The Sport III is a gas-operated semi-auto AR-pattern (MSR) rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO/223 REM, and is offered in 30+1 and 10+1 capacities.

FEATURES

• 16-inch “Armornite”-coated, 5R-rifled barrel with a threaded muzzle
• 1:8-inch twist barrel that allows for a wider variety of ammo to be used
• Free-floating 15-inch M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny-style rail, which offers more versatility than previous generations.
• Mid-length gas system that mitigates felt recoil
• 6-position adjustable stock
• Polymer grip
• Bolt forward assist
• Chromed firing pin

The new M&P15 Sport III rifle has an MSRP of $799 and is available now at authorized dealers. For more information on the M&P15 Sport III, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

Loaded with features, the Response has a 16.5-inch threaded barrel, polymer handguard with Picatinny-style rail and M-LOK slots, MAGPUL MOE SL stock, flat face trigger, and an M&P grip with four interchangeable palmswell adapters. It has an overall length of 35-3/8 inches fully extended and weighs just under 6.0 pounds.

“The Smith & Wesson Response is our solution for the PCC shooter that enjoys MSR platforms and prefers interfacing capabilities with various pistol magazines available in the market today. Its compatibility with the vast network of MSR aftermarket accessories allows the user to easily customize the Response to their specific preferences and needs. Smith & Wesson listened to the consumer and our goal was to deliver a completely versatile pistol caliber carbine that would be a perfect companion to your sidearm. This design is our response,” said John Myles, Senior Product Manager. 

The new Smith & Wesson Response is built on a platform to optimize the user’s needs and breaks barriers for those looking to enter the PCC market. Embrace adaptability with the Smith & Wesson Response.

FEATURES

• 16.5″ 1:10” twist barrel
• FLEXMAG magazine well adapters. (Interchangeable magazine well adapters that let you use a variety of magazines from Smith & Wesson and other manufacturers.)
• 32 1/8″ collapsed length, 35 3/8″ extended length.
• 1/2-28 threaded muzzle with thread protector.
• Flat-face trigger with crisp break.
• M-LOK slots on handguard with Picatinny-style rail on top.
• 2 FLEXMAG magazine well adapters (1-M&P Double stack – installed, 1-G17/G19).
• Compatible with M&P Pistol double stack magazines and G17/G19 magazines.
• 2 x 23-round magazines.
• MSRP: $799

“The team at Smith & Wesson aimed to design a pistol carbine that was compatible with various M&P series pistol magazines,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products. “We exceeded that initial desire by introducing side-folding mechanics that deliver a unique compact feature and allow the user to keep their sight system mounted on the gun both in the folded and extended positions. Extra magazine storage in the buttstock, familiar M&P fire controls and reliable palmswell grip adaptors all make this new pistol carbine a great addition to the M&P family.”

Additional features include a handguard with an upper Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots for accessory mounting capabilities, a flat-face trigger design that offers a crisp single-action trigger break, and four interchangeable palmswells for maximum comfort. The M&P FPC also comes with a carrying bag designed with multiple Velcro storage compartments to secure additional equipment for easy transport. This new folding pistol carbine is proudly made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $659.00.

Product Features

The new optics-ready M&P FPC showcases our brand new, compact, folding design. Coming with(one) 17-round and (two) 23-round magazines, the in-stock magazine storage w/ quick-release latch makes reloading convenient and quick. The M&P FPC is compatible with M&P full-size and compact pistol double-stack magazines, and includes a carrying bag with additional storage and Velcro straps.

• Chambered in 9mm.
• Compact, folding design.
• Optics-ready.
• Integrated recoil buffer system.
• Reversible magazine catch.
• 30 3/8″ unfolded length to 16 3/8″ folded.
• 1/2-28 threaded muzzle with thread protector.
• Flat-face trigger with crisp break.
• Compatible with M&P Pistol double-stack magazines.
• In-stock magazine storage w/quick-release tab system.
• Horizontal folding mechanism with locking latch.
• Horizontal folding design doesn’t interfere with top-mounted optics (optics sold separately).
• M-LOK slots on handguard with Picatinny-style rail on top.
• Charging slide/handle doubles as retainer when folded.
• Ships with (one) 17-round magazine and (two) 23-round magazines.
• Carrying bag with additional storage and Velcro straps.
• Made in U.S.A.
• MSRP $659

The Competitor comes with an oversized mag release that is reversible for both right and left-handed users and ships with a total of four magazines. Choose from models available in 10+1 or 17+1 round capacities with a Tungsten Gray Cerakote or black Armornite slide finish. Smith & Wesson is proud to introduce the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor.

The Competitor has an MSRP of $999.00                                       

Check out the new Competitor and all Smith & Wesson products at www.smith-wesson.com.

The Equalizer retails for $599 and features a single-action trigger that allows for a short take-up, clean break, and fast reset to make follow-up shots quicker. The slide operates using easy-to-rack technology to cater to a wide variety of needs and the frame includes a picatinny-style rail to mount lights or lasers for any defense scenario. A new optic cut pattern allows the user to mount their choice of sight for enhanced accuracy and the 3.675-inch barrel gives a longer sight radius for increased iron sight precision. The Equalizer also features a new grip texture and pattern designed to give you more control when firing and more comfort when carrying.

Check out the EQUALIZER at www.smith-wesson.com.

The Colt and Smith & Wesson Model of 1917 double-action, six-shot revolvers had been manufactured during World War I to supplement a shortage of the semiautomatic 1911 pistols. After the War ended in November 1918, many of the weapons from the War were returned to the United States, to be inspected and rebuilt or repaired as needed. After being refurbished, most were placed into storage. However, many of the revolvers remained in service with the military police during the post-War years.

