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Smith & Wesson is one of the oldest and most prominent firearms manufacturers based in the United States, headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Founded on the innovation of fully self-contained cartridge weapons, it has long been famous for its iconic revolver product lines, and serves civilian recreational shooters, law enforcement agencies, and military clients across global markets, with an extended portfolio that also includes licensed tactical accessories.
Key moments
1852Founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson with the core goal of developing commercial firearms that use fully self-contained cartridges
1854Launched the Volcanic repeating pistol, the first mass-produced American firearm compatible with self-contained ammunition
1940sManufactured more than 1.1 million handguns to meet Allied military weapon demand during World War II
2000s to presentExpanded product range to include modern semi-automatic pistols, rifles, shotguns, alongside licensed merchandise such as tactical knives, handcuffs, and flashlights
Smith & Wesson maintains one of the top two market shares in the North American small arms industry, facing competition from a mix of legacy firearm brands and newer niche manufacturers in both civilian and public safety segments.
Long-standing brand heritage creates unmatched consumer recognition, especially for its classic revolver lines that are deeply tied to 20th century U.S. law enforcement and firearms cultural history, building high user loyalty.
Full-category product coverage differentiates it from many peers that focus on narrow segments, spanning entry-level civilian handguns, professional duty weapons for police, and non-firearms licensed tactical goods to diversify revenue sources.
Primary rival Sturm, Ruger & Co. captures large mass market share with lower-priced civilian offerings, while Colt retains strong competitive advantages in federal military contract bidding, positioning Smith & Wesson as the leading premium mainstream firearms brand that needs continuous new product iteration to preserve market margins.
As one of the most iconic legacy brands in the global small arms sector, Smith & Wesson occupies a unique position at the intersection of American industrial heritage, firearms innovation, and cross-generational user loyalty, per World Brand Lab brand strength framing. The brand has anchored its identity around commitments to precision engineering, rugged reliability, and accessible performance for over 170 years, cementing universal name recognition far beyond the niche shooting sports community.
Smith & Wesson holds a top-two market share position in the highly competitive North American civilian and law enforcement small arms segments, with product lines ranging from its legendary classic revolvers to modern semi-automatic personal defense weapons and licensed tactical accessories. This diversified portfolio allows the brand to cater to distinct user groups, including recreational hunters, competitive shooters, local law enforcement departments, and national military units across multiple markets.
The brand’s sustained cultural cachet, frequently referenced in mainstream media, pop culture, and historical archival records, further amplifies its intangible brand equity that newer competing small arms manufacturers cannot replicate. It has consistently prioritized alignment with core user values while carefully adapting to shifting industry trends and regulatory environments to retain its leading market position.
Brand Leadership
Score: 92/100
Smith & Wesson is widely recognized as one of the two dominant market leaders in the North American small arms industry, with decades of documented adoption by thousands of local, state, and federal public safety agencies across the United States. Its legacy revolver product lines are treated as universal industry benchmarks for durability and accuracy, setting de facto performance standards that competing brands reference for product development.
User Community Interaction
Score: 83/100
The brand maintains deep, long-standing engagement with a large, loyal global community of firearm collectors, recreational shooters, and tactical professionals, running official training workshops, competitive shooting sponsorships, and dedicated brand ambassador programs. This consistent, community-focused outreach drives high share of voice in enthusiast spaces and extremely low customer churn across its core product categories.
Brand Development Momentum
Score: 76/100
Over recent years, Smith & Wesson has expanded its footprint beyond traditional firearms to launch new lines of compact personal defense tools, tactical gear, and outdoor recreation accessories, tapping into fast-growing consumer demand for personal safety and outdoor shooting activities. It has also updated its digital sales and customer support channels to reach younger, first-time firearm buyers effectively.
Long Term Brand Stability
Score: 90/100
The brand has survived more than a century and a half of industry downturns, shifting regulatory cycles, and evolving consumer preferences without losing its core market identity. It has avoided major high-profile reputational scandals that would erode user trust, maintaining steady, predictable sales performance across multiple generations of operation.
