http://www.nraila.org/grassroots/20000728-HandGuns-001.shtml
S&W SELLOUT SAGA CONTINUES
While Congress wrestles with defusing the timebomb created by the Smith & Wesson Sellout, the
British-owned gun maker that brokered the landmark cave-in to anti-gun extremists continues to
make news. Recent reports that S&W was forced to close two manufacturing plants for the month of
July (see FAX Alert Vol. 7, No. 24) have led many to speculate that the gun maker is facing serious
financial hardship due to the negative reaction from potential customers who feel S&W has been
colluding with enemies of the Second Amendment. Perhaps in an attempt to bolster its sagging
bottom line,
S&W recently unveiled a new "Summer Savings Promotion," offering customers a $50 rebate on every
new S&W handgun they buy between July 15 and August 31. To motivate the sales staff of its
stocking dealers, S&W is dangling a $10 cash bonus for every gun they sell, and there lies the rub.
Quoting from a S&W letter to its dealers: "Sales Personnel will need to keep track of their sales on
the attached claim form. All requested information must be completed. They will also need to attach a
copy of the ATF Form 4473 for each sale." (Emphasis added) Fair warning -- this is the same
company that agreed to furnish the Clinton-Gore Administration "full access to any documents related
to the acquisition and disposition of firearms," as one of the terms of its surrender. Even if this
promotion fails to revive what seems to be a company that is rapidly losing potential customers, the
parent company is probably not too worried.
Tomkins PLC, the British corporation that owns S&W, is looking to get rid of the beleaguered gun
manufacturer. According to the Wall Street Journal Online, Tomkins' chief executive Greg Hutchings
confirmed that S&W was up for sale, although he said no potential buyers had been contacted.
S&W SELLOUT SAGA CONTINUES
While Congress wrestles with defusing the timebomb created by the Smith & Wesson Sellout, the
British-owned gun maker that brokered the landmark cave-in to anti-gun extremists continues to
make news. Recent reports that S&W was forced to close two manufacturing plants for the month of
July (see FAX Alert Vol. 7, No. 24) have led many to speculate that the gun maker is facing serious
financial hardship due to the negative reaction from potential customers who feel S&W has been
colluding with enemies of the Second Amendment. Perhaps in an attempt to bolster its sagging
bottom line,
S&W recently unveiled a new "Summer Savings Promotion," offering customers a $50 rebate on every
new S&W handgun they buy between July 15 and August 31. To motivate the sales staff of its
stocking dealers, S&W is dangling a $10 cash bonus for every gun they sell, and there lies the rub.
Quoting from a S&W letter to its dealers: "Sales Personnel will need to keep track of their sales on
the attached claim form. All requested information must be completed. They will also need to attach a
copy of the ATF Form 4473 for each sale." (Emphasis added) Fair warning -- this is the same
company that agreed to furnish the Clinton-Gore Administration "full access to any documents related
to the acquisition and disposition of firearms," as one of the terms of its surrender. Even if this
promotion fails to revive what seems to be a company that is rapidly losing potential customers, the
parent company is probably not too worried.
Tomkins PLC, the British corporation that owns S&W, is looking to get rid of the beleaguered gun
manufacturer. According to the Wall Street Journal Online, Tomkins' chief executive Greg Hutchings
confirmed that S&W was up for sale, although he said no potential buyers had been contacted.