SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --- Smith & Wesson Corp. announced today that it has added a new model to the company's flagship line of M&P® polymer pistols with the introduction of the M&P22 Compact. Engineered to professional standards, the new tactical rimfire pistol incorporates a variety of features inherent to the design of the full size M&P centerfire pistol in a new, smaller scale version. Manufactured entirely in the United States by Smith & Wesson, the .22 LR pistol provides shooting enthusiasts with M&P accuracy and reliability in a new fun-to-shoot, compact profile. To round out the shooting experience, from now through December 31, 2014, Smith & Wesson will ship 222 rounds of Winchester .22LR ammunition to each M&P22 Compact consumer who redeems the promotional coupon.

James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson, said, "The new M&P22 Compact gives consumers the opportunity to own and experience a unique tactical sporting pistol engineered with premium features that have made the M&P line of handguns a leading standard in the shooting sports. Target shooters, recreational shooting enthusiasts or anyone looking to add more excitement to their shooting experience can now enjoy a compact .22 LR semi-automatic pistol with all the adaptability and versatility that are synonymous with the M&P brand."

Designed to be 15% smaller than the full-size M&P 9/40, the new M&P22 Compact is lightweight, comfortable in the hand and conveniently carried. Like its centerfire sibling, the M&P22 Compact accommodates the needs of both left and right-handed shooters with its ambidextrous manual safety and reversible magazine release. Its Picatinny-style accessory rail underneath the barrel easily accommodates after-market lights and laser sights when using in various light conditions and sporting activities. This pistol is suppressor friendly and is standard with a 3/8 inch x 24 threaded barrel with muzzle cap for easy accessorizing. Shooters of all experience levels will appreciate the crisp, 5.8-pound trigger pull with reset which makes shooting the M&P22 Compact easy and fun.

The M&P22 Compact began shipping to select partners in mid-July and is available now for immediate shipment to dealers. In addition, a variety of high quality accessories are immediately available from the industry's top holster, laser and after-market sight manufacturers. Buyers can instantly personalize their M&P22 Compact with high quality accessories from companies including Crimson Trace®, DeSantis®, Laserlyte®, LaserMax®, Streamlight®, Triple K®, and UM Tactical®.

The M&P22 Compact has an MSRP of $389 and ships complete with two 10-round capacity magazines.
For more information on the new M&P22 Compact and its accessories, visit www.smith-wesson.com/mp22compact or http://www.youtube.com/user/SmithWessonCorp for exciting new videos on all of the latest products.

M&P22 Compact Specifications:
• Barrel Length: 3.56"
• Overall Length: 6.65"
• Overall Width: 1.48"
• Weight: 15.3 oz.
• Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
• Slide Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Frame Material: Polymer
• Front Sight: White Dot
• Rear Sight: White 2-Dot - Screw Adjustable for Windage & Elevation
• Capacity: 10+1


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 consumer, law enforcement, and military markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P® and Thompson/Center Arms™. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

Contact: Matt Rice
Blue Heron Communications
(800) 654-3766
>matt@blueheroncomm.com