Brand Heritage and Age
Score: 97/100
Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson is one of the oldest continuously operating firearms manufacturers in the United States, with well-documented historical ties to key moments in American history from the Civil War era to 21st century public safety operations. This unparalleled long-standing heritage gives it unique credibility that no newly launched niche competitor can match.
Industry Reputation and Profile
Score: 91/100
Within the global small arms manufacturing sector, Smith & Wesson is universally recognized as a gold standard for engineering quality and innovation, with its products regularly featured in top industry trade media, international competitive shooting events, and mainstream Hollywood film and television productions. This broad cultural exposure makes it a household name even for consumers who do not actively participate in shooting sports.
Global Market Reach
Score: 68/100
While its highest-margin core market remains North America, Smith & Wesson distributes its certified firearms and tactical products to more than 50 countries worldwide, serving government law enforcement and military clients across dozens of jurisdictions. Strict regional firearm regulatory frameworks across much of Europe, Asia, and South America limit full penetration of international consumer markets, restraining its maximum global expansion potential.
This brand value assessment is powered by AI-driven reasoning that synthesizes public market share data, consumer loyalty indicators, industry positioning, and long-term heritage factors to generate illustrative contextual insights for Smith & Wesson’s brand equity. All figures referenced in this supplementary analysis are strictly for reference purposes and do not represent formal audited brand value outcomes. Parties seeking verified, formal audited official brand value metrics for Smith & Wesson are advised to contact the World Brand Lab directly for certified, tailored assessment services.
Mark P. Smith (president & CEO)
Deana L. McPherson (CFO)
Robert L. Scott (chairman)
products
Firearms and ammunition
revenue
US$535.8 million (2024)
operating income
US$44.78 million (2024)
net income
US$39.61 million (2024)
assets
US$578.0 million (2024)
equity
US$398.2 million (2024)
num employees
1,509 (2023)
footnotes
Financials .‡R1R‡
homepage
smith-wesson.com
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (S&W) is an American firearm manufacturer headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, United States.
Smith & Wesson was founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson as the "Smith & Wesson Revolver Company" in 1856, after their previous company, also called the "Smith & Wesson Company" and later renamed as "Volcanic Repeating Arms", was sold to Oliver Winchester and became the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.The modern Smith & Wesson had been previously owned by Bangor Punta and Tomkins plc before being acquired by Saf-T-Hammer Corporation in 2001.Smith & Wesson was a unit of American Outdoor Brands Corporation from 2016 to 2020 until the company was spun out in 2020.[2]
History
Volcanic Repeating Arms
Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson founded the Smith & Wesson Company in Norwich, Connecticut in 1852 to develop the Volcanic rifle.Smith developed a new Volcanic Cartridge, which he patented in 1854.The Smith & Wesson Company was renamed Volcanic Repeating Arms in 1855 and was purchased by Oliver Winchester.Smith left the company and returned to his native Springfield, Massachusetts, while Wesson stayed as plant manager with Volcanic Repeating Arms for eight months.Volcanic Repeating Arms was insolvent in late 1856, after which it was reorganized as the New Haven Arms Company in April 1857, and eventually as the Winchester Repeating Arms Company by 1866.[3]
Smith & Wesson Revolver Company
As Samuel Colt's patent on the revolver was set to expire in 1856, Wesson began developing a prototype for a cartridge revolver.His research pointed out that a former Colt employee named Rollin White held the patent for a "bored-through" cylinder, a component he would need for his invention. Wesson reconnected with Smith, and the two partners approached White to manufacture a newly designed revolver-and-cartridge combination. After Wesson left Volcanic Repeating Arms in 1856, he rejoined Smith to form the Smith & Wesson Revolver Company, which would become the modern Smith & Wesson company.[3]
Rather than make White a partner in their company, Smith & Wesson paid him a royalty of $0.25 on every revolver they made. This arrangement left White responsible for defending his patent, which eventually led to his financial ruin, while it was very advantageous for Smith & Wesson.
19th century
Smith & Wesson's revolvers came into popular demand with the outbreak of the American Civil War, as soldiers from all ranks on both sides of the conflict made private purchases of the revolvers for self-defense.
