Article discussing S&W 500 on Slate.com

[real_name]

Slate, for the uninitiated is a pretty liberal site, they are like the web version of NPR.
They ran this story today on the success of the 'supersized' S&W 500. It's an interesting read, not out-and-out anti and yet not the standard gun magazine article either.
LINK.

But as Smith & Wesson quickly discovered, the $989 Model 500 proved as popular among affluent urban collectors as among more outdoorsy types. Many of these consumers wanted the revolver for the same reason a Manhattanite might want a Hummer—not to use it as intended, but rather to burnish their macho credentials. With a barrel that maxes out at 10.5 inches long on the special "Performance Center Magnum Hunter Model," the Model 500 sure is something to look at; it also features a jarring recoil that even expert shooters aren't always prepared to handle.

The Model 500 is in fact so colossal that it got some free publicity in Los Angeles when police Chief William J. Bratton lambasted the gun, saying that its firepower "reinforces the total insanity of gun manufacturers in America." Gun enthusiasts struck back by pointing out that few criminals are likely to lug around an 82-ounce weapon, especially one so huge that it can't be easily concealed beneath a jacket.

 

[5Wire]

Chief William J. Bratton lambasted the gun, saying that its firepower "reinforces the total insanity of gun manufacturers in America."

It figures. Bratton made his bones as an anti gunner in Massachusetts. He specializes in nose to butt recessitation of the "we know what's best for you" minded police departments. Government is for & by police departments who'll take good care of you...hand in hand with despotic, rule happy, we'll make a list of what you can own Attorneys General in both states. Pernicious jerk.

Someday, I'll speak my mind about him and those like him.

 

[alamo]

I'm not so sure the Ruger .22 revolver was/is successful as they make it out to be in the article. Heck, I was on the Ruger website and couldn't even find it (under double action revolvers) I assume it was an SPS-101 in .22.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=9

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I have often wondered how Michael Kinsey (the originator and editor of Slate) escapes being arrested for violating Child Labor Laws - because it's obvious that drivel isn't written by adults.

 

[SAG0282]

The Model 500 is in fact so colossal that it got some free publicity in Los Angeles when police Chief William J. Bratton lambasted the gun, saying that its firepower "reinforces the total insanity of gun manufacturers in America."

The same gunmaker that has and currently serves the city of Los Angeles incidentally. What an assclown.

 

[22-rimfire]

I actually thought the article was pretty well written. It is the first time that I have seen any production figures for 2004 for Smith or Ruger. Like one poster mentioned, I don't know what gun they were referring to with the 22's and Ruger... my guess is the single six revolver.

The article does not mention that the manufactures also make a wide range of handguns including revolvers and automatics.

The "hand cannons" have captured the interest of handgun shooters. Just look at how much they are discussed in this forum. People are buying them and shooting them.

 

[Just Jim]

I was at a gun shop yesterday and the owner (a gunsmith) just returned to the owner a 500 that sheared pins in it and was sent back to the factory. Smith comepletely rebuilt the gun and sent it back.

jj

 

[alamo]

Like one poster mentioned, I don't know what gun they were referring to with the 22's and Ruger... my guess is the single six revolver.

"While Smith & Wesson's British owner, Tomkins plc., was making numerous strategic missteps—sticking with steel, for example, rather than switching to lightweight polymers—Ruger sold boatloads of its .22-caliber revolvers to protective homeowners and security guards."

"And Sturm, Ruger's .22s still reign supreme among the smallest-bore revolvers, a category favored by female consumers looking for purse-sized weapons."

I think this is where the article is just plain wrong. Women aren't buying single action .22 Ruger revolvers to put in their purses (I wouldn't call a Single Six a "purse-sized weapon"), nor are homeowners and security guards buying them for protection. Maybe a few of course, but certainly not large numbers. Ruger sells a lot of .22 revolvers but not for the purposes stated in the article.

The first paragraph above from the article sort of implies Ruger revolvers are made of lightweight polymer.


Here are some 2003 revolver production figures. Ruger sells a lot of .22s but S&W has the overall lead:

http://www.shootingindustry.com/02pages/SpecRep3.html#Anchor-Revolver-33869

 

[P. Plainsman]

It's as if someone purported to write an authoritative article analyzing vehicle makers and referred to Jaguar's extensive sales from its line of motorcycles.

 

[5Wire]

I'm plus one with Alamo. Thanks for the link, too. Here's another: ATF Online with some pretty detailed production figures.

Slate, Bratton and their like seem to think that "need" should be a deciding factor in firearm selection and that they get to define what "need" is.

 

[gopguy]

I am surprised that Sarah Brady and Chief William J. Bratton did not call it a Saturday night special. After all they are available with a 4 inch barrel, never mind it still weighs a ton. lol


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...d=10001&productId=14778&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

 

[SB88LX]

How much velocity/energy is lost going from the 8 3/8" barrel to the 4" model? Just curious.