Smith & Wesson
File:Smith and Wesson.svg | |
Company type | Public (Nasdaq: SWHC) |
---|---|
Industry | Aerospace/Defense Products & Services |
Founded | 1852 |
Founder | Horace Smith, Daniel B. Wesson |
Headquarters | Springfield, Massachusetts , |
Key people | Michael F. Golden (CEO), John A. Kelly (CFO), Leland A. Nichols (COO), |
Products | Firearms and law enforcement goods |
Revenue | US$296 million (2008)[1] |
US$9 million (2008)[1] | |
Number of employees | 1,453 (2008)[1] |
Subsidiaries | Thompson/Center |
Website | Smith-Wesson.com |
Smith & Wesson (Nasdaq: SWHC) (S&W) is the largest manufacturer of handguns in the United States. The corporate headquarters is in Springfield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson's pistols and revolvers have become standard issue to police and armed forces throughout the world. Consequently they have been used by sport shooters and have been featured in numerous Hollywood movies, particularly Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry. Smith & Wesson has been known for the many types of ammunition it has introduced over the years, and many cartridges bear the company's name.
History
Beginning
In 1852 partners Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson formed a company to produce a lever-action pistol[2] nicknamed the Volcanic pistol. The company became known as the "Volcanic Repeating Arms Company"; financial difficulties caused it to come into the majority ownership of investor Oliver Winchester. Previously, in the late 1840s, Daniel Wesson's brother Edwin, of Hartford, Massachusetts, had manufactured revolvers under the name of Wesson & Leavitt. After Edwin Wesson's death, that firm continued under the supervision of Thomas Warner.[3]
In 1856 the partners left the Volcanic Company to begin a new company and to manufacture a newly-designed revolver-and-cartridge combination which would become known as the Smith & Wesson Model 1.[3] The timing of the founding of this new company proved quite opportune for the partners, since the onset of the American Civil War five years later produced a great demand for Smith & Wesson's products, specifically the Smith & Wesson Model 2.[3]
In 1867, Smith & Wesson began a global sales campaign that introduced the company's revolvers and ammunition to new markets, such as Russia, and established the company as one of the world's premier makers of firearms.[3] The Smith & Wesson Model 3, eventually became known as the "Russian Model" and was a favorite of US Lawman, Wyatt Earp. The US Army adopted the Model 3 as the "Schofield" and used it throughout the Indian Wars of the West.
In 1964 the company passed from Wesson family control, and subsequently several conglomerates took control of it.
Between 1987 and 2001 Smith & Wesson was owned by the British engineering company Tomkins PLC.
Agreement of 2000
In March 2000 Smith & Wesson signed an agreement with the Clinton Administration in order to avoid lawsuits.[4] The company agreed to numerous safety and design standards, as well as limits on the sale and distribution of their products. Gun clubs and gun rights groups responded to this agreement by initiating large-scale boycotts of Smith & Wesson by refusing to buy their new products and flooding the firearms market with used S&W guns, cutting into their market share. [5][6] This agreement signed by Tomkins PLC ended with the sale of Smith and Wesson to the Saf-T-Hammer Corporation. The new company (Smith and Wesson Holding Corporation), which publicly renounced the agreement, was received positively by the firearms community.[7]
Acquisition by Saf-T-Hammer
On May 11, 2001, Saf-T-Hammer Corporation acquired Smith & Wesson Corp. from Tomkins PLC for US$15 million, a fraction of the US$112 million originally paid by Tomkins. Saf-T-Hammer assumed US$30 million in debt, bringing the total purchase price to US$45 million.[8][9] Saf-T-Hammer, a manufacturer of gun locks and other firearms safety products, purchased the company with the intention of incorporating its line of security products into all Smith & Wesson firearms in compliance with the 2000 agreement.