The orders for the Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver outpaced the factory's production capabilities.In 1860, demand volume exceeded the production capacity, so Smith & Wesson expanded into a new facility and began experimenting with a new cartridge design more suitable than the .22 Short that it had been using.
At the same time, the company's design was being infringed upon by other manufacturers, which led to numerous lawsuits filed by Rollin White. In many of these instances, part of the restitution came in the form of the offender being forced to stamp "Manufactured for Smith & Wesson" on the revolvers in question.
White's vigorous defense of his patent caused a problem for arms makers in the United States at the time, as they could not manufacture cartridge revolvers. At the war's end, the U.S. Government charged White with causing the retardation of arms development in America.
Demand for revolvers declined at the close of the Civil War, so Smith & Wesson focused on developing arms suitable for use on the American frontier. In 1870, the company switched focus from pocket-sized revolvers to a large frame revolver in heavier calibers (.44 S&W American).The U.S. Army adopted this new design, known as the Smith & Wesson Model 3, as the first cartridge-firing revolver in U.S. service.
In 1899, Smith & Wesson introduced its most widely used revolver, the .38 Military & Police (also known as the Smith & Wesson Model 10
20th century
The post-war periods in the 20th century were times of great innovation for the company. In 1935, Smith & Wesson released the .357 Registered Magnum, which was the first revolver chambered for .357 Magnum. It was designed as a more powerful handgun for law enforcement officers. The Registered Magnum started the "Magnum Era" of handguns. In 1957, when S&W started issuing model numbers to its revolvers, the revolver that had started as the Registered (and later the postwar .357 Magnum) became the Model 27. The high point was in 1955, when the company created the Smith & Wesson Model 29 chambered in .44 Magnum, after the round's creator Elmer Keith had encouraged Smith & Wesson to develop a revolver for his new ammunition.[5] The Dirty Harry movies made this gun a cultural icon two decades later.[6]
In 1965, the Wesson family sold its controlling interest in Smith & Wesson to Bangor Punta, a prominent American conglomerate.[7] Over the next decade, Bangor Punta diversified the company's civilian sales to include related gun products (such as holsters), as well as offering additional police equipment (such as
21st century
Clinton agreement
On March 17, 2000, Smith & Wesson made an agreement with U.S. President Bill Clinton, under which it would implement changes in the design and distribution of its firearms,[12] in return for "preferred buying program" to offset the loss of revenue as a result of the anticipated consumer boycott.The agreement stated all authorized dealers and distributors of Smith & Wesson's products had to abide by a "code of conduct" to eliminate the sale of firearms to prohibited persons, and dealers had to agree to not allow children under 18 (without an adult present) access to gun shops or sections of stores that contained firearms.[12]
In response, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) organized a campaign over the issue of smart guns.[13] Thousands of retailers and tens of thousands of firearms consumers boycotted Smith & Wesson.[14]
Clinton agreement
On March 17, 2000, Smith & Wesson made an agreement with U.S. President Bill Clinton, under which it would implement changes in the design and distribution of its firearms,[12] in return for "preferred buying program" to offset the loss of revenue as a result of the anticipated consumer boycott.The agreement stated all authorized dealers and distributors of Smith & Wesson's products had to abide by a "code of conduct" to eliminate the sale of firearms to prohibited persons, and dealers had to agree to not allow children under 18 (without an adult present) access to gun shops or sections of stores that contained firearms.[12]
In response, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) organized a campaign over the issue of smart guns.[13] Thousands of retailers and tens of thousands of firearms consumers boycotted Smith & Wesson.[14] CEO Ed Schultz, who negotiated the deal, was forced out in September of that year.[15]
Acquisition
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.[18][19] Saf-T-Hammer, a manufacturer of firearms locks and other 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's 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.[20]
On February 15, 2002, the name of the newly formed entity was changed to Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation.[21]
Post-acquisition
In 2006, Smith & Wesson refocused its marketing on big box retailers, according to Smith & Wesson CEO Mike Golden in a 2008 conference call with investors.[22]
On November 7, 2016, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation changed its name to American Outdoor Brands Corporation.[23] The next years saw increased scrutiny by some due to the use of its firearms in mass shootings such as the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, in which a Smith & Wesson AR-15 style rifle, the semi-automatic M&P15 was used.The same weapon was used in the 2015 San Bernardino attack, as well as the 2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting.[24][25][26][27]
Products
Cartridges
.22 Short — Based on the original .22 Black Powder Rimfire cartridge that the Model 1 was chambered in, but with a much more powerful smokeless powder charge.
