Looking for a modern twist on the takedown lever action rifle? The Arms Room can do it.
Throughout the history of the United States, adventurous types have been beckoned by the mountains and vastness of the American West. Big country allows for men to find themselves, fulfilling destinies that were once a dream and even arriving at places formerly unknown to their adventure-seeking minds. Lee Hadaway answered the call of the wild and in doing so has become renowned for crafting fine takedown lever action rifles.
Lee Hadaway at the bench with a precision rifle.
A Georgia native, there’s no mistaking Lee’s southern roots when you hear him speak. Over the phone, his slow southern drawl allows one’s mind to picture him sitting on the pillared porch of one of those big plantation mansions surrounded by ancient oak trees adorned with Spanish moss. Fact is, he resides in Trinidad, Colorado where the twisting trails of life led him to earn the reputation as an exceptional gunsmith.
Hadaway was drawn to the mountains around forty years ago when he camped at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. The southern boy was hooked, and he later sought employment there at the ranch located in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains. One day he noticed an ad in Guns & Ammo Magazine for the gunsmithing school at Trinidad State College. Having an interest in guns and surmising that was his ticket to making a living in the high country, Hadaway applied and later graduated from the famed school.
From there he took a gunsmithing job in Oklahoma doing warranty work for Wal-Mart where he gained working knowledge of a variety of firearms. Other opportunities led him to back to the south where he worked in South Carolina and Alabama. At some point, Hadaway read an article on converting lever action rifles into takedowns. This interested him, so he performed the task on a Marlin lever gun. A dealer heard of Hadaway’s work and commissioned him to build dozens of takedowns in similar fashion.
Hadaway found another trail in his gunsmithing journey which led him to Scattergun Technologies building combat shotguns where he became the head gunsmith. He also started a side gunsmithing business during this time. Hadaway could not resist the call of the mountains and when he was offered a job teaching at Trinidad’s Gunsmithing School, he again followed the sun westward where he most wanted to be.
The Arms Room can turn a good scattergun into an excellent fighting shotgun.
From teaching, he opened his own business that became known as The Arms Room where, along with a small staff of gunsmiths, he continues to practice his gunsmithing artistry in a variety of ways. I doubt there’s anything he can’t fix or build, but most of Hadaway’s work these days is on custom projects. The Arms Room offers a variety of services for lever action rifles. From basic action and trigger jobs to custom barrels, caliber conversions, and custom finishes, the work offered list is a long one. The thing that caught my attention when I first met Lee and saw his custom lever guns was the assortment of beautiful Maple stocks they wore. He can dress your lever action in showroom-quality wood. They are something to behold. Photos on his website can give you an idea but seeing them in person brings the quality of the figured wood to a whole other level.
Pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of the heirloom-quality wood used for these custom stocks.
While The Arms Room is probably most known for lever guns, they also specialize in Mini 14 and Mini 30 work, 1911’s, shotguns, Hi Powers, ARs, precision rifles, you name it. I’m told Hadaway is also a talented specialist when it comes to double action and single action revolvers as well. That comes as no surprise. On a side note, until recently I didn’t know he is an expert on civil war era swords and firearms. Along with being a gifted storyteller, Lee has tremendous knowledge of those historical relics of our nation’s past.
The Arms Room offers custom applications for revolvers and autoloaders.
When he’s not busy turning out top shelf lever actions, custom guns, and antique restorations, Hadaway still takes time to share his knowledge across the country by educating inspired gunsmiths on how to convert lever action rifles to takedowns, rifle and handgun repair, instruction on building tactical shotguns, and blueing and metal finishing.
The Arms Room is a small shop. When Lee Hadaway and his team build you a custom gun, it’s his lifetime of experience and personality that melds the metal, tunes the action, and hand-finishes to stock. You won’t get it next week, but when you do you will own a legacy firearm.
TUO released the Folcrum Hoodie, a technical midlayer engineered for early-season hunting with a 249g check fleece, built-in facemask, and proprietary TUO Ryse Camo pattern. The hoodie features Polygiene StayFresh™ and OdorCrunch™ odor management, flatlock seams, and thumb loops for layering versatility across temperature swings.
