The story of Gibbz dates all the way back to the ArmaLite AR-15 manufactured in 1956. This lightweight, high-velocity, small-caliber rifle was designed to maximize efficiency, portability, and function. Jim Sullivan, the mastermind behind the design, scaled the AR10 down to the .223 caliber and introduced the “new” firearm to the industry in 1956. However, a significant issue was soon discovered with the location and function of the cocking trigger. The original design of both the AR10 and AR15 had the cocking trigger directly under the carry handle. However, the cocking trigger was not robust enough to withstand the heat and wear that comes as a result of opperating the firearm.

Colt acquired the rights to the AR-15 in 1959 and had contractual obligations with several of the ArmaLite manufactures. Thus, rather than redesign the billet, Colt decided to relocate and redesign the charging handle to better deal with the failures of the original design. In order to maintain the component standards, the charging handle was moved to the rear of the upper receiver. This marked the advent of the modern AR-15 rifle and the system has remained largely the same ever since; well, at least until Gibbz came along.

In 2010, Kevin and David Gibbens, were working in the aerospace sector and discovered an innovation gap that needed to be filled in refining the action of modern AR firearms. Coming together, the brothers founded Gibbz Arms and focused their efforts on the perfection of non-reciprocating side charging handles for AR platforms. By partnering with seasoned, reputable professionals, Gibbz successfully patented its side charging handle and began production of stripped uppers and lowers.

Through the past decade, Gibbz has consistently delivered innovative improvements on restoring the ArmaLite’s visionary functionality. However, in 2023 Gibbz Arms hit a major obstacle; we lost our FFL due to our own negligence and, under the interpretation of the law, were banned from reapplying. The resulting brand crisis nearly buried us, but through the sale of the company to their uncle, Larry, Kevin and David preserved the Gibbz legacy of innovation.

Larry and his partner Craig began the arduous process of ironing out the wrinkles in customer support, sales, and contracts, but they soon realized that in order to be successful a winning team would have to be an integral part of the rebuild. Enter Johnathan Henninger. With a decade of machining experience and a successful company, Skyraider Knives, backing him, Johnathan leaned into his extensive aerospace and management background to enhance every aspect of the Gibbz business.

Brining experienced experts in at every critical junction, Gibbz Arms has emerged from this monumental crisis poised to innovate and refine firearms to perfection. We recognize the harm that our history has inflicted on an industry that relies on consistency and trust, which is why we have shifted our focus to our processes and products. Our obsession with precision and innovation remains unchanged, but our commitment to our customers has become an added focus of our rebranding and work. Our vision is to produce the finest firearms on the planet, and we want you to experience the confidence and joy that accompanies the passionate pursuit of perfection.

This is Gibbz reborn; this is innovation in firearms; this is Gibbz Arms.