Oct 13, 2008

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation , parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 156-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced today that it has shipped 7,500 M&P9 pistols to the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq for distribution to Iraqi military and security forces. The procurement order was issued by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command. Smith & Wesson will also supply supplemental accessories and spare parts for the firearms.

Leland Nichols, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, said, "We are extremely pleased that the M&P9 pistol was selected for use by the Iraqi government for its military and police forces. Since its introduction in January 2006, the M&P pistol series has been selected for purchase or as an approved firearm by over 430 law enforcement and security agencies in the United States and 16 other countries throughout the world. Today's announcement reflects the first order we have received for shipment of the M&P9 into Iraq. Its performance continues to demonstrate that the M&P polymer pistol series is highly suitable not only for law enforcement and personal protection, but also for use by military professionals."

Engineered to become the handgun of choice for global law enforcement and military personnel, the M&P pistol design is based on input from numerous law enforcement and military organizations. Manufactured with a Zytel(R) polymer frame reinforced with a rigid stainless steel chassis and a through-hardened black Melonite(R) finished stainless steel barrel and slide for added durability, the M&P pistol benefits from enhanced shootability along with a reduction in felt recoil."

http://www.interestalert.com/story/1030002eaaa020de.prn/osborne/FIREARMS/firearms.html