Fleeing Anti-Gun Climate, Manufacturer Leaves Connecticut for South Carolina

Soon to be joined by others

One Connecticut gun manufacturer is making good on its promise to move in response to the state's new firearm regulations, and others say they may follow as dozens of states recruit them with reduced taxes, cheaper living costs and loans on easy terms.

The gun laws won passage in the months after the December shooting deaths of 26 people—including 20 children—at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

PTR Industries, founded in Bristol, Conn., in 2006, has decided to move to Aynor, S.C., a small town about 30 miles west of Myrtle Beach.

"It's night and day from Connecticut," said PTR Chief Executive Josh Fiorini, who said the company had fielded offers from more than 40 states. "The average local citizen here is excited about industrial jobs, coupled with an excitement about our product line. Everybody wants to talk to you. Everybody wants a gun."