Idaho is among a handful of Western states using their gun-rights cred in this tough economy to attract jobs in the firearms industry.

Economic development reps have started making regular trips to gun shows to talk to companies about relocating. Many gun manufacturers are based on the East Coast, where state lawmakers have tightened gun laws in recent years.

Bibiana Nertney is with the Idaho Commerce Department. She says gunmakers find Idahoans’ Second Amendment views are a good fit with theirs.

“They say that it’s a welcoming environment and the lack of harassment, I guess, you know the government intrusion,” Nertney says. “I mean just face it, there are some states that are not friendly to firearms manufacturing companies.”

Nertney touts Idaho’s tort reforms, which make it harder to sue manufacturers. She says Idaho recently succeeded in luring Next Generation Arms from Tidewater, Oregon.

Idaho business relocation:

http://commerce.idaho.gov/business/business-relocation/

Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network

Read more on news.opb.org.