Anderson Manufacturing Ranks Number One

by
posted on July 30, 2019
anderson-logo-small.jpg

Anderson Manufacturing ranked first in the U.S. Miscellaneous Firearms Production listing of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (BATFE) 2017 Annual Firearms Manufacturing & Export Report—the latest data available. The company produced 211,382 that fell into the category that year, more than any other firm.

Anderson Manufacturing is a family-owned business based in Hebron, KY, that was established by William C. Anderson more than 30 years ago. Today his sons, Carl and Charles, serve as president and vice president, respectively.

The business grew steadily after it started manufacturing AR-15 components. Demand for its parts and firearms—100-percent American made with each rifle assembled in its Kentucky plant—is so heavy that the company began an expansion in 2018 that will nearly double the factory’s footprint with upgrades that include state-of-the-art barrel making.

In addition, Anderson Manufacturing implemented an Enterprise Research Planning Software earlier this month that, when fully implemented, will improve customer service. Perhaps more importantly, though, it will tie all aspects of the company’s operation together, providing the kind of digital advantage required to continue its growth in a fast-paced firearm industry. 

The firm’s Anderson Rifle, which harnesses a nano-technology to embed RF85 treatment into the metal, is one of its more popular finished firearms. The end result is billed as the “world’s only no-lube rifle.” The AR-15s come with 16-inch barrels in a variety of configurations and chamberings, and cleanup is a simple soap-and-water affair.

BATFE slightly modified its definitions for the 2017 annual report, a change that moved the bulk of Anderson Manufacturing’s production volume from its historical listing in the rifles and pistols categories—where the numbers have been among the top producers in the last several years. According to the latest guidelines, “Examples of miscellaneous firearms would include pistol grips, starter guns, and firearm frames and receivers.”

Latest

Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs
Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs

First Look: Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs

30 round magazine, 30 round packaging. Makes sense.

Skills Check: Near and Far

For us, “Drill Practice” is isolating an individual part of a skill and focusing intently on improving or mastering said skill. The goal with good drill practice is to maximize overall improvement while minimizing overall effort. Success equals consistency over time.

Roundup: Large Format 9mm Pistols

They're just like a full-size 9mm pistol, only more so.

First Look: Mossberg 990 Aftershock Firearm

Add a little semi-automatic action to your firearm.

Olin-Winchester Takes Ownership of an Ammunition Operation in Wisconsin

The plant was originally run by a subsidiary of Gunbroker.

2025 Golden Bullseye Awards

The best products introduced in the past year. 

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.