Smith & Wesson

Created back in 1852 by Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson, Smith & Wesson is one of the oldest US-based firearm manufacturing companies. You’re unlikely to meet a gun enthusiast who has never heard of S&W because of its immense contribution to the development of the firearm business and culture.

The business first started as a partnership and became the Smith & Wesson Company two years later, in 1854. The company aimed at the production of magazine firearms and, in particular, the Volcanic, the first repeating rifle. Quickly after the foundation, the company appeared largely financed by Oliver Winchester and was renamed Volcanic Repeating Arms. In 1856, Smith and Wesson began a new Smith & Wesson company which exists today.

At first, the company focused on the revolvers, which became popular self-defense weapons during the Civil War. After the war, the demand decreased, and S&W switched to the production of large-frame revolvers. During the following decades, the world saw Smith & Wesson Model 10, which was widely used during the 20th century, Model 27, which began the Magnum Era, Model 29 in .44 Mag, and other revolvers.

S&W Revolvers

The company carries a great variety of revolvers designed for various applications. If you need a simple gun for concealed carry, you can go for something like the S&W Model 442 small-frame revolver. And if you’re a serious handgun hunter, you may want to opt for the Smith & Wesson Model 500 chambered in the .500 S&W Magnum or S&W Model 686 chambered in .357 Mag, also great for self-defense.

S&W Pistols

Smith & Wesson attempted to create a sidearm for the U.S. Government, and its efforts resulted in the Model 39 pistol, the first semi-automatic handgun of the company. Since then, dozens of semi-auto pistols have entered the market. Thus, the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard micro-pistol chambered in .380 ACP is a nice alternative to small-frame revolvers. If you want an iconic handgun with a punch, you may consider the Smith & Wesson .45 ACP 1911 series. And if you’re looking for a general-purpose pistol, take a look at the M&P M2.0 series that includes Smith & Wesson 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP pistols.

S&W Rifles and Shotguns

The company also manufactures long guns for competitions, long-range shooting, and home defense. The S&W rifle selection includes .22 LR, 5.56mm NATO/.223, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win calibers.

Shop for the Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, and rifles at Gritr Sports.