Knight Muzzleloading Rifles Looks To Close Production

It appears not all news happens to be good news in the firearms industry.   Despite the fact tactical firearms, handguns and many calibers of ammunition are flying off the retail shelves at record paces, other segments of the shooting industry have apparently fallen on harder times.   The latest victim of slumping sales was just announced a few days ago.   Knight Rifles, the manufacturer largely responsible for pioneering the in-line muzzleloader back in the mid-1980s, will be ceasing operations at the end of June.

In 1998 Knight Rifles, originally located in Centerville, Iowa and founded by Tony Knight, was sold to EBSCO Industries, Inc. with manufacturing facilities eventually moved to Decatur, Alabama.

In a recent press release it states the decision to close their manufacturing operations is because of an “overall industry downturn.”   Sources familiar with Knight’s marketing woes indicate that sales have been rather sluggish for the brand during the past several years.

The loss of Knight Rifles is significant to the hunting industry because it shows how important product innovation is to the buying public if you want to stay on top.   In time, competition from makers such as Thompson/Center and Connecticut Valley Arms (CVA) offered products that simply featured better or more economical systems for the hunter.   Even though Knight Rifles have always been synonymous with a quality modern muzzleloading product, it appears the competition has successfully eroded the market share away from the once dominant manufacturer.

If you own a Knight Muzzleloading Rifle and require either warranty service or repairs, you are urged to make those arrangements as soon as possible.   Contact: (256) 260–8900 or by e-mail at krcs@knightrifles.com.

© 2009 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.