Smith & Wesson fights back today!

[bwade]

Today at the House and Oversight Committee, Smith and Wesson fought back and did it strong! I wish the other firearms manufacturers would follow their lead.

Courtesy of Newsmax:

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/gu...15/id/1083205/


Smith & Wesson fired back at the House Oversight and Reform Committee subpoena filed by Democrats, which seeks details on its modern sporting rifles (MSR), issuing a stinging rebuke of crime in Democrat-run cities with strict gun control on law-abiding citizens and "soft-on-crime policies."

"A number of politicians and their lobbying partners in the media have recently sought to disparage Smith & Wesson," CEO Mark Smith wrote in a statement Monday. "Some have had the audacity to suggest that after they have vilified, undermined and defunded law enforcement for years, supported prosecutors who refuse to hold criminals accountable for their actions, overseen the decay of our country’s mental health infrastructure, and generally promoted a culture of lawlessness, Smith & Wesson and other firearm manufacturers are somehow responsible for the crime wave that has predictably resulted from these destructive policies.

"But they are the ones to blame for the surge in violence and lawlessness, and they seek to avoid any responsibility for the crisis of violence they have created by attempting to shift the blame to Smith & Wesson, other firearm manufacturers and law-abiding gun owners.

"It is no surprise that the cities suffering most from violent crime are the very same cities that have promoted irresponsible, soft-on-crime policies that often treat criminals as victims and victims as criminals," Smith continued. "Many of these same cities also maintain the strictest gun laws in the nation. But rather than confront the failure of their policies, certain politicians have sought more laws restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, while simultaneously continuing to undermine our institutions of law and order.

"And to suppress the truth, some now seek to prohibit firearm manufacturers and supporters of the Second Amendment from advertising products in a manner designed to remind law-abiding citizens that they have a constitutional right to bear arms in defense of themselves and their families."

In addition to requesting data on MSRs, the House Oversight Committee chaired by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., sought crime and death data.

"To be clear, a Smith & Wesson firearm has never broken into a home; a Smith & Wesson firearm has never assaulted a woman out for a late-night run in the city; a Smith & Wesson firearm has never carjacked an unsuspecting driver stopped at a traffic light," Smith's statement continued.

"Instead, Smith & Wesson provides these citizens with the means to protect themselves and their families. We are proud of our 170-year history. We are proud of the commitment of our employees to making a quality product. We are proud to provide law-abiding citizens and law enforcement — our customers — with the tools to provide for their security and independence. We are proud of our responsible business practices."

Smith's statement concluded the subpoena was merely an effort to score "political points" while Democrats were failing on the crime issue.

"We will continue to work alongside law enforcement, community leaders and lawmakers who are genuinely interested in creating safe neighborhoods," it read. "We will engage those who genuinely seek productive discussions, not a means of scoring political points.

"We will continue informing law-abiding citizens that they have a constitutionally protected right to defend themselves and their families. We will never back down in our defense of the Second Amendment."

[riverrat38]

The only thing that would have made it even better is if Smith had told the committee that their company would rectify a mistake made 22 years ago when they made a deal with the devil, and remove the useless Hillary Hole!

73,
Rick

[9mmPatriot]

We need an "Applause" emoji....

[moralem]

Originally Posted by 9mmPatriot

We need an "Applause" emoji....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[JDBoardman]

What we need in this case is a "standing ovation" emoji.

[Rustyt1953]

[NY-1]

This was a fantastic statement with some excellent sentiments purported throughout.

Originally Posted by riverrat38

The only thing that would have made it even better is if Smith had told the committee that their company would rectify a mistake made 22 years ago when they made a deal with the devil, and remove the useless Hillary Hole!

73,
Rick

And a big amen to this too!

[Zarr]

I wish I could give TEN likes to this thread!

[BC38]

Can't say it much clearer than that. NICE JOB S&W spokesmen!

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Zarr

I wish I could give TEN likes to this thread!

or more...

[johngalt]

Excellent response. But will they listen?

[kbm6893]

Well said and 100% true. But the truth is it will fall in deaf ears, and most of the country won’t even hear it. Those it was aimed at know the words are true, but they don’t care. Their policies don’t impact their lives. They have security and walls to protect them. They NEED the carnage to continue and even grow. It’s job security to them. Truth is, they rejoice after every mass shooting. The perp becomes a weapon for them, and the blood spilled is fuel for their tank.

