Smith & Wesson Begins Shipments of 460XVR Revolver

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. , parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary, 153-year old, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport announced that it has begun initial shipments of its Model 460XVR (X-treme Velocity Revolver). The revolver, introduced by the company at SHOT Show 2005 in January, received the "2005 Handgun of the Year" award from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.

Tom Taylor, Vice President of Marketing for Smith & Wesson, said, "We began receiving orders for the 460XVR immediately upon the revolver's unveiling at the SHOT Show. The internal engineering team at Smith & Wesson specifically designed the 460XVR to address the growing handgun hunting and shooting sports markets. The positive response we are receiving from our dealers and customers underscores our belief that the innovative 460XVR truly sets a new standard in revolver performance."

Manufactured entirely in the United States at the company's Springfield, Massachusetts factory, the 460XVR is capable of launching a 200-grain bullet at a speed of more than 2,300 feet per second and thus represents the highest velocity production revolver currently available. The company indicated that its objective in designing the 460XVR was to design a revolver capable of accurately and effectively reaching targets at distances of over 200 yards. This high velocity performance allows shooters to zero in on targets at long range while retaining a center hold.

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Corp. is a global provider of products and services for the safety, security, protection and sport markets. The company manufactures firearms and handcuffs and is home to America's longest-running firearms training facilities for America's public servants. The company also markets a variety of products for sport shooters including firearm safety/security devices, shooter protective gear, knives, apparel, footwear and other accessory lines. The Company is based in Springfield, Mass., with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. Contact [phone] or log on to http://www.smith-wesson.com/.

Outdoor Industry Contact: Gary Giudice Blue Heron Communications [phone] Relations Contact: Liz Sharp Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. [phone]