Governor's Conference on Economic Development

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Unique manufacturer finds home in South Dakota

H-S Precision is a unique manufacturer that has found their home in South Dakota. When it comes to customizing a rifle, H-S Precision is one of the best in the industry.

Started in 1978 by Tom Houghton Sr., H-S Precision began in Arizona before moving the family business to Rapid City in 1990.

From an inhouse engineering department to prototypes that are made in house, everything that H-S Precision does is to make the best rifle possible for its customers. From beginning to end, each bolt action rifle has parts made with precision and then the rifle is created, assembled, and tested within their facility.

With about 60 employees, H-S Precision works to create nearly 500 custom firearms a year. In addition to building custom rifles, H-S Precision holds numerous contracts with other shooting sports manufacturers, ammunition companies, government entities such as the FBI and IDF, as well as most branches of the United States armed forces.

“We are proud of the work we are doing here in South Dakota and it’s been a great experience working with so many other organizations and entities,” said Houghton.

Although H-S Precision does not mass produce rifles, when the company began working with Remington, the business began to take off, growing to the point of expansion. The South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) assisted H-S Precision with their original building when the company moved from Arizona. Since then, H-S Precision has expanded three more times within the same location.

Houghton explained, “South Dakota is a very business friendly state and GOED still reaches out to see if we need anything. They want to help us grow.”

H-S Precision also produces and ships ballistic testing equipment all over the world.

“Most ammo producers use H-S barrels to test the accuracy of the load because our products are so precise,” noted Houghton.

Houghton said he loves the industry.

“It’s just flat out cool. It is incredibly rewarding to meet with the FBI, veterans, etc., who tell me about what they do and that they love our product.”

South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development

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