Firearm President P. James Debney Appointed to Succeed CEO Michael F. Golden;
Golden Appointed Co-Vice Chairman of Board of Directors

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC), a leader in the business of safety, security, protection, and sport, today announced that, in accordance with the company's comprehensive management succession planning process, P. James Debney has been appointed President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Debney previously served as Vice President of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation and President of the company's firearm division. Michael F. Golden, who has been Smith & Wesson's President and Chief Executive Officer, will continue as a member of the Board of Directors and has been appointed as Co-Vice Chairman of the Board.

Barry M. Monheit, Chairman of the Board of Smith & Wesson, said, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mike Golden for his many contributions over the past seven years. Under his leadership, we expanded our sales channels and introduced a number of exciting new products that supported our firearm revenue growth, extended our market reach, and built upon the awareness of our iconic Smith & Wesson brand."

Mike Golden commented, "I would like to congratulate James on this well deserved promotion. During his tenure, our firearm division delivered growth, product innovation, and the expansion of our company's brand in the firearm industry with consumers and professionals alike. I look forward to working with James to deliver a seamless transition, while continuing to serve as a resource to the company in my role on the Board."

James Debney stated, "My experience in the firearm division has provided me a deep appreciation for our product innovation, our commitment to customers, and our talented and dedicated employees. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Smith & Wesson into its very exciting future."

Debney, (44), has been President of Smith & Wesson's firearm division since November 2009. Prior to that, he was President of Presto Products Company, a $500 million plastic products business unit formerly of Alcoa Consumer Products. At Presto, he created and executed sales, marketing, and operations strategies as well as oversaw all aspects of the growing business, composed of four business units with five manufacturing facilities in the United States and partnerships in Asia. Prior to Presto Products, Debney held a series of increasingly responsible operations management and business leadership roles with Baco Consumer Products, also a business unit formerly of Alcoa. Debney holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Honors from the University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology, and a Certificate of Business Administration from the University of Keele, both in the United Kingdom.