.380 S&W Questions

[Redcoat3340]

Reading the Standard Catalog I see S&W didn't enter the .380 caliber competition until 1995. Which kinda triggered two questions:

1. Why so late?

2. Their entries in the field are? Just the SW380? and the various iterations of the .380 Shield? Yes? (I've got a .380 EZ and it's a good gun.)

Am I missing a model? And just out of curiosity, why didn't they ever make a .32ACP, especially pre WWII....was it their focus on the revolver or does anyone speculate on other reasons?

 

[Redcoat3340]

Oops, forgot about the Bodyguard 380.

 

[VASCAR2]

Smith & Wesson introduced the SW-380 in 1994 in the Sigma Series with a polymer frame. This pistol was intended for concealed carry but was not popular and was on the market for only a short time.

 

[sigp220.45]

S&W did briefly market a .32 ACP pistol in the early 20th Century. They only made about a 1000. It didn't sell well.