Rock Island Today

State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) said HB5855, the Protect Illinois Communities Act, will have an immediate economic impact on Illinois’ arms manufacturers and hunting stores. 

“Springfield Armory and Rock River Arms are manufacturers of guns. LW Schneider is a manufacturer of parts for guns. They manufacture parts of Springfield Armory or Rock River arms or other arms dealers would use in their manufacturing of their guns,” Swanson said. “So we're talking north of 1,000 employees between those three businesses that would be affected and then take it that second and third order effect. If there's no guns in Illinois, what's going to happen to those mom and pop sports stores there on the street corner?”

HB5855 would outlaw several types of common guns and magazines. It would also compel law-abiding gun owners to inventory their guns and register. The bill would also disallow those under 21 from purchasing weapons and from hunting alone. In Henry County, this would affect Springfield Armory, Inc. located at 420 W. Main St. in Geneseo.  

“Springfield Armory has grown to become the premier manufacturer of quality firearms," Springfield Armory, Inc. notes on its Facebook page. "The leading maker of our country’s iconic 1911, SA-35 and M1A models, the exciting SAINT series of rifles and pistols, the custom-grade Model 2020 bolt-action family of hunting rifles, and a pioneer in today’s most trusted striker-fired solutions, every Springfield Armory firearm is built on a foundation of excellence.” 

The arms manufacturer employs over 120 workers and has an estimated revenue of $222 million per year. Opponents to the legislation say the jobs and revenue are in jeopardy due to HB5855. A vote on the bill in the House is expected on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

“Fueled by the same obsession for improved manufacturing techniques and cutting edge design that inspired the likes of John C. Garand, and John Browning, they have continued to develop products that are loyal to Springfield Armory’s heritage while ensuring The Armory’s place in the progression of American firearms,” Springfield Armory’s website reads.

The Springfield Armory has its roots in a declaration by President George Washington in 1777 for it to store ammunition for the American Revolutionary War. By 1794 the armory was producing muskets. In 1974 after many years of dormancy, the Reese family rescued the name and began manufacturing arms. 

Glenn Garamoni, president of the State Line Rifle Association of Illinois, also said the bill will affect arms manufacturers in the state even if they are shipping guns out of state. “(The bill) Provides NO exemption for federally licensed firearms dealers and manufacturers in Illinois. Goodbye to many jobs in Illinois at Springfield Armory, Rock River Arms, DS Arms, Rock Island Armory, Krebs Custom and Benjamin Tactical Inc. to name a few,” Garamoni said, Lake County Gazette reported.