Legendary Gun Maker Moves Out of Progressive Massachusetts

Smith & Wesson, a legendary name in American firearms manufacturing has announced it is leaving Springfield Massachusetts for the friendlier business and political climate of East Tennessee.

Smith and Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith suggested the company had “been left with no alternative” other than to leave because of legislation that passed in the Progressive state that would negatively impact about 60% of their revenues.

With operations in Springfield Massachusetts since 1852, Progressive policies will cost the state over 750 jobs and boost employment in Maryville in Blount County Tennessee. Some residual jobs will remain in Massachusetts.

The move by S&W mirrors similar relocations by other firearms companies and accessory firms that have moved to a more inclusive and friendly environment. According to the NSSF, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Remington moved facilities from New York to Alabama, Kimber left New York for Alabama, American Tactical left New York for South Carolina, Weatherby has left California for Wyoming, Magpul left Colorado to Wyoming, Colt moved facilities from Oregon to Texas, and Les Baer has moved from Illinois to Iowa.

Smith and Wesson is famous in the firearms industry and even with the general public. The Model 29 revolver became a must-own item for many after being featured by Clint Eastwood in the “Dirty Harry” series of movies.

Smith and Wesson was closely involved in the development of both the .357 Magnum, used for years by police forces around the world, and the iconic .44 Magnum, also featured in the Eastwood movies. S&W pistols were also famous on the American frontier, especially their break open revolver that could be loaded quickly on horseback.

Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee suggested the state’s pro-business reputation, available workforce, and “commitment to the Second Amendment” were factors that sealed the deal. S&W plans to invest more than $125 million in new facilities in Tennessee.

Blount County in 2019 became a “Second Amendment Sanctuary Community”, wherein law enforcement and statute uphold the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Gun manufacturers in the past few years have seen a boom in sales as citizens rush to protect themselves against Progressive Democrat policies that have led to rising crime and worsening race relations. Policies that “re-imagine” law enforcement has caused budget cuts, mass resignations of police officers, weak local prosecution, government-sanctioned shoplifting, and a hostile work environment for law enforcement generally, leaving citizens in Democrat strongholds at the mercy of criminal elements.

From January to June 2021, the latest figures available from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, there have been over 3.2 million new first-time firearms owners. While all segments are growing, firearms ownership by females is growing the fastest.

Last year, gun sales nationally were up 60%, with again females and black Americans leading sales. There were over 21 million background checks for the sale of a gun in 2020 and over 12.4 million through the first eight months of 2021.

Democrat policies simultaneously drive up the demand for guns, while restricting the manufacturing of both guns and ammunition. In the past year or so, the cost of ammunition has tripled and availability has been limited.

The genius of the American system is federalism. Different states have different policies on a variety of matters.

Both companies and individuals still are free to choose, and they are doing so in increasing numbers.