Posted on 08/25/2015 10:18:57 AM PDT by w1n1
Guns have been around in one form or another for 800 years. Much has changed, but the firearms industry cannot be accused of being on the leading edge of technology. The 1911 handgun is still widely used and adored, as is the AR-15. The 1911 by its name alone tells you that it has passed the century mark, and the AR-15 is more than 50 years old. These are just two examples of the antiquated technology employed by most firearms industry manufacturers; but not all of them.
THE BEGINNING
What happens when a newcomer to the industry combines tradition with cutting-edge technology and 21st-century company culture? Magic. Welcome to the universe that Josh Waldron and Jonathon Shults have created in the Salt Lake Valley of Utah. Two less likely candidates to start a firearms company have never come together before.
Waldron was a professional photographer by trade. He spent years on assignments for publications like Newsweek, Outdoor Life and Forbes. Feeling maxed out as a photographer, Waldron wanted to do something challenging, but fun. “If you’re going to work, do something that you love; otherwise, what’s the point of being on this earth?” Waldron said during our interview. He grew up in northern Utah County, Utah, where shooting sports are popular and places to shoot and hunt are abundant.
Shults, Waldron’s partner and lifelong friend, was a music producer and sound engineer before they joined forces to revolutionize the suppressor industry. He too, grew up in northern Utah County.
What brings two artists into the world of manufacturing and firearms? Customer service, or more accurately the lack thereof. Waldron told me, “Shults and I have always loved shooting and we started buying suppressors in our early twenties. We were often disappointed in the quality, as well as the customer service. It was horrible.” Not only did these two dislike poor customer service, they also felt that the suppressor industry was archaic and inept. The market was ripe for a revolution, and Waldron and Shults were poised to lead it.
BUILDING THE TEAM
Describing the diversity of SilencerCo’s team is much like describing the taste of sugar; one must experience it first hand in order to truly grasp the concept.
The team is an eclectic group: beards, tattoos, bright red hair and piercings are just a few of the things one will see when walking the floor. What is immediately apparent from the moment one steps into the workspace is excitement, fun and creativity. These are exactly the things that are generally lacking in a firearms manufacturing facility.
The team members come from across the country and all walks of life. While I visited their 72,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, I met this group. Many are prior military representing all branches of service, but there are also ferriers, blacksmiths, graffiti artists, gun armorers, painters, photographers, graphic artists, videographers, editors and engineers. They do not fit any kind of traditional mold other than they love what they do and are creative thinkers. The SilencerCo atmosphere is more like a software firm than a firearms company. If you are looking for crusty old men talking about the good ol’ days, you’ve come to the wrong place. Read the rest of Silencerco Story here.
Suppressors shouldn’t be practically banned, they should be practically required.
Great products but don’t buy their gun trust! Get one from a local estate planning attorney experienced in drafting gun trusts. Let me know privately if you want a referral to one in your area.
I think Finland REQUIRES silencer use.
Say what you want about old guns but they do what they’re supposed to do; point them, pull the trigger and a hole happens.
LOL. I did, and it doesn't.
How ironic, just got a notice from them. My Form 4 was accepted and the check was cashed by the ATF. Now the three to four month wait.
They take care of the whole process, from “soup to nuts”. Very good company.
Getting the Osprey Suppressor for H&K USP45.
bfl
Gotta love govt. They force you, under penalty of law, to put a muffler on your vehicle so it will be quiet. But threaten you with jail and high fines if you put a muffler on your gun without first asking their permission, jumping through paperwork hoops, paying an exorbitant “fee” and waiting 6 or more months (12 months, almost to the day for my last one).
I purchased 2 Silencerco suppressors in the past 2 months.
New Zealand has them, unregulated and cheap.
http://gunwatch.blogspot.com/2015/08/new-zealand-silencers-cheap-and.html
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.