My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

Figure 14-2
A dummy round was made with “O” rings and a muzzle cap was added to
keep water out of the barrel as these pistols had to be carried while
submerged under water on some missions. I also designed a rear sight with
raised sides to protect the sight; the rear sight was made high enough to
sight over the suppressor when it was attached. I later redesign this sight for
a lower pro le to be used on a conventional pistol. I was issued a patent for
its design in 1974.  
I decided to show the 14-round prototype gun to the SEALs for their
evaluation; it got their attention and they requested samples. We fabricated
two samples from scratch; they were serial numbers T-1213 and T-1214.

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These were standard alloy frame pistols. The Navy had indicated that the
alloy frame pistol did not stand up well under the harsh conditions to which
they were subjected, such as saltwater, humidity, sand and other foreign
matter. The SEALs asked if we could somehow resolve this problem.  
My answer was to fabricate all major parts, small parts and all springs using
100 percent stainless steel. The grips were to be made of plastic panels. This
approach was accepted and we fabricated 16 stainless steel pistols (Figure
16-3). They were serial numbers T-1215 to T-1230 and were completed in June
of 1969.

Figure 14-3: Modi ed Model 39 with "Hush Puppy" suppressor.
While working on the stainless steel guns, I decided to try another
alternative to the aluminum alloy, which was to make the frames out of
plastic. I purchased two blocks of nylon and instructed one of my model
makers to machine them to the shape of the Model 39 frame forging. I then
asked the pistol frame foreman to run them through the production line for
me.

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My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

He took the initiative to hand carry them through the line and in about
three hours, handed me the nished frames. I then took them to pistol
assembly and had them assembled as standard Model 39s. When they were
ready, we took them to the range and red about 1,000 rounds, all without
incident.  
In those days, the selection of plastic materials that were available was
somewhat limited. Precision plastic molds were still very expensive. Weight
was not a factor as there was little difference between plastic and aluminum
alloy weight, so it was decided not to continue to pursue the plastic concept
at that time. I do have the satisfaction of knowing that we had a functional
plastic frame, quite a while before one would be introduced commercially.  
Smith & Wesson decided, however, to expand its pistol product line to
include the 14 round, aluminum frame version. This pistol would be the
Model 59 and was introduced in June of 1971. It might be said, “And the rest is
history…”

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Chapter 15: The Model 76 Submachine Gun

The Model 76 submachine gun story started in April of 1966 when I received
a call from our Washington D. C. sales representative. He informed me that
he had a request from the Navy Department to see if Smith & Wesson would
be interested in designing and producing a 9mm submachine gun.  

The U.S. Navy had the need for a submachine gun for their SEAL special
operations team in Vietnam. The SEALs' weapon of choice was the Swedish
K―a well-made and reliable submachine gun. Because Sweden was a
neutral country, a problem arose; they objected to their product being used
in a war zone. Therefore, the supply of the Swedish K to the U.S. Navy was cut
off, which meant they had to nd another submachine gun to take its place.
 

We made plans to meet with the Seal Team in Coronado, California to
discuss their basic requirements. Since there were no of cial standards to
meet, it allowed me more exibility in the design process. The following is a
“wish list” that resulted from that meeting:

 Urgent need;
 Reliability;
R  ugged;
 Selective Fire: safe—semi-automatic—full automatic;
C  ost effective;
 Ease of maintenance: disassembly—cleaning―reassembly;
 Magazine capacity of 36 rounds; and
 Cyclic rate between 600 and 800 rounds per minute preferred.

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As soon as I returned from Coronado, there was an authorization on my desk
to start the project at once. They also had already issued “76” as the model
number for project control. I was told that since this was neither a revolver
nor a pistol, they issued it a high number. Other than that, there was no
other particular reason for this number.  

I wanted to honor the SEALs' request and give them a gun that resembled
and handled like the Gustav M-45, but not be a direct copy. I decided to go
with a heavy wall, seamless steel tubing as the receiver, which would create
a strong base onto which parts would be permanently welded. These parts
turned out to be the barrel retainer, the grip block, trigger housing block,
magazine housing, front and rear sights, ejector and sling loops.  

