Smith & Wesson: Still the Most Powerful Handgun on the Planet

Chad Reimer

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.

Smith & Wesson revolvers still account for more then half of the revolvers made in the USA, according to released National Shooting Sports Foundation reports. Smith & Wesson has always led the industry in power and precision. For example, the release of the S&W 44 magnum became one of the most popular revolvers in pop culture history.

To close the Tomkins PLC chapter of Smith & Wesson’s history, they decided to go at it again with the Smith & Wesson model 500. Now it is the largest handgun in mass production, featuring the X-frame’s design to balance the force with control. The Smith & Wesson 500 magnum was specifically designed to take down any large game, without a second thought to adequate firepower. With the popularity growing on the S&W 500 magnum, S&W is sure to remain in the top three firearms producers in the USA for the foreseeable future.

But they aren’t finished yet: Smith & Wesson M&P series is also a relatively new series on S&W production line. The military and police models have experienced a growing popularity within competitive shooters and other firearms communities. S&W M&P firearms come in a wide variety other than just pistols; Smith & Wesson began the production of AR-15 rifles, which have been an instant hit within law enforcement communities.

The Smith & Wesson firearms had their beginnings as a must-have revolver, and now have gone almost full circle, with the exception of shotguns. Smith & Wesson has a long history of developing large firearms, as well as police favorites, from the 38 Special to the 40 S&W cartridges. The Smith & Wesson 40 caliber became so popular that almost every firearms manufacturer now produces a pistol in this caliber.

Making the compromise of precision and practical cost has always been a high priority of Smith & Wesson. With the ability for almost every firearms enthusiast to acquire a handgun despite the finical situation, it’s no wonder why Smith & Wesson managed to regain their strong following. Smith & Wesson’s past indiscretions have been forgotten and forgiven with the help of their constantly changing and innovative products.

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