WASHINGTON — South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan has invited Erie-based Magpul, a manufacturer of high-capacity magazines, to relocate to the Palmetto state because it is more hospitable to the second amendment.
Duncan, a Republican, has been following the news inside Colorado’s Capitol, where House lawmakers just passed four pieces of gun control legislation. Among them is a proposed ban on high-capacity magazines.
Magpul is a manufacturing company that employs 400 people, including full-time workers and subcontractors, throughout the state. The company’s chief operating officer told The Denver Post it would leave Colorado if the ban on high-capacity magazines became law.
“South Carolina would welcome Magpul with open arms,” Duncan said. “In South Carolina, we believe in the Second Amendment. We believe in free enterprise. We believe in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our state welcomes any individual or business who believes the same.”
The proposed law now heads to the state Senate for debate. It would have to be signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper to become law. Hickenlooper has indicated early support for the ban on high-capacity magazines.
The South Carolina congressman extended a similar offer last month to New York-based Remington Arms because New York’s state legislature has strengthened the state’s gun laws.
Duncan’s staff has offered to set Magpul officers up in a meeting with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and the state commerce secretary.
The state’s Daucusville Business Association President Ronnie Hall issued a statement Wednesday saying it would welcome more gun manufacturers to the south.
“We strongly support the Second Amendment, and would welcome these respectable businesses to relocate to our state,” he said.
South Carolina may have to get in line.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry has also written a letter trying to lure Magpul south citing its warm climate and low taxes, according to news reports.
Idaho, too, reached out to Magpul Wednesday.