The Smith & Wesson Model of 1917 design was different than those manufactured by Colt. No parts were interchangeable; although both revolvers used the same three-cartridge, half-moon clips.

Smith & Wesson (S&W) manufactured an estimated 163,635 U.S. Model of 1917 .45 caliber revolvers from 1917 to the early months of 1919. The contracts were terminated at the end of World War I. After the War, there remained a rather large number of new frames and parts. The government wanted S&W to purchase all the left-over inventory, which the company initially refused, but later agreed to in a deal.

After World War I, Smith & Wesson continued manufacturing the Hand Ejector Model 1917 revolver, with checkered grips and bright bluing, for the civilian market until 1948. Most of the post-War commercial revolvers were assembled with new, not surplus parts. Later S&W introduced a new .45 ACP caliber 25-2 modernized revolver followed by the stainless-steel Model 625.

In addition to the U.S. military and commercial sales of the M1917 revolvers, a number were sold to Brazil. During 1936, Brazil began to modernize the weapons being fielded by their Armed Forces. Previously, the standard military sidearm had been the 7.65mm Luger pistol, originally purchased in 1908, a few original S&W .38 caliber revolvers and the 92 Espagnol, a Spanish copy of the S&W Model 10. One of the goals of the modernization program was to adopt a standard caliber; the .45 ACP cartridge was chosen.

Two Brazilian Contracts

There were two separate contracts for the Model 1917/1937 revolvers. The first Brazilian contract was for 25,000 weapons, shipped during 1938. Assigned serial numbers were from 181983 to 207043. Generally, most of the revolvers in the first contract were much like the post-War production, commercial Model 1917. Features of those guns were flat-top frames with a square-shaped, rear sight notch, checkered grips with the S&W silver medallion, commercial blue finish and the S&W trademark on the left side of the frame.

A second Brazilian contract group of 12,000 revolvers was amassed in 1946, with two serial number ranges: from 166000 to 175150 and 207196 to 209878. Note that some of the serial numbers are lower than the revolvers made in the first Brazilian contract; this is because most of them were assembled from surplus U.S. military parts made during World War I.

NOTE: There have been Brazilian contract revolvers reported that do not fall into any of the documented serial number ranges.

With the second Brazilian contract, Smith & Wesson was able to use many of the spare parts left over from their U.S. World War I contracts. Many of the revolvers in the second contract had World War I-style, round-top frames with a U-shape rear sight notch, smooth military-style grips, a blue satin finish and military inspection stamps on many of the parts.

Variances Between Modelo 1937s and M1917s

The Brazilian nomenclature for the revolvers was the “Modelo 1937.” The Brazilian contract revolvers differed slightly from the U.S. military Model 1917 guns. One of the most obvious differences was the addition of the Brazilian Crest and 1937 date on the right side of the frame, along with “MADE IN THE U.S.A.” On the left side, the Smith & Wesson trademark was added. The Made in the USA and S&W trademark were not marked on U.S. military M1917 revolvers. The triggers on U.S. military M1917s were smooth; the triggers on the Brazilian guns were serrated. Two styles of wooden grips were used on Brazilian guns: U.S. surplus smooth grips and checkered grips with the S&W medallion. The left side of the barrel was roll marked: “S&W D.A. .45,” and the top of the barrel was marked: “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A. PATENTED DEC. 17, 1901 FEB. 6, 1906, SEP. 14 1909.” Some of the first Brazilian contract revolvers with post-War commercial barrels were marked: “SMITH & WESSON” on the right side.

The Brazilian seal on the right side of the revolvers is marked: “ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRAZIL 15 Novembro de 1899.” (Translated from Portuguese: UNITED STATES OF BRAZIL 15 November 1899.) The date, 15 November 1889, is that of a military coup d’état that established the First Brazilian Republic after the overthrow of the constitutional monarchy of the Empire of Brazil, ending the reign of Emperor Pedro II. On that same day, 15 November, a provisional government was established with Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca as president of the Republic and head of the interim government. The 1937 date is when the revolvers were adopted.

The Brazilian firm of IMBEL (Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil, or Brazilian War Material Industry) located in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, made replacement barrels and possibly other repair parts for the Modelo 1937 revolvers. The IMBEL-made barrels were marked: “FABRICA DE ITAJUBA Rv .45 M1917” on the right side. Spare barrels were also manufactured by another Brazilian plant stamped with the letters “I.N.A.” representing “Industria Nacional de Armas, National Arms Factory,” located in Santo André, a city in the State of São Paulo.

Nature of Importing

After manufacture and quality inspection at the Smith & Wesson factory, the Brazilian contract revolvers were delivered to John Block, New York City, NY, the purchasing agent for the Brazilian government. The revolvers were shipped in blue cardboard boxes that had a yellow label on the end with the words, “U.S. ARMY 45 MODEL BLUED 5 ½ INCH. SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” Inside the lid were instructions printed in English and Portuguese. On the bottom of the box, stamped in ink was: “MADE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The serial number of the revolver was handwritten on the box. Packed with the revolver were a cleaning rod and bronze bore brush. The S&W revolvers remained in service with Brazil’s military for over 30 years and were finally withdrawn from use in the 1970s.

During 1989 to 1990, a large number of the Brazilian contract Modelo 1937 S&W revolvers were sold to importers in the United States for the civilian market. The condition of the surplus revolvers varied from poor to good, with a very small number in very good to excellent condition. Most of the revolvers were mechanically sound, but most had worn, scratched, freckled or patinated finishes. Like the 1917 models, the Brazilian M1937 revolvers are Curio and Relic (C&R) eligible.