.32 S&W — Sometimes called .32 S&W Short
.32 S&W Long — Sometimes called .32 Colt New Police (a variation produced for the Colt New Police Revolver, as Colt did not want an association with their competitor)
.32-44 S&W, defined as .32 Caliber (true .32 caliber measures .323"), sole use in Model 3 Revolver to 1898.
.38 S&W — Sometimes called .38 Colt New Police (a variation produced for the Colt New Police Revolver, as Colt did not want an association with their competitor) and the 38/200 in England.
.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.[30]
See also
External links
References
1.FY 2024 Annual Report U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, June 20, 2024, retrieved June 20, 2024^
Despite these advantages, Smith & Wesson's market share began declining in the 1980s. As the war on drugs intensified in the United States, police departments all across the country replaced their Smith & Wesson revolvers with European semiautomatics (such as Glock, SIG Sauer, and Beretta).[9] From 1982 to 1986, profits at the company declined by 41 percent[4]
In June 1987, Tomkins plc paid $112.5 million to purchase Smith & Wesson.[10] Tomkins modernized the production equipment and instituted additional testing, which significantly increased product quality.[4] However, new gun sales in the United States lagged in the 1990s, some of which were attributed to the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. There were also numerous city and state lawsuits against Smith & Wesson. After the success of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, municipalities thought they might be able to succeed through tort law against the gun industry as well.[11]
CEO Ed Schultz, who negotiated the deal, was forced out in September of that year.
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.[18][19] Saf-T-Hammer, a manufacturer of firearms locks and other 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's 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.[20]
On February 15, 2002, the name of the newly formed entity was changed to Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation.[21]
Post-acquisition
In 2006, Smith & Wesson refocused its marketing on big box retailers, according to Smith & Wesson CEO Mike Golden in a 2008 conference call with investors.[22]
On November 7, 2016, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation changed its name to American Outdoor Brands Corporation.[23] The next years saw increased scrutiny by some due to the use of its firearms in mass shootings such as the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, in which a Smith & Wesson AR-15 style rifle, the semi-automatic M&P15 was used.The same weapon was used in the 2015 San Bernardino attack, as well as the 2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting.[24][25][26][27]
In 2017, Smith & Wesson saw a severe contraction in its sales as units shipped to distributors and retailers declined 38.3%. The company was forced to lay off one-fourth of its manufacturing workforce.[28]
On August 24, 2020, American Outdoor Brands was spun-off from Smith & Wesson, with S&W retaining the stock ticker SWBI and American Outdoor Brands becoming a new publicly traded company on the NASDAQ as American Outdoor Brands, Inc.[2]
As of, SWBI had a market value of around $880 million, with revenues a little over US$1 billion [29]
By December 2000, the company's stock price was 19 cents per share.
In 2017, Smith & Wesson saw a severe contraction in its sales as units shipped to distributors and retailers declined 38.3%. The company was forced to lay off one-fourth of its manufacturing workforce.[28]
On August 24, 2020, American Outdoor Brands was spun-off from Smith & Wesson, with S&W retaining the stock ticker SWBI and American Outdoor Brands becoming a new publicly traded company on the NASDAQ as American Outdoor Brands, Inc.[2]
As of, SWBI had a market value of around $880 million, with revenues a little over US$1 billion [29]
.38 S&W Special — Usually referred to as ".38 Special"
.357 S&W Magnum — Usually referred to as ".357 Magnum"
.40 S&W — Smith & Wesson developed the cartridge for the FBI, with releasing it and the Model 4006 pistol in 1990. Glock also released a pistol in .40, which, ironically, was adopted by the FBI in 1997 [31]
.41 Remington Magnum — While Remington Arms developed the ammunition, Smith & Wesson made the first revolvers to chamber the cartridge.
