Corporate
Today PGW Defence Technologies Inc. is a very different corporation that evolved from the original company Prairie Gun Works. In the years since 1992 our focus, capabilities, worldwide presence and extensive list of clients has grown steadily as has the level of innovation we have brought to the market of precision rifles, Military sniper systems and various associated components. To find ourselves in a position as a world leader in these advanced technologies is indeed a humbling experience for all those that have been involved.
Ross Spagrud (1966-2025)
Ross was a graduate of the Colorado School of Trades gunsmithing program where he became a highly experienced custom rifle builder. He went on to found the original Prairie Gun Works (PGW), providing gunsmithing and custom rifle builds since 1992.
As PGW expanded to include standardized product lines and military offerings, becoming PGW Defence Technologies Inc. (PGWDTI), Ross took on a more business-focused role; however, he always maintained his gunsmithing skills at the bench. His total roles within the corporation included Government relations, contracting, client relations, and of course, gunsmithing.
As a highly experienced big game hunter, Ross was able to bring these skills to bear in the development and re-introduction of our M15/18 series hunting rifles. Conversely, he was able to incorporate lessons learned from our fully mature military-rated systems into the hunting market.
He shared his passion for the outdoors and shooting sports, fostering these passions in others, including his two sons. Additionally, he remained active in supporting the rights of all Canadians with respect to these heritage disciplines, both here and abroad.
He will be missed.
Stephen Altstadt
Steve came on board with Prairie Gun Works in 1997 and as a Journeyman Millwright and a former Reservist in the Canadian Forces his impact upon the capabilities of the company was both profound and immediate.
His ability to conceptualize and bring to reality designs has resulted in a highly accelerated product maturity process that continues to this day.
His CAD/CAM abilities were all self-taught and resulted in many highly unique processes that he has used and taught others within our organization to undertake with confidence.
He is a highly accomplished and skilled long range shooter and over the years has won numerous titles in several disciplines. Although he does not compete much anymore he has his own private range and small machine shop along with an ammunition reloading centre that is highly advanced.
In addition to the above his passions include astronomy, photography and sharing his knowledge of all subjects with a wide variety of people. His design and production skills have also resulted in a number of innovations in the fields of astronomy, photography and performance automotive.