(Santa Ana, CA) - EMF Company, Inc., one of the most established and premiere importers of Western and Civil War, replica firearms, is proud to celebrate their 65th anniversary and looks forward to years to come of providing unparalleled product offerings and exceptional customer service to their loyal consumers.
When Early and Modern Firearms (EMF) was founded in Los Angeles, CA in 1956, the Cowboy was king. Located in the shadows of the Hollywood Studios, this family-owned mail order/retail gun store supplied the demand for Western Frontier, Civil War, and World War period guns seen in movies and television shows. Colt Firearms had discontinued production of the single action revolver, so in 1959, EMF acquired Great Western Arms Company, the manufacturer of the first reproduction of the famous Colt Model 1873 SAA. In 1971, EMF incorporated; and Boyd Davis, a close family friend, joined the company. When the strong dollar made it too costly to produce the Model 1873 in the U.S., EMF turned to Italian gun manufacturers for production, thereby pioneering the way for Italian firearm imports into the U.S. In 1980, EMF moved to Orange County; and, Boyd Davis became President. With his love for shooting and of "Spaghetti Westerns”, Boyd co-founded and became President of Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) in 1981.
EMF has been instrumental in the growth of this popular shooting sport through its support and sponsorship over the years. In turn, growth of SASS memberships boosted sales of Cowboy firearms. Boyd Davis aka General U.S. Grant, SASS #2, remained President of both EMF and SASS until his death in 2014. With the passing of their President and the increasing gun regulations (especially in California), EMF shareholders decided they were ready to close the doors after providing the "Best in Cowboy Guns” for almost six decades. However, the gun industry was not ready for EMF Company, Inc. to do that just yet. Recognizing EMF’s contribution to and stability in the firearms industry, Alberto and Alessandro Pietta of F.LLI Pietta (Italy) stepped up to invest in EMF, with Debbie Sims, former Chief Operating Officer, stepping up as the new President and COO. Since Pietta Firearms is EMF’s largest supplier, it was the perfect strategic partnership.
Pietta continues to manufacture the finest historical and modern firearms, known for their craftsmanship, quality and dependability. The keystone of EMF's "Cowboy Way" is to provide friendly, personal customer service, and to stand behind the products they sell. EMF's Great Western II single action revolvers and Hartford model percussion pistols are manufactured by F.A.P F.LLI. Pietta. Established in 1960 by Knight Giuseppe Pietta, the company first entered the world of gun-making by producing hunting guns, including side-by-side and over and under shotguns. In 1964, F.A.P F.LLI. Pietta started manufacturing replicas of the firearms used in the American Civil War. Over the years, they have made an excellent reputation (in a very difficult market) for making quality black powder reproductions. In 2002, Mr. Davis, CEO/President of EMF Company turned to Knight Giuseppe Pietta to manufacture EMF's Great Western II line of
single action revolvers. The joint efforts of these two great companies have resulted in the production of one of the finest single action revolvers on the market today!
EMF Is strongly led by President and COO, Debbie Sims. She tells us, “I have enjoyed being a small part of Early & Modern Firearms Co., Inc.'s rich history; and, look forward to the future with the Pietta/EMF family." We congratulate EMF on a remarkable 65 years and wait in eager anticipation of what they will bring our industry next.
For orders and inquiries, please contact Debbie Sims at debbie@emf-company.com or call 800.430.1310. For media inquiries, please contact Brittany Maki at bmaki@rendezvousmarketinggroup.com.
About EMF
EMF’s mission is to provide quality firearms at affordable prices. The keystone of EMF’s "Cowboy Way” is to provide friendly, personal customer service and to stand behind its products. Recognizing EMF’s contribution to and stability in the firearms industry, Alberto and Alessandro Pietta of F.LLI Pietta (Italy) stepped up to invest in EMF, with Debbie Sims, former Chief Operating Officer, stepping up as the new President/COO. Since Pietta Firearms is EMF’s largest supplier, this was a "win/win” for both companies.
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