From its inception, Taylor’s & Company has worked with the goal of bringing the traditional firearms of cowboys and Old West lawmen to present-day shooting enthusiasts using modern precision machinery and high-grade materials.
For over three decades, the company has focused on bringing classic and iconic firearms from the depths of history back to current retail with a modern twist. By working closely with manufacturers, they market a broad range of Civil War, Old West, and 19th century tactical firearm reproductions made for the modern shooter.
Shooting Sports Retailer recently had the opportunity to talk with Rob Girard, vice president of sales and marketing for Taylor’s & Company, about the company’s history and plans for the future. Girard offered a more detailed look into the products they offer and how the company got to where it is.
SSR: Can you talk about the company’s history and its place in the industry today?
Girard: Taylor’s has been in business now for over 33 years, specializing in historic reproductions and guns designed for modern-day shooters. The company, originally founded by Sue McFarland in Winchester, Virginia, focused on parts and accessories for Civil War re-enactors, but quickly grew to include a broader portfolio of products including single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles and blackpowder arms. Taylor’s continues to grow and is viewed as a leader in the market of reproduction imports and high-end revolvers and rifles.
SSR: Taylor’s & Company’s motto is, Keeping the Legend Alive. What was the inspiration to focus on classic and unique firearms?
Girard: Whether it was inspiration or just realizing an opportunity in the market, Taylor’s ownership seized the opportunity to work with Italian manufacturers such as Uberti, Pedersoli, Chiappa and Pietta to provide high-end reproductions and modern designs to consumers who wanted more.
SSR: How has business in the industry changed in recent years and how has Taylor’s & Company adapted?
Girard: Today, the modern-day single-action shooter can be segmented into four distinct categories of consumer, and Taylor’s has a series of guns for each. The Trail Blazer Series is designed for those new to the segment of single-action revolvers and lever-action rifles who are drawn to the lifestyle of the New West. The Performance Series targets the SASS, Quick Draw and CMSA shooter. The Master Series is for the customer who demands attention to detail and exact historical accuracy in their weaponry. The Lifestyle Series is for what Taylor’s likes to refer to as “The New West” customer who is living the western lifestyle on or off the ranch. And finally, the Black Powder Series features the best in blackpowder reproductions and modern offerings in revolvers and rifles for all categories.
SSR: What have traditionally been some of your top-performing products?
Girard: Our Taylor Tuned guns have been our best performers because we offer something unique to the consumer that can’t be matched by the competition. Taylor Tuned guns have a trigger and action job performed by our expert gunsmiths designed to provide the ultimate in quality and performance. We offer this service primarily on our 1873 revolver and rifle platforms.
SSR: Tell us about your plans for the rest of 2021 and beyond. What products have you most excited for the future?
Girard: Well, without giving away too many secrets, Taylor’s is excited about continuing to focus on what has made the company successful, superior quality product backed by outstanding customer service. We are also looking at ways to take some of our core competencies and use them to grow in areas not yet in our portfolio of products.
SSR: From the long list of iconic firearms throughout history, how do you decide what products to bring to the market?
Girard: Typically, it’s a combination of customer and consumer feedback, and inputs from our factories.
SSR: Does producing a wide range of products present unique challenges?
Girard: As with any type of manufacturing, yes, there are always challenges. As we all know, the past year was challenging as the COVID-19 virus severely impacted our Italian manufacturers. We are confident though, that this was a temporary setback and we are already seeing signs of recovery in capacity and delivery.
SSR: There are other companies that focus on manufacturing classic firearms, what sets Taylor’s & Company apart?
Girard: Taylor’s & Company does things differently from our competitors. Our commitment to service and delivery is paramount. We support our customers and consumers in ways our competitors either can’t or don’t. We also offer our line of Taylor Tuned guns, which take our guns to a completely different level compared to competitive offerings.
SSR: Where do you see the market as a whole going and how are you preparing?
Girard: In the short term, we foresee that the market will remain strong throughout 2021 and into 2022. Of course, no one has a crystal ball, and we all know historically the ebbs and flows of the gun industry. Currently we are working to secure capacity and supply to provide for our customers now and in the future.
SSR: What does a retailer need to do to begin carrying Taylor’s & Company in their stores?
Girard: Simple. Contact us. Visit our website at www.taylorsfirearms.com or call us at 540-722-2017 and request to become a dealer. We offer programs tailored to every dealer’s needs.
