established in 1992
- 1991 Raven Arms – George Jennings retired and sold his designs to Phoenix
- one of the “Ring of Fire” Manufacturers
- founded and owned by Jennings’ ex-wife, his children, four of his grandchildren, and by Raven’s former general manager
- continued production of the MP-25
- HP22A
- HP25A
- early 2025 stopped making and selling guns
Phoenix Arms
Ontario, California
About Phoenix Arms
Phoenix Arms was a handgun maker based in Ontario, California, best known for inexpensive .22 LR and .25 ACP pocket pistols. It was founded in 1992 after its predecessor, Raven Arms, owned by George Jennings, stopped operating in 1991. Jennings retired and sold his designs to Phoenix, which was founded and owned by his ex-wife, his children, four of his grandchildren, and Raven’s former general manager. Phoenix first continued making Raven’s flagship MP-25, then added the HP22 and HP25 pistols, with production starting in 1993. Both use blowback actions and Zamak zinc alloy frames.
Phoenix was one of several Southern California makers of low-cost pistols that the ATF grouped as the “Ring of Fire” companies. In 2001, the California Attorney General ordered Phoenix to stop making and selling certain HP22 pistols after the 3-inch model failed the state’s 1999 handgun reliability standards; the company responded with the revised HP22A and HP25A, which added a half-cock hammer position. Phoenix offered a lifetime warranty to registered original owners. The company ceased production and sales in early 2025, though parts and accessories remain available from Garrettson Industries.
Key Facts
- 1991: Raven Arms stops operating
- 1992: Phoenix Arms founded in Ontario, California
- 1993: Production of the HP22 and HP25 pocket pistols begins
- 2001: California orders a halt to certain HP22 sales; HP22A and HP25A follow
- Early 2025: Phoenix Arms ceases production and sales
Sources
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