South County Firm Attempting To Make Big Splash at NRA Convention

Out of more than 500 exhibitors, one local gun firm wanted to make an impression at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in St. Louis this weekend. 

Heizer Defense, LLC formed last year in conjunction with Heizer Aerospace. The firm unveiled its first gun in the concealable carry market late last year, and debuted another, the "Hedy Jane," at the convention. The company is based in South County, while the weapons are manufactured in Heizer Aerospace's Pevely, MO facility.

"This is an excellent place to show 70,000 people our new gun line," said Raymond Kohout, a longtime Sunset Hills resident and founder of the company. 

Kohout said the market for concealable handguns is robust, and he's been overwhelmed by the response.

"I actually feel like we invented electricity," he said.