Springfield, Massachusetts - Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX: SWB), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 154-year old global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that it has secured an order from the Cincinnati Police Department for 1,100 of the company's new M&P9 pistols. The M&P9 is the latest addition to the company's Military & Police (M&P) Series of advanced design polymer pistols, a product line specially engineered to meet the needs of global military and police personnel.
Officials at the Cincinnati Police Department indicated that the M&P pistol incorporates key features that are valuable to their officers. The department added that the M&P9 benefited from enhanced ergonomics and that the pistol's magazine safety disconnect was a primary factor in its decision. The M&P9 was selected after an extensive testing and evaluation period and will replace the department's existing Smith & Wesson firearms.
Sergeant Randy Rengering, Head Firearms Instructor for the Cincinnati Police Department said, "The M&P9 is an excellent addition to our police department. From our administrative staff to the patrol officers, the response has been extremely positive. Throughout our rigorous testing and evaluation process, the pistol performed flawlessly. We are confident that the M&P9 will serve as a true asset for our officers. This week, our first group of trained officers and SWAT team members will begin carrying the M&P9 as their primary duty weapon. During our transition training the officers' scores have increased, accuracy has improved, and time from holster to first-shot-delivery has decreased. We are extremely pleased with these results."
Leland Nichols, Smith & Wesson's Chief Operating Officer, said, "Since the M&P Pistol Series was launched in December 2005, we have received very positive feedback from multiple law enforcement agencies on its reliability, performance and ergonomics. The M&P40 is gaining momentum with law enforcement personnel and recreational shooters, and we expect the M&P9 to follow suit. We are honored to continue our partnership with the men and women of the Cincinnati Police Department and appreciate their contribution toward developing the M&P polymer pistol series."
The M&P9 is currently available in a full-size model, with a compact model scheduled to follow. The full-size polymer pistol is chambered for 9mm ammunition and features a capacity of 17 rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber. The M&P9 and the entire M&P Series offers the latest advancements in performance, safety and durability. In addition to the 9mm, the M&P Series is currently available in .40S&W. The next addition to the series, the M&P357, is scheduled for launch later in 2006.
The M&P Pistol Series offers a number of distinctive features that provide durability, safety and versatility. These features include a Zytel polymer frame reinforced with a ridged stainless steel chassis and a thru-hardened black melonite stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear lever release 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, and an internal lock system is optional for military and law enforcement users. The pistol's innovative ergonomic design is enhanced with three interchangeable grip sizes, allowing the user to customize grips in a matter of seconds. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release, as well as an enlarged trigger guard designed to accommodate gloves. A universal Picatinny style equipment rail allows the addition of tactical lights and lasers.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson is a global provider of products and services for the safety, security, protection and sport markets. The Company manufactures firearms and handcuffs and is home to America's longest-running firearms training facilities for America's public servants. The Company also markets a variety of products for sport shooters including firearm safety/security devices, shooter protective gear, knives, apparel, footwear and other accessory lines. The Company is based in Springfield, Mass., with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. Contact (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
