SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: SWHC), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 158-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced today the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) has chosen to equip its officers with new patrol rifles from Smith & Wesson. The Nevada DPS has received 500 M&P15X tactical rifles to complete the agency's full conversion to the new Smith & Wesson firearms. Nevada DPS joins a number of law enforcement agencies that have converted to Smith & Wesson tactical rifles, including the Nebraska State Patrol, which also recently selected duty rifles from the Company's M&P Series.

Nevada DPS

During the department's selection process for a new patrol rifle, the Nevada DPS made a decision to change from the individual authorized carry program to a single operating system and platform for all of its officers. The Nevada DPS tested several manufacturers' rifles during the evaluation period and ultimately selected the Smith & Wesson M&P15X tactical rifle. Officials indicated that the M&P15X was standard with several of their preferred features including a quad-rail forend for multiple accessory attachment points, a folding battle sight and a gas operated system.

Along with the 500 M&P15X rifles, Smith & Wesson provided the Nevada DPS with a training and armorers course package. As the department continues its full conversion over to the new Smith & Wesson rifles, officers will complete a certification course before being issued the new patrol rifle.

Nebraska State Patrol

After an extensive testing and evaluation period that involved eight different firearm manufacturers and 17 different submissions, the Nebraska State Patrol decided to equip its officers with M&P15 tactical rifles. During the review period, the Nebraska State Patrol acknowledged the M&P15 rifle for its accuracy, high quality components, and ability to operate reliably throughout frequent firing. The department also noted that the semi-automatic rifle was fully supported with training and attentive customer service from Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson recently completed shipments of 475 M&P15 rifles to the Nebraska State Patrol. Officers have completed certification courses and the M&P15 rifle is currently in service.

"The decision by both the Nevada DPS and the Nebraska State Patrol to convert to our M&P15 rifles continues to reinforce the positive reputation that these firearms have earned with police forces throughout the United States," said Leland Nichols, Vice President of Global Sales for Smith & Wesson. "Today, we offer over 16 variants of the M&P15 rifle, each designed with a specific set of features needed to address different military and law enforcement requirements. Much like the success that the M&P pistol has achieved, the M&P Rifle Series is clearly winning the confidence of law enforcement officers."

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport. The company designs and constructs facility perimeter security solutions for military and commercial applications, and delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement and sports markets. SWHC companies include Smith & Wesson Corp., the globally recognized manufacturer of quality firearms; Universal Safety Response, a full-service perimeter security integrator, barrier manufacturer and installer; and Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting firearms. SWHC facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. For more information on Smith & Wesson and its companies, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com; www.usrgrab.com; or www.tcarms.com.

SOURCE Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation