Idaho sees job results after attracting firearms industry

BOISE – Idaho officials say employment in the firearms industry has grown after targeting the sector a decade ago.

The Idaho Business Review reports the Idaho Department of Commerce began efforts to attract the industry in 2008 by promoting the state’s gun-friendly culture and business-friendly environment.

Department officials say industry employment grew by nearly 40 percent from 2012 to 2017. The state reported about 1,600 firearms and ammunition jobs last year.

In an economic impact report this year, the trade association National Shooting Sports Foundation says the state’s firearm and ammunition industry was responsible for 3,219 jobs with wages of $129 million and an output of $556 million last year.

Idaho ammunition and gun makers say the industry as whole experienced a decline last year but the industry remains strong.