Smith and Wesson got their start in 1852 with the release of several firearms. Smith and Wesson kept the company within the family until 1964, when sold to several large investors. But the most controversial move was when Smith & Wesson was sold to Tomkins PLC, a British company. During Tomkins’ ownership Smith & Wesson saw their darkest hour, with the boycott and resurface of a large majority of Smith & Wesson firearms, to ensure the loss of profits.

Many shooters felt betrayed by the actions of Tomkins and saw the agreement made with the Clinton administration as the ultimate quadrate. During early 2000 the ownership of Smith & Wesson came back to USA, where first order of business was to regain the firearms enthusiasts that turned their back on Smith & Wesson. This time provided the company a great opportunity to show its old glory and try to lure former customers to come back.

The Smith & Wesson 500 magnum was born, the most powerful handgun in large production. No matter what position shooters took before the Smith & Wesson 500 model, everybody had to check out the newest revolver, which was sending shock waves in the firearm communities. The model 500 S&W made Dirty Hairy’s catch phrase obsolete. Taking almost thirty percent of the 2005 revolver market, shows us how Smith & Wesson manages to stay on top when the chips are down.

But Smith & Wesson wasn’t finished yet; the M & P was unveiled. Producing firearms for the military and police applications showed that Smith & Wesson went full circle, and civilian markets praised the new designs. Stepping beyond the revolvers Smith & Wesson produced the M & P 41, an AR-15 style rifle, which had been getting positive reviews.

Smith & Wesson started as the kings of the American market, and later became the black sheep, but in recent years turning back to the early years of Smith & Wesson legacy. After over a decade since the boycott, Smith & Wesson has recovered and fights to regain a large part of their former customer base, but in recent years has made record profits, showing that they are back on top of the revolver and pistol market.

Smith & Wesson will always be a name associated with American firearms, and should remain one of the best known brands for the foreseeable future. The short comings of the past are taken in stride by most firearms enthusiast, and have almost been completely forgotten in some circles. It seems that nothing can tarnish the image of Smith & Wesson in the eyes of so many of their firearms owners. When it comes to reliability and cost Smith & Wesson finds the happy medium, as they always have, even as they cross new presidents in firearms technology and power.