PROOF Research Takes High-tech Approach to Re-invent the Future of Firearms: Q&A with Chris Polley, Marketing Manager

Quick Facts:
Company: PROOF Research
Location: Columbia Falls, MT
Industry: firearms manufacturing
Founded: 2011
Employees: 70
Key Leaders: Larry Murphy, CEO (on Montana High Tech Business Alliance Board of Advisors); KK Jense, President; Chris Polley, Marketing Manager

How did PROOF Research get started?

The company was started by a group of passionate firearms manufacturers to fill a void in the market for highly accurate light weight barrels and rifles. The first two founders were KK Jense of Jense Precision and Mike Degerness of Advanced Barrel Systems. PROOF Research started in January 2011 as a joint venture between Jense Precision (Missoula, Montana) and ABS Barrels (Lincoln Nebraska). They soon added Lone Wolf Stocks (Columbia Falls, Montana) company and later Lawrence Barrels came on board in 2012. The high tech Columbia Falls facility was completed in July of 2012. An aerospace company specializing in high temp composites from Dayton, Ohio named P2SI was purchased in 2013.

What does your company do?

We make single point cut carbon fiber rifle barrels, stainless steel barrels and precision rifles with house made Kevlar reinforced carbon fiber stocks and defiance actions.

What industry does your company serve?

Defense, Manufacturing

Who are your customers?

Military, Tactical Consumers and Hunters

Who do you hire?

Machinists, Engineers

What is special about PROOF Research?

We make the lightest most accurate precision rifles in their weight class and the first carbon fiber rifle barrel to be in service by U.S. military SOCOM teams. Our Montana facility produces the world’s finest composite barrels, stocks, and complete rifles. Our Ohio division utilizes novel aerospace materials, design concepts and manufacturing methodologies to create solutions for demanding high-temperature aerospace and defense projects – including the F-35 Strike Fighter and B2 Stealth Bomber. Our portfolio of products includes next-generation prepregs, resins, adhesives and composite materials with service temperatures up to 1500° F.

What are your plans for the future?

We are working toward full auto carbon fiber barrels and because we have an engineered solution there is no scaling limitation to our products so we can make tank barrels, barrels for airframes, crew served weapons etc.

What do you like about Montana?

Freedom, natural beauty and resources

What do you do for fun outside of work?

Hunt, shoot, hike and fish.

Connect: PROOF Research: www.proofresearch.com Advanced Composite Division: www.proofresearchacd.com
Facebook: Proofresearchusa Instagram: Proof_research PROOF Research Company Profile

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