Smith & Wesson 2006 Volume 3 Issue 1 2006
Smith & Wesson 2100 Roosevelt Avenue Springfield, MA 01102-2208 800-331-0852 www.smith-wesson.com
The Smith & Wesson Club 1852 Newsletter for Members Only
Club 1852 National Convention - Goes Off With A Bang! (Or Several)
The first annual Club 1852 National Convention in Springfield, Massachusetts offered attendees a unique opportunity to visit the 153-year history of Smith & Wesson on July 15-17, 2005. Unlike any other event, the convention allowed Club 1852 members and the general public to tour both the Smith & Wesson Academy and the Company headquarters. With over a thousand participants coming from across the nation, this event offered fellow Smith & Wesson enthusiasts a chance for to interact and evaluate the newest firearms for 2005. A variety of events for both adults and children were scheduled throughout the convention in order to give each participant and their family a complete Smith & Wesson experience. Tours of the Smith & Wesson Factory offered participants an exclusive “behind-the-scenes” view of the creation and development of Smith & Wesson handguns. Also, the new Smith & Wesson Museum, showcasing rare artifacts and photographs from the company’s extensive heritage, was open to all visitors. Not just for adults, the convention allowed kids of all ages to compete in Smith & Wesson go-cart racing, laser shooting gallery and the Air Soft shooting range. “It was very refreshing to see people of all ages smiling and enjoying themselves throughout the convention,” said Tom Taylor, Vice President of Marketing. “Everyone at Smith & Wesson worked hard to make this convention a family event. And I would say by the numerous compliments we received, it was a success.”
Left to right: Deborah Roe, Doug Koeing, Kathy Salvador
During the three days of the convention, attendees were able to speak directly with Smith & Wesson product managers and staff. Whether asking questions or simply making new acquaintances, several visitors expressed appreciation for the time to talk. “One of the great things about the convention was the large number of Smith & Wesson staff who took time to speak with everyone individually,” said Michael Burkett of Toledo, Ohio. “It was a nice feeling to receive that kind of welcoming. You always hear about the Smith & Wesson family but it’s quite a different thing to experience it.” A highlight during the convention for many attendees was the special shooting demonstrations featuring Smith & Wesson Professional Shooters. Some of the world’s best shooters including world record holders Jerry Miculek and Doug Koenig gave an exciting and enjoyable introduction into competitive shooting. Silver medalist at the 1984 Olympics – Ruby Fox and Smith & Wesson’s Director of Federal Law Enforcement & Military Sales, Ernest Langdon, also gave shooting demonstrations. (continued on page 2)
Go-Cart Racing on the grounds of Smith & Wesson.
Smith & Wesson Club 1852 Newsletter
Page 2
Hello from Juli Brayton “NEW” Club 1852 Manager
“Club 1852 was built to recognize and reward our customers.”
Club 1852 National Convention- continued from page 1 Overall, the convention met and surpassed all of our expectations,” said Paul Pluff, Director of Marketing. “We look forward to having another National Convention at Smith & Wesson in the future.” A first of its kind exclusive membership program, Club 1852 was designed to recognize loyal customers and to enhance the Smith & Wesson ownership experience. Since its inception in October 2004, Club 1852 has enrolled over 42,000 members and continues to add new members daily.
