By: Teresa Mull

A quick internet search would have you believe that yes, the great gun manufacturer Sig Sauer has gone bankrupt. How can this be, with military contracts under the company’s belt, the recent surge in gun sales, and a loyal following of fans?

Well it turns out Sig is not bankrupt, but has closed its factory in Germany. Insert sigh of relief.

International Sportsman reports:

Despite growing sales and demand for manufacturing, SIG announced it will shutter its nearly 70-year-old factory at Eckernförde near Kiel, capital of Germany’s state of Schleswig-Holstein, cutting some 125 jobs and possibly canceling future purchase orders.

SIG attributed “locational handicaps” for its production woes in Germany. But the more we dig into the matter; the more anti-gun and anti-military politics appear to be at fault, even though Germany remains a hot market for gun sales.

Sig said in a statement to the website All4Shooters:

The locational disadvantages in Germany for SIG Sauer do not economically allow for manufacturing of sports and LE/military firearms in the future.
Legislation is increasingly restricting the use of sports firearms.

When awarding public contracts, both the German police and the Bundeswehr prefer a few local producers. SIG Sauer is systematically excluded from tenders due to its international orientation, most of its developments originating from the USA.

Though Sig Sauer’s sales seem to be booming, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy another Sig, just to be safe. Comment below your favorite Sig Sauer make and model!

Teresa Mull is editor of Gunpowder Magazine.