AR-15 Manufacturer Olympic Arms to Close

After producing ARs for more than four decades—and working in the firearm business in one form for more than 60 years—Olympic Arms is officially closing on Feb. 28.

In 1956, Robert C. Schuetz left his gunsmithing position with Ackley to establish his own firm, Scheutzen Gun Works, in Colorado Springs, CO. It didn’t take long for the company to establish a reputation for producing fine barrels and blanks as well as bolt guns.

Production was moved to Washington state in 1975 and a year later, its first AR-15 rolled out of the plant under the Olympic label. In 1987, it acquired Safari Arms, and under the Schuetzen Pistol Works, the company produced distinctive 1911s with a scorpion on the grip panels.

In 1993, the company rolled out an AR-15 pistol, the OA-93, and a year later, it appeared in the movie “A Clear and Present Danger.” Through the years, various iterations of the handgun have been on the silver screen, including one with neon lighting and a 90-round magazine in “Batman Forever” (1995). The manufacturer also offered pistol-caliber and .22-250 Rem. ARs, in addition to 5.56 NATO and .308 Win., among others.

This week the company put the following notice on its website:

“After more than 40 years of business, it is with great sorrow that we announce that February 28, 2017, will be the last day of operation for Olympic Arms, Inc. The Schuetz family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all their friends, associates, and partners that have been a part of the Olympic Arms experience. Most of all we would like to thank our loyal customers and patrons who have been with us all this time.”