Trending Topics

Smith & Wesson Premiers Model 642 J-Frame with Crimson Trace® Lasergrips® at Industry Trade Show

For Immediate Release - November 6, 2003

Precision Aiming Capabilities Add Greater Accuracy to Compact Revolver

Springfield, MA - November 6, 2003 -- The legendary 151-year-old handgun maker, Smith & Wesson Corp., a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX: SWB) introduced its popular Smith & Wesson model 642 J-Frame with Lasergrips today at the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) show in Phoenix, Arizona. The hammerless compact revolver frequently used by law enforcement will feature a laser aiming system engineered by Crimson Trace Corp. to provide customers with increased aiming capabilities.

The laser integrated into the rubber wrap-around grip can be instantly activated by a natural firing grip. The rubber over-molded design allows for a comfortable full-fingered firing grip in a concealable package. To enhance the value, these special grips will also sport the legendary Smith & Wesson medallion.

“The laser equipped J-frame extends Smith & Wesson’s tradition of bringing technological innovation to the firearms marketplace,” said Roy Cuny, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson Corp. “Crimson Trace Lasergrips add precision aiming capability to our compact revolver without adding weight or bulk.”

Lasergrips enhance the shooter’s performance with any handgun, but none more than the J-frame. With low-light and movement, the rule in real-life armed encounters, missed shots are all too frequent. Missed shots mean increased potential for collateral damage claims and, most importantly, failure to stop the threat. The Smith & Wesson J-frame is capable of extraordinary accuracy that can be used to its full potential by the application of Crimson Trace Lasergrips.

“The Crimson Trace laser is a serious tool, proven to increase hit ratios during real police shootings where speed and accuracy determine life and death,” said Adam Wollander, vice president of marketing for Crimson Trace Corp. “And if a J-frame is carried for personal defense or backup, every shot is critical.”

This new Smith & Wesson -- Crimson Trace package offers a great self-defense combo and is a terrific value at $695.00. The production of these special revolvers is limited and will be available through licensed firearms retailers by mid-December. Lasergrips with the Smith & Wesson medallion will be available only on this revolver. Customers are encouraged to visit their local firearms retailer as previous innovations from Smith & Wesson have sold out quickly.

Lasergrips are recommended as an essential accessory by some of the world’s top firearms trainers. Crimson Trace’s ever-expanding line of laser-aiming devices are used around the world by law enforcement agencies and military, as well as, responsible armed citizens.

New Products and Accessories

At this year’s NASGW Show, Smith & Wesson is also introducing a number of new handgun products including:

  • The popular model 642 Centennial Airweight Revolver complete with a Crimson Trace Laser Grip @ $695 suggested retail price
  • The equally popular model 637 38 Special Chiefs Special Airweight Revolver complete with an Uncle Mike’s Kydex Holster @ $463 SRP
  • The current M908S 9mm Pistol with an Uncle Mike’s Kydex Holster @ $603
  • The model 325PD 2 1/2" .45ACP 6 Shot revolver in Scandium Alloy and Titanium @ $907 SRP.
  • Two new Performance Center products make their debut: the model 327 8 Shot Revolver in Titanium and Scandium Alloy @ $1,072 SRP and the model 952 Stainless Steel 9mm Single Action target pistol @ $1,847 SRP.
  • Finally, one new revolver available to Smith & Wesson stocking dealers only is being released: the new model 686+ 7 shot 357 Magnum Revolver with -- for the first time ever -- a five inch Semi Lug barrel at $715 SRP.

The complete line of Smith & Wesson products and accessories can be viewed at the Smith & Wesson website at www.smith-wesson.com.

About Crimson Trace Corp.
Crimson Trace Corp. is the leading manufacturer of laser sighting systems for small arms. Their Lasergrips provide an immediate and decisive advantage that no other accessory can equal. Crimson Trace supplies laser sights to police, militaries, Special Forces and responsible armed citizens worldwide. For more information or the location of a stocking dealer near you, call 1.800.442.2406 or visit www.crimsontrace.com.

About Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is the parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world’s leading producers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety and security products. Law enforcement personnel, military personnel, target shooters, hunters, collectors and firearms enthusiasts throughout the world have used the company’s products with confidence for 150 years. Smith & Wesson Corp. also manufactures and markets Smith & Wesson branded handcuffs and other products utilizing its metal working expertise. For more information, visit www.smithandwesson.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release about the company’s future expectations, including the development of licensing and branding opportunities, and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, are “forward- looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27 A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is important to note that actual results and ultimate corporate actions could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements based on such factors as softening consumer demand based on national or political events or based on consumers’ personal satisfaction or desire for our products for a variety of reasons (style, quality, etc.); or the inability to leverage the name Smith & Wesson in the licensing categories selected by management to pursue; or a perceived or actual decline in the quality of products produced among other factors. Such “forward-looking statements” are subject to risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the report on form 10-KSB for the year ended April 30, 2002 and Forms 10-QSB for the quarters ending July 31, 2002, October 31, 2002 and January 31, 2003.

CONTACT:

Media Relations:
Mike Zoormajian
Crimson Trace
800-442-2406
mikez@crimsontrace.com

Media/Investor Relations:
Amy Armstrong, 480/949-9700
aarmstrong@smithandwesson.com

Smith & Wesson

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU