Smith & Wesson is a manufacturer of firearms in the United States. The corporate headquarters is in Springfield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson's pistols and revolvers have become standard issue to police and armed forces throughout the world. They are also used by sport shooters and have been featured in numerous Hollywood movies, particularly Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry. Smith & Wesson has been known for the many types of ammunition it has introduced over the years, and many cartridges bear the company's name. The most recent data available from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms shows that in 1997 total firearms production decreased 6 percent from 1996; handgun production dropped 5 percent. Smith & Wesson's growth plan focuses on expanding its product line to include such offerings as mountain bikes and licensed clothing. read more