Blocker Outdoors launches the Flyway Insulated Jacket and Bib, featuring RainBlocker® waterproof 10K/10K membranes and taped seams for waterfowl hunters. Both pieces offer 120 grams of insulation and are available in Mossy Oak Bottomland for $149.99 each.
Muddy has launched two new camouflage layering systems, the DV8 and Timber Recon Xtreme (TRX), engineered exclusively for female hunters. Developed through extensive field testing with input from Muddy's field staff and pro-staff, these complete systems feature tailored fits and strategic design elements for women's movement and performance in the field.
Whitetails Unlimited issued $1,510,824 in grants through its Preserving their Hunting Tradition program to support hunting preservation initiatives. The organization focuses on increasing hunting opportunities and providing outdoor experiences to youth, veterans, and those with disabilities.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, praised President Trump's executive order protecting hunting heritage, which includes provisions protecting traditional ammunition use, expanding public land access, and increasing Sunday hunting opportunities. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi attended the White House Rose Garden announcement and worked with the administration on the policy.
PROOF Research hired Sean Murphy as director of sales and marketing. Murphy brings 15 years of firearms industry experience from roles at Sons of Liberty Gun Works, Nightforce Optics, and KGM Suppressors, plus 20 years as a competitive shooter and decade-long member of PROOF Research's Shooting Team.
NSSF released its 2026 Congressional Report Card grading U.S. Representatives and Senators on firearm industry legislation and Second Amendment issues. Fourteen Senators and 71 Representatives earned the "Dean's List" distinction with perfect voting records, while 13 Senators and 41 Representatives received "A+" ratings.
Project ChildSafe, a program of the NSSF, partnered with Slingit to help families manage inherited firearm collections responsibly. The collaboration allows individuals to designate Project ChildSafe as a beneficiary of sale proceeds, supporting firearm safety education and community initiatives.
Iron Valley™ Supply Co., a wholesale distributor representing over 150 leading brands in hunting and shooting sports, is expanding its sales team. The company seeks Account Representatives for positions in Downingtown, PA and Chapin, SC to manage existing accounts and develop new customer relationships.
Vortex Optics introduced its Pro Cantilever Mounts & Accessories system, a USA-built platform enabling shooters to configure rifles for multiple optics and applications. The system includes Pro Cantilever Mounts, 45° Offset Red Dot Mounts, 12 O'Clock Red Dot Mounts, and Diving Board Mounts compatible with thermal clip-ons and ballistic ranging devices.
Primary Arms Optics is now shipping two long-range rifle scopes: the PLxC 2.5-20x48 and PLxC 4.5-36x56 FFP Compact models. Both feature premium ED lenses, a new cartridge turret system, and multiple ACSS reticle options designed for precision shooting at various distances.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO Kyle Weaver praised President Trump's Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage Executive Order, stating it aligns with RMEF's mission to sustain wildlife, habitat, and hunting heritage through public access expansion, habitat management, and science-based wildlife management.
The Boone and Crockett Club welcomes the "Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage" Executive Order announced at a White House dinner. Club President Mary Webster and CEO Tony Schoonen participated, with the order focusing on expanding hunting access to federal lands, growing new hunters, promoting game species populations, and increasing wild game donation.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and World Whiskey Society announced the release of the Smith & Wesson 7-Year Classic Edition bourbon, an inaugural whiskey celebrating American gunsmithing heritage and premium spirits craftsmanship. The aged straight bourbon features vintage-inspired packaging with imagery of founders Horace Smith and Daniel Baird Wesson.
Taurus Holdings, Inc. announced the TTX™ Suppressor Series, its first-ever line of suppressors developed with recognized suppressor engineers. The titanium-built lineup includes three models—TTX22™, TTX9C™, and TTX30™—designed for rimfire, pistol-caliber, and rifle platforms, emphasizing performance, reliability, and value.
