The Galleries
- Robert E. Petersen Collection
- Ancient Firearms - 1350 to 1700
- Road to American Liberty - 1700 to 1780
- A Prospering New Republic - 1780 to 1860
- A Nation Asunder - 1861 to 1865
- The American West - 1850 to 1900
- Innovation, Oddities and Competition
- Theodore Roosevelt and Elegant Arms - 1880s to 1920s
- World War I and Firearms Innovation
- WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Beyond - 1940 to Present
- For the Fun of It
- Modern Firearms - 1950 to Present
- Hollywood Guns
Smith and Wesson Model 1500 Rifle w Leupold scope
These collectible Japanese-manufactured rifles were discontinued by S&W after only two years. SN PN19304
1983 Smith & Wesson (U.S.) Model 1500 Bolt-Action Box Magazine Rifle (repeater/ breech-loading/ smokeless powder/ cartridge ammunition) Smith & Wesson, one of the largest handgun companies in the world, no longer makes a rifle. In 1984, the company discontinued production on all long guns, including the Model 1500 rifle. Rifles and shotguns were made for S&W by Howa Machinery, Ltd., Japan. This model's production run lasted for only two years, and it has now become a collector's item.
Too many of the guns that were produced within the last 25 years have been discontinued. The Model 1500 has a standard Mauser-type action, a walnut stock, and tapered steel barrel. Its acceptance seemed good among Americans - yet production was terminated. This model was originally sold at a discount so that it could become established in the marketplace, but this approach did not work. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #189