SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (FirearmsGuide.com) --- Smith & Wesson Corp. announced today that it is now offering its popular M&P Shield™ pistol in .45 AUTO.  Smith & Wesson’s M&P45 Shield is a slim, concealable, lightweight, striker-fired polymer pistol.

From its one-inch profile to its optimized 18-degree grip angle, the M&P45 Shield offers professional-grade features that provide consumers and professionals with reliable performance and simple operation in a concealed carry. 45 AUTO firearm.  Whether deployed as a backup sidearm for law enforcement personnel, a deep concealment pistol for plain-clothes officers or a personal protection firearm for consumers, the M&P45 Shield can be carried comfortably and confidently, all day.

Jan Mladek, General Manager of the M&P Brand, said, “Our new M&P45 Shield takes personal protection to the next level by offering all the M&P features our customers have come to trust, combined with .45 caliber power. Well over 1Million consumers and professionals have chosen to “Shield themselves” with the slim, concealable and powerful M&P Shield pistol. The new M&P Shield in .45 AUTO provides that extra level of confidence.”

Available for the first time in .45 AUTO, the M&P45 Shield features a slim design combined with the proven and trusted features found in the M&P Pistol Series.  At 6.45 inches long, the M&P45 Shield is standard with a 3.3 inch stainless-steel barrel. On the left side of the frame, the pistol is fitted with familiar operational controls including a simple takedown lever, flat profile slide stop, and magazine release. For optimal firearm control, the M&P45 Shield is standard with an 18-degree grip angle, aggressive grip texture and front cocking serrations. The pistol is available with or without a thumb safety, and an extended trigger guard allows for operation with or without gloves.  The striker –fired M&P Shield is highly regarded for its crisp trigger and quick and audible reset.

M&P45 Shield Highlighted Features:

·   Lightweight, unloaded weight of less than 20.5 ounces

·   Slim, .99-inch frame width

·   Compact and concealable with 6.45-inch overall length

·   Aggressive grip texture

·   Front cocking serrations

·   Armornite® durable corrosion resistant finish

·   Includes 2 magazines, 6 and 7 round capacity

The M&P45 Shield model has an MSRP of $479 and is sold with a limited warranty and a lifetime service policy.

To see the M&P45 Shield in action, please visit www.smith-wesson.com/mpshield

For more information on Smith & Wesson’s M&P family of products, including the complete line of M&P Shield pistols, please visit www.smith-wesson.com.