Beretta Rejects West Virginia Location Over Sen. Manchin's Gun Control Role

Let's see how your constituents like them apples

CHARLESTON—U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin's role in the gun control debate has prompted firearms maker Beretta USA to turn down offers from officials and groups in West Virginia that it relocate to the state, a company executive said Friday.

Jeffrey Reh, general counsel and vice-general manager, cited comments from the West Virginia Democrat targeting high-capacity ammunition magazines. He said the company also has concerns with a provision in the measure Manchin has co-sponsored with Sen. Patrick Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, to expand gun buyer background checks to gun shows and Internet sales.

Beretta believes Manchin has joined forces with Sen. Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat and vocal gun control advocate, leading the company to question whether "West Virginia was a pro-gun as we thought," Reh said.