Olympic Arms, one of the earliest makers of AR-15 clones, has announced that it is closing its door at the end of February. Long before there was a Stag or Daniel Defense there was Olympic Arms. According to their website's serial number history, they began making their ARs in 1979.
I don't know if this a general trend or merely an older company that was eclipsed by the younger, more innovative companies. I would tend to think it is the latter and not the former.
I do remember my friend Milo being all excited when he got his Olympic Arms AR-15. I had an email from his describing how he and his son John carefully broke it in. I'm guessing this was during the early years of the Clinton assault weapon (sic) ban.
Here is the announcement from the Olympic Arms website:
After more than 40 years of business, it is with great sorrow that we announce that February 28th, 2017 will be the last day of operation for Olympic Arms, Inc.The Schuetz family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all their friends, associates, and partners that have been a part of the Olympic Arms experience. Most of all we would like to thank our loyal customers and patrons who have been with us all this time.In the course of closing, we are announcing the following changes in policy effective immediately:
- All sales are final.
- No refunds or returns will be accepted after 1-25-2017.
- On-line Shopping Cart will be active and effective while supplies last.
- All Warranty service ceases 1-25-2017. Warranty work and repairs currently in-house will be serviced and returned.
- New orders will only be taken for inventory currently in stock, or that can be built from remaining inventory.
- All inventory will be liquidated.
- ALL SALES will cease at close of business 28 February, 2017
Thank you for your patronage.
40 years? Do you know if it's run by the original founders? Unless they started the company very young, they might just be retiring.
ReplyDeleteWhile I never owned one, I see them at the local gun shows in the opposite corner of the country. I have to respect a company in business that long.