Michael Golden, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "This order is significant because it demonstrates that we are executing on our committed strategy to become a significant supplier of high quality pistol products to the military and the federal government. I view this as a major milestone in that strategy and as the first step in making the Smith & Wesson brand synonymous with quality firearms for military and federal usage."

Smith & Wesson competed with other leading firearms manufacturers and indicated that it won the contract based on the features of the SW9VE. The Company declined to comment on specific volume and pricing, but stated that it will manufacture and ship its SW9VE pistols in May and June of 2005. The pistols will be manufactured entirely in the United States.

Golden continued, "I am especially pleased because this order represents a domestic purchase by the U.S. government, utilizing U.S. tax dollars, for products which will be manufactured in the U.S. We believe there are many similar opportunities for Smith & Wesson to continue to support our country's military needs, while generating both revenue and jobs in the U.S. To that end, we will continue to intensify our focus and strengthen our sales force to further penetrate the military market."

The SW9VE is a double-action-only pistol constructed with a durable polymer frame and a through-hardened stainless steel slide and barrel. The 9 mm pistol features an ergonomic design to accommodate various hand sizes. Unique features include simple operation procedures and tool-less disassembly.

Smith & Wesson