8 min read · Updated Apr 6, 2026
01 // OVERVIEW
#01
Smith & Wesson at a Glance
Market presence and reach
Products In Stock
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Retailers
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Authorized Dealers
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Categories
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02 // PRODUCTS
#02
Smith & Wesson Products
Top products compared across 557 retailers
Smith and Wesson Slide Assy M&P9 4.2″ ACRO
$218– $294
94 retailers
parts
S&w M&P9 14634 9MM 4 15R Spec VI Bndle
$1,551– $2,295
88 retailers
firearms
S&w M&P30SHLD+ 13474 30SC OR Nts 3.1 13/16R BLK
$381– $485
74 retailers
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S&w Barrel Model 41 7″ Target – Barrel Keng Sight Blued
$711– $1,051
69 retailers
parts
Smith & Wesson 14646 9mm Luger 23+1
$806– $1,049
65 retailers
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Smith & Wesson LE 311008 M&P15 X Semi-Automatic 223 Remington/5.56 NATO 16″ 30+1 6-Position Black Stk Black Armornite
$884– $1,151
64 retailers
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Smith & Wesson LE 11816 M&P 40 Shield M2.0 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) Double MS TNS 3.1″ 6+1/7+1 Black Polymer Grip/Frame Black Armornite Stainless Steel Slide
$394– $510
64 retailers
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Smith and Wesson M&P15-22 Sport 22LR 25+1 Topo
$493– $638
63 retailers
firearms
Smith and Wesson 642UC 38SPL 1-7/8″ 5RD Xs NS
$600– $792
60 retailers
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S&w M&P9SHLDX 14459 9MM Ts MS TLC1 10RD *CA*
$434– $562
60 retailers
firearms
Smith & Wesson 14562 Slide Assembly Fits S&W Shield 9mm Black
$209– $301
59 retailers
parts
Smith and Wesson M&P40 Shield M2.0 40S&W
$302– $390
59 retailers
firearms
03 // DEALERS
#03
Smith & Wesson Dealer Network
1,754 authorized dealers across 48 states
FL
190
TX
144
PA
120
CA
120
NC
83
TN
69
MI
64
NY
63
OH
57
MA
55
GA
50
IN
48
AZ
41
CO
40
IL
39
WI
36
NJ
36
WA
34
OK
29
MO
27
SC
26
NV
26
CT
23
IA
22
AL
21
ID
20
VA
20
LA
19
MT
19
NE
19
NH
18
KS
15
UT
15
NM
15
OR
14
MS
14
WV
13
AR
12
KY
11
MN
11
DE
11
RI
9
MD
9
SD
8
WY
6
ND
6
VT
4
ME
3
04 // # SMITH &
#04
# Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson — # smith & wesson
Smith & Wesson has been making guns longer than anyone else in America — 172 years and counting. Founded in 1852 in Norwich, Connecticut — later relocating to Springfield, Massachusetts — they're still there today as Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI). They make revolvers, pistols, and rifles, and they're a SAAMI member.
S&W invented the practical revolver cartridge in 1857, created the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, made the most famous revolver in history (Model 29), and then successfully pivoted to striker-fired pistols with the M&P series. Most gun companies don't survive 50 years. S&W has stayed relevant for 170+ years by respecting their heritage without being trapped by it.
Very few manufacturers can claim they dominate both their traditional category and their modern one. S&W does — J-Frame revolvers still rule concealed carry wheelguns, and the M&P 2.0 competes directly with Glock.
05 // HERITAGE
#05
Heritage & History
Smith & Wesson — heritage & history
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1852 | Founded by Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson | Norwich, CT; later Springfield, MA |
| 1857 | Model 1 revolver | First commercially successful cartridge revolver |
| 1899 | .38 Special cartridge | Still dominant 125+ years later |
| 1935 | .357 Magnum introduced | First magnum handgun cartridge |
| 1955 | Model 29 .44 Magnum | "Most powerful handgun in the world" |
| 1971 | "Dirty Harry" film | Model 29 becomes American icon |
| 2005 | M&P striker-fired series | S&W's answer to Glock |
| 2012 | M&P Shield | Concealed carry revolution begins |
| 2017 | M&P 2.0 | Addresses trigger and grip complaints |
| Present | SAAMI member | Springfield, MA; SWBI (NASDAQ) |
The company survived the Civil War, two World Wars, the assault weapons ban, multiple ownership changes, and the rise of Glock. They did it by innovating when they had to and perfecting what already worked.
- •170+ years of continuous innovation and market adaptation
Most gun companies don't survive 50 years. S&W has stayed relevant for 170+ years by respecting their heritage without being trapped by it.
06 // PRODUCTS
#06
Product Lines
Smith & Wesson — product lines
#01
Revolvers
S&W's bread and butter for 150+ years. They make five frame sizes, each with a specific purpose.
| Frame | Models | Caliber | Capacity | Price Range | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J-Frame (small) | 642, 442, 340PD | .38 Spl / .357 Mag | 5 | ~$450–$800 | Concealed carry; backup gun |
| K-Frame (medium) | Model 19, Model 66 | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | 6 | ~$700–$900 | Duty; range; all-around |
| L-Frame (medium-large) | Model 686 | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | 6 or 7 | ~$700–$900 | Home defense; target; the "do everything" revolver |
| N-Frame (large) | Model 29, Model 629 | .44 Mag | 6 | ~$900–$1,100 | Hunting; "Dirty Harry" |
| X-Frame (massive) | Model 500 | .500 S&W Mag | 5 | ~$1,200–$1,500 | Most powerful production revolver; hunting |
The J-Frame Model 642 Airweight is what most people carry when they carry a revolver. Fifteen ounces, hammerless, reliable as gravity. The Model 686 with a 4" barrel is the revolver to own if you can only own one — strong enough for unlimited .357 Magnum, accurate enough for competition, practical enough for daily carry.
#02
M&P Semi-Automatic Pistols
S&W's answer to Glock. The first generation had a mushy trigger that everyone complained about. The 2.0 series fixed it.
| Model | Size | Caliber | Capacity | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M&P9 2.0 | Full-size | 9mm | 17+1 | ~$450–$550 | Duty/home defense; improved trigger over 1.0 |
| M&P9 2.0 Compact | Compact | 9mm | 15+1 | ~$450–$550 | Concealed carry / duty |
| M&P Shield Plus | Micro-compact | 9mm | 10+1 / 13+1 | ~$400–$500 | P365/Hellcat competitor; excellent value |
| M&P Shield EZ | Compact | 9mm / .380 | 8+1 | ~$400–$450 | Easy-rack slide; perfect for weak hands/new shooters |
| M&P 5.7 | Full-size | 5.7x28mm | 22+1 | ~$550–$650 | High-capacity; FN 5.7 competitor |
| M&P10mm | Full-size | 10mm Auto | 15+1 | ~$550–$600 | Full-power 10mm; bear country |
The Shield Plus is probably the smartest gun S&W makes right now. It matches the P365 and Hellcat for capacity but costs $100 less and has a better trigger than either.
#03
M&P Rifles
S&W keeps it simple here — they make ARs that work without breaking the bank.
| Model | Type | Caliber | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M&P15 Sport II | AR-15 | 5.56 / .223 | ~$650–$750 | Entry-level AR-15; consistent seller for a decade |
| M&P15-22 | AR-15 (.22 LR) | .22 LR | ~$400–$450 | Dedicated .22; not a conversion; proven training platform |
| M&P10 | AR-10 | .308 Win | ~$1,400–$1,600 | .308 AR platform |
| M&P FPC | Folding PCC | 9mm | ~$550–$600 | Folds in half; uses M&P mags; truck/backpack gun |
The M&P15 Sport II is the Honda Civic of AR-15s. It's not fancy, but it runs, it's affordable, and there's a reason everyone recommends it for first-time buyers.
#04
Other Notable Models
| Model | Category | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW22 Victory | .22 target pistol | ~$350–$400 | Accurate target .22; threaded; adjustable sights |
| CSX | Metal-frame micro-compact | ~$500–$550 | Aluminum frame; SAO trigger; unique in class |
| Performance Center | Custom shop | ~$800–$2,000 | Enhanced versions of standard models |
07 // TECH
#07
Innovation & Technology
Smith & Wesson — innovation & technology
#01
Historical Innovations
S&W has been solving problems for 170 years. Some of their solutions are still the standard today.
| Innovation | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Self-contained cartridge revolver | 1857 | Eliminated percussion caps; founded modern revolver |
| .38 Special cartridge | 1899 | Most enduring handgun cartridge; 125+ years of service |
| .357 Magnum | 1935 | First magnum handgun cartridge; still the LE standard |
| .44 Magnum | 1955 | Most powerful handgun cartridge of its era; hunting standard |
| M&P polymer striker-fired | 2005 | S&W's successful answer to Glock |
| Shield EZ easy-rack | 2018 | Accessibility innovation; new shooters / weak hands |
| .500 S&W Magnum | 2003 | Most powerful production handgun cartridge |
| M&P FPC folding carbine | 2022 | Folds to 15"; takes M&P mags; new category |
- •Three waves of innovation spanning 170 years
The .38 Special they created in 1899 is still one of the most popular cartridges in the world. That's staying power.
#02
M&P 2.0 vs. Competition
| Feature | S&W M&P 2.0 | [Glock 17](/handbook/glock-17)/19 | Sig P320 | CZ P-10 | Springfield XD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Good (much improved) | Adequate | Good | Very good | Good |
| Ergonomics | Very good | Polarizing | Very good | Excellent | Good |
| Grip texture | Aggressive (excellent) | Adequate | Good | Good | Good |
| Aftermarket | Very good | Unmatched | Excellent | Growing | Moderate |
| Street price | ~$450–$500 | ~$500–$550 | ~$500–$600 | ~$400–$500 | ~$450–$550 |
| LE adoption | Widespread | Dominant | Growing | Limited | Limited |
| Track record | Very good | Legendary | Good | Good | Good |
The M&P 2.0 sits right in the sweet spot — better ergonomics than Glock, more affordable than Sig, proven track record that the others are still building.
08 // COMMUNITY
#08
Community & Reputation
Smith & Wesson — community & reputation
#01
Market Segments
| Segment | Reputation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver enthusiasts | Legendary | American revolver brand; 170-year legacy |
| Law enforcement | Strong | M&P series widely adopted; revolver heritage |
| Concealed carry | Excellent | Shield Plus and J-Frames are frequently recommended |
| Competition | Strong | Performance Center models; M&P used in USPSA/IDPA |
| Collectors | Revered | Pre-1980s revolvers are the gold standard |
| New shooters | Very good | Shield EZ specifically designed for new/elderly shooters |
| AR-15 market | Solid | M&P15 Sport II is the default entry-level AR |
#02
What People Praise
- •170 years of firearms manufacturing — longest track record in the industry
- •J-Frame revolvers (Model 642, Model 442) remain the gold standard for backup/CCW wheelguns
- •Model 686 handles everything you throw at it
- •M&P 2.0 trigger is a massive improvement over first generation
- •Shield Plus competes with P365/Hellcat at a lower price
- •M&P15 Sport II consistently recommended as first AR-15
- •Shield EZ genuinely innovative for new shooters and those with limited hand strength
- •Performance Center delivers near-custom quality at production prices
#03
What People Complain About
- •M&P 1.0 trigger was mushy and universally criticized (fixed in 2.0)
- •Internal lock ("Hillary Hole") on revolvers angers traditionalists
- •Some internal lock failures reported (lock engaging during firing)
- •Post-2000 revolver fit/finish doesn't match 1960s–1970s "golden age"
- •AR-15 offerings are competent but unremarkable beyond Sport II
- •M&P 2.0 still isn't quite as refined as CZ P-10 or Walther PDP trigger
- •Corporate decisions (2000 Clinton agreement) created lasting boycott among some buyers
09 // GUIDE
#09
Buyer's Guide
Smith & Wesson — buyer's guide
| If You Want... | Get This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| CCW revolver | Model 642 Airweight (~$450) | 15 oz; hammerless; .38 Spl; the pocket revolver standard |
| All-around revolver | Model 686 4" (~$800) | .357/.38; 6-shot; L-Frame strength; does everything |
| Most powerful revolver | Model 500 (~$1,300) | .500 S&W Mag; because you can |
| Value striker 9mm | M&P9 2.0 (~$475) | 17+1; good trigger; competes with Glock at lower price |
| Budget concealed carry | Shield Plus (~$430) | 10+1 / 13+1; value champion in micro-compact class |
| New/elderly shooter | Shield EZ 9mm (~$430) | Easy-rack slide; easy-load magazine; designed for accessibility |
| Entry-level AR-15 | M&P15 Sport II (~$700) | Consistent seller; reliable; everything you need |
| .22 AR trainer | M&P15-22 (~$420) | Dedicated .22; not a conversion; proven training platform |
| Truck / backpack gun | M&P FPC (~$575) | Folds in half; takes M&P mags; 9mm PCC |
| Target .22 pistol | SW22 Victory (~$370) | Accurate; threaded; adjustable; great suppressor host |
10 // THE BGC TA
#10
The BGC Take
Smith & Wesson — the bgc take
Smith & Wesson is one of the few firearms companies that's genuinely excellent in both its traditional category (revolvers) and its modern category (striker-fired pistols). They don't always make the single finest product in any given category, but across their entire lineup, no other manufacturer offers this breadth of quality at these prices.
The J-Frame is still the concealed carry revolver. The Model 686 is still the all-around revolver. The M&P 2.0 legitimately competes with Glock while costing less. The Shield Plus might be the smartest value play in the micro-compact market.
The M&P15 Sport II remains the default recommendation for your first AR-15.
You know what's impressive? S&W survived every major disruption in the firearms industry for 170+ years and stayed relevant. The transition from percussion to cartridge. Two world wars. The rise of semi-autos. The polymer revolution. The striker-fired takeover. Most companies don't make it through one of those transitions.
S&W navigated all of them.
170 years of relevance is not an accident. It's earned.
#01
References:
- •Smith & Wesson official site: smith-wesson.com
- •Shooting Illustrated: "The Golden Age: Smith & Wesson in the Mid-20th Century"
- •American Rifleman: Smith & Wesson model reviews
- •S&W Forum: community discussions and model-specific threads
- •Guns & Ammo: J-Frame revolver roundup
11 // STANDARDS
#11
Industry Standards
SAAMI membership and compliance
SAAMI Member
Smith & Wesson is a member of SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute), the organization that creates and publishes industry standards for safety, interchangeability, reliability, and quality. SAAMI membership indicates compliance with voluntary industry standards for firearms and ammunition manufacturing.
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