SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 23, 2014) — Smith & Wesson Corp. announced today that the master gunsmiths of its renowned Performance Center® have added four new competition-ready models to the M&P® pistol line with the availability of the M&P Performance Center Ported series. The new models, which expand the Company’s line of M&P firearms, offer discerning shooters premium features including a factory ported barrel and slide as well as a user adjustable trigger stop.

Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W and available in both a 4.25-and 5-inch barrel configuration, the M&P Performance Center Ported pistols have been skillfully engineered with the competition shooter in mind. Open class members and action pistol competitors will appreciate the pistol’s precision cut ports which aid in reducing muzzle flip and improve the ability to remain on target after firing. The new M&P pistols have been further enhanced with a user adjustable trigger stop, allowing owners to personalize their competition rigs.

“The two biggest advantages of running a ported gun in competition involve reduced muzzle rise and less perceived recoil,” said Jerry Miculek, Smith & Wesson Champion Shooter. “When added to an already accurate platform, these features combined with the M&P’s low-bore axis, result in an enhanced competition gun that’s ready to hit the range. This combination of features is also going to help with shorter split times and more rounds on target, which are two things every competitor wants.”

Additional competition specific features include an integral mounting platform on top of the slide for the easy addition of accessory optics. Removable mounting brackets allow shooters to simply install the corresponding mounting screws to achieve the precise fit and height required for their favorite red-dot sight. Designed to work in conjunction with the Trijicon RMR®, C-More STS, Leupold® DeltaPoint™, Doctor, Insight® MRDS™ and JPoint™, the integral platform affords quick and custom sight installation that can be achieved without the assistance of a professional armorer.

For improved handling the M&P Performance Center Ported models feature a textured interchangeable back strap with aggressive stippling. Three patented palmswell grips are also supplied with each pistol, providing shooters the ability to tailor the grip size to their individual preference. Accuracy and precise shot placement during competition benefit from the addition of a Performance Center sear. The specialized sear allows for a crisp 4.5 pound trigger pull along with a fast, defined reset in between shots. Smith & Wesson has added higher sights on top of the slide that can be used in concordance with the mounted optic.

Other exterior and internal features of the new pistols remain consistent with the original and highly popular M&P design. The 9mm pistol is standard with a 17+1 round magazine capacity and the .40 S&W variant features a 15+1 round capacity. The M&P Performance Center Ported pistols have an MSRP of $812 and ship complete with two magazines.

For more information on the newest Performance Center models, visit www.smith-wesson.com orhttp://www.youtube.com/user/SmithWessonCorp for exciting new videos on all of the latest products.