The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 required all firearms imported into the U.S. that were not considered antiques to have the name and address of the U.S. company that imported them, along with the model, caliber and country of origin. The information had to be conspicuously engraved, cast, stamped or laser-written in text at least .003-inch deep. The serial number had to be in Roman letters and Arabic numerals, the serial number could not contain any Cyrillic- or Greek-style characters. The serial number had a minimum height requirement of no less than 1/16 of an inch. However, if any of that information already appeared on the firearm from the original manufacturer, it did not need to be duplicated; which is why the S&W revolvers imported back into the U.S. only required minimum import stamps.

Examples of the Brazilian contract M1937 revolvers can regularly be found on any of the online gun auction sites. Unfortunately for Brazilian firearm collectors, very few of the S&W Modelo 1937 revolvers remain in their country.

Note: The spelling of Brazil was the correct spelling of that South American country until 1943, when an orthographic revision was made, changing the spelling to “Brasil.”

Importer Markings

U.S. Importer’s markings noted on Brazilian Modelo 1937 revolvers imported during 1989-1990 include:

NA RGDFLD. N.J. Navy Arms Company Ridgefield, NJ

Some were import-marked under the grips; others on the bottom of the barrel.

CAI ST AVT Century Arms International St Albans, VT

Generally marked on the bottom of the barrel.

IA CO SAC CA InterAmerican Import/Export Sacramento, CA

Marked on the barrel, hidden under the ejector rod.

Hornady Introduces New Critical Duty Ammunition

Law enforcement and tactical professionals now have a truly advanced, 21st Century handgun ammunition solution that delivers the most consistent and reliable urban barrier performance available. The proven Flex Tip design of the new FlexLock bullet eliminates clogging and aids bullet expansion. Its large, mechanical jacket-to-core, InterLock band works to keep the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention and proven terminal performance through all FBI test barriers. Critical Duty Ammunition is loaded in nickel-plated cases that resist corrosion and greatly enhance low-light chamber checks. It also utilizes a special low-flash propellant to help preserve night vision. For more information on this new high-tech ammunition please contact Hornady Manufacturing Company, Dept. SAR, 3625 Old Potash Highway, P.O. Box 1848, Grand Island, NE 68803. Phone: (308) 382-1390. Fax: (308) 382-5761. Website: www.hornady.com.

S&W Now Offers the M&P15 in .300 Whisper

Smith & Wesson Corp. announced that the Company has added a new extension to its Military & Police (M&P) Rifle Series with the introduction of the M&P15 chambered in .300 Whisper. As the first production rifle in the AR platform to be chambered in .300 Whisper (also chambers .300 AAC Blackout), the new rifle offers sub-sonic and supersonic capabilities while delivering consistent performance and accuracy. Manufactured on the M&P15 platform, the semiautomatic rifle features a 16 inch barrel constructed from 4140 chrome-moly steel. Both the forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers have been coated with a Realtree APG finish for optimal concealment during hunting applications. To aide in precise shot placement, the gas-operated rifle benefits from a 1 in 7.5-inch twist, 5R rifling and a crisp single-stage trigger. Other standard features include a 10-round magazine, integral one-piece trigger guard, dust cover, forward assist and a six-position, collapsible CAR stock. Designed to operate with or without a sound suppressor, the M&P15 300 Whisper is equipped with a 5/8-24 threaded barrel along with an A2-style flash hider. The feed ramps and gas system have been optimized to run effectively with a full-range of factory loaded sub-sonic and supersonic ammunition, both suppressed and unsuppressed. The barrel’s twist rate is compatible with a wide variety of bullet weights from 110 to 220+ grains. For enhanced reliability, the M&P15 300 Whisper features a chrome-lined gas key and bolt carrier along with a Melonite barrel. The optics ready platform is compatible with most sighting systems through the use of the Picatinny-style equipment rail located on top of the upper receiver. The M&P15 300 Whisper will also be available with a soft line black tactical upper featuring a 10-inch free-float quad rail and a Yankee Hill Phantom flash hider. The upper is compatible with any mil-spec AR lower. For more information contact Smith & Wesson Corporation, Dept. SAR, 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104. Phone: (413) 781-8300. Fax: (413) 747-3677. Website: www.smith-wesson.com.

Heizer Defense Unveils Their New Double Tap Pistol

Heizer Defense LLC, a firearms company producing a new paradigm of pistols for the responsible-citizen and law enforcement markets, is proud to introduce their first model for the concealed carry market; the DoubleTap. The DoubleTap is a tactical pistol, with 5 patents pending, built on a titanium or aluminum frame; the slimmest and lightest on the market today at only .665 inches wide and 14 ounces. Available in .45 ACP or the more popular 9mm, this no-snag, hammerless designed pistol is completely designed, engineered and manufactured to the highest degree of precision and tolerances in an aerospace facility using aerospace technology and equipment. The DoubleTap carries two rounds in the chamber and the integral grips house two additional spare rounds. The break action features a patent-pending progressive barrel porting option that cuts muzzle rise and recoil. The ambidextrous thumb latch releases the action and automatically ejects the spent rounds. Unlike any firearm, the DoubleTap features a truly revolutionary double-action trigger system that utilizes ball bearings for a smooth action and crisp trigger pull. The DoubleTap is available in a titanium or aluminum frame and is finished with a Mil-Std finish, the same used on military aircraft, for corrosion and wear resistant finish. For more information on this new pistol please contact Heizer Defense, LLC, Dept. SAR, St. Louis, MO. Phone: (855) 243-4937. Fax: (855) 243-1122. Website: www.heizerfirearms.com.

