Raleigh Police Department Converts to Smith & Wesson M&P45 Pistols & M&P15 Tactical Rifles
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – -(AmmoLand.com)- Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 157-year old firearms maker, announced today that the Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department has chosen to equip all of its officers with Smith & Wesson Military & Police (M&P) Series pistols and with M&P Series tactical rifles. The M&P45 pistol and M&P15 tactical rifle will be issued respectively as the primary duty firearm and standard issue patrol rifle.
M&P45 Polymer Pistols
The Raleigh Police Department has purchased 911 Smith & Wesson M&P45 mid-size polymer pistols. The new duty sidearm, chambered in .45 ACP, will replace early-model Smith & Wesson pistols previously issued by the department. During the evaluation process for a new pistol, the M&P45 was noted for its advanced ergonomics, ambidextrous operating controls and flexibility to adapt to a wide variety of applications. In addition, the ability to customize the M&P pistol through the use of three interchangeable palm swell grip sizes was a preferred option during range drills and individual officer evaluation.
M&P15 Tactical Rifles
The Department has also placed an order for 60 M&P15 tactical rifles. The semi-automatic rifles will be issued to select officers upon the completion of a certification course. While reviewing new options for patrol rifles, the Raleigh Police Department compared the M&P15 against other competitive rifles. After the evaluation process, the M&P15 was acknowledged for its reliability and high-grade components as well as for the training and support services offered by Smith & Wesson. Raleigh PD plans to buy an additional 340 rifles at the beginning of their new fiscal year.
“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Raleigh Police Department and we are especially pleased that they have chosen the M&P Series for their new duty firearm requirements,” said Leland Nichols, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “We look forward to supporting these officers with firearms that have earned the respect of police agencies both in the United States and abroad.”
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.