Charles Daly Gone Belly Up

[Shasta]

I just tried going to the Charles Daly web site and this is what I got:



To all our friends, fans, supporters and consumers of Charles Daly and by extension, KBI products, I regret to inform you that the rumors of our demise are true.

KBI is going out of business and closing its doors, effective today, January 29, 2010.

I don't want to go into each and every detail as to why this has occurred, except to say that there have been a multitude of events over the past five years that have contributed to our current situation.

For those of you with ongoing service requirements please be advised that we are currently negotiating with several companies that will be performing after-sale service of Charles Daly, CD Defense and Jericho firearms. As soon as we have finalized a contract with one of these companies we will post the name, address and contact details of that company on www.CharlesDalyForum.com, so you will know who to contact to obtain service on your KBI firearm.

Again, I wish to thank all of you that have supported our company, Charles Daly and all the other fine firearms that we have sold over the years.. This spells the end of KBI but I imagine it will certainly not mean the end of Charles Daly® and CD Defense™. Look for this excellent brand to resurface in the very near future.

Sincerely,
Michael B. Kassnar, President
K.B.I., Inc.

[HEAD0001]

This isn't the first time Charles daly has done this. Tom.

[Doc Hudson]

This isn't the first time Charles daly has done this. Tom.

Very true Tom. The Charles Daly name goes back into the late 1800's. But i believe this is a first for Mike Kassnar. I believe KBI has been in business since the late 1970's without interuption.

I've heard a rumor that Magnum Research and the manufacturer of the Charles Daly pistols did a dirty deal on Mike and allowed Magnum Researdh/IMI to take advantage of a great deal of market research and planning on the part of KBI/Charles Daly.

If it is true I can't help but wonder if this was a factory in the demise of KBI/Charles Daly.

Anyone else hear these rumors?

[Hobie]

Doc,

I've seen some allusions to various factors but no specific comments on the causes for this. Some people will miss them, others not so much.

[Doc Hudson]

here is a link to the rumor I've heard.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 935AAmTCYJ

I cannot vouch for the truth of the allegations. All I can say is that some folks are saying this happened and they believe it.

With the demise of KBI I can't help but wonder if ther is some truth to it.

[Buffboy]

I'm sorry to see them go. I've had only a little experience with them from my wife getting one of their shotguns. Still, on the Charles Daly Forum Mr. Kassnar himself answered a question about it(I was looking for another stock to cut to fit it to my wife better). It seems a quality piece(the wood is gorgeous, even the replacement I bought to cut), it shoots good and my wife likes it quite well.

I'd heard about the incident with Magnum Research essentially copying KBI's research and then doing a "me too" on importing the same pistol from the manufacturer. Didn't think it would take down KBI but I knew it hurt. The real story behind this is: nobody will ask us what we want on an open forum anymore.

[Streetstar]

Too bad ---- i kind of fancied one of their "Little Sharps" in .38-55, but it is/was pretty far down the "guns i want" list.

Doubtful if my one potential purchase would have saved the company anyway

[RIHMFIRE]

I just had one in my hands just a few hours ago at a gun show...
895 smackers for the CCH take down in 45 colt by ArmiSport...
and at 895 its no wonder why they are going belly up...