Smith & Wesson Name Change???

[Shynloco]

Just read an article supposedly posted in today's Wall Street Journal that Smith & Wesson is seriously considering changing it's name to "American Outdoor Brands, Corp." Supposedly, the plan will be put to their shareholders for approval. Not really sure that "name" sounds enticing or like it'll sell guns, but nowadays, who knows. Also not sure if this a BS stunt or trying to sell more guns. But personally, I much prefer the sound of "Smith & Wesson." Sounds much more authentic and righteous.

Alex

 

[snert]

why not just hire a bunch of half naked girls and sell clothes? tat is what Abacrombie and Fitch did!

And just when I was considering a wheel gun....

 

[shoot4fun]

Maybe the change does two things. First, the market doesn't see you as solely a gun company stock and for, let's say a retirement fund holding that stock, would be less of a lightning rod. Secondly, and in all probability the main reason, Smith & Wesson Holding Company has been around for quite a while now and their portfolio is growing and broadening every year.
And, as it is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, don't expect the firearms manufacturing entity to change away from the name or the historic S&W "mothball" logo.

 

[joshb]

I'd like to see them try to engrave that on a pistol. Bull cookies! I wouldn't buy one.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

They are winning.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Sell S&W to someone who would value it over PC...

 

[hpshooter]

"They are winning"

An eloquent and concise summation of how far PC has take us and how the education system has breed "guilt" into several generations for pursuing traditional activities related to firearms.

 

[JRS]

It's been in the works.

S&W has purchased other companies in order to expand it's product offerings, and this year alone has purchased a survival gear manufacturer, a laser maker and a knife and toolmaker. The name change is designed to better reflect their family of brands.

 

[Alexander-M]

Excerpt from the article:

"Next month, the nation’s largest gun maker will ask shareholders to approve changing the name of its holding company to American Outdoor Brands Corp., though it will continue to use Smith & Wesson for its best-selling handguns."

(I added the bold and underline to the handguns-related text.)

Link to article:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/smith-wesson-plans-name-change-1478562387

Alex

 

[500Stroker]

They would be making a huge mistake. I was in Marketing for a fair amount of time and I would have done anything to have the Name Brand recognition that S&W has. To throw that in the dumpster and start over is really wrong.

 

[Kurz]

Nothing about this is unusual, here are the beginnings:

ATK Completes Tax-Free Spin-Off of Vista Outdoor Inc.
ATK and Orbital Sciences Corporation Complete Tax-Free, All-Stock Merger

Transactions Create Two Independent, Publicly Traded Companies Committed to Leadership in Outdoor Sports & Recreation and in Aerospace & Defense

Feb 09, 2015, 15:12 ET from ATK from ,Orbital Sciences Corporation

And Freedom Group:

What is Freedom Group?
We are the world's leading innovator, designer, manufacturer and marketer of firearms, ammunition and related products for the hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement and military markets. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of firearms and ammunition, we have some of the most globally recognized brands including Remington®, Bushmaster® Firearms, DPMS/Panther Arms™, Marlin®, H&R®, The Parker Gun™, Mountain Khakis®, Advanced Armament Corp. ®, Dakota Arms®, Para™ USA and Barnes® Bullets.
For more information download the Freedom Group Brochure.

 

[madderg]

S&W has the corner on fine handguns, especially revolvers. Any other name would muddy the waters of a firm that goes back a long, long time. Stupid marketing people have no heart. They also have a vision only as long as their wallet.

 

[savagedasher]

Big corporation scare me a lot of the money is done by the Democrats Larry

 

[JRS]

S&W has the corner on fine handguns, especially revolvers. Any other name would muddy the waters of a firm that goes back a long, long time. Stupid marketing people have no heart. They also have a vision only as long as their wallet.

The S&W logo will remain on their guns. They have been in business for more than 160 years. They know what they're doing.

 

[Eddie Harren]

http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history/Sh-St/Smith-Wesson-Corp.html

This link provides a fairly good timeline of the development of the original to the present day company.

 

[LHSmith]

How quickly we forget. In 2000 S&W entered into an agreement with Bill Clinton adding further regulations which nearly led them to bankruptcy due to the backlash and boycott by gun owners. I still boycott them. Now that they are going PC, that boycott will be lifelong. I don't let tyrants get three strikes before they are out.
After today, my hope is PC now suffers a rapid demise.

 

[yenak]

That's why I buy Freedom Arms.