The acquisition of Smith & Wesson was chiefly brokered by Saf-T-Hammer President Bob Scott, who had left Smith & Wesson in 1999 because of a disagreement with Tomkins’ policies. After the purchase, Scott became the president of Smith & Wesson to guide the 157-year-old company back to its former standing in the market.[citation needed]
On February 15, 2002, the name of the newly formed entity was changed to Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation.BOUGHT AND SOLD CRACKERS
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Cal. .44, between 1881 and 1923
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Smith & Wesson Army No 2, made 1863, caliber .32 Rimfire
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Model 1, cal. .22
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Smith & Wesson Volcanic, cal. .31, between 1854 and 1855
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Model 3, Cal. .44, between 1874 and 1878
Ammunition types introduced by Smith & Wesson
- .22 Short[10]
- .32 S&W—sometimes called .32 Short[10]
- .32 S&W Long—sometimes called .32 New Colt Police[10]
- .32-44 S&W, defined as .32 Caliber (true .32 caliber measures .323", sole use in Model 3 Revolver to 1898.[11]
- .38 S&W—sometimes called .38 Colt New Police and the 38/200 in England.[10]
- .38-44 S&W There are two distinct loads with this designation. The first was intended for use in model 3 revolvers up to 1898. The second was a predecessor to the .357 Magnum. Using the latter load in a pre-1898 gun could cause serious injury.[11]
- .38 S&W Special[10]
- .357 S&W Magnum[10]
- .40 S&W[10]
- .41 Magnum—While Remington Arms developed the ammunition, Smith & Wesson made the first revolvers to chamber the cartridge.[10]
- .44 S&W Special[10]
- .44 Remington Magnum[10]
- .45 S&W Schofield[10]
- .460 S&W Magnum[12]
- .500 S&W Magnum[12]
Notable revolvers
Smith & Wesson has produced revolvers over the years in several standard frame sizes. "M refers to the small early Ladysmith frame, I to the small .32 frame, J to the small .38 frame, K to the medium .38 frame, L to medium large, and N to the largest .44 Magnum type frame".[13]
- Smith & Wesson Model 1[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 3—first automatic ejection of spent cartridge cases[14]
- J-Frame (small) Models
- Smith & Wesson Model 36—known as the "Chiefs Special"; first J-frame (1950), 5-shot revolver[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 37—known as the "Chiefs Special Airweight";
- Smith & Wesson Model 60—first regular production all stainless steel revolver (1965); the stainless Chief's Special[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 340PD—first revolver made of scandium alloy, very light, possibly the final evolution of the classic J-frame Chief's Special introduced over 60 years earlier, weighs 12 ounces (340 g).[14]
- Smith & Wesson Centennial—standard and "Airweight" (Models 40, 42, 442, 640, 642) (at one time available in 9x19mm caliber as the Model 940)[14]
- Smith & Wesson Chief's Special—standard and "Airweight" (Models 36, 37, 60, 637)
- Smith & Wesson Bodyguard—standard and "Airweight" (Models 38, 49, 438, 638, 649)
- Smith & Wesson Ladysmith[14]
- K-Frame (medium) Models
- Smith & Wesson Model 10—.38 Special. Previously the ".38 Military & Police"[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 11—.38 S&W. Previously the ".38 Regular Military & Police"[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 12—.38 Special. "Airweight" (alloy frame) version of the Model 10.[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 13—.357 Magnum version of the Model 10.[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 14—.38 Special. Previously the "K-38 Masterpiece"[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 15—.38 Special. Previously the "38 Combat Masterpiece"[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 16—.32 Caliber. Previously the "K-32 Masterpiece"[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 17—.22 Caliber. Previously the "K-22 Masterpiece"[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 18—.22 Caliber. Previously the "22 Combat Masterpiece"[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 19—.357 Magnum. Previously the "Combat Magnum"; first lightweight .357 Magnum, built at the request of Bill Jordan[14][16]
- Smith & Wesson Model 53—blued steel .22 Magnum, built for .22 Remington Jet Center fire Magnum ammunition[17]
- Smith & Wesson Model 64—.38 Special. Stainless steel version of the Model 10[18].
- Smith & Wesson Model 65—.357 Magnum. Stainless steel version of the Model 13[19]
- Smith & Wesson Model 66—.357 Magnum. Stainless steel version of the Model 19[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 67—.38 Special. Stainless steel version of the Model 15[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 68—.38 Special version of the Model 66 (half-lug) 6" barrel[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 617—.22 Caliber. Full-lug, Stainless steel, 10-shot version of the Model 17[15]
- L-Frame (medium-large) Models
- Smith & Wesson Model 386—alloy [15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 586—blued steel[16]
- Smith & Wesson Model 686—stainless steel[16]
- Smith & Wesson Model 619—7-shot .357 Magnum, no full underlug, fixed sights.
- Smith & Wesson Model 620—7-shot .357 Magnum, no full underlug, adjustable sights.
- Smith & Wesson Model 646—stailess steel .40 S&W, adjustable sights [15]
- M-Frame (extra small old) Models
- Smith & Wesson 38 Double Action—nickeled steel .38 S&W
- N-Frame (large) Models
- .44 Hand Ejector First Model "New Century"—first N-frame, introduced in 1908. The first chambering of .44 S&W Special.
- Model 1917—first revolver chambered for .45 ACP[16]
- Smith & Wesson Model 22—.45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim; also called the M1950 Military; Base for the 2nd issue Thunder Ranch Revolver; This was the evolution of the M1917 revolver
- Smith & Wesson Model 25—similar to the Model 29, but chambered for the .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim and later, the .45 Colt cartridge. The best known, and most common, variants of this revolver are the Model 25-2 (.45 ACP) and Model 25-5 (.45 Colt).
- Smith & Wesson Model 27—first .357 Magnum; usually a custom or limited-run revolver, with a deep blue lustre[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 28—"Highway Patrolman" .357 Magnum; fewer frills than the Model 27, same performance; marketed to police for its reduced price and equal performance.[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 29—first .44 Magnum, made famous by its appearance in the film Dirty Harry[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 57—first .41 Magnum; initiated and sponsored by Elmer Keith and others, top end premier model identical in features, fit, and finish to .44 Magnum Model 29.[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 58—.41 Magnum; 4-inch barrel with fixed sights; marketed as basic, entry-level police duty revolver offering greater power than .38/.357 revolvers when using a reduced power .41 Magnum police load.
- Smith & Wesson Model 610
- Smith & Wesson Model 625—used by Jerry Miculek to set the world record for 12 rounds (with one reload) on target in 2.99 seconds[14]
- X-Frame
Notable semi-automatic pistols
Semi-automatic pistols
In 1953 the US Army was looking for a pistol to replace the Colt 1911A1.[14] In order to obtain a bid from the US Government, Smith & Wesson began working on a design similar to the German Walther P-38.[14] A year later the Army dropped its search and Smith & Wesson introduced its pistol to the civilian shooting market as the Model 39.[14]
The Model 39 would come to be known as a first generation pistol. Since the Model 39 debuted, Smith & Wesson has continuously developed this design into its third generation pistols now on the market. The first generation models use a 2 digit model number, the second generation use 3 digits, and third generation models use 4 digits.
- Smith & Wesson Model 39—first U.S.-designed double action pistol in 9 mm Luger (or Parabellum)[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 4506[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 439—updated model 39[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 459—S&W's entry into the US Army's XM9 program[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 469[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 59—S&W's first high-capacity double-action pistol in 9 mm Parabellum.[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 5906[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 908[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 909[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 910[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 915[15]
- Smith & Wesson Model 1006—stainless steel 10mm Auto[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 1026 with a frame-mounted decocker[14]
- Smith & Wesson Model 4006[14]
Sigma series
Smith & Wesson introduced the Sigma series of recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-auto pistols in 1994 with the Sigma SW40F, followed by the Sigma SW9F 9 mm, which included a 17 shot magazine.[14] Sigma pistols were functionally very similar to Glocks. There were reports of owners interchanging parts between Glocks and Sigmas successfully. Glock initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against Smith & Wesson. The latter paid an undisclosed amount to settle the case and for the right to continue producing models in the Sigma line.[20] The gun frame is manufactured from polymer, while the slide and barrel use either stainless steel or carbon steel. In 1996, Smith & Wesson updated the Sigma by adding a compact model by shortening the barrel (from 4-1/2 to 4 inches) and again in 1999, modified the series by changing the grip by adding checkering and adding an integral accessory rail for lights and laser targeting devices.[14]
SW99 Series
S&W reached an agreement with Walther to produce variations of the P99 line of pistols.[14] Branded as the SW99, the pistol is available in several calibers, including 9 mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, and in both full size and compact variations. Under the terms of the agreement, Walther produced the frames, and Smith and Wesson produced the slide and barrel. The pistol has several cosmetic differences from the original Walther design and strongly resembles a hybrid between the P99 and the Sigma series.[14]
M&P Series
In 2005, Smith & Wesson debuted a new polymer-frame pistol intended for the law enforcement market. Dubbed the M&P (for Military and Police), its name was meant to evoke S&W's history as the firearm of choice for law enforcement agencies through its previous lineup of M&P revolvers. The M&P is a completely new design with no parts interchangeable with any other pistol including the Sigma. The new design not only looks completely different than the Sigma but feels completely different with 3 different back straps supplied with each M&P. Many of the ergonomic study elements that had been incorporated into the Sigma and the SW99 were brought over to the M&P. The improved trigger weight and feel, and unique takedown method (not requiring a dry pull of the trigger) were meant to set the M&P apart from both the Sigma and the popular Glock pistols.
