CZ bought out Dan Wesson

I heard they wanted a production facility in the US. It gets around some of the problems associated with importation of firearms.

This may be a good thing for the consumer with the infusion of cash for the development of new products and distribution, but when the management realizes that production can be done cheaper in the Czech Republic with their low wages, that plant will be shut down so fast it will make your head swim.

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Having been on the "bought-out" end on a merger myself, I can share your perspective.

But in this case, given the declining value of the US dollar -- and no real likelihood that the value is going to increase greatly in the foreseeable future -- it may NOT be cheaper to build the Dan Wesson guns in the Czech Republic. Particularly when you consider the fact that CZ can probably sell enough guns, given better improving marketing effort, to get or keep their existing factory very busy.

The main market for 1911s and 10mm guns is the US. I don't know if it will make sense to out-source that production, given the current monetary situation. You may see things done on the Glock or SIG model, with some stuff made overseas (SIG) and assembled here (SIG and Glock).

Guess we'll see.

while it is true the dollar has lost against the euro and pound sterling, it has more to do with the growth of those currencies as to the weakness of the dollar. and the dollar is still strong against the ceska koruna. i could forsee some parts being made in eastern europe and the american factory used for assembly, but as walt said: we'll see.
overall i am hoping for the best

Some of the pistols not approved for import, ala the CZ 101 and CZ-92 can be produced here.

Ash

Now that's a good thought!

Are those grips on the CZ 83 also a requirement for importation? Seems like if they produced them in the U.S. they wouldn't need those grips with the thumb rest.

CZ83 grips dont have a thumbrest......

Shoot well......

Well, not a thumb rest exactly, but they have target grips, or some grips with grooves where the thumb goes. I thought that feature was to get compliant with the importation point system. Is that wrong?

http://www.czusa.com/01.detail.php?id=40

CZ seems to be making a move to corner a bigger market share. They also just bought out ARMSCO, the importer of Huglu shotguns.

Looks like someone's finally getting serious ...

... about a CZ 97B in 10mm AUTO

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107641&highlight=10

I'll take mine in stainless with Trijicons, 3 hi-cap mags and a tan Galco SH.

Works for me.

That CZ .22lr pistol would be a lovely addition... lovely indeed...

Dan

Uhhh....all this talk about new autos is making me nervous. They're still donna make DW revolvers, aren't they?

10mm CZ-97B?!?!?!?! YES YES YES!!!!!!!! Where do I sign up? Hakan I`ll be needing another set of custom "10mm" engraved Extreme grips like the ones you made for my old 10mm Witness. Marcus

Uhhh....all this talk about new autos is making me nervous. They're still donna make DW revolvers, aren't they?

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All statements so far by those as should know indicate that revolver production is expected to be increased.

As a proud member of the DW family (PTE-S), I hope the marriage is a resounding success. I also hope they got a good prenup.

Rich

I just hope the 10mm CZ97 doesn't wind up becoming a Razorback 1911 with CZ stamped on the slide!

Although a friend made the comment that maybe the easiest and quickest way to get a 10mm CZ will be to have CZ ship frames and slide blanks to DW, and DW then makes the 10mm barrel and slide, assembles the gun in the US. So, I'm hoping for that.

What I've seen at the CZ Forum indicates that the production lines will be kept seperate, and the only initial change is DW will stop building their specialty one-off custom guns.

But, then Bob sent out that email asking about 10mm interest, and suggesting that DW was going to start building guns for CZ...so....anyone's guess now, as the various forums are proving...

CZ in 10mm

I'll take one.

12-34hom

I think it's kind of funny that I got jumped on for stating that a local dealer with strong ties to Dan Wesson told me they were in financial trouble and that a major distributor had bought the rest of that years production to help keep Dan Wesson running.

Some folks just about laughed out loud at my statement and said that DW was doing great.



Still, I like the variety of the DW lineup. And based on a 38 Super I shot of theirs, I'm very impressied with the general quality as well.

but when the management realizes that production can be done cheaper in the Czech Republic with their low wages, that plant will be shut down so fast it will make your head swim.

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Although it is true that at the moment the dollar is relatively strong against the crown, in a few years the Czech Republic will be switching over to the Euro. Because of the complex import laws and the ability to import certain types of firearms at basically the whim of the current administration I would expect most major gun companies to keep manufacturing ability in the US. Also if any of the companies ever hope to get goverment/military contracts they need to have facilities in the US.

Don't know how to break it to you, but...

The ability of CZ-USA to have a menufacturing plant will provide; a) a large infusion of cash and distribution points for Dan Wesson Firearms, (Which bob Serva himself has promised to mantain and expand, and b) permits CZ-USA to circumvent, in many respects the 1968 Gun Control Act I don't see a "downside" to any of this.

Owner of DWF Razorback #084 of the first 150, and PROUD of it!

Scott

I just hope the purchase of Dan Wesson doesn't drag a good company like CZ down with it.

1911 Terry:

You're a regular "ray of sunshine" aren't you!

Scott

Rationalization

I see that the rationalization has started in
ernest.

"Which Bob Serva himself has promised to maintain
and expand"

What a joke. As any employee knows that has been
on the bought out side of a merger, what Bob says
means absolutely NOTHING. It's not up to Bob. He
may believe what he says but ZC is now calling the
shots. Managers LIE during buy outs.

"Although it is true that at the moment the dollar
is relatively strong against the crown, in a few
years the Czech Republic will be switching over to
the Euro."

When the Czech Republic switches over to the Euro,
will the CZ employees suddenly be making more
money with greater buying power? Will their pay
change in relation to what US workers make? The
answer is no. At least it hasn't happened in the
countries that have already switched. The buying
power and how expensive his labor is has
absolutely nothing to do with what currency he is
paid in. Czech Republic labor is very inexpensive
compared to US labor.

From CZ's web page - "The CZ factory employs some
2000+ highly trained engineers, craftsmen and
business personnel, making it one of the largest
firearms manufacturers in the world."

CZ's production credentials are very impressive.
ISO certified. Low wages. Excess capacity (they
are soliciting for more business). Impressive
machining, heat treating, casting, welding, media
blasting, wood working, metal finishing, etc
capabilities.

Any real manufacturing and production will be
moved to the Czech Republic.

Soon only assembly of CZ pocket pistols (if that)
and warranty repair will be done in the US.

Although the firearms industry is a little
different than other industries, the trend for
many years has been to move manufacturing jobs
overseas. Look around you!

Question: What are you wearing while reading this
that was made in the US?

Stainless.

"Question: What are you wearing while reading this
that was made in the US?"

A Smith and Wesson revolver and some Winchester ammo in it. hehehehee

For the naysayers out there...

What benefit would it be for CZ to buy out Dan Wesson and move the company? Why take an American made gun, make it overseas and then have to jump through the stupid hoops to import the thing back here?

If they wanted to produce a 1911 pattern pistol in the Czech Republic why not just do it under their own name? They surely didn't have to buy Dan Wesson for this. They can stand quite well on their own trade name.

You have other foreign companies building factories in the US. This way CZ has the best of both worlds. They can continue and improve Dan Wesson Arms and they can produce American made CZ weapons. The next time the gummint changes the import laws in a feeble attempt to limit guns by regulation and taxation CZ will be a jump ahead.

And why was it that CZ-USA bought them and not just CZUB?


Bob Serva, the former President and CEO pf Dan Wesson is now the Director of Technology & Engineering for the CZ Corporation.

Are you saying that Bob doesn't know what's happening? That he willy-nilly signed away the farm without some sort of guarantees?

Are you saying that you know more about the situation that he does?

Or did all y'all just overlook this thread?