Armed Guarding
Licensed, vetted armed security officers for businesses, events, and individuals across the El Paso area.
El Paso, TX · Veteran-Owned
Protection built by veterans.
Armed guarding, security consulting, custom firearms, and research and development — delivered by veterans who hold themselves to a higher standard.
What we do
Our Services
Security Consulting
Threat assessments, personal protection planning, and business security audits grounded in field experience.
Gunsmithing & Custom Builds
Trigger work, cerakote, custom AR platforms, and precision modifications built to your mission.
Research & Development
Purpose-built firearms platforms and systems engineered, tested, and validated for real operational requirements.
Why KORT
Veteran-led.
Operator-built. Mission-ready.
Veteran-Owned & Led
Founded by those who served, built for those who protect.
No-pressure Service
We ask questions first. We listen. Then we recommend.
Operator Standards
Every service is held to the same standard we carried in uniform.
Ready to talk?
Whether you need armed security, a threat assessment, or a custom build — we are here to help.
What we do
Protection.Built different.
Security is the core of what KORT does. From licensed armed guarding and threat assessments to custom firearms builds and R&D — every service is delivered by veterans who have operated in the real world and hold themselves to a higher standard.
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Armed Guarding
Licensed. Trained. Ready. Professional armed protection you can count on.
KORT's armed guarding division provides professional, licensed armed security personnel for individuals, businesses, and events across the El Paso area. Our officers are held to a higher standard — military and law enforcement backgrounds, verified firearms proficiency, and the discipline to handle high-pressure situations with composure. We don't just fill a post. We protect what matters.
- Static post & fixed-site armed security
- Mobile patrol services
- Executive & personal protection
- Event security — private & corporate
- Business & retail armed guard coverage
- All officers Texas Level III licensed
- Military & law enforcement vetted personnel
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Security Consulting
Assessments from operators who've worked in the field — not just studied it.
Our security consulting services are built on real operational experience. We work with individuals, families, and businesses to identify vulnerabilities and build practical, layered protection plans — no generic checklists, no theoretical frameworks.
- Personal & family protection planning
- Home security assessments
- Business threat & vulnerability audits
- Active threat response planning
- Concealed carry consultation & gear selection
- Security training referrals & coordination
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Gunsmithing & Custom Builds
Every build spec'd to your mission — not a catalog.
Our certified gunsmiths handle everything from basic maintenance and trigger work to full custom platform builds. We work with what you bring in or build from the ground up. Every modification is done in-house, on time, and to spec.
- Trigger jobs & action tuning
- Cerakote finishing — all colors & patterns
- Custom AR-15 / AR-10 builds
- Barrel threading & suppressor-ready work
- Optics mounting & zeroing
- Cleaning, inspection & preventive maintenance
- Stock fitting & ergonomic modifications
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Research & Development
Purpose-built solutions for those who demand more than what the market offers.
KORT's R&D division is focused on pushing the boundaries of what firearms platforms and security systems can do. We test, prototype, and develop solutions built around real operational needs — not marketing trends. Whether it's a custom platform concept, a modified system for a specific mission profile, or a new approach to an existing problem, we build it from the ground up.
- Custom platform prototyping & testing
- Mission-specific firearms system development
- Ballistics testing & performance analysis
- Suppressor & muzzle device development
- Optics & accessory integration research
- Materials & finish durability testing
- Collaborative development with operators & professionals
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 20-minute consultation and we'll point you in the right direction — no commitment required.
Leadership
Founders & Leadership
Meet the people behind KORT — veterans, entrepreneurs, and the driving force behind everything the company stands for.
Sole Owner, CEO & Founder
Connor Murphy
Connor founded KORT in 2025 with a clear vision: build a company that reflects the same dedication, discipline, and resilience that military service demands. Serving as an Indirect Fire Infantryman in the U.S. Army from 2020 to 2026, he developed the precision, situational awareness, and operational mindset that now define KORT's culture.
After six years of active service, Connor was medically separated from the military in 2026 — a transition that, like every challenge he has faced, he met with resolve rather than retreat. His experience taught him that the hardest circumstances become the foundation of something stronger.
Behind Connor is his wife, Alicia — married since October 11th, 2024. Her support has been unwavering through every obstacle, every late night, and every hard decision that came with building KORT from the ground up. Through personal loss and the relentless grind of building a business from scratch, Connor has never wavered from the mission — and she has never wavered from him.
MOS11C Mortar
RoleCEO
Service2020–2026
StatusMed. Separated
What they stand for
Shared Values
Integrity
Every member of the KORT founding team brings a zero-compromise approach to honesty and accountability — values forged through military service, personal hardship, and the daily demands of building something real.
Resilience
Having faced significant personal loss and the relentless grind of building a company from scratch, the KORT founders lead by example — pressing forward regardless of the obstacle in front of them.
Service
Before KORT, before business — there was a commitment to serve. That ethos carries into everything the company does, from the field to the financials.
“Guided by experience, strengthened by adversity, and supported by family — KORT remains committed to fulfilling its mission and expanding its impact in the years ahead.”
Work with KORT
Ready to connect with a team that takes its work as seriously as you take yours? Book a consultation and let's talk.
Our story
Company History
Founded in 2025, KORT was built on a shared vision — and forged through the kind of adversity that reveals what a team is truly made of.
U.S. Army photo · public domainBuilt from the ground up
A vision forged through adversity.
Founded in 2025, KORT was established with a shared vision of building a business that reflects dedication, resilience, and long-term ambition. From its inception, KORT faced the typical challenges of a new venture — operational setbacks, limited resources, and the steep learning curve that accompanies launching a company.
These early obstacles, however, became defining moments that strengthened the team's resolve. What could have broken the company apart instead forged a tighter, more determined team.
Today, KORT stands as a testament to resilience — guided by experience, strengthened by adversity, and supported by a family that remained steadfast throughout the company's development.
The journey
Key Milestones
Military Service Begins
Connor began active duty service in the U.S. Army as an Indirect Fire Infantryman — developing the discipline, leadership, and operational mindset that would later shape KORT's culture of responsibility, integrity, and perseverance.
KORT Founded
KORT was established with a shared vision of building a business that reflects dedication, resilience, and long-term ambition. Early operational setbacks and limited resources became defining moments that strengthened the team's resolve.
Medical Separation
After six years of active duty service, Connor was medically separated from the U.S. Army in 2026. Rather than stepping back, he channeled that transition into KORT — bringing the same resolve that defined his service into building the company's future.
Building Forward
KORT stands as a testament to resilience. The team continues to overcome setbacks, refine operations, and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth — guided by experience, strengthened by adversity, and supported by family.
The people
Forged by Adversity
Connor experienced the loss of his parents — individuals who deeply supported his entrepreneurial goals and believed in his vision from the very beginning. Losing that support system while simultaneously trying to build a company from the ground up is a weight that few entrepreneurs are asked to carry. Yet rather than stepping back, he pressed forward, channeling that grief into a deeper sense of purpose and a stronger commitment to what he was building.
That kind of resilience does not come from circumstance — it comes from character. Connor chose to let adversity sharpen him rather than define him. Every obstacle KORT has faced since its founding has been met with the same resolve: acknowledge it, adapt, and keep moving.
Their experiences have shaped the company's culture in ways that no business plan could. The values of responsibility, integrity, and perseverance are not talking points at KORT — they are the lived reality of a founder who has already proven he will not quit when things get hard.
What drives us
Core Principles
Resilience
Every setback KORT has faced has been met with resolve. The team's ability to press forward through adversity is the foundation the company is built on.
Family
Through significant personal hardships and loss, the KORT team has remained steadfast — driven by purpose and supported by a family that never wavered.
Service
With military service woven into the fabric of the team, KORT operates with the discipline, integrity, and commitment to mission that defines those who serve.
Be part of the mission
KORT remains committed to fulfilling its mission and expanding its impact in the years ahead. Come work with a team that knows what it means to see something through.
Currently down — reach us at [email protected]
KORT — Research & Development
Built to perform.Not to impress.
KORT's Research & Development division exists for one reason: to build firearms platforms and systems that meet real operational requirements. We don't follow trends. We identify a need, engineer a solution, test it under pressure, and build it to last.
What we do
The R&D Process
Our development process is methodical, hands-on, and operator-informed. Every platform that comes out of KORT has been through a defined cycle of design, fabrication, testing, and validation before it reaches the end user.
Prototype & Test
Every concept starts on the bench. We prototype, stress-test, and iterate until the platform performs exactly as intended — under real conditions, not controlled ones.
Mission-Driven Design
We don't build to a catalog. Every system we develop is designed around a specific operational requirement — whether that's a suppressed precision rifle, a duty-ready pistol build, or a platform engineered for a unique mission profile.
In-House Fabrication
From trigger work and barrel threading to full cerakote finishing and custom AR builds — every modification and fabrication step is executed in-house by the same team that designed it.
Operator-Validated
Our R&D process is informed by real field experience. We collaborate with operators, veterans, and professionals to validate every platform before it leaves the shop.
Areas of focus
What We Develop
Firearms Platform Development
KORT develops purpose-built firearms platforms from the ground up. This includes custom AR-15 and AR-10 configurations, precision bolt-action builds, and suppressor-optimized systems. Each platform is engineered to meet a defined operational standard — not assembled from off-the-shelf components without intent.
Ballistics & Performance Analysis
We conduct systematic ballistics testing to evaluate ammunition performance, barrel harmonics, and system reliability across environmental conditions. This data informs every build decision and ensures that what leaves our shop has been validated — not assumed.
