Smith & Wesson M&P

Infobox Weapon
name= Smith & Wesson M&P


caption= Smith & Wesson M&P
origin=flagcountry|United States
type=Semi-automatic pistol
is_ranged=yes
service= 2005-
used_by=Law enforcement worldwide
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer= Smith & Wesson
production_date= 2005-
number=
variants=See table
cartridge=9x19mm Parabellum .40 S&W .357 SIG .45 ACP
caliber=
action=Recoil operated, locked breech
rate=
velocity= 1,200 ft/s (365.85 m/s)
range=
max_range=
feed=Magazine
sights=Steel ramp dovetail (front), steel Novak LoMount Carry (rear)

The M&P (Military and Police) is a polymer-framed, short recoil operated, locked breech semi-automatic handgun introduced in the summer of 2005 by the American company Smith & Wesson who designed and manufactures the weapon. It uses a Browning-type locking system. Obviously targeted at law enforcement personnel [cite web |url=http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2008/02/01/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-adopted-by-276-police-departments-thousands-of-mp9-mp357-mp40-and-mp45-ordered-by-atlanta-police-colorado-state-police-and-other-departments/ |title= Smith and Wesson M&P Pistols Adopted by 276 Police Departments in the USA] , the weapon is also available on the civilian market.

Features

Several safety features are prominent on the M&P. A sear deactivation lever practically forces the shooter to check the chamber while disassembling, and does not require the shooter to pull the trigger during disassembly. Also utilized on the weapon is a passive trigger safety, which prevents the firearm from discharging unless the trigger is fully depressed, even if the weapon is dropped. An optional internal lock and/or magazine disconnect are also available.

Additionally, ergonomics were a key focus in the design of the firearm, and as a result, three interchangeable palmswell grips are included (small, medium and large), as well as the firearm featuring an ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine release.

An integrated universal rail can be found underneath the slide on the front of the frame for attaching flashlights, lasers and other accessories.

The M&P is available in 9x19 mm Para, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W calibers in either a full size version (with a 4.25 inch barrel) or a compact version (with a 3.5 inch barrel). In 2007, a full size .45 ACP version of the M&P was introduced sporting a 4.5 inch barrel. Additionally, there are 10-round magazine versions available of each pistol for the California, Massachusetts, New York, Australian, and Canadian markets. Tritium sights are also an available option for the full sized versions. There is a manual safety currently available on the .45 ACP Model.

In 2008, Smith and Wesson introduced two new versions of the M&P: the M&P9L and the M&P9 Pro Series. Aimed at the competition market, both pistols feature a 5" barrel and are chambered in 9x19 mm Para. [cite web |url=http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2008/06/10/smith-and-wesson-mp9-pro-series-and-mp9l-long-slide-9mm-pistols/ |title= Smith and Wesson M&P9 Pro Series and M&P9L: Long Slide 9mm Pistols]

M&P Pistols

References

External links

* [http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&categoryId=15711&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15708&top_category=15708 Official page]