Under the Gun: Businesses Pressured, Punished in States Passing Tough Gun Regulations

States have been passing tougher gun laws with the hopes of preventing another Newtown. But lawmakers are facing the possibility that their efforts to save lives may be killing local businesses and jobs. In early April, Connecticut lawmakers passed new gun-control regulations that are among the strictest in the nation. For the most part, the new rules don’t prevent local factories from producing guns and ammunition like they have for decades. And yet several weapons manufacturers are actively exploring options for relocating to a new state. A Hartford Courant article explained why: The trouble is not the direct effects of the ban — they’re allowed to continue manufacturing, and each firm will lose a few percentage points of their sales — but rather, the companies’ standing in an industry where customers famously punish certain brands. (MORE: The Hidden Cost of Tax Refunds) Connecticut weapons manufacturing firms have been flooded with emails from gun enthusiasts, like this one ...

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