SMITH & WESSON FOUND AT ROCKWALL GUN CLUB

Like Batman and Robin or the lone Ranger and Tonto, you couldn't find a better team than Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson.  These two innovators formed a partnership in 1852 called Smith & Wesson to produce some of the best firearms in American History and they are still going strong today. 

From the start, Smith & Wesson Firearms were noted for their innovative design, high quality and reliability that still continues.  The accomplishments of S & W are numerous and the contributions to the history of American firearms are vast. 

It is without a doubt that many members of Rockwall Gun Club located at 15950 State Hwy 205 in Terrell, Texas have a few of these in their gun safes or hanging on a wall.  It all started in 1852 when they decided to manufacture a firearm that can fire a fully self-contained cartridge.

This repeating pistol fired as quickly as you could operate the lever and was named “The Volcanic” as the rapid fire sequence appeared to have the force of an erupting volcano.  Then three years later they developed the Model 1 Revolver known as the Seven Shooter .22 rim fire revolver that sounded the end to percussion guns.  In the summer of 1870, the Model 3 American Revolver was built and became the first large caliber, center fire, cartridge revolver made in America and became a hit as a great gun to have on the frontier.  It was also a personal favorite of Wyatt Earp. 

Then in 1880, the dynamic duo developed the famous .38 double action revolver with three different caliber sizes and the top choice of police officers.  Following seven years later Smith & Wesson invented the .38 safety hammerless revolver and became the world’s first double action concealed hammer handgun.  In 1897, the .38 military and police revolver was introduced and everything about this handgun was innovative from the solid frame and hard ejector system to the cartridges it fired and known as the Model 10. It still is a collector item and in use for home defense.

In 1913 after years of development and testing Smith & Wesson produced its first automatic pistol that was sold for around $16.  By 1935 the famous .357 Magnum was conceived and quickly caught the attention of law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI. 

During WW11, the British bought revolvers from S&W and at the wars end over 800,000 were produced for allied troops.  After the war, S&W made the small revolver Model 36 that was designed for plainclothes and off-duty police officers and labeled the .38 Chief's Special.  Following in the 50's came the Model 39 pistol double action auto-loading gun and became the first 9mm double action ever used by law enforcement.  Also in 1955 S&W developed the famous .44 Magnum Model 29 that was available in 4,6 or 8 inch sizes.  Remember Dirty Harry? 

The other great inventions were the Model 52 pistol, Model 439 pistol, Model 52 pistol, Model 60 stainless steel handgun, and many other cherished handguns including several models of the M&P 15 rifle. Thanks to Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson, we have available some of the finest weapons ever made.

Only time will tell what the next great S&W revolver will be.

Be sure to set up an opportunity to site in or fire your favorite Smith & Wesson at the Rockwall Gun Club by calling 972.551.0470.