Punch press and formed parts were to be very important to this design's
success. I was very fortunate to have a vendor less than three miles away
from our plant, that specialized in this type of fabrication. They were doing
work for Smith & Wesson and we had a very good relationship with them;
they assured us of their full cooperation. They were true to their word and
stayed with us through all of the prototype work and for the years of
production that followed. 
 
By November of 1966 the rst prototype, X-185 was fabricated (Figure 15-1). It
had a straight-sided magazine housing, which was machined from a solid
piece of steel, no front or rear sights, a plain straight plastic grip, no barrel nut
lock and no barrel shroud.

Figure 15-1: X-185 Prototype.

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I remember in late November 1966 my assistant and I took the prototype
gun to the range to shoot it for the rst time. I put the magazine in, put the
gun on semi-automatic and red the rst shot—no problem. I then
continued shooting on semi-automatic until the magazine was empty―still,
no problems! I inserted another magazine, put it on full automatic and
pulled the trigger emptying the magazine in a few seconds. What a thrill! My
assistant then took his turn shooting. I don't need to tell you what he and I
spent the rest of the afternoon doing...  

The gun was always going to have a barrel shroud, but since it had little
bearing on the design and development of the gun, it had a low priority for
designing and tooling. That is why some of the submachine guns in pictures
taken early on do not have a shroud.  

When the rst “T” submachine guns were ready for shipping, the shroud
tooling was not ready for production, so, we fabricated some from thin wall
tubing. That is why some Model 76s are found without the weld line. I do not
recall how many of these tubing shrouds where fabricated before the
production shrouds were ready, however, it was only a very few. Some
production “U” serial number guns, however, will have the non-welded
shroud. The X-185 prototype was used for initial function testing. By January
of 1967, four more sub-machine guns were completed, they were: X-186; X-
187; X-188; and X-189.  

A folding stock was installed and temporary sights were added to develop
dimensions for the nal sight design. This con guration (Figure 15-2) was
gun number X-186.

Figure 15-2: Prototype Model X-186 Submachine Gun.

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Since cost containment was a factor, any unnecessary machining had to be
carefully considered. One issue we encountered was whether to key the
barrel or not. To key the barrel would require extra machining of the barrel
and the barrel retainer. Indexing of the barrel had nothing to do with barrel
accuracy but rather impact position.  

We ran tests rotating the barrel to different positions and found no
measurable change in our impact point. Because there would be no front
sight on the barrel, the decision was made not to key the barrel into position.
 

Early in the project, we used slightly modi ed Gustav M-45 magazines until
ours were ready. Our magazine design was the same as the M-45's, except
for a few minor changes we made. We only used the magazines we had
designed for the major testing that we did on the gun.  

Extensive testing was conducted with a variety of ammunition for function,
accuracy and reliability. Initial tests indicated that the design was acceptable
and only minor changes were needed. One change made was to the barrel
nut retainer, which was ineffective, so it was redesigned to a good positive
lock. We also added long broached grooves to the receivers inside to provide
clearance for sand, dirt and other foreign matter.  

A lot was going on at the same time; drawings were being generated,
xtures and gages were being made and orders being issued for vendor

parts. It was a monumental task to coordinate all these efforts, but we
managed to get them done.  

By May of 1967, we nished the rst 10 “T” or “Tool-room” guns. They were T-
1111 through T-1120; the “T” pre x indicates that they are made to production
dimensions, however, made in the Tool Room, not on the factory production
line.

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We did the same tests on the "T" guns as were done on the “X” guns. The “T”
gun tests showed occasional failure to feed, which had not happened before.
The problem was traced to the magazine housing, which had been
machined to tighter tolerances than the production punched and folded
parts. 

This allowed the magazine to have a greater front to rear motion, sometimes
allowing the magazine to tip downward, depending upon the shooter's grip,
thus preventing the cartridge from feeding properly.  

The problem was resolved by the addition of a "U”-shaped spacer (Figure 15-
3) in the magazine housing. Doing this resulted in a proper t for the
magazine. The magazine housing should never be altered in any way to
accept a non-Smith & Wesson magazine.

 Figure 15-3: U-shaped spacer in Figure 15‑4: Close-up View of U-shaped  
the magazine housing. spacer in Model 76 magazine housing.

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Another design variation that can be found is made with an aluminum
receiver. One prototype X-188 was fabricated with an aluminum receiver and
its welded attachments. This was the answer to a request for the lightest
possible gun. We were issued another order for nine more of the same
aluminum prototypes; they were X-210 to X-218.  

We did not get any feedback about these guns and no further interest was
shown for this variation. Most of these guns were never completed and
remain as receivers only. Two more “X” guns were modi ed for the caseless
cartridge program; they were X-186 and X-219.  

The trigger pull on all the “X” and “T” guns averaged 12¼ pounds, with two
guns that recorded 13¼ pounds. The SEALs indicated that they did not want
a trigger pull that was too light and that they were satis ed with this range.
The production guns were to be accepted at 12- to 13¼-pounds of trigger
pull or they were to be rejected and repaired.  

In 1997, I was asked to come in the plant to inspect some Model 76s that
were still in the company’s gun vault. I found some “X” guns, some “T” guns
and 56 production model “U” serial number guns.  

My review showed that all of the “X” (experimental) and “T” (Tool Room) sub-
machine guns had an average trigger pull of 12¼ pounds, while the “U”
(production) sub-machine guns all had a 15-pound trigger pull.  

It is my belief that these guns had been rejected during nal inspection, but
somehow had never been repaired. I disassembled six “T” (Tool Room guns)
and six “U” (production) sub-machine guns to see if I could nd a reason for
the heavy trigger pull.

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It appeared to me that the sear notch in the “U” sub-machine guns were
considerably deeper than the “T” guns. This would de nitely contribute to
the heavy trigger pull. Because it had been 21 years after the Model 76 was
discontinued, I did not have access to production blueprints, so, I could not
verify my suspicions; my assumption was made strictly from observations I
made of the sear notch.  

I have no knowledge of how these guns were disposed of, but if they were
put on the market and sold on an as-is basis; that could account for some 15-
pound trigger pulls showing up. Smith & Wesson had leased a
manufacturing facility on Stevens Street just one mile from the Smith &
Wesson main gate. It was part of the old Westinghouse Plant, which had
closed several years earlier.  

Some parts were machined at the main plant, however, most of the work,
such as welding and assembly was done at the Stevens Street location. The

nished gun was then taken from the Stevens Street plant back to the
main plant for nal inspection, function shooting and shipping. In all, there
were 123 Model 76 submachine guns produced by the Research and
Development Department between November of 1966 and August of 1979.   

Below is a list of these weapons and their completion dates and number
produced:

X-185 November 1966           1
X-186 to X-189 January 1967                    4
X-210 to X-219 October 1967              10

T-1111 to T-1120 May 1967                      10
T-1121 to T-1212 June 1969                     91
T-1232 to T-1237 April 1971                      4
T X-332 to TX-334 August 1979                   3

Total Produced:                                             123

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The SEALs also requested a limited number of suppressors for the Model 76.
These suppressors were to be used under certain situations to reduce the
gun's sound and hide the ash so there would be no point of reference for
return re. Being an open bolt system, some sound would always be
emitted, but the muzzle ash could be eliminated.  
I designed the suppressor as a complete barrel unit so it would be easily
interchangeable with the regular barrel on any Model 76. Although it would
be used on an open bolt system, we tested it on a closed system to ensure
the integrity of the design. X-185 was altered to a closed breach for this
development. The suppressor proved to be very effective and I was issued
patent Number 3,713,362 in January of 1973 (Figure 15-5).

Figure 15-5: Cut-away view of the Model 76 suppressor.

