SHOT Show Coverage

Smith and Wesson has encountered a great deal of success with their M&P line of pistols. These polymer pistols have taken the shooting world by storm, and 2008 looks like another good year for M&P sales.

Polymer duty pistols were once the exclusive domain of Glock, but no more. “To date, 276 domestic law enforcement agencies have purchased, approved for purchase, or approved for on-duty carry” the Smith and Wesson M&P line of pistols said Leland Nichols, president of Smith and Wesson Corporation.

The latest agency to place an order for M&P40 pistols is the Colorado Springs Police Department. The CSPD order of 500 M&P40 pistols is separate from the order of 850 M&P pistols made by the Colorado State Police earlier in the week.

Other departments ordering the M&P are Atlanta PD (1900 M&P40 pistols), Charlotte PD (1650 M&P40 pistols), and Syracuse PD (500 M&P45). The Iowa State Patrol issue the M&P40, while the New Hampshire State Police issue the M&P45, and the New Mexico State Police issue the M&P357 pistols.

Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols Continue to Win Law Enforcement Agencies

Colorado Springs Newest to Equip Officers with M&P40 Polymer Pistols

Atlanta, Charlotte and Syracuse Police Departments Convert to M&P Pistols

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Jan. 31 — Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 156-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced today that it has recently received several orders for its Military & Police (M&P) polymer pistols. Most recently, Smith & Wesson received an order from the Colorado Springs Police Department to equip the city’s officers with 500 M&P40 polymer pistols. Other sizeable agencies that have recently converted to the M&P pistol series include the Atlanta Police Department, Charlotte Police Department, and Syracuse Police Department. A total of 1,900 M&P40 pistols have been shipped to the Atlanta Police Department; 1,650 M&P40 pistols have been shipped to the Charlotte Police Department; and 500 .45 ACP M&P pistols have been shipped to the Syracuse Police Department.

Officials at each of the four agencies indicated that the M&P pistol was selected after an extensive testing and evaluation process. During the testing, which in some cases exceeded eight months in duration, the M&P pistol was noted for its enhanced ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and proven safety features. Officials added that the polymer pistol’s interchangeable grip sizes, accuracy, and ability to be disassembled without pressing the trigger are features that were all highly valued by their officers. The M&P pistol will replace early model Smith & Wesson and non-Smith & Wesson firearms currently used by the four agencies.

On January 28, the Company announced that it had secured an order from the Colorado State Police, citing that orders from state agencies have the potential to help drive future orders from smaller, municipal agencies within the same state. Today’s announcement references the Colorado Springs Police Department, a municipal agency which is distinct from and in addition to the Colorado State Police order announced earlier.

Leland Nichols, President of Smith & Wesson Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, said, “The M&P line of polymer pistols has been widely accepted in numerous police agencies across the globe. To date, 276 domestic law enforcement agencies have purchased, approved for purchase, or approved for on-duty carry, our M&P polymer pistols. We are honored to continue delivering high quality products that support men and women in law enforcement throughout United States.”

The M&P pistol features a Zytel(R) polymer frame reinforced with a rigid stainless steel chassis and a through-hardened black melonite finished stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear release lever that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release, as well as an enlarged trigger guard designed to accommodate gloves. The M&P40 has a 15 + 1 capacity while the M&P45 is standard with a 10+1 capacity. The Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy is standard with each pistol. The M&P pistol series is available in 9mm, .40S&W, .357SIG, and .45ACP calibers. Compact versions of the M&P pistol are also available for concealed carry and back-up use.