Century Arms: A Legacy of Importing and Innovating Firearms
Century Arms is a name that stands tall in the world of firearms, known for its diverse range of imported and domestically produced weapons. Since its establishment, the company has been dedicated to providing quality firearms to enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals. This blog post explores the history, product offerings, and significant impact of Century Arms on the firearms industry.
The Birth of Century Arms
Century Arms was founded in 1961 by William Sucher in St. Albans, Vermont. Initially, the company focused on importing surplus military firearms from around the world, providing affordable options for American shooters. Over the years, Century Arms expanded its operations, moving its headquarters to Delray Beach, Florida, and later to its current location in Fairfax, Vermont. The company has grown to become one of the largest firearms importers and manufacturers in the United States.
Importing and Innovating
Century Arms is renowned for importing a wide variety of firearms, particularly military surplus guns. The company’s offerings have included iconic firearms from various countries, making historically significant weapons accessible to American consumers. Some notable imports include:
- AK-47 Variants: Century Arms has imported numerous AK-47 variants, including those from Romania, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria. These rifles are popular for their ruggedness, reliability, and historical significance.
- SKS Rifles: The SKS, a Soviet-designed semi-automatic rifle, has been a staple in Century Arms’ catalog. The company has imported SKS rifles from countries like China, Russia, and Yugoslavia, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of Cold War history.
- Mauser Rifles: Century Arms has imported Mauser bolt-action rifles from various countries, including Germany, Yugoslavia, and Turkey. These rifles are prized for their craftsmanship and historical value.
Domestic Manufacturing
In addition to its import business, Century Arms has made significant strides in domestic manufacturing. The company produces a range of firearms under its brand, combining imported parts with American-made components to create reliable and affordable guns. Some notable domestically produced firearms include:
- RAS47: The RAS47 is an American-made AK-47 variant that combines the classic design of the AK platform with modern manufacturing techniques. It features a stamped receiver, a chrome-moly 4150 barrel, and an American-made receiver and barrel.
- C39v2: The C39v2 is another AK-47 variant produced by Century Arms. It boasts a milled receiver, a 16.5-inch chrome-moly barrel, and a side-mounted scope rail for added versatility.
- Canik Pistols: Century Arms is the exclusive importer and distributor of Canik pistols in the United States. Canik, a Turkish firearms manufacturer, produces high-quality, affordable handguns that have gained popularity among American shooters. The TP9 series, in particular, is known for its reliability, accuracy, and value.
Commitment to Quality
Century Arms has faced challenges over the years, including concerns about the quality and reliability of some of its imported firearms. In response, the company has made substantial investments in quality control and manufacturing processes to ensure that its products meet the high standards expected by American consumers. Century Arms has established a dedicated U.S.-based production facility, where rigorous testing and quality assurance procedures are implemented.
Century Arms in Popular Culture
Century Arms’ firearms have made appearances in various movies, TV shows, and video games, often representing military and tactical scenarios. This exposure has helped cement the brand’s reputation as a supplier of rugged and reliable firearms.
The Future of Century Arms
Century Arms continues to evolve, focusing on innovation and quality improvement. The company is dedicated to expanding its product lineup, offering new and improved firearms that meet the needs of modern shooters. With a commitment to affordability and reliability, Century Arms is poised to remain a significant player in the firearms industry.
Conclusion
From its early days as a surplus firearms importer to its current status as a major player in the firearms industry, Century Arms has built a legacy of providing affordable and reliable firearms to American consumers. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or professional, Century Arms offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it remains dedicated to upholding the values of quality, affordability, and reliability that have defined its success for over six decades.
