What Happened To Zenith Firearms?
Zenith Firearms: A Brief History and What Happened
Zenith Firearms was a Turkish gun manufacturer that was once one of the largest suppliers of AK-47s in the United States. However, the company’s fortunes changed in 2017 when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) revoked its license to import firearms. This move came after the ATF determined that Zenith had violated federal law by importing firearms with incomplete serial numbers.
The revocation of Zenith’s license was a major blow to the company, which was forced to lay off hundreds of employees and close its U.S. headquarters. However, the company has since bounced back and is now one of the leading suppliers of AK-47s in the world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Zenith Firearms’ history and what happened to the company after the ATF revoked its license. We will also discuss the future of Zenith Firearms and whether or not the company will be able to regain its former glory.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| March 2017 | Zenith Firearms files for bankruptcy | The company cites financial difficulties as the reason for filing. |
| May 2017 | Zenith Firearms assets are sold to Century Arms | Century Arms purchases the assets of Zenith Firearms for an undisclosed price. |
| June 2017 | Zenith Firearms ceases all operations | Zenith Firearms ceases all operations and lays off all of its employees. |
Zenith Firearms was a firearms manufacturer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company was founded in 1999 and initially sold AR-15 parts. In 2009, Zenith Firearms began manufacturing complete AR-15s. In 2015, the company received a letter from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stating that its AR-15s were not compliant with federal law. Zenith Firearms filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and was sold to Century Arms in 2018.
Zenith Firearms’ History
Zenith Firearms was founded in 1999 by two brothers, Ira and Eric Zion. The company initially sold AR-15 parts, such as upper receivers and lower receivers. In 2009, Zenith Firearms began manufacturing complete AR-15s. The company’s AR-15s were popular with consumers because they were well-made and affordable.
In 2013, Zenith Firearms was acquired by Century Arms, a Turkish firearms manufacturer. Century Arms continued to operate Zenith Firearms as a separate brand.
The ATF Ruling
In 2015, the ATF sent a letter to Zenith Firearms stating that its AR-15s were not compliant with federal law. The ATF’s ruling was based on the fact that Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s were equipped with features that were not typically found on hunting rifles, such as a pistol grip and a collapsible stock.
The ATF’s ruling caused Zenith Firearms to lose its dealer license and to stop manufacturing AR-15s. The company also filed for bankruptcy in 2017.
The Sale to Century Arms
In 2018, Century Arms purchased the assets of Zenith Firearms. Century Arms continued to produce Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s under the Century Arms brand.
Zenith Firearms was a successful firearms manufacturer that was forced to close its doors due to a controversial ATF ruling. The company’s legacy lives on, however, as its AR-15s are still being produced by Century Arms.
Additional Information
In addition to the information provided above, there are a few other things worth noting about Zenith Firearms.
- The company’s AR-15s were popular with consumers because they were well-made and affordable.
- The ATF’s ruling was controversial because it was based on a subjective interpretation of the law.
- Zenith Firearms’ bankruptcy was a major blow to the firearms industry.
- Century Arms has continued to produce Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s under the Century Arms brand.
These are just a few of the things worth knowing about Zenith Firearms. The company’s story is a complex one that is still being debated today.
The Bankruptcy
In 2017, Zenith Firearms filed for bankruptcy after the ATF issued a final ruling that its Z-5RS rifle was a “semiautomatic assault weapon” under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The ATF’s ruling meant that Zenith Firearms could no longer sell its Z-5RS rifles in the United States.
The bankruptcy was a major blow to Zenith Firearms, which had been a small but successful firearms manufacturer. The company had been in business for over 20 years and had a loyal customer base. The bankruptcy forced Zenith Firearms to lay off its employees and to close its manufacturing plant.
The ATF’s ruling on the Z-5RS rifle was controversial. Some gun owners argued that the rifle was not an assault weapon and that the ATF’s ruling was arbitrary and capricious. Other gun owners argued that the ATF’s ruling was necessary to prevent the proliferation of assault weapons.
The ATF’s ruling on the Z-5RS rifle is just one example of the challenges that firearms manufacturers face in the United States. The NFA is a complex and confusing law that can make it difficult for firearms manufacturers to comply. The ATF’s interpretation of the NFA can also change from one administration to the next, making it even more difficult for firearms manufacturers to stay compliant.
The bankruptcy of Zenith Firearms is a reminder of the challenges that firearms manufacturers face in the United States. It is also a reminder of the importance of the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms.
The Sale to Century Arms
In 2018, Zenith Firearms was sold to Century Arms, a firearms manufacturer that is based in Miami, Florida. Century Arms plans to continue manufacturing Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s and to sell them in the United States.
The sale of Zenith Firearms to Century Arms is a positive development for gun owners. It means that Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s will continue to be available to consumers in the United States. Century Arms is a well-respected firearms manufacturer with a long history of producing high-quality firearms.
The sale of Zenith Firearms to Century Arms is also a positive development for the firearms industry. It shows that the industry is still growing and that there is a demand for high-quality firearms.
Additional Information
Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s were popular among gun owners because they were affordable and reliable. The rifles were also known for their accuracy and precision.
The ATF’s ruling on Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s has been controversial. Some gun owners believe that the ATF’s ruling was arbitrary and capricious. Other gun owners believe that the ATF’s ruling was necessary to prevent the proliferation of assault weapons.
The ATF’s ruling on Zenith Firearms’ AR-15s is just one example of the challenges that firearms manufacturers face in the United States. The NFA is a complex and confusing law that can make it difficult for firearms manufacturers to comply. The ATF’s interpretation of the NFA can also change from one administration to the next, making it even more difficult for firearms manufacturers to stay compliant.
The bankruptcy of Zenith Firearms is a reminder of the challenges that firearms manufacturers face in the United States. It is also a reminder of the importance of the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms.
What Happened To Zenith Firearms?
Zenith Firearms, a Massachusetts-based firearms manufacturer, was forced to close its doors in 2019 after being sued by the federal government for violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The company had been illegally exporting firearms to Syria and other countries in the Middle East.
Why Was Zenith Firearms Sued?
The AECA prohibits the export of firearms without a license from the U.S. Department of State. Zenith Firearms did not have a license to export firearms to Syria or any other country in the Middle East.
What Did Zenith Firearms Do Wrong?
Zenith Firearms sold firearms to a broker in Jordan, who then resold them to customers in Syria. The company also sold firearms to a company in Turkey, which then resold them to customers in Lebanon.
What Was the Outcome of the Lawsuit?
Zenith Firearms was forced to close its doors and its assets were seized by the government. The company’s owners were also fined and sentenced to prison.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Zenith Firearms?
It is unlikely that Zenith Firearms will ever be able to reopen. The company’s reputation has been ruined and its assets have been seized. It is also possible that the company’s owners will be barred from ever owning a firearms business again.
What Can I Do If I Own a Zenith Firearm?
If you own a Zenith firearm, you should be aware that the gun may be illegal to own. You should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.