Smith & Wesson: an American icon and one of America's oldest gunmakers celebrates 150 years!

Shooting Industry, Oct, 2002 by Ken Jorgensen

In 1852, Horace Smith, a toolmaker, and Daniel Wesson, a former apprenticed gunsmith, combined their skills to produce a revolutionary handgun. It used a self-contained cartridge and was capable of being fired multiple times without reloading. More than revolutionary, it was world changing.

However, while Smith and Wesson excelled in innovation, they lacked capital to bring their invention to market. They were forced to put the patents for the repeating lever-action pistol up for sale. Oliver Winchester made the purchase in 1854 and formed his own company, Winchester Repeating Arms.

But Smith and Wesson recognized the benefits of their relationship. They continued their work, and developed and patented a new rimfire cartridge. Their efforts then centered on producing a revolver for this cartridge. In 1856, they obtained the patent rights for the exclusive use of the bored-through cylinder, and in 1858 introduced a new revolver and cartridge combination. The revolver was appropriately called the Model 1 First Issue, a hint of what was to come. The cartridge was called the Number One Cartridge. The cartridge is still in use today. It is now known as the .22 rimfire short.

The Smith and Wesson partnership prospered through the Civil War years--to the point that no orders were taken for new business until existing contracts could be filled. By the end of the Civil War, the Smith & Wesson company had become firmly established as a leader in handgun innovation and manufacturing.

Innovative Trademark

Always responsive to consumer needs and demands, Smith & Wesson is responsible for many innovations in handgun and ammunition development during its 150 years.

These include development of: the first metallic cartridge in a time of loose powder and ball; the first double-action revolver with the hammer completely enclosed within the gun's frame; the first American-made, double-action semiautomatic pistol; and later a double-stack model with increased capacity magazine.

Other firsts include: the .38 Chiefs Special, the first aluminum Airweight revolver, the first .357 Magnum revolver, the first .44 Magnum revolver, the first .41 Magnum revolver, the first all-stainless steel revolver (Model 60), the first Titanium hybrid revolver, and the first Scandium revolver.

Smith & Wesson played a part in the development of many popular handgun calibers, in addition to manufacturing the first handguns for new ammunition. These include the .22 Rimfire, .38 S&W Special, .44 Special, .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .40 S&W.

Many of the company's handguns are recognized worldwide as Smith & Wessons. These included Schofield, Magnum, Chiefs Special, Centennial, Bodyguard, Combat Magnum, Combat Masterpiece, Kit Gun, Airweight, AirLite and LadySmith.

The Future

"For 150 years, Smith & Wesson has been part of the battle to keep peace and protect freedom at home and around the world," said Bob Scott, president of Smith & Wesson. "Our story moves ever forward as each generation builds on the efforts and accomplishment of the previous ones.

"Despite our many firsts we will not rest upon our laurels. Smith & Wesson continues to plan innovative new products and maintain its image as an industry leader and an icon of American handgun production. We look forward to adding to the history and heritage of an American tradition."

RELATED ARTICLE: 1852

Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson Form partnership. Develop the "Volcanic."

1854

Patent for rimfire cartridge.

1856

Smith & Wesson Number 1 Revolver.

1871

Model 3 .44 caliber revolver.

1908

N-Frame revolver in .44 S&W Special.

1935

.357 Magnum. First Magnum handgun.

1955

Model 29. First .44 Magnum revolver.

1998

Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Manufacturer of the Year.

2001

American owned once again.

1965

Model 60. First all-stainless steel revolver.

1994

Sigma Series.

1999

AirLite Ti Titanium Revolvers.

2002

150th Anniversary.