What's the word on S&W?

[Babalouie]

I've been out of the gun hobby for awhile and several years ago Smith and Wesson made some sort of blunder regarding gun legislation with the Clinton admin. and everyone was angry and boycotting them for a time. What resolved that issue? It seems S&W is back in everyone's good grace. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Also, I am considering a 4013 for ccw and would value people's opinions as I've never owned a S&W.

Thanks in advance...what a great forum!

 

[John Ross]

http://www.john-ross.net/betrayal.htm

JR

 

[femoralis]

With the exiting of the clinton administration, all parties involved are ignoring the agreement.

 

[Pebcac]

The agreement was made with the Clinton administration and several cities to end some lawsuits while S&W was owned by a British holding company. S&W is now owned by an American company, and is reportedly doing what it can to have the various other parties to agree to revoke the settlement, but there's only so much you can do to reverse something like that.

As far as the quality of their autoloaders is concerned, I've had a couple previously and currently own a 3953 that I'm very happy with, and I've found the quality to be excellent. The only complaint I've had is a certain roughness in the finishing touches with the "economy" models like the 910, but those sell at a pretty low price compared to their regular models, too.

I think the TSW models are horridly ugly mall-ninja guns, but that's just me. I don't like the looks-like-an-afterthought accessory rail, and the big laser-engraved "Tactical" on the slide is just too much bling for me. That's all IMHO, of course.

I think you'll be happy with a 4013.

 

[carpettbaggerr]

What's the word on S&W?

They now specialize in ugly guns.

They even brought out a gun with beautiful lines and screwed it up with a garish billboard and their LawyerLock.

 

[LawDog]

I've been out of the gun hobby for awhile and several years ago Smith and Wesson made some sort of blunder regarding gun legislation with the Clinton admin. and everyone was angry and boycotting them for a time.

Correct. The Agrement that Smith and Wesson signed can be found here:
http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf18/pressrel/gunagree.html
http://www.seark.net/~jlove/s&w_faq.htm
http://www.seark.net/~jlove/s&w_agreement.htm

What resolved that issue?

Nothing. Smith and Wesson did absolutely nothing to resolve the issue. The Agreement remains in force. When, not if, an anti-gun Admin returns to the Oval Office, Smith and Wesson will follow the obligations of their contract.

It seems S&W is back in everyone's good grace. Can anyone shed some light on this?

No comment.

Also, I am considering a 4013 for ccw and would value people's opinions as I've never owned a S&W.

There are better .40's out there.

Thanks in advance...what a great forum!

You're welcome.

LawDog

 

[Babalouie]

John Ross...thanks so much for the link. It was just what I was looking for. I'm so glad to know S&W is back in American hands and your story is a great one. I'll be looking for a S&W to add to the fold.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[Silver Bullet]

You can search this forum for some threads on this subject. You can also go over to The Firing Line and do a search: you'll find some very heated discussions.

 

[The Rabbi]

Company position is they are not bound by the agreement.
They are making innovative quality products for fair prices. Any comments to the contrary constitute mere grumbling by malcontents. You want a Smith? Buy one.

 

[nico]

I'd also look at CZ. My dad has a S&W 910 that I shoot a lot and it's definitely not the first gun I'd look at if I were looking to buy a 9mm of my own. Everything I've read about them says that at a given price point, CZs are generally better guns than S&W.

Any comments to the contrary constitute mere grumbling by malcontents.

so anybody who disagrees with you is just grumpy? nice

 

[The Rabbi]

Yes. I am not arguing Smith makes the best or best-value products in the world. I am sure they have some real boners. Some of their stuff I wouldnt touch with a 10ft pole.
But that's me. They sell a lot of stuff and for the most part it is very good. The agreement is a thing of the past. If someone wants a CZ or a SIG or a Glock or whatever, thats fine. But for many people the Smith will fit their hands and needs better. So there is no reason not to look at them. As I said, any disagreement on that point is mere grumbling.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'll reconsider doing business with Smith & Wesson when a.) the company rescinds the agreement it signed with the Snopes Clinton-Liar Gore régime, and b.) it offers firearms without internal locks.

There's nothing like a shortage of perfectly good used Smith & Wessons, most of which are of higher quality than current production, anyway.

 

[benEzra]

My carry gun is a 3913 LadySmith, and it is awesome. Perfectly reliable even with Cor-Bon 115-gr +P flying ashtrays, amazingly accurate for a gun of its size, nice features, very good fit and finish. My sister has a CS9 that I could say the exact same things about.

I'd buy another one, most definitely.

 

[Gunz]

Carpettbagger is right about those dumb gun designs. There must be a HUGE running joke at the Performance Center as to how ugly a gun can be made, be overpriced, and what chumps would come forward to buy revolvers like the ones shown.

Now....the day shift of the Performance Center must be the more business-like part. Very nice 1911s, doing the 945s again, and some pretty good 586 offerings.

I would buy the 4013 for carry without hesitation. Super little gun. I have one, and I wish I had more.

A lot of people forget how well designed some of those autoloaders are done. Great features not found on "traditional" designs. Everyone hates the first shot DA trigger to some degree. Oh well. Cannot please everyone.

My 4013 has been reliable, accurate, and easy to carry. Ramped barrels, decocker, and safety lever option for either left or right usage, Novak sights, checkered front strap, alloy frame, stainless slide and barrel, etc. Show me a 1911 from the factory with all those features, and I will show you $600+. I paid $375 for my LNIB 4013 with 3 mags.