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Justice announces expansion of firearms company in Parkersburg

(Capitol Notes - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreative)

CHARLESTON — A Parkersburg company that specializes in custom handguns and sights is expanding into manufacturing and developing new handgun designs, according to Gov. Jim Justice.

Justice announced on his final virtual briefing as governor Friday that Novak’s Inc. will move into the production realm under the newly formed Novak’s Manufacturing Company LLC.

According to their website, the company was founded in 1982 by Wayne Novak, a gunsmith known for his Novak LoMount handgun sights, and is based in Parkersburg. Production is scheduled to begin within the month of January. The company is partnering with California-based JC Precision Milling to create a full production line of custom firearms, starting with the Novak Signature Series 1911.

“Wayne Novak, that name is very popular as a world-famous pistol-smith,” Justice said.

Novak’s custom Colt M1911 pistols will feature West Virginia-specific customizations, including black walnut grips and outlines of the state’s borders on select pistols

“They’re going to manufacture a gun that is all about West Virginia with West Virginia wood and on and on and on,” Justice said. “We’re really, really proud to announce that they’re coming. They’re bringing their firearm industry to West Virginia. With all of that being said, we hope that would just grow and grow and grow.”

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said he’s known Novak for many years and is excited by the announcement.

“Knowing Wayne Novak … if anybody will make it a success, it’ll be Wayne because he is an innovator and an astute businessman,” Joyce said.

The Colt M1911, also known simply as the 1911, was first designed by famed gunsmith John Browning and was a standard issue firearm within the U.S. military for nearly 90 years, though some branches and special forces still prefer the 1911. It is an automatic pistol that remains popular with professional shooters.

According to a press release, the Novak Signature Series 1911 will include two patented features and include eight new improvements to the classic 1911 design. The goal is to increase production to include other kinds of firearms and create new innovations.

Novak could not immediately be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Wood County Economic Development Executive Director Lindsey Piersol said the organization is here to support Novak and looks “forward to celebrating their successes in the future.

“We’re obviously really excited when any company expands. This deal has been being worked on by some really passionate people,” she said.

City Editor Evan Bevins contributed to this story.

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com

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