Smith and Wesson

Smith & Wesson is one of the oldest and currently the largest gun manufacturer in the United States. The company became famous for its continuing design innovations, particularly with revolvers. It has also developed different types of ammunition, and has close ties with military and law enforcement agencies throughout America.

• 1852: Company founded under the name Volcanic Repeating Arms Company

• 1856: Smith and Wesson leave Volcanic to produce separate catridge-and-revolver weapons

• 1861: Outbreak of the American Civil War puts Smith and Wesson weapons in high demand

• 1964: Company leaves Wesson family control

• 1987: Purchased by a British company, Tomkins PLC, for $112 million

• March, 2000: Signed an agreement with the Clinton administration to implement new safety and design standards and limit sale and distribution of their products

• May 11, 2001: Acquired by the Saf-T-Hammer Corporation for $15 million (assuming an additional $30 million in debts)