From the Mines to the Bench
Justin McMillion is a West Virginian through and through. Born into a lineage of coal miners, he spent 18 years in the industry himself, even serving as an underground safety manager. His path to becoming a business owner was not a straight line. He cycled through pharmacy and business school before finding his fit in electrical engineering. Eventually, his mechanical inclination and love for the AK-47 led him to found J-Mack Customs at age 30.
“I always had ideas and I always wanted to have my own business, but at that time, just getting started out, I had no money and I was still living at home.”
Teaching an Old AK New Tricks
J-Mack Customs is not just about selling parts: it is about modernization. The AK-47 is a classic design from 1947, but Justin saw its potential to be a 21st-century contender. By using high-tech tools like 3D scanners and 3D printers, the company develops accessories that improve ergonomics and control for competitive shooters and collectors alike. Today, they offer over 700 products, including suppressors and specialized mounting systems, all designed to make these firearms more efficient and safer to use.
“There’s got to be a way to make the AK competitive with modern firearms because the AK’s an old design.”
Values, Community, and Made in the USA
While the business is thriving nationwide, Justin stays grounded in his West Virginia roots. He is a firm believer in keeping manufacturing at home, ensuring that 99.9 percent of the steel used comes from US plants and all machining happens domestically. He also brings a nuanced perspective to the gun industry, advocating for mental health awareness and community healing alongside Second Amendment rights. To him, it is about more than just hardware: it is about building a functional and supportive society.
“We’re 100 percent made in the USA. I’m totally about the Constitution, totally about the US, and I wanted to make sure my money that I spend goes back here.”
Ready to see how these modern-day hot rods of the firearm world are built? Check out the original conversation to hear more about the journey from the coal mines to the cutting edge of engineering.
