Changes at Freedom Forge Armory
Over the past several years, Freedom Forge Armory has grown far beyond what it originally started as. What began primarily as a firearms business steadily evolved into something much larger in the Ordnance Development Division (ODD), indirect fire training programs, live-fire testing, research projects, and the creation of the I3-FIRES fire control system.
As many of you know, Virginia’s changing firearms laws and the growing legal uncertainty surrounding the firearms industry are creating an increasingly difficult environment for small independent manufacturers and dealers. While Freedom Forge Armory remains fully compliant with all federal, state, and local laws, the reality is that the industry is shifting in a direction that requires significant time, money, and legal resources simply to maintain normal operations.
After a great deal of consideration, I have decided to begin gradually winding down portions of the traditional firearms side of the business and shift future efforts toward the Ordnance Development Division and its related projects.
This is not an overnight change, and it is not the end of Freedom Forge Armory. Existing projects, transfers, and obligations will continue to be handled professionally and responsibly moving forward. However, the primary focus will shift toward:
- Indirect fire and mortar gunnery instruction
- Research and development projects
- Live-fire testing and evaluation
- Training support systems and software development
- Ordnance-related educational content and field exercises
The ODD was always intended to become the long-term mission. Current industry and political conditions have simply accelerated that timeline.
Another major part of this transition is operational balance and long-term focus.
For years, the firearms side of the business demanded extremely long hours, often 12 to 14 hour days balancing customer work, transfers, compliance requirements, manufacturing, and administrative overhead. That pace was sustainable during the growth phase of the company, but it also limited the amount of time and energy available for larger projects already underway through the Ordnance Development Division.
Beginning after July 1st, public-facing shop hours will become more limited, likely operating on a reduced weekly schedule. This does not mean work is stopping behind the scenes. It means the focus of that work is changing.
The goal is to dedicate more time toward ODD projects, research and development, testing, training programs, and long-term capability growth rather than remaining tied almost exclusively to daily manufacturing, retail, and transfer operations.
This transition is about building toward the future of the organization and focusing resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact.
I want to thank everyone who has supported Freedom Forge Armory over the years customers, friends, fellow veterans, instructors, industry partners, and everyone who believed in what we were building here. Your support made it possible to develop capabilities and projects that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
The next chapter will look different, but the core philosophy remains the same, practical knowledge, disciplined training, technical competence, and building real capability instead of just talking about it.
More updates will follow as the transition progresses.