[ladder13]

I am really proud of S&W today and I will let them know they have my gratitude.

[venomballistics]

Originally Posted by riverrat38

The only thing that would have made it even better is if Smith had told the committee that their company would rectify a mistake made 22 years ago when they made a deal with the devil, and remove the useless Hillary Hole!

73,
Rick

Or 88 years ago with the NFA

[BAM-BAM]

About time!!!!!!!!!

[Shark Bait]

Thanks Blaine. That is great stuff right there.

[Protocall_Design]

Finally, someone said straight up, what everyone's been beating around the bush for years. If only there was a way to get this in front of the general public, instead of buried in the swamp...

[Rpg]

This is a pretty inexpensive bit of marketing to the customer base.

I’m not impressed: it’s nothing more than I’d expect as a promotional effort from any manufacturer of any product where the manufacturer is resisting regulatory efforts.

The focus isn’t on an abstract notion of preserving constitutional rights: it’s simply a bit of preaching to the choir.

Had they announced a unilateral decision to do away with the lock, I’d be impressed!

[SS336]

I am emailing and texting everyone I know that news story, including a bunch of people that are ambivalent to the increasing encroachment on our rights under the Constitution.
If everyone would do the same maybe we could get it noticed by more people other than firearms enthusiasts.

[ISCS Yoda]

It won't get much media coverage, except maybe Blaze, NewsMax, and FOX, so if you use social media put it out there!

BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE!!!!

And watch the lawsuits if they pass this thing - it's full employment for pro and anti gun attorneys!!!

[Yaworski]

I was watching some of the hearing and they were interrogating the guys from Ruger and Daniel Defense. When the Congress***** would ask her question and the gun guy started giving an answer that didn't fit her narrative, she'd say, "Reclaiming my time." In other words, "You don't get to talk anymore."

[Yaworski]

Drugs cause addiction. Swimming pools cause drowning. Guns cause crime and violence.

The availability of guns did not make those thugs hijack that old woman's car and drag her to her death. A morally bankrupt segment of society is responsible for that.

[Golphin]

Not sure he could have said it any better.

[aclarke3]

Truly an excellent statement made by S&W.

[CH4]

Originally Posted by riverrat38

The only thing that would have made it even better is if Smith had told the committee that their company would rectify a mistake made 22 years ago when they made a deal with the devil, and remove the useless Hillary Hole!

73,
Rick

Beat me to it!!

Great minds think alike.

[Yaworski]

Originally Posted by Private Bailey

Not one manufacturer’s spokesman had anything new to say. Not one.

What is there that is new to say?

Our side says, "The vast majority of gun owners are responsible and law abiding" and "tyrants disarm those they want to oppress." Both statements are true and supported by data and history.

The other side says, "One death is too many" and "screw your rights, I don't like being afraid" and "don't you care about the children." All emotionally charged statements and hard to counter with facts. Just like when people disagree with you so they call you a racist. Unless you just adopted six black kids, it's hard to demonstrate that you aren't a racist.

[Rustyt1953]

Originally Posted by Private Bailey

First, S&W’s internal lock has absolute nothing to do with what the subcommittee’s investigating. So stop talking about it. It’s irrelevant to this.

They’re gonna have to do better than this “testimony” that sounds like it came straight from the press release department.

Woof! Woof!

[ladder13]

And just like that, the usual hostiles rear their heads.


Smith & Wesson CEO faces backlash after he blamed politicians for gun violence

[Bald1]

Originally Posted by Private Bailey

First, S&W’s internal lock has absolute nothing to do with what the subcommittee’s investigating. So stop talking about it. It’s irrelevant to this.

Instead of relying on Newsmax’s report, why not go directly to the subcommittee’s website and read the testimony from officials from Ruger and Daniel Defense. It’s all there in PDF form. Except for Smith & Wesson’s “testimony”. For some reason it isn’t available.

It’s great S&W finally stuck up for itself but it’s years too late. I’m a big S&W fan. I’ve owned dozens of their guns, including ARs. I have to admit some of their advertising for M&P rifles made me cringe.

