When we think of Smith & Wesson, we — of course — think quality firearms. However, if you’re a fan like me, you also think of memorabilia and ancillary products.
There was a time when gun company-branded knives and other equipment were often just trinkets. Some years ago, Smith & Wesson started a campaign to change that. Smith & Wesson’s current line of products is different. The company offers some quality stuff in an affordable price range. This is even more true with Smith & Wesson’s new products.
I’ve divided my favorite of these products into three categories: Utility, Collectible and Just for Giggles.
Utility
No one can deny that Smith & Wesson’s handcuffs are among the best and most enduring law enforcement restraints on the market. The Model 100 series is easily the most popular in cop work. I came to really appreciate the Model 1 (now 1-1) for exceptionally large and small arrestees.
Cops should carry knives. It should be a policy mandate, frankly. Not for fighting, because knife fighting isn’t really an everyday cop thing, but sometimes, we need to cut things as a matter of utility.
Before seatbelt cutters were commonplace among ambulance and fire crews, I helped extract no less than two folks from wrecked vehicles. I know of more than one case where officers encountered situations where they needed a blade and were forced to waste precious seconds locating a knife in the home’s kitchen because they weren’t carrying their own. Smith & Wesson offers a variety of affordable folding blade, fixed blade and assisted-opening knives. I especially like the Black OPS M.A.G.I.C assisted opening model pictured below.
Bags
I got a range bag from Smith & Wesson in 2006 when I bought my dream gun, a .44 magnum 629-6 as part of a promotion. I outgrew the bag and passed it down to a protégé. It’s a quality unit and is still performing well to this day. Smith & Wesson still offers two versions of range bags, as well as soft pistol cases, rifle cases and even a fireplace stocking to make sure you have the most tactical of holidays.
Collectibles
Tin signs
Smith & Wesson occasionally makes tin signs and other collective products like the items pictured above that belong to my friend, former editorial director of Police Marksman, and avid Smith & Wesson fan, Steve Tracy. These items inevitably become collectible. Out of the current product line, here are a few I bet will become sought-after keepsakes in the future.
This cylinder spinner is similar to the popular fidget spinner, but for the workplace. It sits on the desk and allows those who like to keep their hands busy as they scan spreadsheets. It’s a one-of-a-kind item and I can see collectors in the future scanning online auction sites for a mint-condition set that has all six “cartridges.”
I also think there might be some collector interest in tactical pens, air guns and especially, knives. I could see the Unwavered Recurve in a display case sitting on someone’s mantle handed down from generation to generation.
Just for giggles
Throwing knives/throwing cylinders
I have previously written about the importance of having hobbies that require just enough concentration to distract you from thinking about work while you are at home. I like metal detecting, off-roading and flying drones. If you’re not convinced I’m a nerd yet, know that my daughter and I have spent countless hours throwing knives and an axe in the backyard. We joked about preparing for the zombie apocalypse, but that undead tree stump we used as a target didn’t find it funny and has yet to rise up in rebellion.
Unless you’re in an action movie, you probably don’t need throwing cylinders or knives, but don’t you kinda want one or two? It’s pretty easy to make the leap that buying throwing knives and stars is an investment in officer wellness. At least, that is what I told my wife.
Not just guns
When you think of Smith & Wesson, think past their centuries-old legacy of building firearms. Think also of branded gear for utility, collectability and — yes — sometimes just for giggles. These purchases might be considered an indulgence, but don’t we deserve that now and then?
