Smith & Wesson Moving Headquarters to Tennessee

On September 30, one of the country’s oldest gun manufacturers, Smith & Wesson, announced that it would be moving its headquarters and some of its primary operations from Springfield , MA to Maryville, TN in 2023.

Mark Smith, President & CEO, cited proposed legislation in Massachusetts that would prohibit the company from manufacturing certain firearms in the state. He stated, "These bills would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing firearms that are legal in almost every state in America and that are safely used by tens of millions of law-abiding citizens every day exercising their Constitutional 2nd Amendment rights, protecting themselves and their families, and enjoying the shooting sports. While we are hopeful that this arbitrary and damaging legislation will be defeated in this session, these products made up over 60% of our revenue last year, and the unfortunate likelihood that such restrictions would be raised again led to a review of the best path forward for Smith & Wesson."

The key factors in the decision included the following:

• Support for the 2nd Amendment

• Business friendly environment

• Quality of life for employees

• Cost of living and affordability

• Access to higher education institutions

• Availability of qualified labor for its operations and headquarter functions

• Favorable location for efficiency of distribution

You can read more on Smith and Wesson’s move here at the official press release.

Why It’s Important To Clean Your Guns

Everyone purchases and operates firearms for different purposes. Some people’s main intent is for home defense and occasional range action. Some people shoot for sport in competition. Some people’s main focus for their firearms is for hunting. Regardless of why you shoot, it’s a fact that your firearm is considered a machine with moving parts and that it must be properly maintained. Cleaning and properly storing makes up the bulk of a firearm’s maintenance.

1. Cleaning your firearms will help you understand your firearm.

By taking it apart, you’ll have a better knowledge of how your firearm works, how often you should be cleaning it, and where it accumulates most of the dirt and fouling.

2. It increases how reliable your firearm is.

By cleaning your firearm, and removing built up dirt, fouling, lubricant, etc., you are ensuring that your firearm will perform how it was intended to. It’s essential that your firearm stay free of debris and extra lubricant. After while, excess debris and lubricant can cause your firearm to fail to fire and can cost serious repairs. It can also decrease firing precision.

3. Increase the life of your firearm.

Simple cleaning routines can go far increasing the lifespan of your firearm. A properly maintained firearm that receives cleanings will prove to last longer over time and will require less repairs. Having it cleaned and stored properly will help your firearm last generation after generation.

Before your first cleaning, be sure to consult the owner’s manual to ensure you have thorough knowledge of how to break down your firearm and put it back together. After the cleaning, be sure to function test it to ensure that everything is back in place and working properly.

The 4 Universal Rules of Firearm Safety

Firearm safety is one of those things that must stick with you at all times. It’s a responsibility of yours that if not taken seriously at all times, can cause catastrophic results. There are four universal rules that no matter where you go, no matter who you ask, they will always apply to every firearm in every scenario.

1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.

   Always assume that all guns you come in contact with are loaded. Never assume that someone has handed you an unloaded gun. Do your due diligence to visually check to make sure that the firearm you are handling is unloaded.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

   The muzzle is the front of the firearm where the bullet exits. The bullet that comes out of the firearm will destroy mostly anything that it comes in contact with, especially a human. It is your responsibility to keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Be sure to pay special attention when at the range. While shooting, keep your firearm pointed down the range towards your target and while transporting, keep your firearm pointed either up or down if not in a bag or case.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

   Firearms normally don’t shoot by themselves. Accidental discharges are usually due to negligent trigger discipline. Even while preparing to shoot, your finger should stay off the trigger (and out of the trigger guard) completely until you are 100% certain you are ready to shoot at what your firearm is aiming at.

4. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.

   Absolutely be certain of your target, first of all. And with the same confidence, be certain of everything that lies beyond your target that your bullet can hit if you miss your target or if the bullet overpenetrates your target. You are 100% responsible for every bullet that exits your gun and whatever or whomever it destroys.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the rules of firearm safety. There are always additional rules to follow and certain safety precautions that need to take place with certain guns and shooting activities.