There is nothing to decipher. A logo is meant to be a quickly recognizable image that makes you think of the company instantly when you see it.
Nike's logo is a check mark (they call it a swoosh)
Dodge's logo is a Ram head
Mazda's logo is a set of wings in an oval
Pepsi's logo is a Red White and Blue ball
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing's logo is 3M
The S&W logo is provided courtesy of S&W