Who is Windham Weaponry?

Good question, right? Probably not something that conjures up images
of AR-15 glory days, law enforcement or military contacts or anything
like that. Windham Weaponry sounds a little bit like a wizards shop that
may be found in a World of Warcraft level or something where you buy
potions and special creams for spells to turn your arch enemies into a
skink. Honestly, I wouldn’t blame you if that was your first impulse. I
also wouldn’t blame you if you slapped me for the W.O.W. reference, but
hey we’ll get past it. Windham Weaponry is old Bushmaster. Seriously. 5
years ago when Remington bought Bushy from Richard Dyke, there were
understandings that led Dick to believe Remington would continue
producing Bushmaster rifles as well as the new Remington models at the
Windham, Maine plant (see where the Windham part comes in?). Well, a
little over a year ago Mr. Dyke got wind (no pun intended) that the FINE
folks at Remington were moving all Bushmaster products to their Ilion,
NY plant to be made along with the rest of their line. The problem with
this? Richard Dyke had a pocket full of cash from the sale of his baby
and a dirty conscience (using that phrase liberally) with a whole plant
full of "HIS” people out of work. Feeling a moral obligation to his
people, Richard Dyke (now 77 years old and with his non compete contract
having run out with Remington) decided to come out of retirement to
start up Windham Weaponry where the people he loved for 30+ years could
get back to work doing what they loved. The result has been Bushmaster
reborn with a new energy, small company pride and workmanship, and a
lineup of AR-15 spec rifles that will rival even the biggest names in
the industry. The company is family run, both in blood and relationships
and is quickly gaining steam all over again.

<code></code>

We got a chance to catch up with Mark Eliason, the Senior VP of Sales
representing Windham at the SHOT Show 2012 and it was an absolute
pleasure. Mark was very warm, descriptive and patient with a rookie in
the game even as an experienced member of the firearm company having to
start all over. He was unassuming and humble and I appreciate his
cordiality. I even got to shoot the bull with Richard Dyke who is
essentially a legend and he proved to be just the same. He was a
gentleman with a good sense of humor and a story to tell. There’s
something refreshing about a rich man with a moral conscience, or as he
described, "a moral obligation to the people of Windham, ME.” Our
favorite upcoming release for Windham we got to fondle is the Varmint
Exterminator. Take my Remington R-15 rifle
I love dearly, amp of the precision, accuracy and some individual
accessory tweaks and you’ve got the Windham Weaponry Varmint
Exterminator in .223. It’s got a precision free floated barrel and
handguard. A bead blasted stainless steel finish, full fluted barrel and
a competition crown on the barrel which looks FINE. The grip is a Hogue
AR-15 aftermarket and the stock is an ACE style skeleton stock, which
is a drastic improvement to a target rifle over the standard A2 rifle
stock. They’ve even added scope mount risers so you don’t have to buy
them after you purchase the rifle. Simply put, I’m drooling to get my
hands on one for a full hunting rifle review. It’s screaming for a Nikon M223 scope
and some prairie dogs to destroy. The folks at Windham are the best
kind of story in any industry. Compassion, appreciation for each other
and a fantastic product at a fair price. Did I mention with all the
extras the Varmint Exterminator has an almost identical retail price
point to the Remington R-15? AND, there’s a fully transferable lifetime
warranty on ALL their rifles. As long as it’s got a serial number, it’s
covered. Don’t worry either, we don’t have to wait long for the Windham
Weaponry Varmint Exterminator .223, it’ll be out next month!

few days. I'm just glad that all the old Bushmaster employees are back at work in their same old digs, but building improved products.