Smith & Wesson opens new headquarters after leaving Massachusetts over gun law proposals

Smith & Wesson opens new headquarters in Tennessee

MARYVILLE, Tenn. - Gunmaker Smith & Wesson opened its new headquarters in Tennessee this weekend after leaving Massachusetts.

The company had been based in Springfield since the 1800s. But it announced two years ago that it would move to a more gun-friendly state, citing proposed legislation in Massachusetts that would prevent them from making certain weapons.

"The unwavering support for the second amendment and our business and our industry that we feel in Tennessee at the end of the day was the absolute hands-down deal-maker for us," Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith said.

A group of protesters showed up at the opening, calling for red flag laws, background checks and a ban on assault rifles.

Neal Riley

Neal J. Riley is a digital producer for CBS Boston. He has been with WBZ-TV since 2014. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. Neal is a graduate of Boston University.