Unless I missed it in their testimony, not one of the gun manufacturers testifying actually denied having any influence over anyone who buys their products. They were too busy talking about their “community involvement” and how the government is ignoring the “law abiding citizens” in favor of the criminals. They’ve ridden that law abiding citizen horse into the ground. Not one manufacturer’s spokesman had anything new to say. Not one.

They’re gonna have to do better than this “testimony” that sounds like it came straight from the press release department.

Private, the Hillary Hole Lock is a prime example of a gun manufacturer giving in to political pressure. Yet it’s not enough. They want more. If S&W had said we’re doing away with it and never making that mistake again it would send the message that you can’t dictate things anymore. We will stand up and fight…… how do YOU not get that it’s related. And please don’t tell people to stop talking about something just because u disagree or don’t understand.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Bald1

Private, the Hillary Hole Lock is a prime example of a gun manufacturer giving in to political pressure. Yet it’s not enough. They want more. If S&W had said we’re doing away with it and never making that mistake again it would send the message that you can’t dictate things anymore. We will stand up and fight…… how do YOU not get that it’s related. And please don’t tell people to stop talking about something just because u disagree or don’t understand.

Hear hear! Never took too kindly to being told to shut up. Not too fond of the idea of others being told to do so either.
Free expression of one's opinions is fundamental to a free society.

The old saw about "while I disagree with what you're saying, I'll defend to the death your right to say it." comes to mind...

May sound trite to some, but it is a bedrock principle of our form of self-governance.

FOR the people, OF the people and BY the people, and all that...

[AlHunt]

Originally Posted by Private Bailey

I gotta say though, S&W should never have engaged in the type of ad campaign they used for AR-style guns. They have brought all this on themselves.

I think people are smart enough not to believe owning an AR raises their testosterone levels. This is just politicians looking for a scapegoat and I'm not willing to play into their hands.

Maybe the politicians should investigate themselves as the reason so many people have ARs. Political screaming about and threatening to "ban" ARs is the one and only reason I have any. I never had any interest in "black rifles", I still don't really care for them and i certainly don't enjoy shooting them.

My ARs are purely a political protest.

[Bald1]

Originally Posted by AlHunt

I think people are smart enough not to believe owning an AR raises their testosterone levels. This is just politicians looking for a scapegoat and I'm not willing to play into their hands.

Maybe the politicians should investigate themselves as the reason so many people have ARs. Political screaming about and threatening to "ban" ARs is the one and only reason I have any. I never had any interest in "black rifles", I still don't really care for them and i certainly don't enjoy shooting them.

My ARs are purely a political protest.

I’m with u AL. I never wanted an AR till they said I couldn’t have one.

[Rustyt1953]

House Representative McBath voiced this at the hearing. I was incredulous. I sent carefully worded stern emails to my House Rep and both Senators asking them to challenge the veracity of this ridiculous claim. I'm sure they will have little effect but it is the only recourse available to me at this moment.

"With assault rifles, exit wounds can be a foot wide. The victim’s skull explodes on impact. Organs rupture, bones shatter, the shards serve as shrapnel and tear tissue to pieces.

There is a reason we never see the images after a mass murder—many of the bodies no longer exist."

[Bald1]

Well Rusty a 9mm is a “high caliber” Whatever that is. So an Assault Weapon must be an even “higher caliber”.

[Dino44]

Do you think the CEO would mind If I copied this and send it to all of my elected officials?

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

House Representative McBath voiced this at the hearing. I was incredulous. I sent carefully worded stern emails to my House Rep and both Senators asking them to challenge the veracity of this ridiculous claim. I'm sure they will have little effect but it is the only recourse available to me at this moment.

"With assault rifles, exit wounds can be a foot wide. The victim’s skull explodes on impact. Organs rupture, bones shatter, the shards serve as shrapnel and tear tissue to pieces.

There is a reason we never see the images after a mass murder—many of the bodies no longer exist."

I sent an email to both PA senators regarding the AWB, and I got a response from Robert Casey. I won’t reprint the whole thing, but it came down to this:

“I am a big supporter of the 2nd Amendment, and I support the rights of law abiding citizens to protect themselves and their family. However, assault weapons and high capacity magazines, which have been used to murder innocents at Sandy Hook, Uvalde, Buffalo, and others, have no place in a civilized society and I support this ban”.

