The Illinois Firearms Manufacturing Industry Tour is day-long educational event for legislators and their staffs. It included a tour of Springfield Armory in Geneseo, a tour of Rock River Arms in Colona, a presentation by firearm component manufacturer L.W. Schneider of Princeton, and a shooting event at Milan Rifle Club to allow federal and state officeholders to better understand the firearms industry and their economic in Illinois.
There are 194 Firearm Manufacturers operating in Illinois, representing nearly 14,000 jobs paying an average on $59,000/year in wages and benefits. Firearm manufacturers and suppliers represent $639 million in wages and a $2.18 billion impact on Illinois’ economy. The industry pays $129 million/year to the State of Illinois in taxes in addition to $200 million in federal business and excise taxes. Millions more dollars are invested in our communities by these businesses, such as little league teams, to support of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, to support of causes like Komen for the Cure and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.