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

Jan. 31, 2008

SPRINGFIELD , Mass., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: SWHC), 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.

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a global leader in safety, security, protection and sport, is parent company to Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality firearms and firearm safety/security products and parent company to Thompson/Center Arms, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting rifles, black powder rifles, interchangeable firearms systems and accessories under the Thompson/Center brand. Smith & Wesson licenses shooter protection, knives, apparel, and other accessory lines. Smith & Wesson is based in Springfield , Massachusetts with manufacturing facilities in Springfield , Houlton, Maine, and Rochester, New Hampshire. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America's longest running firearms training facility for law enforcement, military and security professionals. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to http://www.smith-wesson.com. For more information on Thompson/Center Arms, log on to http://www.tcarms.com.

Industry Contact: Gary Giudice Blue Heron Communications (800) 654-3766 [email protected] Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (480) 949-9700 x. 115 [email protected]

SOURCE Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

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