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Massachusetts State Police and Vermont State Police Select Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols

Smith & Wesson M&P45 - Black

Smith & Wesson Military and Police

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --(Ammoland.com)- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., a U.S.-based leader in firearm design and manufacturing, today announced that it has received contracts from the Massachusetts State Police and the Vermont State Police for new duty firearms from the M&P Pistol Series.

The Massachusetts State Police has selected the M&P45 pistol, while the Vermont State Police has adopted the M&P40 pistol as its new service firearm.

Both of the statewide law enforcement agencies have initiated the transition process and Troopers are currently using the M&P pistol in the field.

Massachusetts State Police
As the nation’s oldest statewide police agency, the Massachusetts State Police has a rich history of service to its citizens and support of national events. Employing over 2,300 Troopers and 400 civilian support staff, the agency is responsible for criminal law enforcement and traffic vehicle regulations across the state. To better assist its Troopers with these responsibilities, the Massachusetts State Police has ordered 2,500 M&P pistols chambered in .45ACP.

During the agency’s independent testing and evaluation process, the M&P45 was judged against the department’s previously standard sidearm, as well as numerous other competitive products. At the conclusion of the trial, the M&P45 was selected due to its ergonomic design, accuracy, reliability, and the pistol’s ability to be customized to meet individual preferences. Smith & Wesson will support the firearm contract with a full range of services including armorer’s training. In addition to the M&P45 pistols, the Massachusetts State Police previously adopted the M&P15 tactical rifle from Smith & Wesson that currently serves as the State issued patrol rifle.

“We are extremely pleased with the decision by the Massachusetts State Police and the Vermont State Police to transition to the M&P pistol,” said Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales.

“We take pride in supplying law enforcement professionals with highly advanced, duty proven equipment, and we believe the M&P Series lives up to that standard. Selected for numerous awards and trusted by both officers and civilians, the popularity of the M&P pistol has been enduring. Today, over 800 law enforcement agencies have adopted or approved for duty use our M&P products. Our commitment to those who have put their trust in Smith & Wesson is steadfast.”

Pasantes added, “We are especially honored to serve the Massachusetts State Police, our home state force. Our employees take great pride in aligning with local law enforcement, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with the Massachusetts State Police and to seeing the M&P45 on the hips of our State Troopers.”

Vermont State Police
Through its contract with Smith & Wesson, the Vermont State Police has ordered 390 M&P40 pistols. During its open evaluation process, the M&P40 pistol received high marks by the Vermont troopers for its low perceived recoil, reliability during testing, and consistent performance. The new side arms are being supported with a full range of services from Smith & Wesson, including armorer’s training and advanced firearms training courses.

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm design and manufacturing. The company delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the global military, law enforcement, Federal and sports markets. Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation companies include Smith & Wesson Corp., the globally recognized designer and manufacturer of quality firearms, and Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting firearms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson and its companies, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

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S&W Governor Seeks Reader Endorsement In GUNS Magazine February Issue

FMG Publications

San Diego, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- The Smith & Wesson Governor featured on the cover of February GUNS Magazine is one of many articles lobbying readers to elect shooting sports as the number one activity for the new year.

Holt Bodinson gives an inside look at Smith & Wesson’s new revolver, the Governor, in “The Governor Governs.” A large handgun, the Governor weighs in at 2 pounds, 4 ounces when loaded with six Winchester .410 PDX shells. Unique to the Governor, it can be loaded with either a standard 6-round moon clip or a 2-round clip, enabling the shooter to load with two or four rounds of .45 ACP plus, .45 Colt and .410 shot shells in any arrangement desired.

“Above all,” says Bodinson, “the Governor is fun to shoot with .410 shotshells. It’s a quality Smith & Wesson handgun, and offering one more shot than the competition, the Governor has just taken over the State House.”

In “Resurrection: Bringing a Rare K98k Sniper Rifle Back into Service,” Mike “Duke” Venturino tells of his acquisition of a rare, 1943 German sniper rifle. While he did run into a few speed bumps, restoring this historical rifle was relatively easy compared to his other restoration projects. Follow Duke’s search for a scope and mounting system as he “resurrects” a worn K98k sniper rifle.

Many eastern hunters feel stifled by the lack of variety of game available to them locally. While hunting Western big game can be pricy, there are many options of upland birds sure to satisfy. In his article, “Shotguns for Western Upland Birds,” John Barsness gives readers all the info they need when out west; from regulations to be wary of, to a variety of shotguns that will put a smile on any hunter’s face.

This month, readers have a chance to win a .40 S&W P226 Extreme from SIG SAUER. Also included in the GUNS Magazine’s February Gun of the Month package is a LocSAF PBS-001 safe, a Mantis Knives MT-9C Tough Tony, Elzetta’s Model ZFL-M60 Tactical Weapon Light and an Advantage Tactical Sights Tac Sight kit.

GUNS Magazine’s all-digital edition is reaching more readers than ever. It includes a number of bonus features, including expanded content, hotlinks and search options. To sign up for a free digital subscription, visit www.gunsmagazine.com/digital-editions.

For more information or to purchase a print edition of the February issue, visit www.gunsmagazine.com.

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