** 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. **
Cobalt Kinetics—manufacturer of premium performance and precision engineered rifles based out of Washington, UT—announced this week that its holdings have been acquired by BAQ Defense, a company headquartered in neighboring St. George, UT.
“After a demanding run from 2015 to 2019, we felt ecstatic about the progress we had made,” said Skylar Stewart, vice president of Cobalt Kinetics. “As we were in the steps of planning out our next phase of development, we were approached by BAQ Defense and began entertaining conversations about our future. They were deeply interested in our R&D and the potential they saw for taking the company to the next level. From our very first conversations it was apparent they already had a vision in place, one that would capitalize on what we had already achieved, while moving toward new opportunities that would distinguish Cobalt even further. BAQ Defense was the answer we didn’t even know we were looking for.”“We’ve been interested in Cobalt for some time,” said BAQ President Aaron Quinn. “Their level of innovation and pure artistry is unprecedented. We watched them maneuver into the industry, filling a need for billet options while also meeting a heavy competition-type demand. We want to continue their gold standard of excellence by developing additional firearms that meet every demand in the market. As trends come and go and the flux between tactical and competitive needs arise, we want to be there with products that outfit all buyers.”
“With these exciting changes taking place, we want to assure Cobalt fans that the same level of professionalism that has made the company what it is today will remain the same,” Jason Parker, vice president of BAQ added. “Several key staff members crucial to prior success will remain with us full time. We will not let the commitment to excellence slide backward, regardless of the new channels we open.”
Since it was founded in 2014 Cobalt Kinetics has focused on enhancing the functionality and features in AR-type rifles, and has garnered attention from enthusiasts, competitors and high-level dealers. BAQ Defense provides specialty training, products and programs for non-profit entities involved in combating child sex trafficking.