Smith & Wesson is pleased to announce that Juli Brayton will be overseeing the Club 1852 program as the new Directing Manager. Juli, who currently serves as Smith & Wesson’s Advertising and Events Manager, will be in charge of all Club 1852 activities effective immediately. Juli joined Smith & Wesson in September and brings with her a wealth of experience in advertising and event coordination from her previous position at W.F. Young. While at W.F. Young, Juli was instrumental in establishing various internet based e-marketing programs, consumer affinity programs and helped to revamp the company’s website. “I am very excited to have this opportunity and I look forward to taking on these new responsibilities, particularly the Club 1852 program,” said Brayton. “Smith & Wesson is an internationally recognized brand and has built a solid reputation on the principals of quality, service and reliability. It is one of my goals to further promote these principals by establishing a network of communications with our customers and Club 1852 members. This network will provide them with a channel to voice their opinions, compliments and ideas for the future in a manner that is both efficient and effective.” Juli’s other plans focus on continuing to grow and enhance future Club 1852 National Conventions, establish regional Club 1852 events in conjunction with Smith & Wesson shooting demonstrations, increase membership and offer members an inside track into the latest developments and promotions. “The Club 1852 program was built to recognize and reward our consumers and in order to do that we need to hear from each one of you.” said Brayton Juli comes to Smith & Wesson with a BA in Business Administration and Political Science from Lake Forest College. She encourages all member to e-mail her at club1852@smith-wesson.com. Club 1852 members check out the new products.
Ernest Lagdon shows the Crimson Trace® Lasergrips.
Club 1852 member test firing.
Smith & Wesson Club 1852 Newsletter
Page 3
Questions & Answers With Herb Belin
Herb Belin Started at S&W in 1981 Handled both pistols and revolvers starting in 1986 Chemistry Major Physics Minor
Q: Do you have a favorite model? A: They are all my kids and I love them all but the 4-inch Model 500 would have to be my favorite. It is so audacious, unlike anything elseout there. It is a relatively compact gun that delivers lots of power while not compromising carry ability. Q: Is the K-frame being discontinued? A: Yes and no. The K-frame Magnum® revolvers are going away. The Model 65 & 66 has been replaced with the Model 619 & 620 in an L-Frame. Only the .38 Special calibers will be manufactured as the K-frame. Q: What are some of the major changes in the 619 & 620? A: Since both are on the L-frame, the gun is taller overall. The bore centerline is slightly higher and the added height allows the cylinder yoke and gas ring to clear the rear-most portion of the barrel, allowing for a bigger cylinder of 7shots. We have added thickness on the top strap making both revolvers stronger and more durable. The L-frame results in a longer barrel life and allows for heavier cartridges to be fired. Q: Was the two-piece barrel designed to cut costs? A: Absolutely not. The process in more expensive and requires more machine time. It is a better way to hold the barrel to the frame instead of using the crush fit method. Smith & Wesson will never sacrifice performance in order to cut costs. Q: What are some advantages of the two-piece barrel? A: It allows for evenly distributed pressure at the front of the barrel. There is no metal-to-metal interference. Overall, it accounts for a more durable, accurate, and tougher revolver.
Q: Why have revolvers captured your interest? A: Revolvers have always been my strong suit. I enjoy their ageless design and the fact that the product looks similar to the ones made 150 years ago. The modern metallurgy of today and other “techno tricks” allow me to advance the revolvers to the cutting edge while preserving the traditional look. Q: Which model of revolver has given you the most satisfaction? A: Every model has been equally challenging and rewarding. The Airlite™ Series was quite challenging. The use of scandium took a lot of trial and error but of all projects, the Xframe revolvers proved the most rewarding. The holy grail of hyper performance, it delivers maximum horsepower and a phenomenal operating range. It is truly a revolver capable of taking any game walking.
Actual photo of Herb Belin firing the Model 500, 4-inch.
Smith & Wesson Club 1852 Newsletter
Page 4
SMITH & WESSON PRODUCT CORNER
3 NEW 1911S
Smith & Wesson has extended the 1911 series with three new pistols that made their debut at the NRA Convention in Houston. There are currently sixteen 1911 models available for purchase.
SW1911Sc SKU: 108288
1911Sc – The .45 ACP pistol is available in both a 4-1/4-inch barrel (Combat) and a 5-inch barrel (Service Model). These two .45 ACP pistols are manufactured with a clear anodized Scandium Alloy frame with stainless steel slides. The two 1911Sc’s feature a matte finish, aluminum match trigger, rosewood grips and full length guide rods. A Novak low profile rear sight with a dovetail white dot front sight is standard. Two 8-round magazines are packaged with both pistols. 1911 Carbon Steel Classic – The .45 ACP pistol is manufactured with a carbon steel frame and slide and is available in a 5-inch barrel. The pistol features an adjustable rear sight, brushed flats on the slide and a GI Spec recoil guide. Walnut double diamond grips with silver Smith & Wesson medallions an aluminum match trigger are standard. Two 8-round magazines are packaged with the pistol.