Materials & Finish Research
Durability is non-negotiable. KORT evaluates coatings, materials, and finishing processes to identify what holds up under sustained use. Our cerakote work is backed by testing — not just aesthetics.
Suppressor & Muzzle Device Engineering
We design and evaluate suppressor-ready configurations, muzzle device integration, and host weapon compatibility. Our work in this area is driven by the operational need for reduced signature without sacrificing reliability or accuracy.
Optics & Accessory Integration
Mounting systems, co-witness configurations, night vision compatibility, and accessory rail solutions — we research and test integration setups to ensure every component on a platform serves a purpose and functions as a system.
Collaborative Development
KORT works directly with operators, law enforcement professionals, and serious end-users to develop solutions for specific requirements. If you have a mission profile that existing platforms don't address, we want to hear it.
Our philosophy
Why R&D Matters
The firearms industry is saturated with products built to sell — not to perform. Marketing drives most development decisions, and the end user is left with platforms that look impressive on paper but fall short in the field. KORT was built in direct opposition to that model.
Our R&D work is grounded in operational experience. The founders of KORT have carried in the field, trained with the platforms they build, and understand what failure looks like when the stakes are real. That perspective shapes every decision we make in the shop.
We believe that the best firearms platform is the one engineered for a specific purpose, built with precision, and validated under conditions that reflect how it will actually be used. That is the standard we hold ourselves to — and the standard we bring to every project we take on.
Have a project in mind?
If you have a mission requirement that existing platforms don't address, bring it to us. We'll evaluate the need, scope the build, and tell you exactly what it takes to get it done right.
KORT — El Paso, TX
Join theKORT team
We are not looking for resumes. We are looking for people who take their craft seriously, show up with integrity, and want to be part of building something that matters. If that is you, we want to hear from you.
Why KORT
What We Stand For
Veteran-Led Culture
KORT was built by veterans and operates with the same standards that military service demands. We expect discipline, accountability, and a commitment to doing the job right — every time.
Mission Over Ego
We don't have room for politics or posturing. Everyone on the KORT team is here to contribute to something bigger than themselves. If that resonates with you, you will fit in.
Room to Grow
KORT is an early-stage company with serious ambitions. The people who join now will have the opportunity to grow with the organization and shape what it becomes.
Open positions
Current Openings
Armed Security Officer
KORT is building out its armed guarding division and is seeking disciplined, licensed armed security officers to provide professional protection services for clients across the El Paso area. This includes static post assignments, mobile patrol, executive protection support, and event security. We hold our armed personnel to a higher standard — if you have the training, the mindset, and the license, we want to talk.
Requirements
- Valid Texas Level III Armed Security Officer license (preferred)
- Military or law enforcement background strongly preferred
- Demonstrated proficiency with duty firearm — qualification documentation required
- Clean background with no disqualifying criminal history
- Professional demeanor and strong situational awareness
- Ability to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Current CPR/First Aid certification preferred
Security Consultant
KORT is seeking an experienced security professional to conduct threat assessments, personal protection consultations, and business security audits. This role requires real operational experience — not just certifications. You will work directly with clients to build practical, layered security plans.
Requirements
- Military, law enforcement, or private security background
- Experience conducting threat and vulnerability assessments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work with diverse client profiles
- Valid TX security license or ability to obtain one
Gunsmith / Armorer
We are looking for a skilled gunsmith or armorer with hands-on experience in firearms maintenance, modification, and custom builds. You will work directly on client platforms — from trigger jobs and cerakote to full custom AR builds. Attention to detail and a commitment to quality are non-negotiable.
Requirements
- Proven experience in gunsmithing or armorer work
- Proficiency with AR-platform and handgun modifications
- Experience with cerakote application preferred
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Clean background — required for FFL compliance
R&D Technician
Support KORT's research and development operations — from prototype assembly and ballistics testing to materials evaluation and documentation. This role is ideal for someone with a technical background in firearms, engineering, or military systems who wants to contribute to purpose-driven platform development.
Requirements
- Technical background in firearms, engineering, or military systems
- Hands-on experience with firearms platforms and components
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
- Ability to follow and contribute to structured test protocols
- Experience with precision measurement tools preferred
Don't see your role?
General Applications
If you have a skill set that aligns with what KORT is building — even if there is no open position that fits — reach out. We are always interested in connecting with serious professionals who share our values. Send us a message through the contact page and tell us what you bring to the table.
KORT — El Paso, TX
Contact &Location
Have a question or ready to get started? Reach out directly or send us a message below. We will get back to you promptly.
Location
El Paso, Texas
Exact address provided upon scheduling. Serving El Paso, TX and surrounding areas.
Hours
| Monday–Saturday | By Appointment |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |