Area 419

The Beginnings

Area 419’s start came in 2010 when our local Gander Mountain store decided to shutter the gunsmithing department and Jon Addis decided to buy the inexpensive manual mill and manual lathe that would no longer be needed. This began a years-long journey of learning to chamber barrels and perform gunsmithing services – initially with the basic goals of learning to machine and offset the costs of a shooting hobby.

Our Growth

The business really began to change and grow in 2016, when Jon bought his first CNC mill, a Haas TM2P. This allowed for faster, more complex gunsmithing, as well as some initial product development. Later in 2016 the Hellfire muzzle brake was designed and initially produced for testing. In November 2016 the Hellfire launched, soon followed by the Master Funnel Kit. On January 1, 2017 Jon left his full-time job and went all in on Area 419.

Out of the Back Yard

Since that time the Area 419 team has grown to 24, our facility has grown from 1,200 square feet to 20,000, and some basic gunsmithing for friends has turned into a global customer and dealer base – making what was once a backyard hobby business in Northwest Ohio into a worldwide brand in the precision firearm accessory and reloading space.

What’s Next

In 2021, our mission is unchanged – we design, produce, and distribute the finest products and accessories on earth for precision shooters and reloaders. Our products are Made in America, from American raw material, by American workers, using the most cutting edge machines and technology the world has to offer. From our ZERO Reloading Press, to Hellfire family of muzzle devices to ARCALOCK rails and clamps, the things our team produces right here in Ohio are unsurpassed, and we are enormously proud of what we get to do here every day.