SW1911Sc SKU: 108289
MODEL 357PD
The Smith & Wesson Model 357PD is the perfect companion when hiking the backcountry. The .41 Magnum® features a lightweight scandium frame for easy carry and weighs only 27.5 ounces. The Single/Double Action revolver is constructed with a 4-inch stainless steel barrel with a matte black finish. A 6-round titanium cylinder and finger groove wood grips complete the package. A “light gathering” HI-VIZ® red dot front sight and an adjustable V-notch rear sight are standard. The powerful .41 Magnum® retains the necessary stopping power needed while offering a lower perceived recoil that a .44 Magnum. Put it all together, you have another high power hit from Smith & Wesson.
SW1911 SKU: 108299
MODEL 520
The Smith & Wesson Model 520 is the 21st century, heavy-duty replacement for the famous Model 19. The revolver features new technology and manufacturing processes, making it more rugged and durable than its predecessor. Chambered in .357 S&W Magnum®, the Model 520 is constructed with a two-piece, semi-lug barrel for enhanced performance and durability. A carbon steel frame, 7-round titanium cylinder and a crisp Single Action and smooth Double Action trigger is standard. A “light gathering” HI-VIZ® orange dot front sight with an adjustable v-notch rear sight complete the package.
357PD SKU: 160230
MODEL 57 MOUNTAIN GUN
The limited edition Smith & Wesson Model 57 Mountain Gun, popular for its authoritative power and practicality while hunting or hiking, is the perfect fit for any user interested in carrying a serious handgun. The 6-round .41 Magnum® is composed of carbon steel material with a blue finish. The 43-ounce revolver features a weight-saving 4-inch tapered barrel for easy carry and has an overall length of 9-3/8 inches. A smooth Double Action and crisp Single 57 Mtn Gun Action trigger are standard. The revolver features a SKU: 161300 drilled and tapped frame for mounting optics, wood finger groove grips, and black-on-black adjustable sights. The Model 57 is available only for a short time exclusively from Smith & Wesson Stocking Dealers.
520 SKU: 164297
Smith & Wesson Club 1852 Newsletter
Page 5
TEXAS HOLD’EM MODEL 36
The Smith & Wesson Model 36 is the preeminent collectible for any card playing enthusiast. The .38 S&W revolver demonstrates the latest advancements in laser engraving and design. The revolver features 24-carat gold plated cards, aces and eights, on the side plate. The Model 36 is composed of carbon steel material with a blue finish. A gold inlay on the cylinder and around the barrel is standard. The revolver features a 5-round capacity and bonded ivory grips. The gun is presented in a wooden display case that includes two decks of playing cards and 100 multi-colored poker chips. This elegant collectible is an innovative handgun encompassing the uniqueness of LaserSmith technology with the durability and reliability of an old favorite.
MODEL 325PD
Smith & Wesson continues the success of the AirLite® Series with a new model designed to deliver maximum power in a lightweight, easy to carry package. As one of the most popular carry handgun calibers, the Model 325PD is chambered in .45ACP and is the ideal firearm for personal protection in the busy metropolis or in the rugged and secluded back country. Manufactured with a Scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder, the revolver weighs 26.5 ounces. The durable and light titanium six-round cylinder will give years of confident performance. The barrel measures 4 inches with an overall length of nine and a half inches. Precise shot placement is offered round after round with the crisp single action and smooth double action trigger pull. To aid in sight acquisition, Smith & Wesson has selected a V-notch adjustable rear sight and a light gathering HIVIZ® green dot front sight. The matte finish is complimented by the attractive Ahrends Finger Groove grips. Other additional features include an internal lock and moon clips.
