S&W accuracy certification--why required?

[benEzra]

Downloaded an S&W instruction manual for their 3rd-gen autoloaders (I already own a 3913LS and have the manual, but was curious about the newer manual). It contained the following statement:

The certification below is required only for handguns sold in the
United States with a barrel length shorter than 3”.

Smith & Wesson Corp. hereby certifies average accuracy test results
for all new handguns with a barrel shorter than 3” as follows:

7 yards
1.7”

14 yards
3.9”

21 yards
6.3”

This certification is based on tests conducted by Smith & Wesson
Corp. using a fixed handgun, rest and firing ammunition manufactured
by a member of the Shooting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers
Institute (SAAMI) as defined in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-1993.
This certification represents actual tests based on several handguns,
selected at random. Your particular handgun may have accuracy better
than the results stated in this certification.

Is this a Massachusetts requirement for firearms manufactured in MA, or do some states require a certification like this in order for sub-3" handguns to be sold in that state? I had never heard of any such requirement before.

 

[Owen]

It is a massachusetts requirement.

It is part of a law aimed at elimination "junk" guns. There is also a melting point requirement, some pretty tough drop testing requirements, and a requiment for a magazine disconnect, an a loaded chamber indicator, IIRC.

 

[Croyance]

Requirements like this add to the cost to the manufacturer or distributor for selling guns in a state.
Certified testing costs more money, is more hassle. Sometimes the tests must be run by the state and also has an associated testing fee.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Its info for Kerry he wants another Purple Heart figures to use info to make sure he isn't wounded to bad. He goining to start protesting this war also Looks better if you been wounded by terrorist, 3 times . 7yds 14 yds 21 yds. Also Teddy is opening a school of Anti Terrorist defensive driving. His special bridge jump is a high point of training . No Terrorist has dared try to follow this daring manuver.

 

[fecmech]

6" accuracy at 21 yds certifies that it's not a junk gun?? That's laughable, 6" 21 yard accuracy is a junk gun IMO. Nick