Figure 15-5: Suppressor cutaway view

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The Model 76 was released for standard production (Figures 15-6 and 15-7) in
June of 1968. The gun's serial number was given a “U” pre x, starting at “U-
101” and going up to “U-6100.” By this time, I was traveling around the
country giving demonstrations of the Model 76.

Figures 15-6 and 15-7: Model 76 production issue.

I purchased a slightly oversize briefcase and then customized it to carry two
Model 76s submachine guns and four magazines. It looked like any other
briefcase when packed—of course, I never carried any ammunition with me!
Air travel was simpler in those days. I would inform check-in that I was
carrying rearms in my briefcase. At this point, the captain would be called
and he would come and escort me to a private area to inspect the guns,
check my credentials and ask me a few questions.  
The airplane’s captain would then take the briefcase and have me follow him
to the plane. My briefcase was kept on the ight deck with him and I would
take my assigned seat in the cabin of the airplane.  
When we reached our destination, the captain would escort me to baggage
claim and hand me my briefcase. There were also ights where security
would take the briefcase from me when I checked in for the ight―not to
be seen again until it was handed back to me at my nal destination. I still
have the briefcase but these days, it only carries business papers.

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The Model 76 received favorable reviews from both the military and police
but the demand for this type of weapon was limited, so, Smith & Wesson
decided to stop production of the Model 76 in July of 1974.

Figure 15‑8: The author shooting the rst "T” Model 76 in 1967.

Figure 15‑9: The author shooting the Model 76 in 2012.

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Chapter 16: The Mercox Dart Gun

In 1966, we were approached by the Mercox Company of California to
develop a handgun to launch a dart system that they had developed. Darts
were of the same external con guration shown in (Figure 16-1).  
The darts could, however, be loaded with tear gas, an animal control syringe,
dye markers, a high explosive or left empty to be used for training. After
reviewing the request, Smith & Wesson decided to accept the project.

Figure 16-1: Mercox dart diagram.
I chose the K-22 Revolver as a platform and designed a valve with three
control settings: low; medium; and high to replace the revolver barrel. The
cylinder was chambered to only accept a .22-caliber blank cartridge. The gas
from the blank would enter the valve and was then channeled to the dart
tube mounted on top of the frame (Figure 16-2).  
The gas would enter the tube behind the dart and the dart would be
launched out of the tube. The distance that the dart would travel was
controlled by the valve setting.

Figure 16-2: Mercox Dart gun.

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The contract called for 25 units to be made, but only about 18 were delivered
before the contract was canceled. The frames were standard production
except the cylinder chambers and have standard serial numbers for the
model. Custom parts were made by and the units assembled by the
Research and Development Model Shop.

Figure 16-3: Mercox Dart gun (Image courtesy of www.gunauction.com)

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Chapter 17: One-of-a-Kind Projects

Model 41 .22 Long Ri e conversion

Over the years, I received many requests for a design, which for one reason
or another, never went beyond a one-of-a-kind prototype. What follows are
the design requests I received during my tenure as Director of Research and
Development.  
Possibly the most unusual request that our Marketing Department sent me
was to make the Model 41 pistol into a ri e. They wanted to be able to
remove the barrel from the Model 41 and lock its frame assembly into a ri e.
To me this was not a reasonable approach since the Model 41 was a top-of-
the-line pistol and much too costly to use as a ri e conversion, but ask you
shall receive. The result was a nice looking .22 Long Ri e conversion (Figures
17-1 and 17-2). After the cost of such a con guration was analyzed, it was
decided, and wisely so, not to go any further with the idea.

Figure 17-1: Single shot .22-caliber Model 41 pistol long ri e conversion.

Figure 17-2: Single shot .22-caliber Model 41 pistol long ri e conversion.

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Single Shot .22-Caliber Pistol

Our Marketing Department felt that there might be a revival of slow re
target shooting. Therefore, they asked me to come up with a single shot .22-
caliber pistol similar to the third model perfected, the target pistol of 1909,
only a bit larger. I chose the K-22 frame design as a starting point; with some
minor design changes, along with using the sight from the Model 52, the
prototype, X-181 (Figure 17-3), was completed in 1961.  
Our Marketing Department soon realized that paper punching had
somewhat lost its appeal and had turned to action shooting, so, this project
never went beyond this one-of-a-kind pistol.

