High Standard Manufacturing Company

Publicity photo of U.S. Navy WAVES taking target practice with .22 caliber Model B training pistols in 1943

High Standard Firearms is an American manufacturer of firearms, based in Houston, Texas. The company was originally founded in Hamden, Connecticut in 1926 as a supplier to the numerous firearms companies in the Connecticut Valley.

History

In 1932, the company, headed by Carl Gustav Swebilius, purchased the Hartford Arms and Equipment Company and began making .22 caliber pistols.

In 1968, the company was acquired by the Leisure Group. A turbulent period followed, due to the passage of Gun Control Act of 1968. The company then relocated to East Hartford in 1976. In 1978, Clem Confessore, company president, lead a management buyout of High Standard from Leisure Group.

In December 1984, its assets were auctioned. Gordon Elliott, who had been the National Parts Distributor, purchased: the .22 Target pistols, the Crusader line and the High Standard name and trademarks.

In the spring of 1993, High Standard of Houston, Texas acquired the company assets and trademarks, as well as the .22 Target Pistols. These original assets were transferred from Connecticut to Houston, Texas in July 1993. The first shipments of Houston manufactured pistols began in March, 1994.

Products

High Standard .22 Target Pistols
High Standard 1911 Pistols
High Standard HSA-15 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem Rifles & Carbines
High Standard HSA-15 .300 Blackout
AMT Automag II .22 WMR
AMT Back UP
Interarms AK47's
Herrett Grips & Stocks

References

External links

• Company website
• An High Standard enthusiast reviews a recreation of the quintessential Hi Standard H-D Military designed for use by OSS operatives during World War II