The M&P is available in 9x19 mm Para, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. A .45 ACP model was released in early 2007, after making its debut at the SHOT Show. In addition, compact versions are available in 9x19 mm Para, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP.
SW1911 Series
In 2003, Smith & Wesson introduced their variation of the classic M1911 .45 ACP semi-automatic handgun, the SW1911. This firearm retains the M1911's well known dimensions, operation, and feel, while adding a variety of modern touches. Updates to the design include serration at the front of the slide for easier operation and disassembly, a high "beaver-tail" grip safety, external extractor, lighter weight hammer and trigger, as well as updated internal safeties to prevent accidental discharges if dropped. S&W 1911s are available with black finished carbon steel slides and frames or bead blasted stainless slides and frames. They are available with aluminum frames alloyed with scandium in either natural or black finishes. These updates have resulted in a firearm that is true to the M1911 design, with additions that would normally be considered "custom", with a price similar to equivalent designs from other manufacturers.
Smith & Wesson's Performance Center produces the top of the line hand fitted competition version knowns as the PC 1911. While most 1911s run around 38 to 39 ounces, the PC 1911 is heavier, at approximately 41 ounces. The full-length guide rod adds some weight, and so does the add-on magazine well.
Rifles and carbines
During the early years of WW2, Smith & Wesson manufactured batches of the Model 1940 Light Rifle under request from the British Government.
In January 2006, Smith & Wesson reentered the rifle market with its M&P15 series of rifles based on the AR-15 platform. Unveiled at SHOT Show 2006, the rifle debuted in two varieties; the M&P15 and the M&P15T. Both are basically the same rifle, chambered in 5.56 NATO, with the T model featuring folding sights and a four-sided accessories rail. At its debut, the M&P15's suggested retail price was $1,200, while the M&P15T retailed for $1,700. Their current line consists of four models, ranging in price from $1,049 to $2,200. These rifles were first produced by Stag Arms, but marketed under the Smith & Wesson name.[21] Currently Smith & Wesson makes the lower receiver in house while the barrel is supplied by Thompson/Center, an S&W company.
In May 2008, Smith and Wesson introduced their first AR-variant rifle in a caliber other than 5.56 NATO. The M&P15R is a standard AR platform rifle chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge.[22] In 2009, they released the M&P15-22, chambered for .22 Long Rifle.[23]
Smith and Wesson manufactures a line of bolt action rifles called the i-Bolt. These synthetic stock rifles are available in .270 Win or .30-06 caliber.
Submachine gun
In 1967 Smith & Wesson produced a 9mm Submachine gun, hoping to capitalize on US sales of the Israeli Uzi and HK MP5. They borrowed the magazine of the Carl Gustav M/45 submachine gun (Kulsprutepistol m/45 or Kpist m/45) which had been popular with the U.S. forces in Vietnam as the "Swedish K") and made a similar side-folding stock. But the rest of the straight blowback (arms) weapon had no parts in common with the earlier Swedish gun. The S&W Model 76 submachine gun was made in limited numbers and was primarily used as a police weapon. Because all of them were made prior to 1986, many of them made it into civilian hands in the USA and are commonly used in Submachine gun competition.[15]
Shotguns
Smith & Wesson produced the Model 916, 916T, and 916A 12-gauge shotguns which were plagued by poor quality control and had cascading minor issues in the field, prompting them to move on to the model 1000 and 3000 shotguns. However, Smith & Wesson exited the shotgun market in the late 1980's to return to their "core" market of handguns.
In November 2006, S&W announced that it would reenter the shotgun market with two new lines of shotguns, the Elite series and the 1000 series, unveiled at the 2007 SHOT Show. Along with the new shotguns, S&W debuted the Heirloom Warranty program, a first of its kind in the firearms industry. The warranty provides both the original buyer and the buyer's chosen heir with a lifetime warranty on all Elite Series shotguns.[24]
Internal locking mechanism
All Smith & Wesson revolvers have been equipped with an internal locking mechanism since the acquisition by Saf-T-Hammer. The mechanism is relatively unobtrusive, is activated with a special key, and renders the firearm inoperable. While the lock can simply be left disengaged, some gun enthusiasts will only buy "pre-lock" guns, fearing the lock might cause the gun to malfunction when needed most, as in a crisis. If the lock breaks, the gun will not work without being repaired.[25] Smith & Wesson has repeatedly stated that the locking mechanism does not affect reliability, although several cases have been documented.[26]
Smith & Wesson announced in March, 2009, that it would begin phasing the internal lock out of its revolver lineup.[27] According to Massad Ayoob in a reply to this statement, however, he claims this is a misquote. "In September (2008) during a visit to the factory, I learned that some in Springfield don't like the lock either and would like to get rid of it as much as anyone posting here. In January (2009) at the SHOT Show, another S&W exec told me simply that it ain't gonna happen."