Figure 17-3: Single Shot .22-Caliber Pistol

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CO2 Revolver

It was 1965 when Smith & Wesson began to show interest in CO2 powered
handguns, so, I was asked to investigate the feasibility of producing a CO2
revolver. The thought was that one could shoot for fun or the challenge of
marksmanship without the restrictions of conventional rearms, such as the
need for a license and registration and the high cost of ammunition. The
result was a CO2 revolver, which was a mirror image of the Model 15 K-38
“Combat Masterpiece” (Figure 17-4).

Figure 17-4: Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece" which was copied for the CO2
revolver design. There are no surviving photos of the CO2 prototype.

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Olympic Rapid-Fire Pistol

This Model 41 .22 Short pistol, which was highly modi ed for Olympic rapid-
re matches, was the result of Smith & Wesson's ongoing support for

Olympic pistol shooting. The barrel is ported along its full length. The holes
are threatened so they can be blocked if desired, and it has a muzzle brake
and adjustable weights. The sight line has been lowered as much as possible
and the Model 52 rear sight has been used yet again.  
Marked serial number “X-25725,” this pistol was taken from a lot of about
1,000 Model 41 Short pistols produced between 1960 and 1973. This pistol
was assigned “Model 50” by the Marketing Department and was stamped as
such.  
When it was decided that this was not going to be a production model, the
model number “50” was reassigned to the 38 Chief's Special target revolver,
which itself was discontinued in 1975. There are no records to indicate how
this concept was received and the pistol was returned to the Research and
Development Department.

Figure 17-5: Model 41 .22 Short pistol, modi ed for Olympic rapid- re matches.

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Olympic “Upside-Down” Single Shot

Our Marketing Department had learned that the Russian shooters had
exhibited a new single shot pistol for the Olympic slow re matches, calling
it among other things, the “upside down” gun.

Figure 17-6: Olympic “Upside-Down” Single Shot
The barrel sat low in the shooter’s hand; the idea was to have recoil along a
straight line with the shooter’s arm. Since it was slow re, single shot recoil
was not really a factor. I could see no real value in this approach, still, the
Marketing Department issued a Work Order and the result was this unusual
design shown below. Again, notice the use of the Model 52 rear sight.  
Needless to say, this pistol received some interesting comments. However,
by the time the gun was completed, we understood that this style pistol’s
use had been banned by the Olympic Committee.

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Chapter 18: My First Retirement

My wife, Nancy, was an avid and talented knitter; she decided she wanted to
turn her hobby into a business and wanted to open a yarn shop. In 1964,
with my support, she opened a small yarn shop in an approximately 600
square foot store.  

The business grew quickly and by 1969, we opened a 4,000 square foot store
in a high-traf c shopping area. The shop now featured yarn, needlepoint, a
complete line of fabric and a full line of related accessories. We also added an
exclusive dealership for a top line of sewing machines.  

We now had eight employees and the business had grown to six gures
annually; the time had come for the addition of a general manager. My wife
suggested that I retire from Smith & Wesson and help her run the business.  
After giving it a lot of thought, I decide to support her, make this change in
my life and join the business full time. It was July of 1970 when I left Smith &
Wesson. All our projects were completed and I had a very competent
assistant, therefore, I was satis ed that I was leaving at a good time and the
department was being left in capable hands.  

Things went well and the business continued to grow rapidly. I added a
custom framing department to handle request for mounting and framing
customers’ needlework; this developed into a full-service framing division of
the store.

I received numerous requests for stitchery and needlepoint frames, which
needle crafters used to hold the canvas while it was being worked on. To
meet the demand, I designed a series of adjustable wooden frames for
working these crafts and I started another business to manufacture these
frames. This business grew to six employees and we sold our products
throughout the Northeastern United States.