Ruger Introduces LCP and LC9 Pistols Now With LaserMax Lasers

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has just announced the new Ruger LCP and LC9 pistols equipped with LaserMax CenterFire lasers. Now the same award-winning LCP and LC9 pistols are available from the factory fitted with a trigger-guard-mounted LaserMax CenterFire red diode laser. The two pistols are some of the most popular concealed carry firearms in the nation, and now they are available with the durable LaserMax CenterFire lasers as factory production models. The new LCP and LC9 pistols both feature a LaserMax CenterFire trigger-guard-mounted laser with ambidextrous on/off switch. The laser can be adjusted for both windage and elevation, and can be removed easily with an Allen wrench (included). These rugged, reliable pistols are polymer-framed, hammer-fired, double-action only pistols, and both have won the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence “Handgun of the Year” award. The LCP is chambered in .380 Auto and has a capacity of 6+1 rounds. The LC9, which is available for sale in all 50 states, is chambered in 9mm Luger and has a capacity of 7+1 rounds. Both pistols are designed for snag free carry in a pocket or holster, and come with both flat bottom and finger groove extension magazine buttplates that can be changed to accommodate the shooter’s preference. More information can be found by contacting Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc., Dept. SAR, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Phone: (928) 541-8893. Fax: (928) 541-8850. Website: www.ruger.com.

Trijicon Unveils Their New SRS Reflex Sight

The profile length of the new Trijicon SRS is short and the advanced list of features is long, as innovative products continue from Trijicon. The new Trijicon SRS (Sealed Reflex Sight) is a reflex-type sight with a unique optical design, housed in a body length of only 3.75 inches that virtually eliminates the “tube-effect” common with other, competitive red dot sights. The result is a field of view that essentially provides no obstruction to shooters. That means lightning fast target engagements at CQB distances with no distraction from the shooter’s situational awareness. The SRS is ideal for military, law enforcement and recreational applications on a variety of firearm platforms from AR’s to shotguns. Equally impressive is the technology built into powering the LED lighted 1.75 MOA aiming point that includes ten brightness settings – including three NVG settings and one Super Bright. The SRS is powered by a solar panel and a single, common AA battery. Battery life is over 3 years of continuous use. This uniquely patented configuration allows the user years of illumination life from a single battery by offering an intuitive “solar assist,” that is, drawing on battery power only when the solar cell requires additional energy support for illumination based on ambient conditions. The Trijicon SRS is built to endure the rigors of extreme in-the-field use and carries the same stringent testing requirements as the renowned Trijicon ACOG line of sighting systems. Additional features include a parallax-free objective lens, an auto-locking, self-adjusting level mount and waterproof-tested performance to fifty meters. You can contact them at Trijicon, Inc., Dept. SAR, 49385 Shafer Avenue, P.O. Box 930059, Wixom, Michigan 48393. Phone: (248) 960-7700. Fax: (248) 960-7725. Website: www.trijicon.com.

New Perfect Circle Focused Flashlight

This palm sized highly-focused handy flashlight may be just the ticket for many. Robust and weather proof O-ring protected River Rock’s Perfect Circle Flashlight is made from tough anodized aircraft aluminum. The Perfect Circle Flashlight actually has a precision formed lens which projects a precise focused hard edge yet soft full moon shaped light beam making it ideal for close up inside and outside activities and yet provide illumination greater than tiny flashlights or keychain types. For example at 20 feet the handy little light projects a perfectly round 41-inch circle of light. The Perfect Circle Flashlight can also emit a constant hands free flash (about 80 flashes per minute) for signaling. Thanks to the specialized lens, the Perfect Circle emits light out of proportion to its small size and battery saving “power” rating. The Perfect Circle is especially handy where you simply want to see what you are doing or where you are going without blinding yourself or others with too much power. In fact in some cases it might make a very handy tactical map light, purse or back pack light. The light is anodized dark green aircraft alloy aluminum with a body diameter of 0.8 inch, a head diameter of 1 inch and a length 4.4 inches. The light weighs just 4.5 oz. including 1 AA battery. The light has a run time of 30 hours or 60 plus hours in flashing mode. The light sells for just $14.88 and comes with a nylon wrist lanyard and one AA Duracell battery. For more information please contact them at River Rock Designs, Inc., Dept. SAR, 900 RR 620 South, Suite C101-223, Austin, TX, 78734. Website: www.riverrocklights.com.

Colt Defense Plans Public Stock Offering

Colt Defense Inc., the heretofore private, closely-held defense contractor, plans to go public.

On June 3rd, the gunmaker filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission related to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The shares are being offered by Colt Defense Inc.

Banc of America Securities LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager, SG Cowen & Co., LLC is acting as the joint lead manager for the offering and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. is acting as the senior co-manager.

Colt Defense Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of small arms and weapons systems for the U.S. military, its allies and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Its products include military rifles, such as the M4 carbine/rifle and its predecessor, the M16 rifle, auxiliary weapon systems and rifles for law enforcement agencies around the world. Colt’s Manufacturing, a separate entity, manufactures commercial products for the consumer firearms enthusiast market.

While Colt has kept a somewhat low profile in the industry during the last several years, it has become quite active with several recent announcements of note.

On May 20th, the company announced the completion of its acquisition of the Logistics & Defense Division, Diemaco, from Heroux-Devtek, Inc. The Diemaco business will now be operated as Colt Canada Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colt.

Colt Canada is that country’s sole contractor for the manufacture of C7 and C8 rifles and carbines under license from Colt. These arms are versions of M16 and M4 arms that use technical data owned by Colt. Weapons manufactured by Colt Canada supply military troops of NATO countries, as well as Canadian forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Heroux-Devtek, Inc., a Canadian company, specializes in the design, development, manufacture and repair of aerospace and industrial products. The company’s head office is in Longueuil, Quebec. Heroux-Devtek operates eight business units grouped under three divisions: the Landing Gear; Aerostructure; Gas Turbine Components; and, the Logistics and Defense divisions. Some 75% of sales are made outside Canada, mainly in the U.S. Heroux-Devtek’s shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol: HRX.

