Face it: there are a lot of AR companies. Some brands we know better than others, and when it comes to the smaller-scale manufacturers, it’s not uncommon for many to slip through the cracks of our awareness. That’s a shame, because those smaller companies are often hidden gems with greater attention to market trends, quality control, and customer service. One such company is Acme Machine, a gun maker that does much of its manufacturing in the USA—and in-house, too. Check it out.
Acme Machine
Acme Machine operates its firearms manufacturing business from its headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s been about a decade since they first hit my radar, and in the ensuing years, I’ve been fortunate enough to see them go through some fantastic growth. The company’s goal isn’t just to churn out a bunch of black guns; it’s to make reliable ARs at reasonably affordable prices without cutting corners on quality. That means these are, indeed, a bunch of black rifles.
The key player in the Acme team is Shaun Beiswanger, a family man whose dedication to growing the company is unwavering. He’s also a dedicated hunter with experience in the woods and a serious love for the outdoors. And on the tactical side, he and Acme are deeply entrenched in supporting marksmanship events and programs like the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Investing in the next generation of shooters is something Acme puts effort into. The company also does its part to support the nation’s military.
I know what you’re thinking. Okay, so it’s another small AR company with a team that does care—that isn’t exactly novel. Maybe not, but there’s more.
Making Made In America Work
In today’s climate, it’s even smarter than before to not only make things in America but buy American. It’s also a major venture to set up shop on American soil rather than having parts machined overseas. But if you can get a foothold in the market, it’s worth it.
Shifting the majority of AR parts production into their own hands took years, but Acme pulled it off. Early on, many of their parts came from Aero Precision, but that all began to change around 2020. Today, Acme’s manufacturing facility machines most AR parts in-house, including receiver sets and handguards. Prices remain reasonable, and quality is consistent and solid. It’s a major step for any small manufacturer, and the fact that Acme is doing it successfully is even better. Although their guns have always been reliable, today’s models have fantastic fitment and finish.
In-House Matters
The reason making components in-house is so important is largely about tolerances and quality control. It isn’t that outside producers can’t be trusted; it’s that keeping it within easy reach gives gun makers the ability to ensure products are up to their standards. There’s no delay, no middleman, and no questioning where or how a part came to be. When you get a gun from a company that handles its manufacturing—and on a smaller scale—you’re more likely to receive a quality product.
Acme Machine AR-15s are Good
There’s no play between Acme’s receivers, and tolerances are on point for reliable function. When you hit their website, you can get finished receiver sets, complete rifles, or individual components (I’ve built a few rifles using the company’s parts, and they’ve all been great). While it might not have been the gun maker’s intention, they did get their foothold in the gun world through AR builders. Today, it’s gone far beyond that.
Calibers include the standard 223 Remington/5.56 NATO options but extend to newer chamberings like 6mm ARC and 350 Legend. Components like handguards aren’t just the expected M-LOK—and don’t get me wrong, I do like those—but include an Acme-made pattern called Hive (personally, I tend to refer to it as honeycomb). The Hive handguards do have M-LOK compatibility down the sides, but it’s the unique Hive cutouts that draw the eye.
Having run a good dozen or more Acme rifles over the years, I’m comfortable saying the company’s rifles are a great option for sport shooters and hunters. I’ve also been fortunate enough to see part of the production side of the business.
Rows Upon Rows of AR-15 Parts
At a Memorial Day event in 2024 that took place at Bass and Bucks in Indiana, Acme brought out a plethora of parts. Long rows and stacks of upper and lower receivers, boxes upon boxes of parts kits and barrels—everything was there. I especially enjoyed taking a look at numerous BCGs. Time over the weekend was split between a VIP event and a public day where attendees could build their AR-15 (with help, of course). The event in its entirety was used to raise money for veterans, but it was also an excellent time to see the company in action.
Throughout the weekend, I watched Acme team members patiently guide people through the AR building process. Parts and fitment were explained, and things were kept simple or discussed in more detail as needed. Every team member worked hard, and the environment was lighthearted and cheerful. Once guns were built, there was a live fire option on the outdoor range. There were also additional rifles available for trigger time. It was a well-attended event, and Acme thought of everything and treated its customers like family.
READ MORE HERE: Acme Machine AM-15: Made in America
Acme Machine is Worth It
Aside from the major bonus of making parts in the USA—and largely in-house—Acme stands behind its products, keeps a close eye on quality control, and implements improvements with fantastic speed. The last few years, Acme’s been right on top of new calibers and trends, so if you want the latest and greatest odds are good they have it.
A few years ago, when components became tough to come by and once-reliable companies struggled to keep up, Acme held its own. Not only did they work overtime to get parts in stock, but when they realized it would likely be an ongoing problem in the industry, they found a solution. The answer was in-house manufacturing, and they got it going surprisingly fast. As a result, Acme Machine impressed shooters as a gun maker they can count on even when the going gets messy. This is a manufacturer worth knowing, and their guns are durable, reliable, and accurate.
Take a closer look at Acme on their website.
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