Smith Enterprise, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Firearms manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Western Ordnance |
| Founded | 1979 in Mesa, Arizona, United States |
| Founder | Ron Smith |
| Headquarters | Tempe , United States |
Area served | United States, international (including Colombia and Canada) |
Key people | Ron Smith, Sonja Sommers |
| Products | Firearms, flash suppressors, muzzle brakes, sound suppressors, M14 rifles, scope rings and mounts, armorers wrenches |
| Owner | Ron Smith and Sonja Sommers |
Number of employees | 20 (2013) |
Smith Enterprise Inc. (SEI) is a manufacturer of firearms and related accessories based in Tempe, Arizona. The company specializes in producing flash suppressors, muzzle brakes, sound suppressors, and M14 rifles along with various complementary components. Established in 1979 by Ron Smith under the name Western Ordnance in Mesa, Arizona, the firm initially focused on crafting a range of rifles with particular attention to M1 Garand and M14 models. In 1993, Ron Smith reorganized the enterprise as Smith Enterprise and relocated its headquarters to Tempe.
Smith Enterprise has played a pivotal role in upgrading the M14 rifle for U.S. military contracts, notably contributing to the US Navy's Mark 14 Mod 0 rifle project, which has strengthened its position within the defense sector. The company’s approach centers on advancing firearms technology while fostering robust partnerships with military clients.
In 2013, Smith Enterprise took a public stance against gun control laws by declining sales to government entities in states enforcing stringent firearm regulations. This decision coincided with a surge in demand and production, effectively doubling sales amid legislative changes and increased visibility through social media channels. Employing around 20 staff members, Smith Enterprise remains under private ownership by Ron Smith and Sonja Sommers, continuing to concentrate on specialized segments of the arms market while capitalizing on its reputation for excellence and strategic management.
Vortex Flash Hider
The Vortex Flash Hider, manufactured by Smith Enterprise, is widely regarded as one of the top-performing flash suppressors designed for AR-15 rifles, delivering effectiveness nearing that of a sound suppressor. It weighs approximately 3 ounces, has a length of 2.25 inches, and installs without requiring a lock washer.
Originating in 1984 and patented in 1995, the Vortex incorporates a sturdy construction featuring four closely positioned solid tines that improve upon the traditional three-prong flash hider used during the Vietnam era on M16 rifles. Its distinctive helical flute pattern disperses muzzle flash across multiple angles. Smith Enterprise produces the Vortex for several firearm platforms including M16s, AR-15s, M14s, Steyr AUGs, as well as certain pistols such as the Heckler & Koch USP Tactical.
The Vortex has secured notable military procurement contracts; it was selected for use on the US Army's SOCCOM M14 due to its ability to reduce flash by 99%. In 2011, after rigorous testing demonstrated consistent performance over 10,000 rounds without impairing weapon operation or sight alignment, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division adopted the Vortex for .50 caliber machine guns and rifles. The Vortex 50 Caliber Flash Eliminator is cataloged under NSN 1005-01-588-9516 (PN 6021V), highlighting its importance in military applications.
M14 rifles
Since 1980, Smith Enterprise has been involved in manufacturing and refurbishing numerous M14 rifles for both U.S. military forces and international customers including Colombia and Canada. The U.S. Department of Defense has contracted Smith Enterprise to produce and upgrade M14 rifles for personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan across Army, Marine Corps, and Navy units. The company contributed significantly to modernization efforts such as the development of the US Navy Mark 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle.
Initially producing forged receivers with a brief period utilizing investment casting methods, Smith Enterprise temporarily halted receiver production before recommencing in 2002 using bar stock machining techniques. In 2003, it launched its own iteration of the M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle—the MK14 Mod 0 type SEI—which features an 18.0-inch medium heavy barrel. This design served as the foundation for the US Navy's Mark 14 Mod 0 rifle developed collaboratively with Springfield Armory, Inc. and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division.
Additionally, Smith Enterprise manufactures an upgraded M14 gas cylinder compatible with both their own rifles and as an enhancement for older models; this component is assigned NATO Stock Number NSN 5120-01-512-4959. The company also produces the M21A5 designated marksman rifle—commercially named the Crazy Horse rifle—which utilizes cryogenically treated metal parts to improve longevity. This rifle includes an adjustable trigger mechanism ranging from 2.5 to 5 pounds and features an extended bolt handle optimized for use in extremely cold conditions.
Sound suppressors
Smith Enterprise offers sound suppressors engineered to mount directly onto Vortex flash hiders through a unique direct-connect system. Their latest product, the Wind Talker sound suppressor, is the most recent advancement in their M14 Direct Connect Suppressor series.
Scope rings and scope mounts
The company produces 30 mm scope rings and scope mounts mainly compatible with AR-15, M16, M1A, and M14 rifles. As of 2005, Smith Enterprise was the exclusive U.S. manufacturer utilizing wire-cut electrical discharge machining (EDM) for these components. These items are approved for use by the US Military and are assigned NATO Stock Number identifiers.
- 30 mm Heavy Duty Scope Rings, High, 0.865" height for lenses up to 56 mm (NSN 1005-01-535-4385 - PN 7010)
- 30 mm Heavy Duty Scope Rings, Low, 0.264" height for lenses up to 44 mm (NSN 1005-01-535-4374 - PN 7008)
- 30 mm Heavy Duty Scope Rings, Medium, 0.50" height for lenses up to 50 mm (NSN 1005-01-535-4423 - PN 7018)
- 30 mm Heavy Duty Scope Rings, Low, 0.25" height for lenses up to 44 mm (NSN 1005-01-535-4417 - PN 7002)
- 30 mm .50 Cal BMG Scope Rings (NSN 1005-01-535-4395 - PN 7003)
- M14 Scope Mount Assembly, ACOG/MIL STD 1913 (NSN 1005-01-535-4430 - PN 2005)
- M14 Scope Mount (NSN 5855-01-506-5750 - PN 2006)
- M14 Extended Scope Mount (NSN 1005-01-533-8160 - PN 2008)
- M4/M16 Carry Handle MIL STD 1913/STANAG (NSN 1005-01-534-8696 - PN 1037)
Other tools
Smith Enterprise also manufactures an M4/M16 Armorers Wrench that has been officially adopted by the United States Marine Corps for servicing all M4 and M16 rifles within their arsenal. This tool holds the designation NSN 5120-01-512-4959.