.44 American
.44 Russian – was the first commercially successful centerfire handgun cartridge that used an internally lubricated non-heeled bullet design.
.44 S&W Special
.44 Remington Magnum
.45 S&W Schofield
.460 S&W Magnum
.500 S&W Magnum — designed to be the most powerful handgun in the world [32]
Early handguns and 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 the medium large .38 and .44 Magnum frame, and N to the largest .44 Magnum type frame.In 2003, the even larger X frame was introduced for the .500 S&W Magnum.
Most 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. Most gun enthusiasts prefer to keep their gun unlocked.[35]
Tip-up models
Smith & Wesson Model 1
Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2
Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army
Top-break models
S&W .38 Single Action—first Smith & Wesson revolver chambered in .38 caliber.
Smith & Wesson Model 3—first automatic ejection of spent cartridge cases
Smith & Wesson Double Action
Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless—The "lemon squeezer", also known as the Model 40, Model 42 and 38 Safety.
I-frame (small) models
Smith & Wesson Model 30—A small six-shot .32-caliber revolver.
Smith & Wesson Model 32—"Terrier" A small five-shot revolver chambered in .38 S&W .38-caliber. Coil or flat mainspring, round front sight, 2" barrel.
Smith & Wesson Model 34 Kit Gun is a small, 6-shot, .22 Long Rifle, double-action revolver made by Smith & Wesson. It's a multi-purpose utility handgun, intended to be used for small game hunting, plinking, and pest control. It was designed to be easily packed in a hunting, camping or fishing "kit". The Model 34 would be upgraded into a J-frame in 1960.
J-frame (small) models
Smith & Wesson Model 36—known as the "Chiefs Special"; first J-frame (1950), 5-shot revolver.
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.
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 oz.
Smith & Wesson Model 351PD - A 7-Shot .22 Magnum revolver with a 2” barrel, the frame and cylinder are made from lightweight alloy.[33]
Smith & Wesson Model 617—An 8-shot .22 L.R. revolver with 3" barrel, the frame and cylinder are made from lightweight alloy.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard—standard and "Airweight" (Models 38, 49, 438, 638, 649).
Smith & Wesson Centennial—standard and "Airweight" (Models 40, 42, 442, 640, 642); at one time available in 9×19mm caliber as the Model 940.
K-frame (medium) models
Smith & Wesson Model 10—.38 Special. Previously the ".38 Military & Police" and ".38 Victory Model"
Smith & Wesson Model 11—.38 S&W. Previously the ".38 Regular Military & Police"
Smith & Wesson Model 12—.38 Special. "Airweight" (alloy frame) version of the Model 10.
Smith & Wesson Model 13—.357 Magnum version of the heavy barrel Model 10.
Smith & Wesson Model 14—.38 Special. Previously the "K-38 Masterpiece".
Smith & Wesson Model 15—.38 Special. Previously the "38 Combat Masterpiece".
Smith & Wesson Model 16—.32 S&W Long Caliber. Previously the "K-32 Masterpiece".
Smith & Wesson Model 17—.22 Caliber. Previously the "K-22 Masterpiece".
Smith & Wesson Model 18—.22 Caliber. Previously the "22 Combat Masterpiece".
Smith & Wesson Model 19—.357 Magnum. Previously the "Combat Magnum"; first lightweight .357 Magnum, built at the request of Bill Jordan
Smith & Wesson Model 48—Blued steel .22 Magnum.
Smith & Wesson Model 53—blued steel .22 Magnum, built for .22 Remington Jet Center fire Magnum ammunition.
L-frame (medium-large) models
Smith & Wesson Model 386—alloy
Smith & Wesson Model 586—blued steel
Smith & Wesson Model 686—stainless steel
Smith & Wesson Model 686+—Same frame as the 686 but with a 7-shot cylinder.
