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Smith & Wesson opened its Performance Center in 1989 in order to create custom race guns, eventually expanding to a variety of guns ranging from hunting rifles to carry guns. What makes S&W Performance Center firearms unique is that although many of the firearms might contain special features that are typically found only in "one off" custom guns, the manufacturer produces them in large enough quantities to keep them affordable and available to everyone. Many Performance Center guns—like thePorted M&P Shield—originate from standard designs and are then customized and tuned for precision, while others are created from the ground up to include hand cutting and fitting. Overall, Smith & Wesson prides itself not only on its products but also its employees, with some of its workers being the third generation of their family to work for the company. Check out this segmentfrom a recent episode ofAmerican Rifleman TV to learn more about Smith & Wesson's Performance Center.
In the mid-19th century, Westley Richards, a British firm, developed a breechloading cavalry carbine that, due to its unique mechanism, earned the name "Monkey Tail" carbine.
Over the decades, aspects of the Ruger 10/22, from its magazine to its barrel design, have been adopted by other manufacturers. In response, Ruger has announced updates to keep its factory 10/22 on the top of the pile.
Donor support has enabled The NRA Foundation to award more than $500 million in grants nationwide, strengthening community safety, growing youth marksmanship programs, expanding training opportunities and preserving America’s shooting and hunting heritage.
For the 24th year, NRA Media is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards, highlighting new, innovative products offered by the firearm, ammunition, and optics industries.