The above data is essentially correct. Simson was actually forced by the Nazis to change their name two times after they were taken over. The first name change was to "BSW", I don't have my books in front of me just now, but as I remember that stood for Berlin Suhl Werke, no doubt I have improper spelling, but that was the jist of it. They operated as BSW for only 2 or 3 years or so, then changed again to Gustloff Werke, again, that's the jist of the name, it could have been slightly different in the proper spelling. According to the German Gun Collectors Association, Simson was the largest gun maker in Europe in the years prior to WWII. There was ample logic for the Nazis to take over the plants and continue their operation, rather than just close them down. Simson factories no doubt added greatly to the store of weapons used by the German armies. Their shotguns greatly resembled Sauer side by side designs and Merkel over and under designs. Some have suggested that Sauer and Merkel furnished the actions "in the white" to Simson, but that has become greatly debated. If Simson was the largest maker in pre war Europe, they certainly had the capability to produce their own actions, some suggesting they were licensed by Sauer and Merkel to reproduce their designs. I personally think that makes much more sense than buying actions from smaller competitors. At any rate, Simson guns, under any name, are considered very nice guns (depending on the actual grade) and are to be prized as shooters. I have several and think highly of them.
