CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Experts agree that Para USA makes some of the best guns on the market.
The guns are manufactured in Pineville. Recently, the process has come under scrutiny.
North Carolina investigators with the Department of Labor visited the plant last week and have been talking to current and former employees.
Before the guns are shipped out, they must be test fired. Sources say employees have complained about injuries. Also, there are complaints that the range is poorly ventilated.
"The primers have lead in them when the bullet goes off, and the bullet has lead and it gets in the atmosphere. If you breathe it, your lead levels can go up and it's poisonous," said gun store owner Larry Hyatt.
Hyatt said he was looking into getting a range, so he is familiar with the issues.
Sources say there have also been small fires associated with Para's range because of unburned powder.
"You have to do a lot of maintenance -- vacuuming, washing your hands, washing the doorknobs, cleaning the floors and walls, keeping the air circulated and filtered. It's costly and time consuming, but you have to do it at a range," Hyatt said.
Department of Labor officials would not talk about the nature of the complaints and they wouldn't confirm any injuries at the range.
NewsChannel 36 tried to reach Para USA for comment, but we were told the owner is out of the country.