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Even with all this activity going on, I was bored and I missed what I liked
best─the gun business. And here is where fate stepped in and changed my
life once again. One day after I nished a round of golf, I stopped in to the
“19th hole” for a cool one; here, I ran into an old friend; it was the heat treat
foreman at Smith & Wesson. We talked about our golf games, family and of
course, Smith & Wesson. He said, “We’re really busy at the shop, ever think
you might come back?”  I said, “Yes, the thought had passed my mind.” The
conversation continued and we moved on to other subjects.  

The next morning, I received a call from an old friend─ the manager of
engineering. He said he had heard that I might consider coming back to
work for the company. Before I could answer he said, “I have a project
involving the Model 41 that is perfect for you.”  

This grabbed my attention and I asked him for more information about the
project. He gave me more details and I decided to take him up on his offer
and go back to Smith & Wesson. I arranged to go in the next day and ll out
the necessary paperwork. This was on a Tuesday and I was to start the
following Monday.  

Because the Model 41 project was to be under the control of the
Engineering Department, I signed on as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer.
The following week, I retired from my position at the yarn shop and sold the
woodworking business to one of my vendors who had been asking to buy it
for some time. This freed me of any outside business activity and I would be
able to give my position at Smith & Wesson my undivided attention.

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Chapter 19: I'm Back

I was back; settled in at my desk and ready to go. My rst project was the
Model 41 that I had discussed before coming back. Our Marketing
Department had requested that the Engineering Department evaluate the
Model 41 and make some changes to keep its production costs in check.  
Let us now go back in time to 1958 when the same request was made for a
“no-frills” Model 41 to be developed for the military pistol teams. We needed
to keep the cost down so we would be competitive in bidding. The concept
was complete and the no-frills version of a Model 41 was introduced to the
market in 1959 as the Model 46.  
Two features that contributed most to cost reduction were:

1. Elimination of muzzle brake; and
2. Elimination of the hammer cocked indicator.

Over time, it had been observed that many shooters had removed the
muzzle brake from their pistols. One reason was that lead could build up on
the inside, which could affect the accuracy if it was not cleaned regularly.
Therefore, the option was to leave it off since accuracy was the same with or
without the muzzle brake. This had been veri ed in many accuracy tests
that we had performed over the years.

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A muzzle cap was offered to replace the original muzzle brake so the
shooter’s barrel would have a more nished appearance (Figure 19-1).

Figure 19-1: Field muzzle break removal by shooters.

The need for the hammer cocked indicator had been questioned for a long
time. Because the pistol is a single-action, in the event of a mis re, the
hammer would be down. Then, to clear the mis re, one would have to pull
the slide back, which would cock the hammer. I have personally never talked
to a shooter who ever used this feature. It maybe argumentative but in my
opinion I do not feel this feature was necessary.  
The decision was made to make these changes. My job now was to
incorporate them into production. Since the Model 41 had been in
production for 20 years, I was asked to check all xtures, gauges and tooling
for wear and tear and make any repairs or upgrades if needed.  
The operation sheets had to be checked and brought up to date at the
same time. This was a big task. I give a lot of credit for the full cooperation
that I received from Manufacturing, Engineering, Tool Design and many
other individuals. This revised Model 41 was introduced in 1978

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Chapter 20: Project XR-357

The next project to come along had been requested by the plant manager;
it was called “Project XR-357,” which stood for “Experimental Revolver .357-
caliber.” This was not going to be a one-man project. A young engineer was
assigned to co-manage the project with me. He and I knew each other and
got along very well. He was a recent engineering graduate and a smart
young man.  
The assignment was to develop a .357 Magnum revolver. We were to explore
new methods and materials that would produce parts to near nish
con guration with a minimum of machining and to assemble or selective
assemble rather than t. We were not going to change the basic Smith &
Wesson design, but rather how it might be fabricated.  
Each part was evaluated to decide what process would be applied to it. The
frame was to be the rst order of business. We wanted to make the barrel
part of the frame. We chose powdered metal as our process.  
My project partner investigated an experimental process, powdered metal
forging, which would yield a very high-density material with good detail and
dimensional accuracy.  The result was a frame, with barrel (Figure 20-1 on
following page) that required a minimum of secondary operations, the most
important being drilling and ri ing the bore; there was no barrel sleeve.

