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A thin concealment pistol joins the M&P lineup.
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Smith and Wesson's Military & Police pistols have become popular with law enforcement for good reason. Their polymer frames are lightweight and durable. Their black Melonite®coated stainless-steel slides and barrels resist the elements that police officers encounter on duty.
The M&P has proven reliable and accurate and its ergonomic design fits most officers well due to the pistol's interchangeable backstraps. The striker fired trigger offers a consistent pull from the first shot to the last, which contributes to the M&P's inherent accuracy. Since its introduction in 2005, the M&P has enjoyed continuing expansive acceptance by police.
The M&P semi-auto pistol covers all the bases with the same basic handgun tendered in 9mm, 357 SIG, 40 S&W and 45 AGP calibers. The "Professional Series" are full-size duty pistols with 5-inch barrels, the standard versions have 4 Vi-inch barrels, and the compact models come with 3 Vi-inch barrels. Each of these M&P pistols features high-capacity, double-stack magazines. There is even a 22 Long Rifle M&P so officers can practice and train with lowcost rimfire ammunition.
The tiny S&W's Bodyguard 380 AGP pistol has a 2 34-inch barrel, a built-in laser, and fits easily in an outside vest carrier's breast pocket. Although the Bodyguard is not in the M&P lineup, the Springfield, Mass, firearms maker's starting lineup is a powerful force for law enforcement duty, backup, and off-duty carry with its M&P and Bodyguard starting roster.
The Shield Fills the Size Gap
While the M&P Compact is short in both barrel and grip length, its double stack magazine requires plenty of pistol grip girth. The width of a pistol is often the major factor for comfortable carry, either inside or outside your waistband. Wide guns stick out under clothing and they bang around on seat belts and chairs. The new Shield is a slimmed down M&P that hits the game-winning home run.
Pocket pistols in 380 ACP have become very popular because their super small size makes them easy to conceal. However, many law enforcement officers desire a caliber more powerful than the 380 ACP. The next logical step up is the 9mm cartridge. Therefore, many gun makers have begun to...