Gun companies may not create the economic impact of some manufacturers, but they still create one. Yet some states seem to forget this when they start crafting gun laws. They never seem to account for the economic impact of these companies, nor how their laws will affect such firms. Frankly, they don’t seem to care one way or another.

However, the gun companies do, and a number of them are looking for new homes in friendlier climates.

High taxes and strict laws encourage gun manufacturers to abandon Connecticut, according to a new report published last month.

“It’s directly related to regulations,” said Mark Rydzy, owner of the Pauway Company, during an interview with the Connecticut Post in July. “Every time a new series of gun laws goes into effect, it ends up changing everything.”

Connecticut’s lawmakers passed 19 new firearm regulations in the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, according to the report, including an ban on semiautomatic rifles and bump stocks. Despite the legislative crackdown, federal data shows gun companies nearly doubled in the state between 2012 and 2016. Colt Manufacturing Company and Sturm, Ruger and Company — two of the most high-profile gun makers in the country — have long called Connecticut home.

However, that status quo may not continue indefinitely.

“If gun-control legislation in Connecticut passes, the gun industry in Connecticut could become just that – history,” said Lawrence Keane, a senior vice president for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Two companies left in 2016, but it’s only a matter of time before more make a similar move.

This is great news for pro-gun states. My state of Georgia hosts Glock, H&K, Honor Defense and will soon have a Taurus plant. But more will be welcome. I’m sure other states feel the exact same way.

It makes sense for these companies to look for homes where lawmakers won’t vilify their products, where they’re less likely to have to deal with protestors outside, and where they’re not going to need to be as worried about potential sabotage by extremists. That’s not what they’re getting in Connecticut.

Frankly, I suspect a lot of companies are staying put thus far because of loyalty and hoping things will improve. Well, I hate to break it to them, they’re not. Not in anti-gun states like Connecticut, that’s for sure.

To be fair, I somehow doubt lawmakers in the state will actually be sorry to see these companies go. Unless they’re complete hypocrites, that is, and we know just how rare that is to find in a lawmaker. However, if I were one of these companies, I wouldn’t give a damn one way or another. Vilify me, vilify my company, and we’re gone. Someone will appreciate what such companies bring to the table and will be thrilled to get the jobs in their community.

If Connecticut isn’t careful, they’ll lose millions and millions a year in jobs, which means a lot of money in tax revenues, as employers find friendly climates in which to manufacture their products, products constitutionally protected.