Smith & Wesson recaptures ranking as top U.S.
August 1, 2004, 5:57 PM EDT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Strong sales of revolvers and pistols during the past year have helped Smith & Wesson recapture its ranking as the top handgun maker in the United States from Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Springfield-based Smith & Wesson had been the handgun sales leader in the early 1990s. Its rival in Southport, Conn., took the top spot after Smith & Wesson signed a safety deal with the federal government which many customers believed curtailed their constitutional right to buy guns.
But Smith & Wesson sold nearly $82 million in handguns in the fiscal year ending April 30, a 25 percent increase over the previous year, the company reported.
A spokesman for Sturm, Ruger did not dispute Smith & Wesson's claim to have recaptured the top ranking, The Republican of Springfield reported Sunday. Sturm, Ruger reported $60.2 million in handgun sales in the calendar year 2003, according to financial filings.
Sturm, Ruger remains the nation's largest maker of firearms of all types _ including rifles and shotguns _ with total firearms sales in 2003 of $130 million.
August 1, 2004, 5:57 PM EDT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Strong sales of revolvers and pistols during the past year have helped Smith & Wesson recapture its ranking as the top handgun maker in the United States from Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Springfield-based Smith & Wesson had been the handgun sales leader in the early 1990s. Its rival in Southport, Conn., took the top spot after Smith & Wesson signed a safety deal with the federal government which many customers believed curtailed their constitutional right to buy guns.
But Smith & Wesson sold nearly $82 million in handguns in the fiscal year ending April 30, a 25 percent increase over the previous year, the company reported.
A spokesman for Sturm, Ruger did not dispute Smith & Wesson's claim to have recaptured the top ranking, The Republican of Springfield reported Sunday. Sturm, Ruger reported $60.2 million in handgun sales in the calendar year 2003, according to financial filings.
Sturm, Ruger remains the nation's largest maker of firearms of all types _ including rifles and shotguns _ with total firearms sales in 2003 of $130 million.
