Select M&P Models Approved as Authorized Personally Owned Firearms
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. , Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: SWHC), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 157-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced today that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has approved select models from the company's Military & Police (M&P) Pistol Series as authorized firearms. The approval allows DEA special agents to purchase approved M&P pistols for use both on- and off-duty. The DEA now joins the growing list of federal agencies to test and approve the M&P pistol for duty use.
Leland Nichols , Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith & Wesson Corp., said, "This approval from the DEA reflects the ability of the M&P pistol series to meet stringent federal requirements in the areas of reliability, accuracy and endurance. We are confident that our M&P pistols will meet the expectations of the DEA, as they have done for other federal, military and law enforcement agencies that have selected them for professional use."
During a thorough evaluation conducted by the DEA Office of Training in Quantico, VA , the M&P pistol was subjected to a wide range of tests to determine its dependability and reliability. The evaluation included a two-day endurance test, with 10,000 rounds fired from each pistol, followed by a measurement of the pistol's accuracy. The agency also conducted testing for environmental exposure as well as a physical impact analysis. In each of the tests, the M&P pistol met or exceeded the DEA requirements.
Both compact and full-size models of the M&P pistol chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45ACP were approved by the DEA. The approved pistols include the M&P9c, M&P9, M&P9L, M&P40c, M&P40, M&P45c, and both the full-size and mid-size M&P45. Agents are permitted to purchase pistols with or without night sights.
Engineered to become the handgun of choice for global law enforcement and military personnel, the M&P pistol design is based on input from numerous law enforcement and military organizations. The M&P pistol is manufactured on a Zytel polymer frame, which is reinforced with a stainless steel chassis. The M&P pistol also features a through-hardened black Melonite finished stainless steel barrel and slide for added durability, a sear release lever that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm, an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release. The pistol's innovative design is further enhanced with three interchangeable grip panels, allowing the user to customize the grip size to his or her preference. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide and an internal lock system is optional for both working professionals and recreational shooters. The M&P Pistol Series utilizes a steel dovetail mount front sight and a steel rear sight. Tritium sights are also available for low light conditions. A universal Picatinny-style equipment rail has been incorporated for tactical lights and lasers.
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 Company, 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 www.smith-wesson.com. For more information on Thompson/Center Arms, log on to www.tcarms.com.
Contacts: Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (413) 747-3304 lsharp@smith-wesson.com Industry Contact: Gary Giudice Blue Heron Communications (800) 654-3766 gary@blueheroncomm.com
SOURCE Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation
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