The “Greaseless Gun”

Colt Defense has also formed an alliance with UCT Coatings, Inc. of Stuart, Florida, resulting in the introduction of a revolutionary coating allowing small arms to operate lubrication-free. UCT’s patented nickel boron coatings have potential to change the way firearms are built and maintained. As part of this alliance, UCT has granted Colt a long-term, exclusive use license.

“UCT’s innovative thinking and applied technology will allow us to introduce a new generation of easily maintained weapons for all elements of the small arms market while reducing the maintenance required on existing arms as they are upgraded,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William M. Keys, Colt’s president and CEO.

UCT Coatings, Inc. has developed and patented a family of performance coatings under the trade name of UltraChem that can be applied to most metal surfaces including lighter weight metals like aluminum and titanium. The technology is applicable to defense, aerospace, automotive, oil, gas and other industrial markets. UCT has received a patent for the use of modular nickel boron coatings as a permanent lubricant on firearms and has trademarked the term “Greaseless Gun.”

Though there has been a great deal of activity on the defense side, Colt’s commercial end of the business has not seen much new activity. Production of the Single Action Army revolver continues as well as a variety of 1911-style pistols, including a replica of the World War One U.S. service pistol.

Taser Gets Four Orders Worth $1 Million

Taser International Inc., the world’s largest maker of electric stun guns, has received four orders for the weapons valued at a total of about $1 million and said revenue this quarter will exceed the preceding period.

Orders for the company’s X26 models were placed by the police departments of Calgary, Honolulu and Houston as well as an unnamed law-enforcement agency, Taser said. These latest orders come on the heels of a $1.4 million order placed by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Taser’s first-quarter sales fell 22 percent to $10.2 million after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in January it was conducting an informal inquiry into claims on Taser units’ safety, and the timing of an order from wholesaler Davidson’s, Inc. at the end of last year. Taser is seeing a “stabilization in revenue” and second-quarter sales will be “slightly higher” than the first quarter, the firm believes.

Bill Would Clarify ATF’s MG Determinations

Of interest to those firms importing/selling machine gun parts kits or those involved in the process of destroying machine guns for their parts, a bill was recently introduced in the U.S. Congress that would clarify the process by which ATF determines whether a deactivated arm is readily restorable into a machine gun.

The legislation, H.R. 1603 introduced by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), would require ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch to videotape all testing of firearms it conducts when making a determination of whether or not the firearm in question falls under the purview of the National Firearms Act.

In addition, the proposed legislation would prohibit ATF from entering into evidence (at a criminal trial) any item that has been determined to be a firearm (meaning one controlled by the NFA i.e. a machine gun) unless the documentary evidence of the determination (the videotape) is provided at trial as well.

Gingrey’s bill was introduced in response to complaints that ATF’s determinations in this area in the past have been arbitrary or unverifiable when attempts were made to reenact ATF’s method of testing.

The legislation seems to stand a better than average chance for passage due to the unique way it has been presented.

Taking a cue from other bills seeking a variety of objectives, under the guise of “homeland security,” Gingrey’s legislation has been cloaked as a tool for the U.S. government to use in securing convictions against terrorists by supposedly strengthening the prosecution’s case with verifiable evidence. While it is true that the bill, if signed into law, would work favorably for government in the prosecution of such cases, it would also bring a measure of relief to those firearms firms dealing in the part kits arena, as it would force ATF to prove something is really what it says it is.

House Rejects .50 Cal. Export Ban

The U.S. House of Representatives, in mid-June, overwhelmingly rejected an amendment to a spending bill that would have banned the export of .50-caliber rifles.

The amendment, by Rep. James Moran (D-VA), would have blocked export of the rifles to “non-governmental entities” (meaning consumers). The vote was 278-149.

New Marketing Consortium Formed

A group of marketing professionals have formed a unique product marketing consortium to oversee product launches and the revamp of existing campaigns for outdoor firms both in the American and European markets.

The persons involved are said to have proven track records in the industry and are able to assist not only American firms desiring to take advantage of the present currency exchange rates in exporting to Europe, but can help European companies in establishing a presence and increasing market share in the U.S. The new consortium has retained a roster of outside consultants with expertise in specific areas that can be accessed. More information is available by calling: (802) 249-3880.

FNH Stocking Dealer Program

FNH USA’s “Stock 6 FN Firearms, Get the 7th FREE” (being the FN Five-Seven USG) offer, launched at the 2005 SHOT Show ran until August 31st and received a very good response, according to the company.

“In 2005, we are witnessing a tremendous increase in dealer response through our distributors,” says Rick DeMilt, director of sales and marketing. “With the strength of the FN brand in military, law enforcement and commercial markets, a unique and diverse product offering and an aggressive stocking program, dealers are responding to the best kept secret in the firearms business,” DeMilt added.

Retailers qualified for the program by purchasing one FN SPR (Special Police Rifle), one FN PBR (Patrol Bolt Rifle), one FN Tactical Police Shotgun, plus any other three FN firearms between January 1, 2005 and Aug. 31, 2005. All dealer purchases must have been made through an authorized FNH USA distributor. Qualifying dealers then took advantage of the promotional gun by forwarding copies of their distributor invoices and an FFL to the FNH USA sales office in McLean, Virginia. Once received, an FN Five-Seven USG model was shipped from FNH USA, Inc. inventory to the dealer.