Real Avid announces professional-grade firearm maintenance tools designed for suppressor installation and upkeep, including the Master Gun Vise, Smart-Jaws Tube-Fit, and Accu-Grip Steel Picks to address growing suppressor ownership across the country.
Texas Hunter Products reintroduces the 360° Silent Shooter's Chair, featuring a ball-bearing swivel system for silent rotation, powder-coated aluminum construction, and foam-padded comfort. Designed for hunting blinds with versatility for camping and fishing.
Primary Arms Optics has released the CLx 1-6x24 SFP Rifle Scope featuring the ACSS 22LR G2 reticle, specifically calibrated for .22 LR ammunition. The scope offers 1-6x magnification, illuminated reticle with wind holds, and is priced at $199.99 with a lifetime warranty.
REVEAL by Tactacam announced expanded wholesale availability of the Pro 4.0 Solar Cellular Camera ($199.99 MSRP) to authorized retail partners nationwide. The flagship model features dual-image sensors, 4K photo and 1080p video capabilities, and an all-in-one solar power system with interchangeable FLEXPACK batteries, completing a three-tier retail lineup designed to maximize sales.
Professional anglers Keith Kavajecz and Keith Poche traveled the length of the Mississippi River using the ClamAYR Boondocker shelter as their basecamp. The nine-night journey from Minnesota to Louisiana demonstrated the portable shelter's quick setup, durability, and versatility for outdoor adventures.
Buck Knives, Inc. announces the launch of the new 110 & 112 Crossbar Elite, combining classic design with modern crossbar locking mechanism, MagnaCut steel, and premium materials. The knives feature ambidextrous operation and are USA-made in Post Falls, Idaho, available September 15, 2026.
Henry Repeating Arms has launched the Founding Fathers Collection, featuring seven limited-edition tribute rifles honoring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. Each rifle is limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, with only 10 complete matched sets available, priced at $1,776 per rifle and exclusively sold at HenryUSA.com.
Silencer Central is tripling reward points on all purchases from Sept. 14-30, 2026, allowing customers to earn three points per dollar spent. VIP members earn even more points based on tier status, with rewards redeemable for discounts and free shipping on suppressors and accessories.
Bleecker Street Publications expands its sales organization with the addition of Neal Kaufman and Troy Smith, joining existing representatives Scott Buchmayr, Amos Crowley, and Scott Cherek. The move strengthens the company's ability to connect advertisers with engaged audiences across firearms, hunting, outdoor recreation, and enthusiast markets.
J. Scott Rupp has retired from Outdoor Sportsman Group after 40 years editing outdoor and shooting magazines including RifleShooter, Handguns, Petersen's Hunting, and Guns & Ammo. A former U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit member and Eastern Kentucky University graduate, Rupp plans to continue writing and photography as a freelancer.
Grammy-winning songwriter Aaron Raitiere and returning performer Ciera MacKenzie will headline the 2027 ATA Industry Celebration on January 7 in Indianapolis. The free event for registered ATA Trade Show attendees features live music, food, drinks, and a live auction celebrating the archery and bowhunting industry.
Blocker Outdoors has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. The Muskegon, Michigan-based company produces Scent Blocker apparel and Scent Shield odor-control products designed to help hunters manage scent in various hunting conditions.
WTU President Jeff Schinkten announces that TenPoint Crossbows has joined as a Whitetails Unlimited national sponsor. "We are proud to welcome TenPoint Crossbows to the WTU family,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten.
MidwayUSA Foundation launched its annual Hometown Challenge sweepstakes in September, matching donations of $20 or more to youth shooting sports teams while offering over $30,000 in prizes from sponsors including SK Guns, Ruger, Glock, Savage, and others. Top fundraising teams earn endowment awards up to $15,000.
Outdoor Action TV, powered by Careco, expands its content offerings across FAST platforms and Video-On-Demand. The channel features premium content from respected outdoor producers with live events capability and strong industry connections, reaching passionate outdoor enthusiasts and attracting both endemic and mainstream advertisers.
