Kahr Firearms says NY gun control sent them to Pennsylvania

A New York firearms manufacturer is fleeing the state, citing recent gun control measures that include a tax on bullets, a limit on magazines, and an expansion of the ban on assault weapons.

Kahr Firearms Group is relocating to Pennsylvania, at least partially because of the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act passed in January.

The Pearl River company had already purchased 620 acres in Pennsylvania for a planned expansion and a new factory projected to employ 80-100 people. Its 10-person corporate staff will now be moved out of New York as well.

Kahr Arms, which makes pistols, rifles and replicas of historic weapons, including Prohibition-era Tommy submachine guns, is the first gunmaker to leave the state since the swift passage of the SAFE Act after close-door negotiations.

Frank Harris, vice president for sales and marketing, said rural Pike County in Pennsylvania was much "friendlier" to Kahr and the gun industry.

"They were treating us like rock stars," Harris said. They said, "You guys, you want to bring a gun business here? Hey, we would love to have you. We're gun owners."