Smith & Wesson officially moves headquarters out of blue state to Tennessee!

[The Legion]

https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/smith-wesson-officially-moves-headquarters-blue-state-tennessee

Firearm manufacturer Smith & Wesson officially moved its headquarters from New England to Tennessee, earning praise from the NRA. 

"Congratulations to Smith & Wesson on their grand opening in Tennessee. This move is a testament to their enduring legacy, their commitment to firearm excellence, and to the importance of preserving America’s gun industry and Second Amendment rights in a fair environment," NRA Executive Director of Advancement Tyler Schropp told Fox News Digital in an exclusive comment. 

"Representing millions of NRA members and gun owners, the NRA was proud to be the tip of the spear for the passage and enactment of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that saved America’s firearm industry," Schropp continued, citing the 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that prevents firearm manufacturers from being held liable if products are used to commit a crime. 

Smith & Wesson was established in 1852 in Connecticut before it soon moved its headquarters to Springfield, Massachusetts. Now, the firearm manufacturer calls Maryville, Tennessee, home after holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday at its new 650,000-square feet headquarters. 

"From where I stand, the next 170 years of Smith & Wesson are looking pretty good," Smith & Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith said Saturday, according to The Daily Times. "It is something special here in Tennessee."

Smith touted state gun laws and his close work with local leaders for the move to Tennessee, describing the relocation as "seamless." Democrat-led Massachusetts has some of the most strict gun laws in the U.S., while Republican-led Tennessee has expanded gun laws in recent years, including approving permitless carry in 2021. 

The ribbon-cutting event Saturday showcased renowned competitive shooter Jerry Miculek set an NRA record when he hit six steel plates with a 9 mm revolver in 1.88 seconds.

"Additionally, a special salute to Jerry Miculek, an NRA World Champion shooter, for his remarkable feat of shattering the NRA World Record with six shots in just 1.88 seconds from 7 yards out during the grand opening event. The NRA stands proudly with exceptional marksmen like Jerry as he forges ahead in his unparalleled journey," the NRA’s Schropp added in his comment to Fox News Digital. 

The new headquarters, which was first announced in 2021, sits on 230 acres southwest of the McGhee Tyson Airport, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. Tours of the facility were offered during the grand opening, with Smith & Wesson spokespeople telling local media that the gun manufacturer will also build a museum and retail store in the coming years.

[chances R]

I was at the Grand opening.....what a great event.  Even enjoyed the speeches.  Uncle Si with Duck Dynasty gave the invocation.  Maryville PD color guard did the honors and National Anthem.  Lt. Gov Randy McNally and Rep. Sexton presented as well.  Rep Burchett led the pledge.  Overall a great event.  Multiple vendors were there with good discounts.  Many food vendors.  Country Music stars and shooting demos.  Shot 6  different S&W firearms in their indoor range.  Quite an event.

[D B Cooper]

Good to hear you had an enjoyable time at the event, I wish I could've been there myself.

Interesting Lt Gov Randy McNally was in attendance since he is anti second amendment from his actions. I guess he's more "pro tax money" than anti 2A.

[Sleep profit]

I would have loved to go as well I hope they hold more events. 

[Bluethunder]

16 hours ago, chances R said:

I was at the Grand opening.....what a great event.  Even enjoyed the speeches.  Uncle Si with Duck Dynasty gave the invocation.  Maryville PD color guard did the honors and National Anthem.  Lt. Gov Randy McNally and Rep. Sexton presented as well.  Rep Burchett led the pledge.  Overall a great event.  Multiple vendors were there with good discounts.  Many food vendors.  Country Music stars and shooting demos.  Shot 6  different S&W firearms in their indoor range.  Quite an event.

Sounds like it was a fun time.

[gary_boom]

I would like to visit after they build the gift shop and museum.

[Obzen]

Very cool

[Defender]

How many firearms makers does this make that we have in Tennessee now?  Anyone know?

[Obzen]

I know we also have Barrett and Baretta. 

[OldIronFan]

Tennessee has a pretty good history with firearms manufacturing. As of 2021 there were apparently 82 firearms manufacturers in Tennessee and they made 185,720 according to the ATF. The largest being Beretta. 
That is according to this article https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/how-tennessee-ranks-in-gun-manufacturing/
I am not fully sure how that number of 82 was reached as there are 502 Type 07 (Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices) License Holders according to the ATF as of Sep 2023. Probably the number of license holders that filed paperwork on a new firearm (serial number) created with the ATF. 

I know many of those 82 manufacturers were likely small business producing small numbers of custom rifles but they still have a type 07 license to manufacture. Some are gunsmiths that do repairs and produce replacement parts or custom guns so they carry the 07 license but do not produce new firearms. There are also probably some on the books as legacy companies, i.e. they are no longer producing but someone owns the name, intellectual property, and/or rights to business related items so they maintain the license. Finally there are a slew of suppliers and manufacturers that do not produce an actual firearm but they have on 07 license to be able to transfer firearms and firearm components through their facility to do business. Think a company that does anodizing of aluminum. A firearms manufacturer sends a raw aluminum receiver to them and they anodize it then return it to the customer. That is an ATF book transaction for the anodize shop. 

Ramo Manufacturing (Ramo Defense Systems) was operating back in the 1960's and 1970's I believe all the way up through 2002 when they were bought by Guy Savage creating Sabre Defense. Ramo had military contracts and were producing M2 50 cal machine guns. We all know what became of Sabre Defense.  
Barrett started in 1982, 40th anniversary was last year for them. 
Beretta moved to TN in April 2016

Some others I know of. 
Defiant Machine Works (Adams, TN) 
Troy Industries (Clarksville) 
Tennessee Arms Company (Dyersburg) they were doing and may still be doing polymer frame receivers and such. 
CMT Tactical (Cross Machine Tool) (Lexington, TN) one of many doing AR receivers (upper and lower)

There are 1,989 total ATF licenses in TN (not including Type 03 Collector of Curios and Relics).
Note: some of those License holders hold multiple license types. For instance Barrett holds Type 07, 08, and 10 Licenses while Beretta holds Type 07, 08, 10, and 11 licenses. 

Also interesting is according to the ATF there are currently (Sep 2023)
50 - Type 06 (Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms) licenses in Tennessee
47 - Type 08 (Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices) licenses 
17 - Type 10 (Manufacturer of Destructive Devices) licenses


 

Edited October 12, 2023 by OldIronFan

[Sleep profit]

I know in my area there were some small ones in Ducktown  that made a Handgun pistol 4-10.  Cheap. Heavy gun.  I have seen at Knoxville gun shows