Smith & Wesson Issues Safety Recall on M&P Shield EZ
Smith & Wesson Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for certain M&P Shield EZ Pistols manufactured between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020.
Smith & Wesson Inc. announced today that the Company has identified two M&P Shield EZ Pistols on which the hammers manufactured by our supplier were cracked. In those firearms, the hammer failed to fully engage the sear, causing the round to fire, cycling the slide, and potentially resulting in multiple discharges without depressing the trigger. In all cases, the firearm will NOT fire unless the grip safety is depressed. While this condition has been found only in two hammers, and our investigation suggests that these two incidents are very isolated, any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury. Therefore, we have established this Safety Recall as a precautionary measure to ensure that all M&P Shield EZ Pistols in service meet our design specifications, as any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury. This notice applies ONLY to M&P Shield EZ pistols (including Performance Center models) manufactured between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020, and only to a small percentage of that population. It does NOT apply to all SHIELD pistols.
Stop using your M&P Shield EZ pistol until you determine whether it is included in this safety recall, and if so, until it has been inspected and repaired by Smith & Wesson, if necessary.
We are asking consumers of all M&P9 Shield EZ, and M&P380 Shield EZ, including Performance Center models, to go to MPShieldEZrecall.com and input their serial number, or call 888-871-7114, to determine whether the hammer of their M&P Shield EZ Pistol was from a manufacturing lot that was potentially affected. This notice applies ONLY to certain M&P Shield EZ model pistols, and not all M&P Shield pistols.
If your M&P Shield EZ Pistol is included in this recall, as determined by the website link or telephone number above, please follow the instructions on the website link, or call 888-871-7114 and we will arrange for the return of your firearm to Smith & Wesson for inspection. After inspection, if the hammer from your firearm is affected, it will be replaced at no cost to you. We expect that this entire process will take no longer than 10 business days, and your pistol will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible. All shipping and replacement costs will be covered by Smith & Wesson.
For M&P Shield EZ Pistol owners outside the United States, see our list of Authorized Warranty Centers available at smith-wesson.com/customer-service/warranty-stations, who will inspect your pistol and replace your hammer as necessary.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Record and Distribution Dates for American Outdoor Brands, Inc. Spin-Off
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of firearms and quality products for the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiast, today announced that its board of directors has approved the previously announced separation from Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. of its outdoor products and accessories business into an independent, publicly traded company. Upon consummation of the spin-off, the two companies will consist of:
- Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., which will include the firearms business; and
- American Outdoor Brands, Inc., which will include the outdoor products and accessories business.
Smith & Wesson Brands will effect the separation through a spin-off whereby it will distribute 100 percent of the shares of American Outdoor Brands common stock to Smith & Wesson Brands’ stockholders of record as of the close of business on the record date of August 10, 2020 on a pro rata basis. The distribution of American Outdoor Brands’ shares is expected to be completed effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2020, with Smith & Wesson Brands stockholders receiving one share of American Outdoor Brands common stock for every four shares of Smith & Wesson Brands stock. No fractional shares will be distributed in connection with the spin-off. A cash payment will be made in lieu of any fractional shares. Continue reading
Smith & Wesson Launches Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ
Smith & Wesson Inc. today launched the new Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ, chambered in 9mm and featuring a variety of Performance Center upgrades. Building on the popular M&P9 Shield EZ pistol, the new Performance Center models share the same easy-to-use features found across the entire M&P Shield EZ series, and are further enhanced with premium Performance Center features. The Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistols are available with striking black, silver, and gold accents, and include a ported barrel, flat face trigger, tuned action, and more.
Tony Miele, Sr. Director, New Products and Performance Center, said, “Performance Center has the ability to design and manufacture specialty upgrades normally found in aftermarket work, straight from the factory. With the popularity of the M&P9 Shield EZ, we set out to develop Performance Center versions with porting, a tuned action, aftermarket sights, and more. These new pistols deliver easy-to-use features with the custom upgrades that our customers expect the Performance Center to deliver.”
Built for personal and home protection, the new Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistols are the latest addition to the M&P Shield EZ family and feature an 8+1 round capacity and a 3.8″ barrel. The Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistol ships with two 8 round magazines that feature a load assist tab for quick, easy loading, as well as a picatinny-style equipment rail to accommodate accessories. The pistol also features an optimal M&P pistol 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim, HI-VIZ Litewave H3 sights, and a light, crisp trigger.