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—stainless steel .40 S&W, adjustable sights
Smith & Wesson Model 69—stainless steel .44 Remington Magnum with 5-round capacity, available in two barrel lengths.
M-frame (extra small old) models
Smith & Wesson Ladysmith—Ladysmith in .22 Long.
N-frame (large) models (formerly S-frame)
.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
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 24—The original .44 Special Hand Ejector was renamed the Model 24, since discontinued.
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
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.
Smith & Wesson Model 29—first .44 Magnum by S&W, made famous by its appearance in the film Dirty Harry
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.
X-frame models
Smith & Wesson Model 350 7-shot .350 Legend
Smith & Wesson Model 460 5-shot .460 S&W Magnum
Smith & Wesson Model 500 5-shot .500 S&W Magnum — designed to be the most powerful handgun in the world [34]
Z-frame models
Smith & Wesson Governor
Semi-automatic pistols
In 1953 the U.S. Army was looking for a pistol to replace the Colt 1911A1.To obtain a bid from the U.S. Government, Smith & Wesson began working on a design similar to the German Walther P38. A year later the Army dropped its search and Smith & Wesson introduced its pistol to the civilian shooting market as the Model 39.
The Model 39 would come to be known as a first-generation pistol. Since the Model 39 debuted, Smith & Wesson continuously developed this design into its third-generation pistols, which have now been discontinued. The first-generation models use a 2-digit model number, the second generation use 3 digits, and third-generation models use 4 digits.
Along with the myriad smaller configurations, the mid-sized 4516, 457, the Chiefs Special CS45, and the decocker equipped, 4546, 4566 and 4576, and the 45 TSW, the 4553, still being issued to the West Virginia State Troopers.
For many of the second-generation models, the first digit identified the material used in the frame; thus the first digit of 4 indicated an alloy, the first digit of 5 indicated blued steel, and the first digit of 6 indicated stainless steel. For most of the third-generation models, the first two digits identified the caliber (except for 59/69 for 9mm), the last two digits were for the action style and the material, respectively. Action style numbers were typically 0 for the standard double/single-action and 4 for double-action-only. Material numbers were commonly 3 for aluminium, 4 for blued steel, and 6 for stainless steel.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380
Smith & Wesson Model 22A
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
Smith & Wesson Model 39—first U.S.-designed double-action pistol in 9×19mm
Smith & Wesson Model 41
Smith & Wesson Model 52
Smith & Wesson Model 59—S&W's first high-capacity double-action pistol in 9 mm Parabellum
Smith & Wesson Model 61—Debuting in 1970, the pocket 'Escort' was a tiny automatic .22LR pistol, designed to be cheap and easily concealable. It was available in blued or nickel-plated with black or white plastic grips. Production stopped in 1973.
Smith & Wesson Model 78G
Smith & Wesson Model 1913 also known as Model 35
Smith & Wesson Model 422
Smith & Wesson Model 439— updated model 39
Smith & Wesson Model 459—S&W's entry into the US Army's XM9 program
Smith & Wesson Model 469
Smith & Wesson Model 645 second-generation large frame semi-auto in .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson Model 1006—stainless steel 10mm Auto
Smith & Wesson Model 1026 with a frame-mounted decocker
Smith & Wesson Model 4006
Smith & Wesson Model 4506 third-generation large frame semi-auto in .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson Model 5906
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.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.[37] 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 with a shortened barrel (from 41/2 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.
SW9 in 9×19mm
S&W Equilizer.jpg in .40 S&W
SW357V in .357 SIG
SW380 in .380 ACP
SW99 Series
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.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.[37] 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 with a shortened barrel (from 41/2 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.
SW9 in 9×19mm
S&W Equilizer.jpg in .40 S&W
SW357V in .357 SIG
SW380 in .380 ACP
SW99 Series
S&W reached an agreement with Walther to produce variations of the P99 line of pistols.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 & 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.
