Smith and Wesson Law Enforcement: Firearms Designed for Police Officers

Considered an “all-American” company, Smith & Wesson is a popular firearm for law enforcement officers and military personnel. The Smith & Wesson M&P (short for "military and police") line is a vast array of weapons designed to be used by law enforcement officers.

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Here are the five most popular Smith & Wesson firearms being carried as side arms by law enforcement and military personnel.

1. Smith & Wesson M&P 9: The Firearm Blog refers to the M&P 9, introduced in 2005, as one of the main competitors to the popular Glock, giving it an “A+” in terms of ergonomics and handling and an “A” in regards to reliability.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P 40: The Miami Beach Police Department uses the M&P 40 pistol as a duty weapon based upon its ergonomic design and ability to be customized, according to PoliceMag.com.

Quantico Tactical, one of the largest distributors of law enforcement weapons, offers the M&P 40, classifying it as a “personal protection, home protection, professional/duty, recreational, competitive” firearm.

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3. Smith & Wesson M&P 45: This model is popular with law enforcement officials for its low perceived recoil, reliability during firing, and customizable grips. According to PoliceMag.com, officers in the Passaic County, New Jersey sheriff’s department use the M&P 45 as a duty weapon.

4. Smith & Wesson Model 19: The Firearm Blog considers this sidearm to be “the perfect revolver” with its medium weight and handling capacity.

Although the Model 19 is no longer manufactured, it is still considered an old favorite with law enforcement, according to Hipowersandhandguns.com

5. Model 10: The Model 10 is considered a classic revolver. It’s been used by the U.S. military and police officers across the country as a sidearm and has been considered a staple in home defense for decades. Often referred to as the .38 Special, the gun has evolved over the years to meet consumer needs. It was initially introduced in 1899.

To date, more than six million Model 10s have been manufactured, making it one of the most popular weapons of all time, reports DurysGuns.com.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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