Handguns

Smith & Wesson has issued a strong response following a unanimous ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Mexican government, a case seen as a major legal test for the American firearms industry and the scope of Second Amendment protections.

The lawsuit, brought in a U.S. court, sought to hold Smith & Wesson and other gun manufacturers legally responsible for the criminal use of firearms in Mexico. While it was initially dismissed by a U.S. District Court in 2022, the case was revived on appeal—before being conclusively rejected by the Supreme Court in a 9–0 decision.

In a public statement, Smith & Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith called the ruling a landmark moment for the industry:

“Today’s unanimous Supreme Court decision shutting down this ridiculous lawsuit against our company represents not only a big win for Smith & Wesson, but our industry, American sovereignty and, most importantly, every American who wishes to exercise his or her Second Amendment rights.”

Smith went on to describe the lawsuit as politically motivated and part of a coordinated strategy to weaken the firearms industry through litigation.

“This suit, brought by Mexico in collaboration with U.S.-based anti-Second Amendment activist groups, was an affront to our nation’s sovereignty and a direct attack on the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”

“To all American patriots – you can rest assured that Smith & Wesson will always stand and fight for your Constitutional rights at every turn.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to set an important precedent, reinforcing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA)—a key U.S. law that shields gun manufacturers from liability related to criminal misuse of legally sold firearms.

The decision also underscores the limits of foreign legal action in challenging U.S.-based gunmakers and raises ongoing questions about the balance between international diplomacy, federal law, and Second Amendment rights.

Further legal analysis and commentary from across the U.S. firearms trade are expected in the coming weeks, as the implications of this Supreme Court victory continue to unfold.