Smith & Wesson Military & Police M&P pistol

S&W Military and Police pistol, chambered for .40S&W

S&W Military and Police pistol, chambered for .40S&W

 

 

Type Double Action Only semiautomatic
Caliber(s)  9x19mm Luger/Parabellum, .357SIG, .40S&W
Weight unloaded 700 g (24.25 oz) empty
Length 190 mm (7.5")
Barrel length 114 mm (4.5")
Magazine capacity 17 (9mm) or 15 (.357 and .40) rounds

 

The "Military and Police" pistol is the latest offering from the legendary American Smith & Wesson company. First appeared in the summer of 2005, this pistol is obviously intended for police and military sales, but also will be offered for civilian markets. The "Military & Police" name was the trade mark of S&W for some 80 or so years, being permanently linked to the most successful double action revolver from this company, currently known as S&W Model 10. It is yet to be seen if the new M&P will have any success, like original had.

S&W Military and Police pistol is short recoil operated, locked breech pistol that uses Browning-type locking. Frame is made from high strength polymer, all steel components (incl. barrel and slide) are made from stainless steel. Pistol is striker fired, with double action only trigger. Since most of striker-fired pistols require the trigger to be pulled during disassembly, the S&W has a neat sear release lever which can be used to safely release the striker without pulling the trigger, and with the slide locked back open. The sear release lever is accessible only through the ejection port opening. S&W Military and Police pistol is a fully ambidextrous, with slide release levers located on either side of frame, and reversible magazine release button. For improved ergonomics, the rear part of the grip is easily replaceable, and gun comes with three grip panels of different size and shape. Front part of the frame, under the barrel, is shaped to form the Picatinny rail for accessories. Both front and rear sights are dovetailed to the slide and can be easily adjusted or replaced by optional tritium night sights.