Iconic Gun Maker Smith & Wesson Wants to Change Its Name

Smith & Wesson, an American gun manufacturer with roots going back to 1852, is trying to change its name to American Outdoor Brands Corp.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the company will ask its shareholders next month to approve of the name change. If it is approved, the company's handguns will still carry the name Smith & Wesson.

Currently known as Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., the company was acquired by Saf-T-Hammer Corp. in 2002.

"We believe the new name really better reflects our many brands and products and our growth strategy," a company spokesperson told the Journal.

Besides firearms, Smith & Wesson now sells hunting knives, flashlights, and equipment used for camping. It was announced last week that Smith & Wesson is purchasing Ultimate Survival Technologies Inc., which makes everything from survival kits to camping gear.

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