Smith & Wesson Performance Center Introduces First Rifle
M&P Series Continues to Grow with the Introduction of the M&P15PC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 27, 2006) – Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 154-year old firearms maker, announced today that it has begun shipping its high-end extension of the Military & Police (M&P) Rifle Series, the M&P15PC.  The Performance Center M&P15PC incorporates accuracy and performance features geared specifically toward the sport shooting and hunting market.

The M&P15PC is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for 5.56MM (.223) ammunition.  The rifle features a 20-inch free-floating heavy barrel from Lothar-Walther with a twist of 1 in 8 inches.  The stainless matte finished barrel delivers outstanding accuracy due in part to the WYLDE chamber and headspace matched to the barrel extension and bolt.  The M&P15PC also features a chromed skeletonized bolt carrier for added durability and a hard black anodized upper and lower receiver constructed of aluminum billet. A two-stage match quality trigger with a 3 ½ pound trigger pull is standard along with a Picatinny-style accessory rail located on top of the upper receiver. The streamlined rifle is manufactured with a skeletonized buttstock along with a black matte anodized free-floating forend.  A swivel stud has been placed on the bottom of the forend for either a sling or bi-pod extension.

“We have received numerous compliments on the rifle’s performance and aesthetics since it was first debuted at this year’s NRA Convention,” said Tom Taylor, Smith & Wesson’s Vice President of Marketing.  “The rifle’s consistent trigger pull, accuracy and functionality are exactly what you would expect from any Performance Center model.”

The M&P15PC features an unloaded weight of 7 pounds 3 ounces and an overall length of 38.5 inches.   The rifle features an over-molded ambidextrous grip and is packaged with a 10-round capacity magazine allowing for convenient use when shooting from a bench.  The M&P15PC accepts M-16/AR-15 style magazines and is shipped in a soft lined rifle case with magazine pockets and a zippered accessory pouch.

Since its inception in 1989, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center has produced custom firearms that are acclaimed by discriminating hunters and sport shooters for their hand-fitted parts, clean, crisp trigger pulls and aesthetic design. By employing the expertise of master gunsmiths to design and build custom firearms, the Performance Center has achieved a level of excellence through hand-craftsmanship and modern technology.

www.smith-wesson.com