FNH USA, Inc. of McLean, Virginia, is a sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium whose corporate mission is to become a global leader in the areas of defense, law enforcement and associated commercial markets.

Bushmaster Summer Dealer Promotion Successful

Brought back by popular demand, Bushmaster’s Dealer Appreciation promotion once again this past summer offered a fresh, two-pound Maine lobster for every Bushmaster rifle sold by FFL dealers between July 18th and August 15, 2005.

To qualify, the FFL dealer must have sold a Bushmaster rifle, including the .308 rifles and carbines and the Carbon 15 rifles and pistols, to a retail customer from July 18 to Aug. 15. Bushmaster must have received the warranty card for that product by September 12, 2005.

Designed as a “taste of Maine” (the location of Bushmaster’s headquarters) pull-through program to support both dealers and distributors, this promotion has proved so popular in past years that Bushmaster repeated it once again. The program is Bushmaster’s way of showing appreciation directly to all the dealers who support and promote Bushmaster’s products. In 2004, the gunmaker shipped almost 1,000 lobsters to dealers across the country who participated in the promotion.

Smith & Wesson Opens Company Museum

Smith & Wesson opened a company history museum at its Springfield, MA, headquarters in mid-June. The museum houses a variety of artifacts and photographs gathered from collections owned by the company and on loan from the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, a unit of the Springfield Museums; Cinema Weaponry; private collectors; and former and current employees. Several items belong to the Smith & Wesson Historic Preservation Charitable Trust, which was created by S&W to insure the preservation of its collection.

“The creation of the Trust and the establishment of the museum will preserve our heritage for our employees, our Club 1852 members and the public,” said S&W president and CEO, Michael Golden. “It will also serve as an important account of the company’s history and its contributions to our community and our country.” Highlights from the museum collection include:

• Rifles manufactured by D.B. Wesson prior to the company’s creation.
• A collection of Smith & Wesson’s first firearms.
• Several historic, prototype firearms, designed in the mid-to-late 1800’s.
• Revolvers engraved by Tiffany & Co. for global exhibitions circa 1893-1900.
• A series of “top-break” firearms developed prior to the Civil War.
• A variety of S&W revolvers from World Wars I and II.
• The .44 Magnum used by actor Clint Eastwood in the famed “Dirty Harry” films.
• A step-by-step model showing construction of the company’s new Model 500 Magnum revolver.

The museum is available for group tours scheduled in advance, by appointment only. For more information, call: (800) 331-0852, Ext. 259

S&W Long Guns Planned

Smith & Wesson recently hired a long gun product manager, indicating the company intends to offer a long gun product line in the near future. Some years ago, the company had offered a shotgun line which has since been discontinued. No information was available at press-time regarding what type of long guns will be offered in the future.

SHOT Show Trademark Action Settled

The National Shooting Sports Foundation and Canadian exhibition organizer Mountain Expo have reached a settlement agreement regarding unauthorized use of NSSF’s “SHOT Show” name and trademark.

On May 11, NSSF filed a trademark infringement complaint in Canadian Federal Court to halt Mountain Expo’s unauthorized use of the SHOT Show name and trademark in promoting its own “Shot Show Canada” exhibition and other international fairs.

“Mountain Expo’s use of the well-known name and mark creates significant confusion among the public – particularly our exhibitors and attendees who have been solicited by Mountain Expo,” said Doug Painter, NSSF president. “During the past 25-plus years, the SHOT Show has grown to become the world’s premier shooting, hunting and outdoor tradeshow. To protect the show’s image and reputation, NSSF will aggressively pursue anyone who infringes upon the SHOT Show’s good name. NSSF’s trademarks are valuable assets that will be protected vigorously.”

Ammo Load, Inc. Under New Ownership

Ammo Load, Inc., a pistol reloading machine producing company has been purchased by Howell Machine, Inc. The new company, now known as Ammo Load Worldwide, Inc., moved the assets from Santa Ana, California to Lewiston, Idaho. Parts and accessories to the ammo load equipment were being manufactured in Lewiston by Howell Machine.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters, The International Firearms Trade which covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business which covers the domestic market. He also offers FFL-mailing lists to firms interested in direct marketing efforts to the industry. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

By Robert Hausman

A storm of controversy has arisen due to the agreement signed in mid-March by the nation’s largest maker of handguns, Smith & Wesson (S&W) with the treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which affects the way its firearms are manufactured, marketed and sold.

The agreement greatly affects the approximately 22,000 retailers who stock S&W products. The gunmaker’s decision to break ranks with the rest of the industry, negotiate, and ultimately sign the accord with the most anti-gun U.S. Administration in history, has upset the firearms industry, gun rights groups, as well as firearms consumers.

“We can let others make choices for us and determine our fate, or we can be actively involved in the process and exercise some control,” said S&W company spokesman Ken Jorgensen. “The effect of this agreement will mean a change in the way S&W does business. It will not sacrifice the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, something we won’t do.”

“I’m not willing to be a pawn in a political chess game,” explains L.E. (Ed) Shultz, S&W’s president and CEO, in describing the gunmaker’s uncertain future with the wave of municipal lawsuits that have been filed against firearms manufacturers. But the National Rifle Association feels that, by signing the agreement, Shultz became exactly that: “manipulated by the Administration into executing a ‘settlement’ that is widely portrayed as a political victory for the (Clinton-Gore) White House.”

The NRA added the agreement “doesn’t merely alter the design of S&W handguns-it elevates S&W to the role of self-appointed arbiter of national gun policy.” The organization also condemned the agreement in no uncertain terms as “an act of craven self-interest.”