Other products
Smith & Wesson markets gun accessories, handcuffs, safes, apparel, watches, collectibles, knives, tools, air guns, and myriad other products under its brand name, including cologne and handbags.
In October 2002, Smith & Wesson announced it had entered into a licensing agreement with Cycle Source Group to produce a line of bicycles designed by and for law enforcement. These bicycles feature custom configurations and silent hubs ( for 'stealth' cycling ), and are available for purchase by 'civilians'.[28][29]
Smith & Wesson flashlights are available to the general public. They are[when?] designed and produced by PowerTech, Inc, in Collierville, Tennessee.[citation needed] Most, if not all, S&W flashlights are made in China.[citation needed]
Smith & Wesson has a line of wood pellet grills named after various pistol cartridges, such as .22 Magnum, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, and .500 Magnum.[citation needed]
Smith & Wesson has entered into a licensing agreement with North Carolina based Wellco Enterprises to design and distribute a full line of tactical law enforcement footwear.[30]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Company Profile for Smith & Wesson Holding Corp (SWHC)". Retrieved 2008-10-03.
- ^ Smith & Wesson History. smith-wesson.com. Accessed 26 August 2009.
- ^ a b c d Boorman, Dean (2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. The Lyons Press. p. 128. ISBN 1585747211.
- ^ LS-474: "Clinton Administration and State and Local Governments Reach
Breakthrough Gun Safety Agreement With Smith & Wesson" - ^ March 17, 2000 CNN transcript of UD Secretary Andrew Cuomo announcing agreement
- ^ Announcement from the Public Affairs Office of the US Treasury (BATF division) of the HUD and Smith & Wesson agreement
- ^ Workman, Dave (2004), "Problems Dog S&W over Chairman's Past?", Gun Week
- ^ Article on Sale of Smith & Wesson
- ^ Phoenix Business Journals on Smith & Wesson Sale
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Barnes, Frank C. (2003). Cartridges of the World: 10th Edition, Revised and Expanded. Krause Publications. p. 528. ISBN 978-0873496056.
{{cite book}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Complete Guide to Handloading by Philip Sharpe 1937 to 1957
- ^ a b Barnes, Frank C. (2006) [1965]. Skinner, Stan (ed.). Cartridges of the World (11th Edition ed.). Iola, WI, USA: Gun Digest Books. pp. 312, 338. ISBN 0-89689-297-2.
{{cite book}}
:|edition=
has extra text (help) - ^ The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms Dean K. Boorman, 2002, pp 44-45
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj Hartink, A.E. (2002). The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers. Edison, New Jersey: Chartwell Books, Inc. pp. 87–88. ISBN 9780785815198.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Supica, Jim (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Gun Digest Books. p. 384. ISBN 978-0896892934.
- ^ a b c d Thompson, Leroy (1993). Great Combat Handguns. London: Arms & Armour. pp. 97–100. ISBN 1-85409-168-9.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthor=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Smith & Wesson (1961). Smith & Wesson .22 Magnum Revolver Model No. 53. Springfield, MA: Smith & Wesson. pp. 1–5.
- ^ The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms Dean K. Boorman, 2002, pp 117
- ^ The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms Dean K. Boorman, 2002, pp 84
- ^ Smith, Dan (2006). "Review: Smith & Wesson M&P .40 Cal Pistol". Retrieved 2008-12-17.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ S&W press release on new M&P15 Rifles
- ^ "Smith and Wesson M&P15R: New AR15 Platform Rifle and Uppers in 5.45×39".
- ^ Rackley, Paul. An AR Plinking Good Time, American Rifleman
- ^ S&W press release on new line of shotguns
- ^ Michael Bane. S&W Revolver Lock Failure. The Michael Bane Blog. 27 August 2007
- ^ Ayoob, Massad.(2005) "Gun Lock Failure". American Handgunner. Jan–Feb 2005.
- ^ Ayoob, Massad.(2009) "S&W Gives its Customers What They Want". American Handgunner. Mar-Apr 2009.
- ^ S&W press release on new line of bicycles
- ^ S&W press release on Police Bicycles
- ^ www.policeone.com/police-products