[sm]

In visiting with a friend via email , the topic of how in the old days we remembered how when one bought a new S&W , in the box one rec'd a cleaning rod, brush, mop, screwdriver ( if adj sight model) and lube ( there was one before "Friction Block" I think), instructions and even an order form to order a S&W holster, and a box of ammo - Most often that box was marked "Smith & Wesson".

I only remember the .38spl ammo, I guess that is because most often the firearm being purchased was a model 10.

I don't recall ever reading what other loading S&W ammo came in, or who made the ammo.

I was going to do a search via Teoma, then decided for the sake of newer folks perhaps this tidbit of history might be of interest.

I'm 49 , my buddy is a few years older, We remember seeing those boxes of ammo , then one day , S&W ammo was no more.

Thanks,

Steve

[owen]

S&W owned an ammunition factory in Ohio (IIRC). The S&W enginering dept still has at least a dozen cases of S&W ammo.

During one of the many transfers of ownership, the ammunition business was spun off.

Owen

[owen]

S&W owned an ammunition factory in Ohio (IIRC). The S&W enginering dept still has at least a dozen cases of S&W ammo.

During one of the many transfers of ownership, the ammunition business was spun off.

Owen

[Old Fuff]

I still have some of it, and they offered most of the popular handgun calibers. At the time S&W handguns were in great demand - so much so that some popular models retailed for substantially more then the regular retail price. Most S&W distributors took advantage of this by requiring that dealers carry the ammunition and leather products if they wanted to receive the "hot" handguns. They also made retailers accept less popular guns if they wanted any of the other ones.

In time the situation changed, and the handgun market switched to one that favored buyers rather then sellers, as is generally the case today.

When that happened the long-suffering dealers told the distributors to take their S&W non-handgun products and shove it! Not long after S&W decided to return to their core lines and dropped the rest. What goes around comes around.

[moxie]

I've still got a few S&W .38 cases I still reload.

[burrhead]

I still have an old box of S&W 44 mag laying around. Two rows of ten rounds each, packaged like rifle ammo.

[sm]

Anyone know the year they stopped the ammo sales?

I looked in the box of a K frame I bought new in '82. It still has original contents. Aluminum "GI" style rod, bronze brush, bore mop, the order form and selections for the S&W holster line, Well written and concise owners/ maintenence manual for " Military&Police" and another booklet on gun safety.
No oil, no screwdriver...this was a fixed sighted model.
Model 64 RB 3" HB

I did receive 2 boxes of ammo, IIRC a box of Win 148 gr target WC and the Win 125 STHP . Folks one did business with always tossed in ammo where I did business.

Old Fuff, how well I understand how one "had" to carry the total line...then they could special order the mdse they really sold and wanted to stock.

Thanks for the Replies.

[Jim K]

I still have a couple of boxes of S&W .357 Magnum ammo, and I recall 12 gauge shotshells as well as pistol calibers. I saw cases of S&W 12 ga. 00 buck at a police department around that time.

Smith & Wesson at that time had several subsidiary companies in the police equipment business. They included Lake Erie Chemical Co. (CS Gas); General Ordnance Equipment Corp. (CHEMICAL MACEO): Stephenson Co. ("Speed a lyzer" radar, BREATHALYZERO, Minuteman resuscitators); and Dominator Company (electronic sirens, radar).

Jim

[sm]

Mr. Keenan,
Thank you.

I was unaware of the other subsidiary companies. I must have thought besides hand cuffs,S&W just had someone make the ammo for them as private branding. Same for the holsters.

I appreciate the history lessons and information. Just a stroll down memory lane...

[Johnny Guest]

I knew a couple of dealers who jumped through the S&W hoops and stocked the holsters, ammo, etc, in order to get the guns. They frequently sold off the ammo at greatly discounted prices, just to get rid of it. I believe a lot of the disdain for the ammo was simply because of the bad feeling that dealers HAD to buy it.

The initial ammo was made by Fiocchi (sp?) in Italy. I still have some cases headstamped S&W/F, and it was actually pretty good ammo. I saw the ammo in .38 Spl JHP, .38 Spl wadcutter, .357 Mag JHP, .380 ACP in 88 gr JHP, and .45 ACP 185 JSWC, and some shotgun shells.

Best,
Johnny

[sm]

I would have never guessed Fiocchi. Humm.

I understand the disdain of having to buy the line. Back when a new Buick sold for $3995.00...
I had customers ask why I was not a stocking dealer for a particular line. I could get the items and pay a 2% fee going through a distributor.

For the younger folks -

I was helping a competitor, he had two folks get in a car wreck and needed help. back then one knew and respected their competitor and sent each other business. If I didn't have it - I sent my customer to them, or obtained it from them. Hey it beats the chain stores making a sale.

He had inquired about the this particular line as well. The Sales Rep comes in and immediatly takes charge. He TELLS what will and won't be done. He HAS TO HAVE $50K in cash to get things started, this includes the msde that is picked out for you,not what is hot and what customers want ( that sits there, collects dust...) you have to buy in $10K increments of the mdse that is hot and selling the customer wants. Cash, Certified Bank Check or Wired funds...they have to do business for at least 6 months to year to make sure you are TO THIER Standards before anything is sent on credit, memo or whatnot.

He decided he didn't want the line either, 2% ain't bad to get what you want on a pc to pc basis.

That is why some folks ain't stocking dealers...

[Sodbuster]

I bought 9mm S&W ammo for use in my 39-2.

[Penman]

IIRC, they were the originators of the Nyclad bullets. They also had a 110 grn. .357 load tyhat was supposed to be a real screamer.