The MSRP on the Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistols is $588.
Smith & Wesson Repurposes Portion of Manufacturing Capabilities to Produce PPE for Healthcare Workers
Smith & Wesson Inc. today reported that it has taken a variety of measures to support its employees and local communities during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and specialized equipment, Smith & Wesson has re-purposed a portion of its manufacturing capabilities to help alleviate a nationwide shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) and help keep front line personnel safe.
Mark Smith, co-President and co-CEO of parent company American Outdoor Brands, said, “As a manufacturer, Smith & Wesson has talented engineers, specialized equipment, and production capability that we’ve been able to repurpose to help the local community during the coronavirus outbreak. Contributing to our local communities has always been important to Smith & Wesson, and we’ll continue to help wherever and however we can.”
Within a few days of the outbreak, the engineering team at Smith & Wesson had designed a process to produce face shields utilizing 3D printers and readily available materials and commenced building. Within two weeks, the company’s plastic injection molding facility had designed, manufactured, and tested molds allowing for large-scale production, and the company is now producing 1,000 face shields per day for use by employees, the medical community, and first responders. To date, the company has donated over 7,000 face shields and 12,000 pairs of eye protection to support front line personnel across the nation. Continue reading
NSSF Welcomes Federal Court’s Dismissal of Case Against Firearms Manufacturers
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he National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) welcomes the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division’s dismissal with prejudice of the Primus Group v. Smith & Wesson, et. al. case. The decision was delivered Oct. 9, brushing aside the frivolous claims against several AR-15 firearms manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Remington Arms Company, Sig Sauer, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Colt’s Manufacturing and Armalite.
“This decision by the federal judge to dismiss with prejudice this frivolous case is pleasing, if not unexpected,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs and General Counsel. “These are lawful and federally-regulated AR-15 modern sporting rifle manufacturers that make semiautomatic rifles for lawful purposes. The judge was absolutely correct to assert that the proper venue to establish public firearms policy is through the legislature and not the courts.”
Primus Group, LLC, is an entertainment venue in Columbus, Ohio. The limited liability company filed suit after the tragic murders in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio. They claimed racketeering, intentional misrepresentation claims and “a clear and present danger” of all American lives due to “assault weapons.” The modern sporting rifles manufactured and sold by the companies named as defendants are semiautomatic rifles, meaning one round is fired for each trigger pull.
The court found the plaintiffs had no standing to bring the case against the defendants. This decision rightfully asserts that those who purposefully and criminally misuse firearms are the ones who are responsible for those crimes. It further affirms that activist lawsuits to prompt judicial action are not the proper avenue to establish policy.
Smith & Wesson Extends Military Appreciation Rebate Program
“Thank You For Your Service” Rebate Program Extended Through September 30, 2019
Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that Smith & Wesson and Thompson/Center Arms have extended their “Thank You For Your Service” military appreciation program through September 30, 2019. This program applies to all active duty, honorably discharged, retired, or disabled members of the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserves. The Thank You For Your Service program offers eligible United States Armed Forces personnel a discount on M&P Shield pistols and M&P15 Sport series rifles, as well as other qualifying Thompson/Center and Smith & Wesson firearms purchased from January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019.
Purchases of a new Smith & Wesson or Thompson/Center firearm from the categories below between January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019, will be eligible to receive the following:
- $75 Smith & Wesson prepaid card on any new, qualifying Performance Center T/C LRR rifle
- $50 Smith & Wesson prepaid card on any new M&P, T/C Compass or T/C Venture™ rifle
- $40 Smith & Wesson prepaid card on any new M&P pistol (excluding Performance Center pistols)
- $30 Smith & Wesson prepaid card on any new Smith & Wesson, Performance Center, or M&P revolver
- $25 Smith & Wesson prepaid card on any new T/C T/CR22 rifle (including Performance Center T/CR22 rifles)
To participate in the “Thank You For Your Service” electronic rebate program, customers must complete and submit the online rebate form at www.smithandwessonrebates.com. All submissions must include proof of purchase and be submitted on or before October 31, 2019.
For complete terms and conditions of the “Thank You For Your Service” rebate, please visit www.smithandwessonrebates.com or contact customer service at (844) 628-7926.
