'Sons of Guns' -- Canceled ... On Heels of Will Hayden Rape Case

Discovery is permanently pulling the plug on its hit show "Sons of Guns" ... as the show's star faces child rape charges.

A rep for Discovery tells TMZ ... “Given the serious and horrific nature of the charges against Will Hayden, we have decided to halt further production of Sons of Guns and cancel the series.”

TMZ broke the story ... Hayden was re-arrested Tuesday when cops decided to charge him with child rape. Hayden was first arrested 2 weeks ago for allegedly molesting his 12-year-old daughter.

Hayden is the owner of Red Jacket Firearms ... the gun store featured on Discovery's show, which ran for 5 seasons.

Hayden is still in custody after his arrest.

11:30 AM PT -- Will didn't just lose his TV show ...he lost his company too ... Red Jacket Firearms just announced they've severed all ties with Hayden.