Smith & Wesson, whose firearms already account for 47% of national revolver sales, said yesterday that it is buying Thompson/Center Arms, a company that specializes in muzzleloaders and rimfire
rifles. The move lets Smith & Wesson target the $1.1 billion long gun market, which is 80% larger than the country's handgun market, according to CEO Mike Golden.
Hollywood helped make
Smith & Wesson famous by putting its .44 magnum in the hands of Inspector Harry Callahan, played by Clint Eastwood in a series of "Dirty Harry" movies. The company introduced a line of tactical rifles
in March, but marketed them to law-enforcement agencies and competitive target shooters.
Golden says he doesn't expect a tough marketing transition now that the company is trying to
sell guns to hunters. "People already think we're in the market," he says.
advertisement
advertisement
Read the whole story at USA Today/AP »