The day after the settlement was announced, HUD secretary Andrew Cuomo and the mayors of Atlanta, Detroit, and Miami, announced they would change their procurement policies to give preference for purchasing S&W-brand firearms for their law enforcement officers.

To pressure the other gunmakers, the Clinton Administration announced that 28 cities and counties have agreed to “give preferences to firearms manufacturers who produce ‘safer’ guns and endorse a code of conduct.” The goal, according to a spokesman, is to “squeeze manufacturers like a pincers.” S&W was also dropped as a defendant in about 15 of the 29 reckless lawsuits filed by municipalities against the firearms industry.

Manufacturer Reaction

Meanwhile, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and seven police firearms companies filed suit in federal court against HUD secretary Andrew Cuomo, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and mayors and other officials of 14 municipalities, charging them with an illegal conspiracy in restraint of trade and in violation of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

“The lawsuit arises from a politically-motivated scheme in which these bureaucrats have sought to bully law enforcement professionals into buying handguns based not on the quality or safety of the product, but on capitulation by the manufacturer to a regulatory agenda concocted by these officials,” said Robert Delfay, president and CEO of the NSSF.

“An anti-gun agenda does not excuse anti-democratic behavior,” Delfay stated. “The people of the U.S. have placed the authority to regulate firearm design and distribution in the hands of Congress, not in the hands of a small contingent of self-chosen politicians and their attorneys.”

The firearms companies involved in bringing suit with NSSF are: Beretta USA Corp., Browning Arms, Inc., Colt’s Manufacturing, Inc., Glock, Inc., SIG Arms, Inc., Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., and Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.

One of S&W’s largest distributors, RSR Wholesale, which reportedly accounts for about 25% of S&W’s sales, is re-evaluating whether to renew its distributor contract with S&W when it expires at the end of the year. Other gunmakers making announcements they would not sign onto the Clinton-S&W agreement are Sturm, Ruger, Beretta, Browning, Bryco, Glock and Taurus.

“We cannot speak for other manufacturers, but we remain confident these lawsuits are completely unsupportable, both legally and factually,” said Stephen Sanetti, Sturm, Ruger’s vice president and general counsel. “These attacks on our constitutional rights are being met with the firmest resolve. The law and truth are both on our side, and those shall prevail.”

Jeff Reh, general counsel for Beretta USA said, “We believe these settlements simply encourage the use of litigation for extortion of any industry in the country. We don’t think that they should be rewarded through capitulation.”

“Glock, Inc., will not sign a voluntary gun control agreement similar to the one reached between S&W and the Clinton Administration,” said Paul Jannuzzo, Glock’s vice president and general counsel. The Oversight Commission (created by the S&W agreement) is an absurd concept that’s overly broad and more powerful than any regulatory agency.”

Rich Bauter, vice president, firearms marketing for Browning, added, “I would think that everybody in the country should be absolutely outraged, at not only S&W’s steps, but also the U.S. government’s steps that have intruded into the legislative process.”

Retailer Response

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with S&W for 40 years,” commented Bill Carter, owner of five Carter’s Country retail stores in the Houston, Texas area and one of the nation’s largest S&W dealers. “But the bottom line is this agreement will force dealers to discontinue the sale of S&W handguns, plain and simple.”

Forrest Buckwald, co-owner of Buck’s Gun Rack in Daytona Beach, Florida, an authorized S&W dealer with annual revenue of about $1 million, was quoted in The Wall Street Journal as objecting to many of the terms of the agreement. “I have a hard problem with S&W telling me that I can’t sell a legal product in my store,” he said referring to the item in the agreement prohibiting the sale of grandfathered so-called “high-capacity magazines.”

Another provision Buckwald objects to mandates locking the gun inventory in a vault at night. “Well, that’s fine for a small place with 20 pistols,” he says. “When you have 1,000 of them, as I do, it’s another story.” He added he couldn’t afford to build a safe large enough to hold his inventory. This column’s author would suggest that some dealers, if they can afford the expense, can turn their whole stores into vaults by beefing up security measures of the building’s doors, walls, windows and ceilings.

Mark McCord, owner of McCord’s Gun Shop in Vidalia, Georgia, cited the clause in the agreement requiring gun shop employees to attend annual training sessions conducted by S&W, and that consumers purchasing S&W products must show evidence of having attended a firearms safety class.

“If we’ve got to go through all that trouble just to sell S&W guns, then it will probably no longer be a mainstay in our store. Nobody’s going to go through all that to carry one line of handguns,” McCord mused.

I haven’t spoken to a Virginia dealer who is happy about this,” said Virginia Firearms Dealers Association president Robert Marcus, owner of Bob’s Gun Shop in Norfolk, Virginia. “With these regulations, S&W has almost become a regulatory agency. “The Clinton Administration was real good to bring in Handgun Control, Inc., to make sure it (the agreement) passed their smell test,” Marcus continued, referring to the anti-gun group’s review of the final document before it was signed.

Reaction from the industry has begun to have an effect on the consumer side as well. In early June, S&W announced that “to adjust to changing market conditions,” it will suspend firearms manufacturing at its plants in Springfield, Massachusetts and Houlton, Maine for most of July. Personnel engaged in the production of handguns were put on leave from July 3 through July 28.

Contributing factors to the action were the normal summer softness in the firearms market “compounded by the reaction of some consumers to the agreement S&W signed with federal, state and local government entities,” the company said.

