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Calico Light Weapons Systems

Sparks, Nevada

Number of Employees: 5


PISTOL PRODUCTION HISTORY

Year .22 .25 .32 .380 9mm .45 Total
1989 10 0 0 0 3,771 0 3,781
1990 349 0 0 0 532 0 881
1991 1,800 0 0 0 900 0 2,700
1992 675 0 0 0 495 0 1,170
1993 688 0 0 0 676 0 1,364
1994 625 0 0 0 2,569 0 3,194
Less than 175 pistols were produced from 1995 to 1998


RIFLE AND SHOTGUN PRODUCTION HISTORY

Year Rifles Shotguns Total
1989 5,826 0 5,826
1990 2,136 0 2,136
1991 1,900 0 1,900
1992 0 0 0
1993 1,743 0 1,743
1994 5,058 0 5,058
1995 668 0 668
1996 546 0 546
1997 154 0 154
1998 144 0 144


Company Facts:

Calico's assault weapons line includes pistols and Carbines in 9mm and .22LR. All utilize Calico's unique helical-feed magazine, the "most advanced method for efficiently storing and dispensing ammunition in small arms." The cylindrical magazine can hold up to 100 rounds of ammunition. Calico expresses a commitment to "our 'revolution in firepower.'" Calico's long list of accessories includes: high-capacity ammunition magazines; holsters, slings, carrying cases and brass catchers; scope mounts, "ultra dot" sights and laser sights; a "speed loader" for the helical magazine; stock replacement kits; bipod; and a Calico lapel pin and patch.

Calico's advertisements stress its weapons' high ammunition capacity, durability, and "overwhelming firepower advantage." The company also stresses the alleged suitability of its firearms for sporting use. Ads feature wholesome couples in the outdoors using sporterized versions of Calico assault rifles, noting, "Calico firearms incorporate leading edge technology to make shooting safer, more fun, and easier than ever." A similar ad promises, "Our M-100 broken down will fit just right into your backpack!"

In February 1999, a jury in the Federal District Court in Brooklyn found Calico (along with five other gun manufacturers) negligent in its marketing and distribution practices, and that those practices contributed to illegal gun trafficking into the state of New York.




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The Violence Policy Center is a national non-profit educational foundation that conducts research on violence in America and works to develop violence-reduction policies and proposals. The Center examines the role of firearms in America, conducts research on firearms violence, and explores new ways to decrease firearm-related death and injury.






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