Rafiq Armoury: A Legacy of Generations in Hyderabad’s Arms Industry

India is a great nation with stringent Gun Control laws that contribute to its overall peace and security. Unlike countries with minimal Gun Control, such as the United States, where a lack of firearm regulation has led to incidents involving children and teenagers, India allows only licensed arms, ensuring societal safety.

These views were shared by Mohammed Siraj Uddin Shafiq, Managing Partner of Rafiq Armoury and Gun Affairs. Established in 1872 by Mohammed Maroof, Rafiq Armoury is one of Hyderabad’s oldest Arms and Ammunition dealerships, marking 153 years of operation on August 18, 2024. Its sister concern, Gun Affairs, has also completed five decades.

Five generations of Mr. Shafiq’s family have overseen this ancestral business. As a fourth-generation arms specialist, he is now joined by his sons, Gulam Dastagir Rafiq Sharfi and Gulam Mujtaba Shujath, the family’s fifth generation. By the grace of Almighty Allah, Gulam Mustafa Saifi, the young son of Gulam Mujtaba Shujath, will continue the family’s legacy as the Sixth Generation.

Rafiq Armoury operates two branches in Hyderabad, one at Pathar Gatti, which has thrived for over a century, and another on Road No. 2, Banjara Hills. The third branch at Gachibowli is all set for an imminent launch.

The company, which sources its Arms and Ammunition from Kolkata and Pune’s Ordnance Factories, supplies Arms and Ammunition to Government bodies, Paramilitary forces, Police Department, and Sports professionals including to the private sector security firms.

Rafiq Armoury has a rich history. The company, founded in 1973, received licensing from the Home Ministry after India’s independence, along with authorization from Andhra Pradesh’s Board of Revenue. His grandfather, Mohammed Basheeruddin, along with his uncle, Maulana Mohammed Maroof, and father, Gulam Dastagir Rafiq, established the business as M/s Rafiq Armoury in 1973, setting up the Pathar Gatti branch in Aladdin Building. The late Mr. G.D. Rafiq was an arms expert. He found innovative ways in arms and ammunition. He was known across the nation for his expertise in repairing and restoring Arms to their optimum potential..

Mr. Rafiq passed away on November 19, 1991, at which point the responsibility of the business fell to a then 21-year-old Mohammed Siraj Uddin Shafiq, who dedicated himself to advancing the family business. Both of his sons are now actively involved in expanding the enterprise.

On July 12, 2008, Rafiq Armoury registered its sister concern as Gun Affairs, launching its Banjara Hills branch. Mr. Shafiq expressed his satisfaction at completing 150 years and becoming an integral part of Hyderabad’s rich history. He said that the Gachibowli branch will cater to the growing needs of the region as a full-fledged arms and ammunition dealership.