M&P Series
In 2005, Smith & Wesson debuted a new polymer-framed 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 from the Sigma but feels completely different with 3 different backstraps 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 9×19mm, .40 S&W, 5.7x28mm, .22 WMR, and .357 SIG. Also, a .22 LR M&P was developed with Carl Walther and is made in Germany. A .45 ACP model was released in early 2007, after making its debut at the SHOT Show. In addition, compact versions are available in .22LR, 9×19mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP. The .22LR Compact is made by Smith & Wesson in the United States. Subcompact versions are available in 9×19mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
SD VE Series
Smith & Wesson introduced the SD VE series in 2012 to remake and improve the canceled Smith & Wesson SD. The SD VE design has an improved self-defense trigger and a comfortable, ergonomic, textured grip. The SD VE also features an improved stainless steel barrel and slide that the S.D. did not include. The Smith & Wesson SD VE is available in 9×19mm and .40 S&Wcalibers in either a standard-capacity version (16+1-round capacity for SD9 VE and 14+1 for SD40 VE) or the low-capacity version (10+1-round capacity for both calibers.)
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 aluminium 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 P.C. 1911. While most 1911s run around 38 to 39 oz, the PC 1911 is heavier, at approximately 41 oz. 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.[38] It turned out to be a spectacular failure.[39]
In January 2006, Smith & Wesson reentered the rifle market with its M&P15 series of rifles based on the AR-15. Unveiled at SHOT Show 2006, the rifle debuted in two varieties: the M&P15 and the M&P15T. The two are basically the same rifle, chambered in 5.56 NATO, with the T model featuring folding sights and a four-sided accessories rail.These rifles were first produced by Stag Arms but marketed under the Smith & Wesson name.[40] Currently Smith & Wesson makes the lower receiver in-house while the barrel is supplied by Thompson/Center, a S&W company.
In May 2008, Smith & Wesson introduced its first AR-variant rifle in a caliber other than 5.56 NATO. The M&P15R is a standard AR-15 rifle chambered for the 5.45×39mm cartridge.[41] In 2009, it released the M&P15-22, chambered for .22 Long Rifle.[42]
Smith & Wesson manufactured a line of bolt-action rifles called the i-Bolt. These synthetic-stock rifles were available in .25-06, .270 Win, or .30-06 caliber.
In February 2023, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P FPC carbine in 9mm.[43]
In October 2023, Smith & Wesson introduced the ResponseAR-15-stylepistol-caliber carbine (PPC) chambered in 9mm.It comes equipped with a FLEXMAG System, allowing it to accept different manufacturers' magazines, including Smith & Wesson's M&P magazines and Glock G17/G19 magazines.[44][45]
In January 2024, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 1854lever-action rifle, the first lever-action firearm created by Smith & Wesson in 170 years (since the Volcanic rifle & pistol were patented in 1854).[46]
Submachine gun
In 1967 Smith & Wesson produced a 9mm submachine gun, hoping to capitalize on U.S. sales of the Israeli Uzi and H.K. MP5.It borrowed the magazine of the Carl Gustaf 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 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 before 1986, many of them made it into civilian hands in the United States and are commonly used in submachine gun competitions.
Shotguns
Smith & Wesson bought patents and tooling for a pump-actionshotgun design from Noble Manufacturing Co. in 1972 and produced it as the Model 916.[47] The guns were plagued by a variety of quality issues, including a recall due to a safety issue with barrels of the 916T (takedown) version rupturing.[48][49] The Model 916 was succeeded by the pump-action Model 3000 and the semi-automatic Model 1000; both were produced by Howa Machinery in Japan.[50][51] However, with the sale of the company to Tomkins plc, Smith & Wesson exited the shotgun market in the mid-1980s to return to their core market of handguns.
During the 1980s, the company released the Smith & Wesson AS, an assault shotgun which had a fully automatic capability.
In November 2006, Smith & Wesson announced that it would reenter the shotgun market with two new lines of shotguns, the break-openElite Series and the semi-automatic 1000 Series, unveiled at the 2007 SHOT Show.Both series were manufactured in Turkey.[52] Along with the new shotguns, the company 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.[53] The 1000 Series and Elite Series were both discontinued circa 2010.
