
Is POF-USA going out of business? No, it is not. POF-USA, which stands for Patriot Ordnance Factory. POF-USA is an American company that started in 2002. It was founded by Frank DeSomma, a former aerospace engineer who began building high-performance rifles in his garage in Arizona.Over time, the company grew and became one of the most well-known and respected names in the performance rifle industry.Even after the passing of its founder in 2020 and challenges in the industry, POF-USA is still running and active in 2026. Read more here: Is Appleseeds Going Out of Business?

POF-USA Key Milestones: A Company Timeline
Here are five defining moments in the Patriot Ordnance Factory story from garage startup to recognized industry leader:
| Year | Milestone |
| 2002 | Frank DeSomma founded POF-USA in his Arizona garage to build better piston-driven AR rifles |
| 2004 | Introduced the first market-ready short-stroke gas-piston AR-15, a revolutionary design at the time |
| 2018 | POF-USA Revolution rifle won the American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award for Rifle of the Year |
| 2020 | Founder Frank DeSomma passed away in a car accident at age 57; company continued operating |
| 2026 | Exhibited at SHOT Show 2026 with new product launches including the PST-7 suppressor |
What Does POF-USA Actually Make and Who Buys Their Products?
I looked closely at the full product range of POF-USA to understand what makes it different from other AR brands.POF-USA stands out because it focuses on innovation and high-quality products. Its rifles and parts are trusted by law enforcement, the military, and everyday civilian users.The company has built a strong reputation for making reliable and advanced firearms, which has helped it stay competitive in a crowded market.

Founder Frank DeSomma also played a big role in this success. He created more than a dozen firearm-related patents, which gave the company a unique edge.Along with rifles, POF-USA also became known for selling shooter accessories. And even today, those patents still help protect the brand and keep it strong.
Where Did the POF-USA Going Out of Business Rumors Come From?
I looked into where these rumors about POF-USA started, and the truth is—they’ve been around for years without any real proof.Most of them go back to some legal issues the company faced in 2011. After that, every time the company goes a bit quiet—like fewer updates, no big announcements, or skipping a trade show—people start guessing.They connect these small things, mix in worries like post-pandemic supply problems, and suddenly rumors about the company shutting down start spreading again.According to industry talk, this same pattern repeats every few years. But each time, nothing serious actually happens.In reality, online rumors and forum discussions are not the same as facts.
What Happened to POF-USA After Founder Frank DeSomma Died?
The death of Frank DeSomma in June 2020 came as a big shock to the firearms community, and it made the rumors about the company shutting down spread even more. He sadly passed away on June 18, 2020, at the age of 57, in a car accident while driving home from work. Over 18 years, DeSomma had built POF-USA from a small garage project into a well-known leader in piston-driven AR rifles. After his death, many people believed the company wouldn’t survive without him. However, that didn’t happen. The team, factory, and products were already strong enough, and the company continued running smoothly even after his passing.
POF-USA Going Out of Business? Rumors vs Real Evidence
Rumors suggesting that Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF-USA) is going out of business are entirely false. The company is open, stable, and actively manufacturing firearms from its 27,000-square-foot facility in Phoenix, Arizona. These persistent closure rumors generally stem from a misunderstanding of a tragic event in June 2020, when the company’s passionate founder and chief designer, Frank DeSomma, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident. However, the DeSomma family successfully maintained control of the company, stepped into leadership roles, and successfully kept production running smoothly.
The actual evidence shows that POF-USA is thriving, expanding its product line, and securing major new business contracts. Over the last few years, they have launched highly successful new models, such as the innovative Tombstone 9mm lever-action rifle and the budget-friendly P-15 Base. Furthermore, POF-USA continues to attend major industry trade exhibitions to showcase their latest dealer programs and has actively expanded its footprint into the international defense market. This momentum was highlighted by a major international contract to supply their proprietary Renegade rifle platform to a state client in Asia. Far from shutting down, the company remains a competitive market leader in premium AR-type platforms.
Is POF-USA Still Producing and Releasing New Products in 2026?
New product launches are a strong sign that a firearms company is doing well. I found clear proof that POF-USA is still active and releasing new products as it moves into 2026. The company took part in SHOT Show 2026, where it had booth number 70443 and showed its latest products to dealers and customers. At the event, they introduced the PST-7 suppressor and a Limited Edition Goldberg Rogue rifle. Planning ahead for events like this and promoting special edition products shows the company is moving forward. Businesses that are about to shut down usually don’t spend time or money on new product launches.
What Real Business Signals Show POF-USA Is Not Closing?
Instead of believing rumors or online gossip, I looked for real and clear signs about the company’s situation. In the case of POF-USA, there are no strong signs that it is shutting down. The company still has job openings, new deals with distributors have been reported in the industry, and there are no bankruptcy records or major layoffs being seen. Their products are also still available through wholesalers and in stores.

