Article:
http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/in...;issue_id=62006
Cincinnati Police Purchase Smith & Wesson Pistols
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., announces that it has secured an order from the Cincinnati Police Department for 1,100 of the company's new M&P9 pistols. The M&P9 is the latest addition to the company's Military & Police (M&P) Series of advanced design polymer pistols, a product line specially engineered to meet the needs of global military and police personnel.
Officials at the Cincinnati Police Department indicated that the M&P pistol incorporates key features that are valuable to their officers. The department added that the M&P9 benefited from enhanced ergonomics and that the pistol's magazine safety disconnect was a primary factor in its decision. The M&P9 will replace the department's existing Smith & Wesson firearms. Sergeant Randy Rengering, head firearms instructor for the Cincinnati Police Department, said, "The M&P9 is an excellent addition to our police department. From our administrative staff to the patrol officers, the response has been extremely positive. Throughout our rigorous testing and evaluation process, the pistol performed flawlessly.
"We are confident that the M&P9 will serve as a true asset for our officers. [The] first group of trained officers and SWAT team members will [soon] begin carrying the M&P9 as their primary duty weapon. During our transition training the officers' scores have increased, accuracy has improved, and time from holster to first-shot-delivery has decreased. We are extremely pleased with these results."
The M&P9 is available in a full-size model, with a compact model scheduled to follow. The full-size polymer pistol is chambered for 9mm ammunition and features a capacity of 17 rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber. In addition to the 9mm, the M&P Series is currently available in .40S&W. The next addition to the series, the M&P357, is scheduled for launch later in 2006.
Features of the M&P series include a Zytel polymer frame reinforced with a ridged stainless steel chassis and a hardened black melonite stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear lever release that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide, and an internal lock system is optional for military and law enforcement users. ■