SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2004--Smith & Wesson (AMEX: SWB), the legendary 152-year old firearms manufacturer has announced the signing of a long term license for handgun safes with American Security Co (AMSEC) of Fontana, CA. AMSEC will develop a complete line of compact home safes for introduction this Fall to sporting goods and specialty trade channels; and will be featured on the Smith & Wesson e-commerce site, www.smith-wesson.com.

"The expansion of the Smith & Wesson safe line, now to include smaller handgun safes to compliment our existing large safe line through the Heritage Safe Co, is a key part of our long term commitment to surround the shooter with high quality Smith & Wesson products to make his/her passion for shooting sports safer for the family," said Tom Taylor, VP Marketing. "We at Smith & Wesson partner with all of the shooting sports associations in promoting gun safety and security, and can do our part with high quality products in the gun safe category in pursuit of that objective. AMSEC is a leader in the category and the Smith & Wesson lineup will include some high-tech biometric models that will provide a new level of security," Taylor added.

"We are elated to be partnering with the premier shooting sports company in bringing a new/high-tech line of safes to the collector and enthusiast," said Hal Mottet, the AMSEC President. "The Smith & Wesson heritage of security and protection is the right message in this uncertain world, and we believe the new Smith & Wesson line by AMSEC delivers on that promise with a new level of safety," said Mottet.

The new line will feature all steel construction, dead bolt locks, fire protection to UL standards, and tamper-proof designs and locks for maximum security and safety. It included pistol boxes, wall safes and floor models that weigh up to 275 pounds. Retail prices will range from $75 to $750 with a limited-lifetime warranty.

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson is one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety/security products. The company also provides shooter protection, knives, apparel, footwear and other accessory lines. Smith & Wesson is based in Springfield, Massachusetts with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America's longest running firearms training facility for law enforcement, military and security professionals. For more information, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

    CONTACT: AMSEC
             Hal Mottet, 909-685-9680
             or
             For Smith & Wesson:
             Laura Burgess, 603-436-1748
             laura@lauraburgess.com

    SOURCE: Smith & Wesson