Smith & Wesson® M&P® C.O.R.E. Pistol Receives “Gear of the Year”

Selection From Gun Digest Magazine

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 10, 2016) — Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that the company’s M&P C.O.R.E. (Competition Optics Ready Equipment) pistol is featured in the inaugural Gun Digest “Gear of the Year” issue. The M&P C.O.R.E. pistol was one of eight semi-automatic handguns named to this exclusive list. In the review, the M&P C.O.R.E. was noted for its accuracy, reliability, andability to be easily configured to accept popular, aftermarket red-dot or reflex sights.

During its review of the pistol, Gun Digest tested the M&P C.O.R.E. using three different loads in order to accurately record the pistol’s accuracy. All shooting was conducted at 25 yards, using five groups of five shots each. The average group size recorded by the testers measured 2.35 inches, with the best group measuring 1.16 inches. These results, combined with the pistol’s innovative feature set,qualified it as a “Gear of the Year” nominee.

“While the M&P Series has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and accurate striker-fired pistols available today, the C.O.R.E. edition is a fantastic advancement for shooters looking to add optics to their platform and marks one of the truly great advancements in technology in the last year,” said Eric Conn, Editor in Chief of Gun Digest. “Because of its innovative features and reliability, the C.O.R.E. series pistol was an easy choice for our Gear of the Year issue. Our editorial staff and expert contributors atGun Digest felt it was clearly one of the best new handguns for the year.”

At the foundation of the new M&P C.O.R.E. resides a specialized mounting platform on the slide of the pistol that can be conveniently changed to match the desired optic. Through the use of removable brackets, easy installation of the corresponding mounting screwsdeliver the precise fit and height required. Designed to work in conjunction with the Trijicon RMR®, C-More STS, Leupold®DeltaPoint™, Docter, Insight® MRDS™ and JPoint™, the M&P C.O.R.E. offers quick and custom sight installation for the industry’s top aftermarket red-dot sight manufacturers.

The M&P C.O.R.E. models are available in 9mm and .40 S&W with either a 4.25 or 5-inch barrel configuration. Engineered as a true competition platform, each model retains original design features including a polymer frame with a through-hardened stainless steel slide and barrel, ambidextrous operating controls, striker fire action and corrosion resistant finish. For exceptional handling the M&P C.O.R.E. features a textured interchangeable back strap with prominent stippling. Three patented palmswell grips are supplied with each pistol, allowing users to tailor the grip size to their personal preference.

For improved accuracy and precise shot placement during competition, the M&P C.O.R.E. pistols are standard with a Performance Center® sear. The specialized sear allows for a crisp trigger pull along with a faster, defined reset in between shots. On top of the slide, Smith & Wesson has added higher sights that can be used in concordance with the mounted optic. Other standard features of the new pistols include a crowned muzzle for improved accuracy, picatinny-style equipment rail and reversible magazine release. To learn more about the M&P C.O.R.E. pistol as well as the other models of the M&P Pistol series, 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.