Dec 7 2005
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 153-year old global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that it has begun shipping the company's new Military & Police (M&P) Series of advanced-design polymer pistols, a new product line with performance, safety and durability features engineered to the exacting standards of global military and police personnel.
The Company began shipments today of the M&P40, the first pistol in the series. The M&P40 is currently available in a full-size model, with a compact model scheduled to follow. The full-size pistol is chambered in .40 S&W ammunition, with a capacity of 15 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Future products in the M&P series are scheduled to include a 9mm pistol and a .357 pistol. Both the 9mm and the .357 will also be available in compact models. By incorporating a number of unique features, the M&P pistols offer versatility in usage along with enhanced durability and safety.
"We believe the M&P series sets a new global standard for service pistols," said Tom Taylor, Smith & Wesson's Vice President of Marketing. "By incorporating input and feedback throughout the design-cycle from more than a dozen law enforcement and military organizations, we have specifically engineered the M&P to become the pistol of choice for global law enforcement and military personnel. Its features provide a superior level of performance and safety, both of which are critical in the day-to-day duties of law enforcement and military professionals. Feedback we have received so far indicates that the feature-rich M&P 40 provides them with that superior capability."
The M&P Pistol Series offers distinctive features, including a polymer, reinforced frame and stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety designed to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a unique trigger mechanism, which eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide. An internal locking system is a standard feature, but is optional for law enforcement and military agencies. The pistol's innovative ergonomic design is enhanced with three interchangeable grip sizes, allowing the user to customize grips. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and 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. Duty holsters for the M&P series are also available. The Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy is standard with each pistol.