THE KEEFE REPORT
A
cryptic invitation from Weatherby arrived in my inbox early in January. It read: “This news only happens once a generation.” Managing Editor Joe Kurtenbach speculated that the California company might be moving out of, well, California. I thought it was something a little more mundane, perhaps a new Vanguard version in flat dark earth (FDE). Either that or Connor Weatherby was taking over from his dad, Adam, who took over for his dad, Ed, a few years ago. Turns out Connor is only 16, thus unlikely to take over. And Adam is just getting going. I’ve known the folks at Weatherby since my very beginning with American Rifleman, and, despite my quips about FDE and the Weatherby order of succession, I suspected the announcement would actually be big. Turns out Kurtenbach was right— Weatherby is moving to Sheridan, Wyo. Here’s what company President Adam Weatherby, grandson of Roy— who founded the company in 1945— had to say on Jan. 23: “We are truly pleased to announce our relocation to the state of Wyoming. Governor Mead and his team at the Wyoming Business Council have outdone themselves in their recruitment of the Weatherby headquarters. We are looking forward to operating in a state that truly supports the Second Amendment and provides some of the best big-game hunting in the world. Their tax-friendly environment, low cost of living and growing workforce will undoubtedly help us grow as we look toward the future. This relocation will be one of the largest undertakings we have done since my grandfather founded this business in 1945, but I believe it will prove to be one of the most significant chapters in Weatherby’s history.” Weatherby said it wanted a place where the company could retain a great workforce and where employees could live an outdoor lifestyle. “Wyoming is a great place to do business and is excited to welcome Weatherby to Sheridan,” said Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead. “For over 70 years, Weatherby has been an
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innovator in firearms design and manufacturing. The company will add to our manufacturing base and fit well with our diversification objectives.” And it’s not like Weatherby hasn’t moved before. The company, of course, started out in South Gate, Calif., but then expanded in 1951 to a new storefront on Firestone Blvd. Then it moved north to Atascadero in the mid-1990s. More recently, the company moved to the neighboring town of Paso Robles. To those critical of Weatherby for leaving California, I would suggest that California left Weatherby a long time ago. It’s sad that the state has changed so much. Weatherby defined the California-style rifle. The ideas of founder Roy Weatherby on speed and power—the Weatherby Magnum cartridges—are only part of the story. There are rifles with high-polish blue, the big, roll-over combs, rosewood fore-end tips, fancy inlay and long barrels. Weatherby reflected the flash and glamour of Hollywood shooters and hunters of another era, with notables such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Roy Rogers and Slim Pickens stopping by the shop. In addition to Gov. Mead, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox was also on hand at the 2018 SHOT Show to wish Weatherby well and applaud the move to a pro-gun state with a progun governor. Some of Weatherby’s offices will move to Sheridan this year. Full production will start in 2019. And the guns will be the first in a new chapter for Weatherby—the Sheridan Weatherbys. Sincerely,
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
