structuring a partnership that will help his business as well as enrollees at the college," she said.

"They're working with us to try to produce the work force we will need," Duplessis said of FVCC.

After the operation relocates to its new building on U.S. 93 South, Duplessis said it will include an area for artisans who make guns stocks, work that is not done at the current facility.

And he said there are plans to eventually build a nearby retail outlet where customers can view parts of the manufacturing process.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com