Figure 20-1: Project XR-357 frame.

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The side plate and the bolster (Figure 20-2) were separate pieces and were
made of high-density powdered metal. When being assembled, each piece
locked into the preceding part.

Figure 20-2: Side plate and bolster.
When the side plate and bolster were assembled, the yoke and cylinder
assembly (Figure 20-3) was installed.

Figure 20-3: XR-357 cylinder.
The lock work receiver (Figure 20-4) was then installed in the frame.

Figure 20-4: X-357 lock work receiver .

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The cylinder was the only major part that we fabricated using regular
production methods. We did try some high density powdered metal, but
decided that because of the high pressures exerted in the .357 Magnum, it
was not a practical approach. 
We felt that if had the gun used a .38 Special round, there would have been
no problem using powdered metal because of the lower pressure it exerted
and so, we could have made a near nished cylinder out of powdered metal.
 
The small parts, such as the hammer, trigger and sear were made from
powdered metal. Pins were conventional screw machine parts and springs
were coil.  
We completed parts for 30 revolvers and conducted many tests for accuracy,
wear, function, ease of assembly, as well as interchangeability of its parts.
There was never any intent to produce this revolver. As explained earlier, it
was strictly a research project and was completed in mid-1979. 
The nished prototype is shown in Figure 20-5 below.

Figure 20-5: Completed X-357 prototype.

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Chapter 21: The "Mini-gun"

My old department, Research and Development, had been reorganized and
was now called "Product Engineering." I was asked if I would consider joining
the department as a Senior Product Engineer to head up another project,
which was to be called the “Mini-gun.” The Model 39 was being customized
by independent gunsmiths to become a very compact pistol and the
Marketing Department decided to get into the marketplace with a
production compact 9 mm pistol based on the Model 39.  
This was not to be a one-person project, so, my partner from the XR-357
project joined me. The changes needed were obvious to us. We had to
shorten the slide, barrel and grip, bob the hammer and reshape the trigger
guard for a nger grip. We also had a hook on the magazine to ensure a
better grip with the shortened frame. Most of the work came when we were
re-timing the action because of the shortened barrel and the barrel and slide
weight loss. A new recoil spring had to be developed to accommodate these
changes. 
My partner took on this challenge and developed a special material spring
that did the job most ef ciently. I decided to do a modi ed version of the
Model 52 spherical ball. I installed a xed bushing in the slide, which was roll
burnished into the slide and sized to a very tight tolerance at the same time.
Figure 21-1 on the following shows this design.

Figure 21-1: Mini-gun with modi ed Model 52 spherical ball.

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The rst prototype we completed was a modi ed Model 39. A few of these
were produced as the Model 449.  
We quickly decided to take advantage of the “double stack” magazine of the
Model 459. With the thin plastic grips, the wide frame was still comfortable
to grip; we now had an extra capacity “Mini-gun.”  
We made the slide stop and the manual safety levers thinner and removed
all sharp edges. The rear sight was rounded and smooth with a white outline
and a yellow insert put in the front sight for easier pickup in low-light
situations.  
The pistol was introduced in 1983 as the Model 469 and was the rst of the
line of Smith & Wesson compact pistols.

Figure 21-2: Model 469 production model.

After signing off on the Mini-Gun project, the work assignments were
becoming more and more routine and there were no large projects on the
horizon. Having been associated with the company for 45 years, I decided
that at the age of 62, it was time for me to go. On October 1, 1987, I retired—
again. But my journey was not over yet…

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Chapter 22: Me and the Museum

In June of 2005, Smith & Wesson opened a museum at their headquarters in
Spring eld, Massachusetts. The museum was open to groups by
appointment only, but due to growing interest, the decision was made in
June of 2006 to open it to the public three days a week: Tuesday; Thursday;
and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Early in June, I received a phone call from the company’s events director
asking me if I would consider taking the position of museum host on the
days that the museum was open to the public. He and I and worked
together in the past so he knew my quali cations and thought I would be
good for the position. I could not think of any reason not to so I told him,
“Okay.”  