They don’t care one way or the other, but they feel the political winds are in the favor of banning them, so that’s what they’ll do. Gas prices are down (temporarily due to begging and probably future returned favors), and the average American thinks things are moving in the right direction, so it is a much better possibility that they retain power in the House and Senate. If they do, this bill will likely pass, and AR’s, along with ALL semi auto rifles that take a magazine, will be banned. Forget about buying your son a 10/22 for his 13th birthday.

[G-Mac]

Is CEO Mark Smith a descendant of the Smith in Smith & Wesson? Just curious. Good for him for doing this...calling them out on their bull.

[Yaworski]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

"With assault rifles, exit wounds can be a foot wide. The victim’s skull explodes on impact. Organs rupture, bones shatter, the shards serve as shrapnel and tear tissue to pieces.

A 9mm will blow out a lung according to the president.

[Yaworski]

Originally Posted by kbm6893

“I am a big supporter of the 2nd Amendment, and I support the rights of law abiding citizens to protect themselves and their family. However, assault weapons and high capacity magazines, which have been used to murder innocents at Sandy Hook, Uvalde, Buffalo, and others, have no place in a civilized society and I support this ban”.

I'm a big supporter of the Second Amendment but I'll vote to restrict it because I really don't care about you.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Yaworski

I'm a big supporter of the Second Amendment but I'll vote to restrict it because I really don't care about you.

...or your opinion - unless it will get me re-elected...

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

House Representative McBath voiced this at the hearing. I was incredulous. I sent carefully worded stern emails to my House Rep and both Senators asking them to challenge the veracity of this ridiculous claim. I'm sure they will have little effect but it is the only recourse available to me at this moment.

"With assault rifles, exit wounds can be a foot wide. The victim’s skull explodes on impact. Organs rupture, bones shatter, the shards serve as shrapnel and tear tissue to pieces.

There is a reason we never see the images after a mass murder—many of the bodies no longer exist."

Gee, if they are such a devastating killing machine round, how come my state fish & wildlife regs won't let me hunt deer with a .223/5.56 rifle? Maybe because deer shot with the round have been known to get up and run away? Wonder how they do that with a foot-wide exit wound?
That claim is obviously bovine excrement....

[raljr1]

Found this on linkedin

Robert
SWCA #2906

[Puller]

Originally Posted by Private Bailey

First, S&W’s internal lock has absolute nothing to do with what the subcommittee’s investigating. So stop talking about it. It’s irrelevant to this.

It is not irrelevant to S&W's previous response to an aggressive anti-2nd congress.

Seems S&W may have learned from the past, and I'm glad for it.

But we respect your opinion even if it's wrong.

[johngalt]

What site am I on? Seems rather strange to be condemning S&W for defending their business.

[YeshuaIsa53]

Spread this letter across the WWW.

[YeshuaIsa53]

Make certain all our leaders get multiple copies. S&W stands for the truth.

[Capt. F.]

Originally Posted by AlHunt

I think people are smart enough not to believe owning an AR raises their testosterone levels. This is just politicians looking for a scapegoat and I'm not willing to play into their hands.

Maybe the politicians should investigate themselves as the reason so many people have ARs. Political screaming about and threatening to "ban" ARs is the one and only reason I have any. I never had any interest in "black rifles", I still don't really care for them and i certainly don't enjoy shooting them.

My ARs are purely a political protest.

As is my son’s and mine. Very well said.

[Racer X]

big cities are where all the people are, and politicians can't blame all the crime on children being raised to behave like animals. Literally. Peeing and crapping where and when they want, and taking whatever they can get away with.

Telling your constituents they are causing their own problems will never get you elected or re-elected.

So they invent a boogeyman and create a common enemy. Except the boogeyman and the common enemy is their own Constitution.

[Krogen]

Originally Posted by Racer X

big cities are where all the people are, and politicians can't blame all the crime on children being raised to behave like animals. Literally. Peeing and crapping where and when they want, and taking whatever they can get away with.

Telling your constituents they are causing their own problems will never get them elected or re-elected.

So they invent a boogeyman and create a common enemy. Except the boogeyman and the common enemy is their own Constitution.

Well stated, Racer X.

[ladder13]

When I hear/read anyone leading with “I am a big supporter of the Second Amendment…..”, invariably, here comes the but/except.