SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that the company is now offering its highly acclaimed M&P Shield pistol, in both 9mm and .40 S&W, with a factory ported barrel and slide. Engineered by the hands of some of the most skilled Master Gunsmiths in the world, the new Shield Ported pistols, available exclusively from the legendary Performance Center, provide a host of premium features desired by the most astute shooters.
Whether deployed as a backup or deep concealment sidearm for law enforcement personnel, or used by consumers for every-day carry, the new M&P Shield Ported pistols combine modern-day function with superior design and control. Available in both 9mm and .40 S&W, the new models retain original design features that have helped to solidify the M&P Shield’s reputation in the marketplace as a reliable and accurate self-defense firearm.
Engineered on a high-strength polymer frame measuring .95-inches in width, the Performance Center M&P Shield is standard with a 3.1-inch factory-ported barrel. The new barrel along with the pistol’s three precision cut ports across the top of the stainless steel slide aid in reducing muzzle flip and improve the ability to remain on target after firing. The new M&P Shield pistols have been further updated with fiber optic sights and an enhanced trigger.
“As small, thin-framed handguns continue to be the leading choice of today’s concealed carry owners, we are continually working to enhance our products so that they deliver optimal performance and function for the user,” said Tony Miele, General Manager of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center. “The new Shield Ported models help to reduce felt recoil while delivering improved muzzle control, speed and accuracy.”
The Performance Center M&P Shield is standard with an 18-degree grip angle and a fixed, textured backstrap with additional texturing at the forward portion of the grip. An extended trigger guard allows for operation of the pistol with or without gloves. The new M&P Shield is also engineered with a Performance Center sear for a quick trigger reset and a Performance Center striker plunger for an enhanced trigger pull.
Internal features of the new M&P Shield mirror the standard M&P Series. Its stainless steel internal chassis reduces flex while providing a stable shooting platform and its low-bore axis helps maintain ease-of-use and a comfortable feel. A passive trigger safety prevents the pistol from firing if dropped and a sear release lever eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the barrel.
The Performance Center M&P Shield is shipped with both an extended and flat magazine offering consumers the ability to customize the length of the grip. The 9mm M&P Shield offers an 8+1 or 7+1 magazine capacity while the .40 S&W M&P Shield is standard with either a 7+1 or 6+1 magazine capacity. Both the 9mm and .40 S&W M&P Shield carry an MSRP of $490 and are backed by Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service policy.
For more information on the new Performance Center M&P Shield Ported pistols, please visit www.smith-wesson.com.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company’s firearm division brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Thompson/Center Arms™. As an industry leading provider of shooting, reloading, gunsmithing and gun cleaning supplies, the company’s accessories division produces innovative, top quality products under Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., including Caldwell® Shooting Supplies, Wheeler® Engineering, Tipton® Gun Cleaning Supplies, Frankford Arsenal® Reloading Tools, Lockdown® Vault Accessories, and Hooyman® Premium Tree Saws. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Missouri. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
