by Windham Weaponry, the Maine-based manufacturer of AR-15s, is going out of business. Founded in 2011 when Richard Dyke’s non-compete clause expired with the Freedom Group, it was in many ways the successor to the original Bushmaster. Windham was in the same facility and most of its workers were the original Bushmaster employees left behind when production was moved by the Freedom Group to the Remington factory in Ilion, New York.
Before Walmart went all PC and stopped selling AR-15s, if you saw an AR in their gun case, it was likely to be from Windham Weaponry. However, the last few years have been tough on the company.
From their website announcing closing:
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.
It is a sad day when any firearms company closes its doors. While I never owned a complete Windham Weaponry rifle, I have bought parts including a barrel from them.
I do hope that the employees can find new jobs with salaries commensurate with their old positions.
One last thing – if you still want to order from them, you can do it through tonight and your order will be processed.