The company announced that Tuesday, June 20, 2006 was to be the rst
public day, so that was when I was to start. I was not sure how I was going to
handle it. I decided to rst observe my guests for a few days and then
formulate a plan.  

It was immediately obvious that I was going to have to put together a verbal
presentation because the visitors were not taking time to read the
descriptive cards; most visitors spent about 15 minutes in the museum and
left.  

It took me a couple of days to put my presentation together; and after a few
dry runs, I was ready to try it on my next visitors. I started with a welcome,
introduced myself and invited any questions as we moved through the
exhibits. I would then ask them to step to the rst display where I started
with the Volcanic pistol. I would then guide them, step-by-step, through
each of the remaining exhibits.

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Now, the average time for a visit was 45 minutes—sometimes longer
depending upon their level of interest and how many questions I might
have to answer. As time went on, I kept adjusting my talk to keep it
interesting; I feel my guests went away satis ed with their visit.  
Four years had passed; I had met several thousand people from all 50 states,
from all around the world and from all walks of life. It was the rst week of
June 2010, I had just nished with some guests; I went to my of ce in the
museum and for some reason, I started to think about where I was in life.  
I was 85 years old and was giving up three days a week working. At that
moment, I made the decision that those three days were going to be for me
to do whatever I wanted. With this in mind, I sent the following memo to the
Personnel Of ce: “Please be advised that I am resigning my position with
Smith & Wesson Inc. effective July 1, 2010.”  
My lifetime journey with Smith & Wesson was over...

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Epilogue by Dean W. Charron (Son)

After leaving the museum, my Dad started slowing down. An avid and
scratch golfer, he played his last round and put away his clubs for good. A
lifelong health fanatic, he remained in good health for a number of years
after he retired. My Dad was extremely dedicated to his family and was able
to see his grandson and granddaughter grow into adulthood. 

I moved to Greenville, Maine in 2016; before that, I had stayed at my parents'
home in Spring eld, Massachusetts as my mother suffered from dementia
and needed constant care. My Dad and I had a lot of fun times during my
stay and we created many lasting memories. 

After I moved to Maine, my older sister Pam took over their care. My mother
passed away in 2017. After I moved, my Dad and I talked on the phone a
couple times a week;  I also traveled to Spring eld from time-to-time to visit
with him. He and I would also meet online and play long distance games of
Scrabble several times a week.

On the morning of January 16, 2019, my Dad called me just to tell me that he
loved me. Little did I know, that would be the last time we spoke. My father
passed away peacefully late that evening at the age of 93, just four months
short of his 94th birthday--his amazing life journey had nally come to an
end.
I am honored to have known him and call him my father, a man of the
Greatest Generation, I miss him greatly and I think of him every day of my
life. I leave you with my father's favorite poem...

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“The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the
power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early
hour.  
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed, To lose one's health is
more, To lose one's soul is such a loss That no man can
restore.  
The present only is our own, So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in "Tomorrow," For the Clock may then be
still.”

— Robert H. Smith

This E-Book is distributed free-0f-charge. If you would like to honor my
father's work and memory, consider making a small donation to the Smith &
Wesson Historical Society in his name.
Their address is: 
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation 
PO Box 1494  
Great Bend, KS 67530
http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com
[email protected]

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Addendum: Patents Held by Dwayne W. Charron

U.S. Patent #3136084: 
Gas Cutting Prevention in Revolver Firearms

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My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

U.S. Patent #3152418: 
Single or Double Action Firearm

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My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

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My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

U.S. Patent #3158064: 
"Ball Bushing" Used in Model 52 Pistol

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My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

U.S. Patent #3662469: 
Gun Sight

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My Life Journey with Smith & Wesson

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U.S. Patent #3,713,352: 
Silencer (a.k.a. Suppressor)

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U.S. Patent #4,549,565: 
Slide Stop Plate Assembly for a Handgun

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