The AR-15 market has exploded over the past decade, with manufacturers constantly vying to stand out. That’s difficult to do with so many companies making basically the same rifle. And yet, Black Rain Ordnance has managed to do more than just catch the attention of gun lovers—they have managed to grow into a lifestyle brand in the firearms industry.
“Let It Rain” is a slogan you’ll find on most of Black Rain’s AR-15 dust covers, as well as on their gear and throughout their facility.
Today, we are taking an inside look at the Black Rain Ordnance facility, where some exciting firearms are being made.
The first time I heard of Black Rain was when a friend of mine handed me his new rifle on the range. I’m a bit of an AR-15 nut and I get excited when I see a new brand. It fired exceptionally well, but what immediately stood out was the custom engraving all over the side of the rifle.
It didn’t take me long to look them up and eventually purchase my first Black Rain rifle. That was a long time ago and Black Rain has only continued to grow. Recently, I toured their facility and saw their manufacturing facility first-hand. It was just as exciting as I thought it would be.
Who is Black Rain?
Black Rain Ordnance is headquartered in Neosho, Missouri, and specializes in AR-15 and AR-10 platforms. They’ve built a reputation for producing quality rifles at a moderate price while offering a blend of perks.
Beyond their network of partner retailers, Black Rain also operates a storefront that feels like a candy store for firearm enthusiasts. AR-15 rifles in multiple calibers, configurations, and colors line the walls from floor to ceiling. Walking through the store, you’ll find custom-engraved magazines, shirts, hats, coffee, flamethrowers, and more.
Periodically they have large used gun sales that include hundreds of firearms Black Rain collects throughout the year. Most of these guns come from trade-ins and other programs. If you’re into vintage guns, these sales are worth checking out—I found a vintage AK, an old SKS, and several other rifles at one.
But Black Rain does more than just make and sell guns; they also work with law enforcement. In my state, the state police had Black Rain build custom AR-15s to fit in a compartment on their motorcycles. They needed the rifles to meet specific length and configuration requirements, which Black Rain easily accommodated.
Training is part of Black Rain’s mission
Beyond their work with law enforcement, Black Rain offers training in everything from basic firearms safety and marksmanship classes and more. These classes aren’t just for law enforcement—anyone looking to improve their firearms skills can attend.
Behind their manufacturing facility, Black Rain has an impressive range where they conduct both classroom and live training year-round.
One of the first classes I attended with Black Rain was an AR-15 armorer’s course. Since then, I’ve attended multiple training events hosted by Black Rain.
Besides having a great range and training facilities, Black Rain is extremely accommodating and works with people on lodging and other needs. Their full-time staff are great teachers and have the experience to help you improve, regardless of your skill level.
From Humble Beginnings
Black Rain Ordnance was founded in 2009 by Justin Harvel and Joshua Bingaman in a garage. Their vision was simple yet ambitious: to create high-quality, customizable firearms that would stand apart from standard factory models. Starting with limited resources, their relentless pursuit of innovation led to steady growth.
Today, the company operates out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Neosho, Missouri, employing skilled craftsmen and advanced technology.
Even though they’re known as an AR-15 manufacturer, they have expanded into .22-caliber rifles based on the Ruger 10-22 and bolt action rifles.
Last year, Black Rain introduced its first line of handguns, which are based on the Gen 3 Glock. Black Rain, of course, added its own modifications to the handgun line, which makes them really cool. I wrote more about their Frontline in this article.
Even though Black Rain has grown to be a larger gun manufacturer, they have not forgotten their customers. While they sell to larger retailers like Atwoods and Academy Sports, they also work with locally owned gun stores.
A small-town gun store can easily contact Black Rain and set up an account with them. You can still work with a buyer’s group, but the option of working directly with Black Rain is always there. This level of service is often left behind when companies grow.
Factory floor, where the magic happens
Walking through the facility, I was able to see how various parts of their firearms are made. Raw metal is brought in on one side of the building and finished guns come out on the other end. This is where all the magic happens. It’s not every day you can see a chunk of aluminum get turned into a fine-looking upper or lower.
Black Rain makes its own barrels using 4150 steel but offers a stainless steel option as well. Each barrel undergoes multiple quality checks throughout the manufacturing process.
I spoke with a worker conducting quality compliance on the manufacturing floor. He was using a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) to check the measurements on an AR-15 lower—down to an incredible 0.0000002 of an inch. This was just one part of their rigorous quality assurance program.
It’s not hard to see that the company puts a lot of focus on quality control in the manufacturing of their guns. I’ve used Black Rain ARs for years now and have not had any issues with them.
What Makes Them Different?
One thing that really makes Black Rain firearms stand out is their emphasis on customization. Remember when Henry Ford said you could have a car in any color you want, so long as it was black?
At some point, someone in the gun industry must have decided that was a good idea. Growing up, black was about the only color option for any firearm. We eventually saw some other colors become popular like FDE, OD Green, and grey, but it kind of stopped there. Any other color was considered too extreme—but why?
Sure, if you’re going into battle, hunting, or need a “tactical” firearm then you probably don’t want a bright orange gun. But it’s ok to own something fun and—dare I say—different.
Maybe you want a competition gun, a fun range gun, or something cool to show off to your friends. Regardless of the reason, if you like having options, Black Rain is your company. I heard of a guy that wanted an AR to match his new truck. He had the team at Black Rain build him one. What a cool matching set!
Limitless options
Unlike many manufacturers that offer cookie-cutter models, Black Rain allows customers to build firearms tailored to their exact specifications. This personalization can be done online through their user-friendly website or in person at their Neosho facility.
If you want custom engravings, etching, or colors, they can do it. Black Rain is the second largest Cerakote user in the country, and some of their rifles are even hand-stenciled before being Cerakoted and baked in the oven.
Besides offering custom colors, Black Rain can engrave or etch words, logos, or designs onto a firearm. My agency had our badge put on all our firearms. They even engraved my badge on the side of my personal rifle as a keepsake.
What will they come out with next?
With a team of developers dedicated to working on new and exciting things, the sky is the limit for Black Rain. Making a solid name for yourself in the AR-15 industry is tricky at the least. But to break out of that shell and begin producing other types of firearms is a huge step.
Currently, Black Rain offers silencers with removable baffles and will be releasing a full 3D-printed titanium silencer. This is one item I will be watching out for. Black Rain doesn’t do “ordinary” so I’m excited to see what they do with this new line of silencers.
The next time you’re in the market for a cool AR-15, PCC, bolt-action rifle, or a customized handgun, Black Rain has something for you. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they can customize just about anything you want.
If you happen to travel through southwest Missouri, stop by and see their showroom. Until then, check out their website and see what they have to offer.
