Smith & Wesson is back! recovering from devastating losses, this 151-year-old company is building momentum in the marketplace!

Shooting Industry, May, 2003 by Russ Thurman

"I'm not involved in the day-to-day operation of Smith & Wesson," Scott said. "Instead, I'm heavily involved in business-expansion opportunities. I'll continue my role in the industry as the Smith & Wesson representative on various boards, and I'll be very active with the press."

Scott is covering duties in Springfield and Scottsdale, Ariz., where the headquarters for the holding corporation is located. He is also travelling extensively to attract business, including trips to Washington, D.C.

"I'll be very active in Washington where we're taking a much more aggressive role in federal business and funding of various research projects," Scott said. "We believe the company is on a launch pad. We've reestablished our equilibrium. We're growing again and, with the ownership of the holding company, we plan to grow that platform rather aggressively."

Solid 2003 Launch

In February, Smith & Wesson debuted nine new handguns at the SHOT Show in Orlando, Fla., with the Smith & Wesson 500 grabbing attention in and out of the industry.

"This was the best show Smith & Wesson has had in over a decade," said Scott. "Our new product line was overwhelmingly well received by our distributors, dealers and the industry trade press. The Model 500 was the talk of the show and received major media attention."

During February and March, the company presented its products at four national and international trade shows. It reported a 60 percent increase in purchase orders over those of last year.

"The strong sales achieved at the 2003 shows confirm that Smith & Wesson is regaining its leadership role in the industry," Cuny said. "The strong current demand is a signal of the momentum that can be realized as buying groups and our distributors capitalize on the market opportunity."

At the 2003 IWA Show in Germany, Smith & Wesson received a lot of attention from foreign buyers.

"Smith & Wesson's great reputation in the international market was reinforced at this show," said Chris Killoy, vice president of marketing and sales. "The interest in all Smith & Wesson handguns was very strong. We have been a supplier in the international market since the late 1800s, and our reputation for quality and value is well known."

A Reason To Smile

Killoy is a veteran of the "dark days" of Smith & Wesson. He was there when attendees shunned the company's booth at trade and commercial shows, and he witnessed firsthand the plummet in sales.

"Those were tough times," Killoy said. "It was a day-today operation. Now, what a difference."

Ken Jorgensen, public relations manager, is another Smith & Wesson veteran. He fielded media queries during the "dark days" along with countless angry telephone calls from consumers.

"It's a wonder we made it through those times," Jorgensen. "Yes, today is a lot different. There's a reason to smile again."

Top left, a Performance Center gun gets special attention. Far left, new SW1911s await additional assembly Left, cylinders are ready for the next step in building a Performance Center revolver.