Fear & Loading: Financial Strife at a Pair of Industry Firms

by
posted on March 22, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hudson.jpg

Hudson Manufacturing, which introduced the 9 mm H9 semi-auto pistol in January 2018, filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 14, citing between $10 million and $50 million in liabilities and less than $50,000 in assets. If the court grants the motion, the company’s inventory, machinery and everything it owns of value would be liquidated to pay creditors.

The firm’s financial challenges became public during the late summer of 2018, when Cambridge Valley Machining filed a lawsuit alleging it failed to make complete payment for ordered parts. The response filed by Hudson Manufacturing claimed the amount paid reflects the supplied components return rate due to inadequate machining and quality-control issues in the product.

Hudson Manufacturing reserved space at the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nev., although the booth remained empty throughout the event. Cy and Lauren Hudson began working on the H9 concept—a striker-fired 9 mm with a 1911-style trigger—in 2013, bringing it to market five years later.

More Magazines Disappearing
On March 10, F+W Media, once a powerhouse in print publishing with a large stable of magazines covering a variety of enthusiast pursuits, “…filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code, citing in various documents a perfect storm of industry decline, poor investments, and even mismanagement,” according to Forbes magazine. The company was founded in 1913 and grew to include a number of popular firearm and hunting periodicals on the newsstand, although its current outdoor offerings have dwindled to only Deer & Deer Hunting and Trapper & Predator Caller.

Documents filed with the court indicate the company has a $105.2 million debt and $2.5 million in cash. Its book division produces more than 100 titles a year, and its other properties include websites, on-line retail sites, subscription video services and more.

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.