In August 2021, S&W announced the first shotgun in its M&P line with the M&P12, a bullpup-style pump-action 12-gauge shotgun. The gun is chambered for 3-inch magnum shells and feeds through two independent magazine tubes. The tubular magazine will accept not only 3-inch magnum shells, but also 23/4-inch standard shells, and 13/4-inch mini-shells.[54]
Other products
Smith & Wesson is also a manufacturer of restraints (handcuffs, leg irons, belly chains, prisoner transport chains).Smith & Wesson first manufactured handcuffs for the Peerless handcuff company which obtained the right to produce the first swinging-bow handcuffs patented by George A. Carney in 1912. Peerless did not have the facilities necessary for production so they contracted Smith & Wesson to manufacture the handcuffs for them. When Peerless set up its own production plant, Smith & Wesson continued to produce Peerless-type handcuffs under their own brand.
Smith & Wesson markets firearm accessories, safes, apparel, watches, collectables, knives, axes, tools, air guns, emergency light bars, and other products under its brand name.
John Wilson and Roy G. Jinks designed the Smith & Wesson model 6010 Bowie knife in 1971 and the 1973 Texas Ranger Bowie knife. Blackie Collins designed the subsequent model 6020 and 6060 Survival knife from 1974 to 1979. All of these limited-production and custom knives were made at the Springfield, Massachusetts, United States factory.
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 had custom configurations and silent hubs.[55][56]
Smith & Wesson flashlights are available to the general public. They are designed and produced by PowerTech, Inc, in Collierville, Tennessee.
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.
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.[57]
Smith & Wesson Model 64—.38 Special. Stainless steel version of the Model 10.
Smith & Wesson Model 65—.357 Magnum. Stainless steel version of the Model 13
Smith & Wesson Model 66—.357 Magnum. Stainless steel version of the Model 19.
Smith & Wesson Model 67—.38 Special. Stainless steel version of the Model 15.
Smith & Wesson Model 68—.38 Special version of the Model 66 (half-lug) 6" barrel.
Smith & Wesson Model 617—.22 Caliber. Full-lug, Stainless steel, 10-shot version of the Model 17.
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. A 6-shot revolver chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge.
Smith & Wesson Model 625—used by Jerry Miculek in .45 ACP to set the world record for 12 rounds (with one reload) on target in 2.99 seconds
Smith & Wesson Model 627—8-shot .357 Magnum, adjustable sights, stainless steel, 2.5" or 5" barrel, removable compensator, Performance Center.
Smith & Wesson Model 629—6-shot .44 Magnum, adjustable sights, stainless steel, 2.5", 4" or 6" barrel.
S&W reached an agreement with Walther to produce variations of the P99 line of pistols.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 & 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.
M&P Series
In 2005, Smith & Wesson debuted a new polymer-framed 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 from the Sigma but feels completely different with 3 different backstraps 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 9×19mm, .40 S&W, 5.7x28mm, .22 WMR, and .357 SIG. Also, a .22 LR M&P was developed with Carl Walther and is made in Germany. A .45 ACP model was released in early 2007, after making its debut at the SHOT Show. In addition, compact versions are available in .22LR, 9×19mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP. The .22LR Compact is made by Smith & Wesson in the United States. Subcompact versions are available in 9×19mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
SD VE Series
Smith & Wesson introduced the SD VE series in 2012 to remake and improve the canceled Smith & Wesson SD. The SD VE design has an improved self-defense trigger and a comfortable, ergonomic, textured grip. The SD VE also features an improved stainless steel barrel and slide that the S.D. did not include. The Smith & Wesson SD VE is available in 9×19mm and .40 S&Wcalibers in either a standard-capacity version (16+1-round capacity for SD9 VE and 14+1 for SD40 VE) or the low-capacity version (10+1-round capacity for both calibers.)
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 aluminium 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 P.C. 1911. While most 1911s run around 38 to 39 oz, the PC 1911 is heavier, at approximately 41 oz. The full-length guide rod adds some weight, and so does the add-on magazine well.
