SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Apr 12, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX: SWB), parent company of the legendary 152 year old Smith & Wesson Corp., today announced the addition of John B. Furman to its Board of Directors. Mr. Furman is a consultant to public and private companies, focusing on product commercialization, business transactions, and financial structuring. Mr. Furman currently is a director of MarineMax, Inc., a NYSE - listed company that is the world's largest boat dealer; a director of GameTech International, Inc., a Nasdaq - traded company involved in interactive electronic bingo; a director and chairman of the audit committee of H.E.R.C. Products, Incorporated, a publicly traded company engaged in pipe and tank cleaning for the U.S. Navy and a variety of maritime vessels; and a director of Plan Express, Inc., a privately held provider of Web enabled reprographic and distribution services to the design and construction industry.

Mr. Furman served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Rural/Metro Corporation, a Nasdaq- traded company that is a provider of emergency and fire protection services, from August 1998 until January 2000; as a senior member of the law firm of O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A., a professional association, from January 1983 until August 1998; as Associate General Counsel of Waste Management, Inc., a NYSE - listed provider of waste management services, from May 1997 until December 1983; and as Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of the Warner Company, a NYSE - listed company involved in industrial mineral extractions and processing, real estate development, and solid and chemical waste management, from November 1973 until April 1977.

Roy C. Cuny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, commented, "We are delighted to have an individual of Mr. Furman's stature, background, and experience join our board of directors. We believe his strategic planning experience, operating capabilities and financial acumen will contribute in a meaningful way as we focus on the company's growth and profitability."

G. Dennis Bingham, Chairman of the Board, commented, "We are very pleased to announce that Mr. Furman has joined the Smith & Wesson board of directors. His appointment results in our board having a majority of independent directors and our key board committees now consisting entirely of independent directors. This represents another step in our process to enhance our corporate governance."

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is the parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world's leading producers of quality handguns, law enforcement products, and firearm safety and security products. Law enforcement personnel, military personnel, target shooters, hunters, collectors, and firearms enthusiasts throughout the world have used the Company's products with confidence for more than 150 years. Smith & Wesson Corp. also manufacturers and markets Smith & Wesson branded handcuffs and other products utilizing its metal working expertise. For more information, visit http://www.smith-wesson.com

SOURCE: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

CONTACT:          Investor and Media Relations:
                  Patty Bruner Christensen, 480-614-3009

Customize your Business Wire news & multimedia to match your needs.
Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide.
Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.

Copyright (C) 2004 Business Wire.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation