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:
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.
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.