GOP Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is launching a video campaign aimed at gun manufacturers in Colorado in response to restrictive new gun control legislation signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. The law, set to go into effect in August 2026, bans the manufacture, sale, or purchase of semi-automatic firearms that accept detachable magazines, impacting popular firearms like AR-15s and AK-47 rifles. Gianforte argues that the law infringes on Second Amendment rights, and is encouraging Colorado gunmakers to consider relocating to Montana, where gun laws are less restrictive and pro-business policies are in place.
Gianforte has been a staunch advocate for gun owners and sellers in Montana, helping to establish the state as a constitutional carry state and passing legislation prohibiting law enforcement from enforcing federal firearm bans that infringe on Second Amendment rights. He also led efforts to ban liberal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards that could impact gun manufacturers and sellers. Gianforte believes that Montana’s defense of Second Amendment rights, pro-business policies, and low tax burden make it an ideal location for law-abiding gunmakers and sellers to operate.
In response to the new Colorado gun control law, Gianforte personally reached out to several Colorado firearms companies, with the majority expressing interest in moving to Montana. He emphasized the business-friendly environment of Montana and the welcoming attitude towards gun manufacturers. Montana officials regularly attend major firearms and gun trade shows, where they generate leads on potential businesses looking to relocate to the state. Gianforte highlighted the growing number of firearms and ammunition manufacturers in Montana, attributing it to the state’s strong defense of Second Amendment rights.
Montana officials attending a prominent firearms and gun trade show last year generated interest from about 10 potential new firearm businesses looking to move to the state, a number that increased to around 30 the following year. This demonstrates the appeal of Montana as a destination for gun manufacturers seeking a more favorable regulatory environment. Gianforte’s efforts to attract gunmakers to Montana come as he criticizes the restrictive gun control measures enacted by Colorado, arguing that they infringe on constitutional rights and create an opportunity for Montana to welcome businesses seeking a more supportive environment.
The clash between Montana and Colorado over gun control highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Second Amendment rights and gun regulations in different states. Gianforte’s campaign to entice gun manufacturers to relocate to Montana showcases the competition between states to attract businesses based on regulatory policies. The situation underscores the significance of state-level policymaking on issues like gun control, as states like Montana seek to position themselves as favorable locations for industries facing restrictive regulations elsewhere. Ultimately, the outcome of this campaign could have implications for the gun manufacturing industry and Second Amendment rights in both Montana and Colorado.
