Smith & Wesson Begins Shipping M&P Pistol Models with Optional Thumb Safety
All Calibers of M&P Compact and Full-Size Pistols Available with Frame-Mounted Safety

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 19, 2009) -- Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 157-year old firearms maker, announced that it has begun shipping both full-size and compact M&P pistols, in all calibers, with an optional frame-mounted thumb safety. Originally available only on the M&P45, the optional frame-mounted thumb safety is now being offered on M&P pistols chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG.
 
“Soon after the introduction of the full-size and compact M&P45 pistols, we began receiving requests from law enforcement professionals and recreational shooters asking for a frame mounted thumb safety on other M&P calibers,” said Leland Nichols, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “The optional external safety provides an even broader range of choices to the M&P line, adding flexibility in order to meet the needs of our customers.”
 
Unlike other polymer pistols, the thumb safety on the M&P pistols acts as a passive safety device allowing the slide to be pulled toward the rear, clearing the firearm without disengaging the safety. The external safety on the M&P, like many of the other standard features, is ambidextrous, providing easy operation for both left and right-handed shooters. The M&P pistol is manufactured on a Zytel® polymer frame, which is reinforced with a ridged stainless steel chassis. The M&P pistol also features a through-hardened black Melonite® finished stainless steel barrel and slide for added durability, a sear release lever – an important safety feature - that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm, an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release.
 
The pistol’s innovative design is further enhanced with three interchangeable grip sizes, allowing the user to customize the grip size to his or her preference. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide and an internal lock system is optional for both working professionals and recreational shooters. The M&P compact pistols in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG are standard with a 3.5-inch barrel while the full-size pistols feature a 4.25-inch barrel. The M&P Pistol Series utilizes a steel dovetail mount front sight and a steel low profile rear sight.  Tritium sights are also available for low light conditions. A universal Picatinny-style equipment rail has been incorporated for tactical lights and lasers.  


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.