Walther PPK 75th Anniversary Model
Often imitated but never duplicated: The elegant lines of the legendary WALTHER PPK have caught the imagination of the entire world for 75 years. Developed in the 1931, the PPK continues to thrill the shooting public and the legend lives on. Smith & Wesson, under licensing agreement from Carl Walther GmbH, is now manufacturing the original Walther PPK in .380 ACP. The model is smaller and almost 3 ounces lighter that the PPK/S. The traditional double-action PPK measures 6.1 inches overall, weighs 20.8 ounces and has a 3.3-inch barrel. The slide has a fixed red dot front sight and a drift windage adjustable dovetail red line rear sight. The pistol is manufactured with a durable and corrosion resistant blue steel frame, barrel and slide with an 8+1 capacity. The same major ergonomic improvements as found on the PPK/S have been retained. New PPK features include an edge break package on the frame designed to reduce all sharp edges, redesigned and extended beaver tail, smooth trigger and improved trigger pull. A durability package has been added by improving the material and heat-treat process used during production. Also, an enhancement of the recoil system along with a beefing up of the bolt face have been included to increase the life of the pistol during use. The 75th Anniversary Model is machine engraved with an exclusive logo dedicated to this momentous occasion.
Smith & Wesson Club 1852 Newsletter
Page 6
S&W Shooting Tips by Doug Koenig
Since I started shooting competitively in 1989, I quickly learned that in order to improve you have to remain focused on the basics. Your attitude, stance, grip, trigger control and sight alignment must all be carefully evaluated and monitored. There is not a perfect formula or a magic tip that can account for all the variables involved with shooting a handgun. Rather, it is imperative that each shooter develops his or her own personal routine to serve as a checklist when using any firearm. In the last article, I talked about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude when heading out to the range. The attitude you take to the range will largely be reflected in your shooting. Most shooters will find it more convenient to blame the gun itself or the ammunition when poor scores are recorded. Their failure to think optimistically often leads them to over analyzing other factors when shooting. One of the most over analyzed factors is the proper grip for firing a handgun. Some people might advise you to hold the grip delicately as if it were a live dove in your hands. They instruct you to hold tightly but just enough so that it doesn’t fly away but not so hard that you would crush it. Others will tell you to squeeze the grip as tightly as you can or to maintain a 40% grip with one hand while retaining a 60% grip with the support hand. No matter what the advice is, it is crucial that you first pick a handgun that fits your hand size properly. One of the worst mistakes any shooter can make is choosing a gun that has grips that are too large or small for their hands. The inability to properly control the gun will automatically lead to you shooting less that your full potential. This problem is such an easy fix, that I’m often baffled when shooters don’t replace their existing grips or purchase a handgun without handling several models. Once you have selected a grip that accommodates your hand size then you can start to practice the proper physical grip. When shooting a variety of different calibers it often becomes necessary to tailor your grip to that firearm. The best grip to use when shooting a 1911 would obviously differ from the grip you would use when shooting a 500 Magnum or its sibling the 460XVR. Since the majority of my shooting takes place during competition, the techniques described below are best suited for smaller calibers and competition guns such as my favorite, the 1911. Some of the key aspects of the grip are keeping your hand as close to the centerline of the bore as you can get it. What this means, is that you want to place your hand as high on the grip safety as you can. This will help with the recoil. Next, you want to use your strong hand as you take the safety off. Remember to keep your thumb on top of the safety in order to create a pocket for your weak hand. Insert the heel of your weak hand in the pocket and line up your thumbs so they’re basically pointing at the target. These steps should result in a natural grip with a medium but firm grip tension. There is no reason to try and choke out the grip on the gun because it’s just going to cause inconsistent recoil. Remember, practice is the key. Choose a handgun that best accommodates your physical characteristics and one that gives you the highest level of confidence. Improvement comes with time and everyone can benefit by going back to the basics.
Smith & Wesson 2100 Roosevelt Avenue Springfield, MA 01104
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 137