In fact, in December 2025, POF-USA secured a contract for a Next Generation Rifle System in Asia. Winning contracts like this, especially with military or law enforcement clients, shows that the company meets high standards for quality and reliability.
How POF-USA Technology Sets It Apart From Competitors
Understanding what makes POF-USA rifles technically different helps explain why the brand still has a loyal following after more than two decades. Here is a quick comparison of POF-USA’s key technical advantages versus standard AR manufacturers:
| Feature | Standard AR Rifles | POF-USA Rifles |
| Operating System | Direct impingement gas system | Short-stroke piston system |
| Carbon Buildup | High, gets dirty quickly | Lower, runs cleaner longer |
| E2 Chamber | Not standard | Yes, improves case extraction |
| Bearing Bolt Carrier | Not standard | Yes, reduces friction |
| Patent-Protected Designs | Rarely | Yes, more than a dozen patents |
By late 2018, POF-USA had outgrown its original facility and moved to a gleaming 27,000-square-foot facility in Arizona. Sales rocketed past 140 million dollars some years, with output running at roughly 600 to 800 rifles per month.
POF-USA vs Other Major AR-15 Manufacturers in 2026
Here is how Patriot Ordnance Factory compares to other well-known names in the premium AR market today:

| Brand | Founded | Known For | Status in 2026 |
| POF-USA | 2002 | Piston-driven ARs, patented innovations | Active, new products released |
| Daniel Defense | 1999 | Military-grade AR-15s | Active |
| BCM (Bravo Company) | 2005 | Combat-ready rifles | Active |
| LaRue Tactical | 1995 | Precision AR builds | Active |
| Noveske | 2001 | High-end custom ARs | Active |
POF-USA holds its own in this group because its piston system and patent-protected chamber technology offer real technical differences, not just cosmetic ones.
My Research About POF-USA
I have followed the performance AR market for years, and POF-USA is one of the more resilient brands I have studied in that space. In my research, I found that the company’s survival after Frank DeSomma’s death in 2020 was largely due to the strong manufacturing foundation he built during his 18 years at the helm. The product line was mature enough to carry the company forward without its creator. For another business that survived without its founder, read this: Is MyPillow Going Out of Business? My focus on founder-led brand transitions gives me a clear view of what happened at POF-USA and why it survived.
Final Remarks
POF-USA is not going out of business. The factory is running, new products are shipping, international contracts are being signed, and the brand showed up at SHOT Show 2026 with fresh releases. There is no official word from the company or sightings on credible news platforms hinting at a shutdown or any immediate financial trouble. The closure rumors have circulated since 2011 and have been wrong every single time. In 2026 and beyond, POF-USA looks positioned to keep building on its technical reputation. For more business status breakdowns, visit bizlixo.com.
FAQs
1. Is POF-USA shutting down?
No, there is no solid evidence that POF-USA is shutting down. The company is still active and operating normally.
2. Why do people think POF-USA is closing?
These rumors mostly started after the death of founder Frank DeSomma in 2020 and from occasional quiet periods with fewer public updates.
3. Is POF-USA still making new products?
Yes, the company continues to launch new products. For example, they introduced new items at SHOT Show 2026.
4. Is POF-USA still selling its products?
Yes, their products are still available through dealers and wholesalers.






