COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – PROOF Research® welcomed Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte to its Columbia Falls headquarters on Wednesday, Oct. 28, to celebrate the opening of the company's newest facility and spotlight its continued growth as a Montana manufacturer.

Marked by a ribbon cutting for the new building, the visit gave Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte an inside look at the team and technology behind PROOF's carbon fiber and steel barrels, precision rifle systems and advanced composite stocks.

"Montana firearm and ammunition manufacturers are some of the best in the world, and PROOF Research is a great example of that," said Gov. Gianforte. "From carbon fiber barrels to complete rifle systems, the innovation happening here in Columbia Falls is creating good-paying jobs and putting Montana manufacturing on the map. It was a privilege to meet the team and see their work firsthand."

Since its founding in 2012, PROOF has grown from a small Flathead Valley operation into a recognized innovator in precision shooting. Greg Hamilton, PROOF's director of special projects and one of its earliest team members, spoke with the Governor about the company's Montana roots, the latest advancements in its PXT barrel technology and how the new facility supports PROOF's plans for continued expansion and job creation in the state.

Gov. Gianforte received a full tour of PROOF's main manufacturing facility, including barrel manufacturing, carbon fiber stock production and complete rifle builds.

"It was an honor to welcome Governor Gianforte to PROOF Research and show him what our team builds here every day," said KK Jense, founder and president of PROOF Research. "Our new facility reflects our commitment to growing right here in Montana, creating jobs in the Flathead Valley and continuing to push the limits of precision with technologies like PXT. We're grateful for the Governor's support of Montana manufacturing and the people who make it possible."

The visit wrapped up in PROOF's indoor 100-meter range, where Gov. Gianforte had the opportunity to shoot an Elevation MTR FDX rifle chambered in 22 Creedmoor. The Elevation MTR FDX was recently named "Best Hunting Rifle of 2026" by Outdoor Life.

For more information about PROOF Research's carbon fiber barrels, precision steel barrels and complete rifle systems, please visit ProofResearch.com.

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About PROOF Research: Since 2012, Proof Research has been a pioneer in firearm innovation, advancing the firearms, aerospace, and defense industries with cutting-edge products. Located in Northwest Montana, near Glacier National Park, our headquarters is home to a team of experts dedicated to pushing the boundaries of precision and performance. We specialize in carbon fiber barrels, precision steel barrels, complete rifle systems, and advanced composite materials. Our relentless commitment to innovation has set new industry standards for extreme accuracy, reduced weight, and unparalleled durability, delivering superior performance across all our product lines.