Windham Weaponry is going up for auction

[Scalloper]

I figured some may want to know:

If you don't inovate..

Windham Weaponry

"It is with deep regret that we announce the closing of Windham Weaponry. Our website/online retail ordering system will remain active through Tuesday night, Sept 12. We will do our best to ship all orders this week and early next week. No credit card will be charged until the order is shipped.

Twelve years ago, when we started Windham Weaponry, our shareholders and longtime employees were excited to continue the traditions and spirit of Bushmaster Firearms, after the new owners decided to leave Maine.

We built WW into a company we could be proud of providing outstanding customer service, high quality products, as well as a great place for our dedicated employees to work.

The last few years have been a very challenging time for the firearms industry, and we have struggled to keep the WW dream alive for as long as possible. Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet our loan obligations with the bank after they worked with us as much as they could.

There was a glimmer of hope when we were negotiating with an investor to help keep WW alive and healthy, but that just fell through.

We have begun discussions with Keenan Auction Company to determine the best course of action for a full liquidation which should happen within the next month or so.

Our shareholders and employees truly appreciate your loyal support all of these years."

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I thought they were more innovative than most.

 

[dontpanic]

They made a solid product. Sad to hear this

 

[C.E.Smith043]

One of the most accurate off the shelf ARs I've ever owned. I think I paid around $780 for it back in 2014 time frame. Still have it today. It's been a solid rifle.

 

[Rsadams]

That truly sucks. Iam really shocked.. I have ordered so many parts etc from them over the years it is like losing an old friend... I always wanted one of their rifles but own to many ARs now... The snobs used to talk smack but they made a solid rifle in my opinion....

 

[rijndael]

This was the reincarnation of Bushmaster, right?

 

[Scalloper]

The owner passed about a year ago and I am told the next generation cant hold the company together.

 

[FNSafari]

This was the reincarnation of Bushmaster, right?

Yes, after Remington(I believe it was) bought the company and moved the operations out of Maine.

 

[Texas Solo]

Most impressive is that the founder hired back all the people that Remington let go.

 

[joshb]

Sad to hear. I bought one of their ARs in 7.62x39 to try out. It works without a hitch and shoots well. It’s still with me. One of my “From my cold dead hands” guns.

 

[shortgrass]

We've got AR saturation. No matter how good the product, how good the customer service, when there's an over supply something has to 'give'. I hate to hear of Windom going under. I get loads of emails through my business account from AR manufactures every day announcing "sales and discounts". Companies have to be profitable, and without not enough sales some are going to fail. Too many AR manufactures and too few sales. These days many want to know "how cheap" . It can become a 'race' to closing the doors. "It's the economy, stupid". The economy for the next 16+ months looks to be 'challenging', economically, for many folks and companies.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

We've got AR saturation. No matter how good the product, how good the customer service, when there's an over supply something has to 'give'. I hate to hear of Windom going under. I get loads of emails through my business account from AR manufactures every day announcing "sales and discounts". Companies have to be profitable, and without not enough sales some are going to fail. Too many AR manufactures and too few sales. These days many want to know "how cheap" . It can become a 'race' to closing the doors. "It's the economy, stupid". The economy for the next 16+ months looks to be 'challenging', economically, for many folks and companies.

Your not just a kidding!

 

[Fuj]

I remember walking out of my favorite gun shop with one of
the first civilian Colt AR-15's. I paid over MSRP with no gripes.
They were the only one's on the block. Times change, and yes,
the market is saturated. I have two Rock River's, and I do hope
they live long and prosper.....

 

[Kevin1990]

I’m not sure how much you can innovate an AR, maybe better marketing, but the market is completely saturated with ARs. Never owned a WW, but I’ve heard good things.

You know what? I changed my mind. Better marketing, for sure. I see guys buying $300 dollar lowers from the same forgings as Anderson. But as long as it’s got their favorite brand on it, all is right with the world.

 

[shoot4fun]

I’m not sure how much you can innovate an AR, maybe better marketing, but the market is completely saturated with ARs. Never owned a WW, but I’ve heard good things.

You know what? I changed my mind. Better marketing, for sure. I see guys buying $300 dollar lowers from the same forgings as Anderson. But as long as it’s got their favorite brand on it, all is right with the world.

Well isn't that the same thing we could say about many products we buy?
You wanna sell more gasoline than a generic brand can sell at a much lower price?
Ad campaign with beautiful shapely women, dressed in well fitting attire, filling the tank of their shiny new Corvette with your brand.
You wanna sell an AR for twice the price of a Brand X?
Find some guys with muscles, "Grizzly Adams" beards and tats. Smear some mud around, find some Red Dawn scenery and have them look mean and fearless.
Don't even get me going on why someone would buy a $3000 AR and then start paying for after-market parts to add to it or, worse, make it "better".
But, in all fairness, I made some D@*N GREAT bonuses because of marketing and BHO.

 

[c3d4b2]

Yes, after Remington(I believe it was) bought the company and moved the operations out of Maine.

In all fairness to Remington.... Cerberus purchased them.

Meet the private equity firm that dominates the US gun industry—but no longer wants to

Update (Dec. 18, 6:25 a.m.): Cerberus said it is putting its portfolio of gun companies, known as Freedom Group, up for sale. Read the press release here, or read below for excerpts.

qz.com