I don't know all the history but he started making AR upper and lowers and progressed into making his own barrels as well. My son saved his money while in the Corps and bought one when he got out. The thing was crazy accurate and nicely made. Not cheap by any means but the first three shots of a random middle-of-the-road .223 load went 3/8" from prone off a bipod. Pretty cazy. I hope the company has enough depth to stay open. The product is very, very nice.