Anti-Trust Attack

In what can only be termed “revenge” for the industry’s general refusal to acquiesce to the Clinton Administration’s demands, several anti-gun attorneys general have announced “anti-trust investigations” of firearms manufacturers who have not signed on to the agreement, including those of Connecticut, Maryland, New York, California, Florida and Massachusetts. The affected manufacturers maintain that those retailers and distributors who have decided to show their objections to S&W’s move by no longer carrying S&W products are doing so without encouragement from other gun makers.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) said, “We knew and anticipated there would be criticism (of the S&W agreement). We didn’t anticipate there would be apparently concerted activity to retaliate. We have issued subpoenas. We are conducting interviews.”

S&W began registering examples of the firearms industry trying to hurt its business. Gun magazines have quoted advertisers as pledging to pull their ads if the magazines continue to accept advertising from S&W. Organizations sponsoring competitive shooting matches have said they will pull out if S&W is permitted to sponsor the events.

The gun activist group, Gun Owners of America, labeled the S&W agreement, “Clinton & Wesson” in its informational briefs to members and called for a boycott of the company’s products by consumers. The NRA called the S&W agreement “a sell-out” and said the gunmaker had “run up the white flag of surrender and had run behind the Clinton-Gore lines.”

Some analysts compared S&W’s move to that of Liggett Group, which broke the cigarette industry’s solidarity in 1996 by agreeing to settle with anti-tobacco forces.

Agreement Background

During a recent interview in S&W’s Springfield, Massachusetts plant, Shultz revealed he was first approached in early January, 1999, by two Clinton administration lawyers at the Nashville, Tennessee airport with a proposed agreement containing a laundry list of gun control demands. Agree to this, the attorneys said, and the legal assault against the company would end.

After reading the document, Shultz replied to one of the young lawyers, “If you have a good long life, you will not live to see this proposal happen.” After this initial rebuff, negotiations continued over the next two months with several drafts of the proposed agreement being amended and rewritten with items added and others deleted. This author perused one such rejected draft copy in the gunmaker’s offices. Meetings were held in out-of-the-way airports and in a seldom-used conference room at the U.S. Mint in Washington to avoid attracting attention.

In mid-March, Shultz came under mounting pressure from his superiors at S&W’s parent company, Tomkins Plc, to get the gunmaker out from under its legal problems. Tomkins planned to get out of the consumer products business by selling S&W and other holdings. Shultz and the Administration lawyers came up with a version of the agreement they could all agree on, and Shultz signed it.

During the interview with this author, Shultz stated his belief that many of the provisions in the agreement would have little or no effect on stopping crime or saving lives. But he feared the municipal lawsuits endangered the gunmaker’s future. He also believes the agreement will help to improve the public’s image of the firearms industry, which he says is at a low point.

He continues to stand by his decision to sign the agreement, telling the Associated Press,. “The risk of the business is much greater in not settling the lawsuits than the risk of…letting consumers put us out of business.” The rest of the firearms industry remains unwilling to sign on to the S&W deal.

“Yes, the agreement amounts to government extortion of the industry,” Shultz admitted to this reporter, “but (the agreement) is the best chance S&W has to survive,” he concluded.

Key Terms of the S&W Agreement By Robert M. Hausman

While the complete document is too lengthy to be reproduced within these pages, here are some of the key provisions of the S&W agreement. Note that the interpretation of the document is in dispute. While S&W maintains only its own firearm products are affected by the agreement’s terms, others, such as the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action chief lobbyist, attorney James Jay baker, maintain firearms produced by manufacturers other than S&W within S&W authorized dealers’ inventories are affected by the agreement as well.

Be aware also that S&W had already been complying with many of the provisions in the agreement which are required for manufacturers desiring to sell handguns in Massachusetts under the terms of that state’s laws.

*S&W handguns will contain both a visible serial number on the exterior of the frame and a second hidden serial number on the interior of the frame or receiver, or a second serial number visible only with the aid of an optical instrument.

*If technologically feasible, S&W will fire each gun before its sale and enter a digital image of its fired casing into a databank at ATF’s National Tracing Center.

*Within two years, all S&W firearms will have a built-in, on-board locking system.

*Two percent of the company’s revenues will be committed to “smart gun” research. *Within a year, all pistols will have the option of a magazine disconnector feature.

*S&W dealers are prohibited from selling magazines containing over 10 rounds capacity to civilians if such magazines were manufactured by S&W. While S&W maintains this provision affects only magazines of their own manufacture, the NRA and others, say this provision affects all magazines in a dealer’s inventory regardless of what firm manufactured them.

*Retailers must agree to a code of conduct to help prevent sales of firearms to non-qualified buyers.

*Retailers, where available, must carry a $1 million liability insurance policy. S&W may assist dealers in obtaining this insurance.

*Retailers must make no sales of S&W products at gun shows unless all sales by any sellers of S&W products at the gun show are conducted only upon completion of a background check.

*Retailers must develop an electronic inventory tracking plan. S&W may provide dealers with software, hardware, and training needed to comply with this requirement.

*S&W firearms must be secured, other than during business hours, in a locked, fire-proof safe or vault.

*Require persons under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when they are in the firearms section of the store.

*Require annual training of firearms sales employees regarding gun laws, safe handling of firearms, etc.

*Not complete any transfer of a S&W firearm prior to receiving notice from the NICS that the transferee is not a prohibited person.

*Transfer S&W firearms only to individuals who have passed a firearms safety course.

*Sell only one S&W handgun to a particular buyer at a time. The purchaser can pick up additional guns after waiting 14 days.

*Authorized S&W dealers are encouraged to consent to up to three unannounced ATF compliance inspections annually.

*The maximum penalty for a retailer for violating the agreement is removal as an authorized S&W reseller.

The agreement also creates an Oversight Commission to monitor compliance. It will consist of two members from city and county parties to the agreement, one member of a state party to the agreement, one S&W representative, and one party selected by the ATF.